Chloe Debut "In Pieces" Review (8.2/10)
I read Pitchfork’s review of Chloe’s debut “In Pieces” and was quite astonished as how bad the review was and figured I’d make one myself (to add to the echo chamber of reviews, but to also add more writing content to my repertoire). Instead of putting together a lazy hit piece, I want to examine the album from the perspective of an artist who also produces/writes their own work. I believe there’s some merit in that - owning the artistic process from top to bottom.
Chloe’s vocal prowess has been evident since Chloe x Halle days and even before, so its no surprise (hehe) that it would manifest in the album. The album opens up with a powerful “Someone’s Calling (Chloe)”. It’s a beautiful fairytale-like introduction that unfortunately loses all its momentum with the following “Pray It Away”. Like, ma’am, you just brought me into your world with this beautiful arrangement and the next song you talking about a fuck nigga. That could’ve waited for track 3. “Make It Look Easy” would’ve been such a better follow-up carrying both a smoother transition. “Make It Look Easy” is definitely in my top 4 from the album. The actual 3rd track, “Body Do”, brings all the momentum back. The song reminds me of a Ciara track back when she was the queen of crunk. “Do you ever wonder, like, who else is fucking your man?” the track opens. I’ve never had to wonder this, but since she asked, I guess I should start. Thank you Chloe. There’s already been a fan made music video featuring beautiful choreography, outfits, and set design. I hope Chloe’s team puts together something for this one. It should’ve been one of the first singles, but I guess that was what “Treat Me” was for. Following “Body Do”, there’s “I Don’t Mind” which does a good job. The production here is very good and Chloe’s vocals shine through once again.The album is mostly like that - Chloe’s good vocals amongst good production. Even through the end of the album with “Looze U” and the title track “In Pieces”, her harmonies standout. “Looze U” is definitely also on my personal top 4.
Where the album unfortunately falls flat is some of the tracks that the album could’ve gone without like the aforementioned “Pray It Away”, “How Does It Feel”, and “Cheatback”. The sad Pitchfork review was correct in that the features felt haphazard and misplaced. Chris Brown didn’t need to be on the album at all. In that same space, there was opportunity in the lyrical aspect. I was telling someone in a work Slack chat some times I had to wonder like “Girl, why would you say that?” Some of the lyrics read as a surface level attempt at introspection. But perhaps that’s my bias as someone who’s very much a writer. Words are so powerful, and Chloe’s voice deserves to be met with lyrics that match.
All in all, the album is a solid debut. The rollout has been pretty consistent with music interviews, audience engagement, and even a couple of films coming out. Yet, every review I’ve read always has to compare to some other megastar. Even on Twitter, there are these comparisons about people who’ve written masterpieces under the age of 24 and while all that is good for them - Chloe doesn’t need to be them. We the people would do better to stop expecting every Black female artist to be the next Beyonce. Yes, some better choices could’ve been made regarding single choice and features (Chris Brown, really?), but “In Pieces” stands as a solid debut album and time will tell as much.
You can stream the album here.