Hey there Insighters and welcome to the Ungodly Hour! (Lol, I’ve always wanted to say that.) Anyway, I know it’s been eons since my last Album Appreciation post or any music post for that matter. Certainly, 2020 has been keeping things interesting to say the least.

Nevertheless, I’m thankful for the opportunity to do what I love. And what I love just so happens to be geeking out to incredible music and sharing my thoughts with you all.

Rest assured, I will be catching up on lost times when it comes to posting content more frequently, especially for #FiveOnFridays. Since I’ve listened to so many wondrous LPs this year, be on the look out for more Album Appreciation posts!

And for those of you who may be unfamiliar with the concept, here’s the gist:

‘Album Appreciation’ is where I discuss my thoughts on an entire body of work from a musical act based on recommendations or out of personal curiosity. And to keep in-tune with the Top-5-countdown spirit of things, I rank and comment on my 5 favorite songs from said body of work.

That said, today we will be diving into the musical stylings of R&B, sister-duo ChloexHalle! Now to be completely honest, the album ‘Ungodly Hour‘ was my musical introduction to the girls. I know, I know, shame on me.

But I will say this, these girls shocked me and delivered arguably the best album of 2020! I’m personally not the biggest R&B fan. Insighters, y’all know that I’m a certified Pop-head. Notwithstanding, Miss Chloe and Miss Halle served vocals, great lyricism, unconventional production that works, and performances!

Every time these young ladies stepped onto their tennis court at home, they delivered a unique performance showcasing their talent, creativity, and artistic range. Then again, when you have Queen Bee as your mentor, you tend to expect nothing short of excellence.

So, without further ado, let’s get into my top 5 picks from 2020’s ‘Ungodly Hour’!

[5]

“Forgive Me”

Okay, let me come clean with you all and confess. I initially slept on this song when they dropped it as a single. I know, *inserts clown emoji*. Honestly, I probably was still hung up on how insanely good “Do It” was a single.

But after getting into the album more, “Forgive Me” definitely proved to be a standout among a plethora of amazing tracks. The song reads as an ode to remembering your worth and seeking validation or approval from no one. The droning, bassy production contrasts perfectly against the sweet and sassy vocal performance put on by Halle and Chloe respectively.

“So forgive me, forgive me/I been goin’ too hard in your city/So forgive me ’cause I’m not teary/Best believe I’ll move onto better things”, Halle sings angelically on the chorus. Her unbothered tone perfectly captures the essence of reclaiming one’s power and being unaffected by the low actions of others.

Complementing this nicely is Chloe’s rapid flow on the track which keeps things interesting as she calls out the guilty party. “You ain’t gotta tell me what it is/’Cause I saw the messages/You must got me f*cked up”. I did Miss Chloe, I had y’all f*cked up by not stanning this song sooner, but I’ve learnt my lesson. So forgive me.

Genre: R&B, Pop

[4]

“Busy Boy”

Straight out the gate this song gives me Destiny’s Child’s vibes. From the sound to the vocal arrangements, even down to the lyrical content. The bouncing production immediately gets you gyrating with stink face as the duo effortlessly deliver another incredibly catchy number.

Channeling the power of awareness and sisterhood, “Busy Boy” finds ChloexHalle with their girls discussing text messages they all received from the same guy. Luckily, instead of fighting over who he likes most, they all laugh at the situation and move on. They akekeke’d during there kiki, if you will.

The playful lyrics contribute to this arguably being the most light-hearted moment on the record. “And by the way/I think I just stumbled on your girlfriend’s page (Oh, no)/Congratulations/She sayin’ that the baby comin’ any day”, LOLZ.

Comical song-writing aside, the girls did not waste time serving melodies that melt you. The “Ohs” on the bridge, followed by the “Damn fine (Fine)” was everything I never knew I needed. All in all, a great track with a ton of replay value, humor, personality, and alliteration. It’s guaranteed to keep your body busy.

