Chlöe enhances her confidence with her latest release, “Trouble in Paradise.”
STREAM
TOP 5 SONGS
5. FYS
F**k your status.
Chlöe delivers her message unapologetically in “FYS,” laying it out plain and simple for her lover. She makes it clear that she couldn’t care less about his wealth or possessions; all she desires is his body, akin to how the Lakers crave competent shooters to complement LeBron James. Her lyrics bring a refreshing authenticity, emphasizing that she’s the real deal amidst the bucketheads you find in LA.
Interestingly, I would classify “FYS” as a slow jam. The track is driven by a laid-back beat designed to entice your partner to shed every layer of clothing. It also showcases Chlöe’s velvety-smooth, high-pitched vocals, which I believe you’ll find impressive.
4. Never Let You Go (Ft. YG Marley)
If you feel like you can never let someone go, you may have to let them go.
Here’s the thing: I don’t believe Chlöe puts up an unbelievable vocal performance in this track, nor do I feel like she does anything groundbreaking lyrically. However, I just believe “Never Let You Go” has melodies that are way too infectious to pass on and a chorus that is memorable. Overall, I just feel this track has universal appeal.
3. Favorite (Ft. Anderson .Paak)
This song doesn’t fit Chlöe’s style at all, but that’s a good thing.
An Anderson .Paak feature typically comes with bombastic instrumentation, including horns and vibrant elements. We get all of that in “Favorite,” along with an invigorating vocal performance from Anderson as he confidently expresses his feelings for his partner. However, I find Chlöe’s contribution even more compelling. Using a deep, sultry voice reminiscent of Beyoncé’s when she’s in her element, Chlöe captivatingly reveals how she’s moving on from her exes and exercising patience to get closer to her man. Overall, this track delivers great energy and showcases impressive chemistry.
2. Boy Bye
Chlöe is the type to say she’s done with her boyfriend, only to let him back in through the backdoor.
Doesn’t Chlöe feel like the most single person in the history of single people? That’s a good thing because her music connects with other single people. That said, “Boy Bye” is a pro-break-up (or anti-relationship) track. In it, Chlöe makes it extremely clear that she is better off now that she and her ex have called it quits. Personally, it’s not the lyrics that surprise me; it’s the music style Chlöe chooses to utilize. It’s on some alternative, free-spirited R&B s**t. I really like this sound for her.
1. Rose
Well, alrighty then.
I’ll be blunt with you: “Rose” is about masturbation. Before you say that’s distasteful or that masturbation doesn’t sell, remember that one of the best R&B songs of all time, Tweet’s “Oops (Oh My),” was about the same s**t.
This song about masturbation blends edginess with a typical slow jam vibe. Chlöe expresses her frustration with partners who fail to satisfy her, all while delivering a smooth, immersive sound that’s easy to get lost in.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
RGM RATING
(C+) (78%)
I really believe Chlöe is a nympho (Hey, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that).
In Trouble In Paradise, Chlöe explores relationships from various angles, blending earnest moments of seeking true love with more self-indulgent or playful takes on romance. The project showcases her desire for genuine connections alongside her flirtations with self-pleasure and revisiting past relationships. While it might not resonate with everyone, especially those who are more seasoned in their relationship experiences, it could be a nostalgic and relatable listen for anyone who remembers their younger, more experimental days in love.
It seems Chlöe is channeling a range of influences from the current pop and R&B scene, drawing inspiration from artists like Summer Walker, Coco Jones, and Beyoncé. While her impressive vocal ability aligns with these influences, it might also make it challenging for listeners to fully connect with her as she explores different styles. Fans who appreciate versatility will likely enjoy the diverse instrumentals she navigates—ranging from traditional R&B and ballads to pop and island-infused sounds.
This is not a bad body of work at all. However, I still feel like I don’t know what Chlöe’s go-to sound is.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.