Chlöe has brought a few offerings to the table, but outside of her breakout ‘Have Mercy,’ it seemed most weren’t registering with the general public… however, it seems the stripped down and vulnerable approach on this one may be exactly what people were waiting on from her.
It’s been a long time coming, but the rollout for Chloe Bailey’s debut solo album is finally underway. Today (January 27), the project’s first single, “Pray It Away” made its mark across DSPs as the Atlanta songstress reflects on a toxic relationship that only a higher power can help her through to avoid choosing violence.
Chlöe impressively co-produced the track alongside ThankGod4Cody, ECassshh, Pitt Tha Kid, and Puredandy. Unsurprisingly, her vocals shine bright all through the over two-and-a-half-minute-long song.
“Can’t talk to my friends ’cause they hate you too / And if the option’s violence, don’t make me choose it,” the obviously scorned lover sings on the pre-chorus. “God knows my heart, I’m wildin’, wildin’ / So close to doin’ somethin’, she sings in an ode to all the toxic men out there and what it feels like to finally be ready to cleanse your system from them.
The Madeline Kate Kann-directed visual was filmed in a historic church in downtown Los Angeles and was beautifully executed. It showcases an Chlöe on her knees, having a tearful conversation with herself while waging war with her pure heart and reactive temper, something about Chlöe’s effortless harmonizing over the track paired with the dancing and dramatic nature of the video just seems to pull you in and has me buying exactly the story that she’s selling.
“Pray It Away” serves as an early introduction to In Pieces, which the R&B singer revealed in a Discord chat will not include any of her previously released singles, like “Have Mercy,” “Treat Me,” or “Surprise.” Instead, she’s opted for a clean slate on what has been a nearly two year build up to her first album outside of Chloe x Halle.
I think this is a welcome introduction and it’ll be interesting to see how the people are feeling the raw more vulnerable side of Chlöe. Take a look at the video and let us know what you think. ISSA BOP OR ISSA FLOP?