Genres: R&B, Pop

[3]

“Do It”

Firstly, “TODAY SHOOOOOW!” Secondly, this song is an entire mood. I cannot count how many times I’ve replayed this song. I know it by heart, by soul, and by virtue. Hell, I even learned the choreography. It just emits good vibes with each listen.

Fresh, rippling production ushers you into a feel-good mood and momentarily simmers you down on the entrancing pre-chorus. “I’m just with the crew/We ain’t out here lookin’ for boo/’Cause some nights be better with you”, Halle coos beautifully, setting the stage for the earworm of a chorus.

Equally impressive is Chloe’s icy delivery on the verses. “He say, “Where you from?” Tell ’em, “Outer space” (Outer space)/’Cause a bag the only thing I’m tryna chase (Tryna chase)/I’m M.I.A. (M.I.A.)/Just tell the DJ press play, rewind, keep it on repeat“.

Overall, I feel this song would be blasting on everyone’s playlist every night on their way to a party or the club. Yanno, if Corona wasn’t around. Nonetheless, the duo did what needed to be done with “No drama, no baby mamas, [all while] keepin’ it cute“.

Genres: R&B, Pop

[2]

“Lonely”

The ominous production immerses you in a whirlwind of introspection. As the beat penetrates the depths of your subconscious, ChloexHalle’s vocals guide you through what you’re now feeling.

“I know sometimes, you feel alone/I know some nights, you wait by your phone/I know you wish you had someone to hold/It don’t have to be lonely being alone”, the siblings muse melodically.

The lyrics are straightforward yet immensely profound. They allude to something universal – dealing with the pangs of loneliness. Likewise, they posit the idea of owning who you are and nurturing yourself in love during these lonesome periods. Moreover, this song assures us that it’s okay to be alone sometimes; you have what it takes to thrive in these seemingly ungodly hours.

Ultimately, “Lonely” serves as a self-care anthem, an introvert anthem, a single anthem, and a message to us from our higher self. The message succinctly put is “It don’t have to be lonely being alone”. Oh, and it’s very much a tear-jerker, so be prepared to get a little snotty. :’)

Genres: R&B

Honorable Mentions

  • “Baby Girl”
  • “Tipsy”
  • “Wonder What She Thinks Of Me”
  • “ROYL”
  • “Don’t Make It Harder On Me”

[1]

“Ungodly Hour”

I mean, are we really surprised Insighters? I cried to this song. ME! And who can blame me? The pre-chorus and chorus hit way too close to home. “You know that I, I heard it all before/ You’re hesitant, but you could give me more/ I know you like to play those silly games/ When you’re done, call my name”, the sisters sing soulfully as the lyrics allude to that inconsistent love interest.

The one who seemingly only re-enters your life to re-build a connection, only to not see it through and leave you crushed with a fervent yearning for something more. Something more concrete. Commitment.

And if that weren’t enough to digest, here comes the chorus in all its pulsing Pop and House regalia. “When you decide you like yourself (Holler at me)/ When you decide you need someone (Call up on me)/ When you don’t have to think about it/ Love me at the ungodly hour”.

In this moment, all the body can do is dance the sorrow away. It’s the sorrow I feel having been on both sides of this narrative. The first side is when you find yourself wanting to be committed to that other person, but needing more time to grow in love and surety of self.

In contrast, there’s the more devastating end (in my opinion), which is having already come into yourself, but now realizing that you can’t commit to the other person because that person is too insecure, inconsistent, and does not know exactly who they are and what he/she/they want(s).

Ultimately, this is music that brings forth realization and healing. It’s a reminder to self to love fully only where you feel fully loved, without question. Otherwise, it’s curtains, until the ungodly hour.

Genres: House, R&B, Pop

[End]

Did you enjoy today’s Album Appreciation segment? Have you given this album a listen? If so, what’s your Top 5 from this album? 

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