Photo Credit: Jack Bridgland

Chlöe Bailey, one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, has just released her highly anticipated debut album In Pieces. With the success of her previous singles such as “Have Mercy” and “Treat Me” (which weren’t included on the album), fans have been eagerly anticipating this project. The album explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and revenge, showcasing Chlöe’s versatility as a singer and songwriter. With In Pieces, Chlöe Bailey proves that she is a rising star in the R&B genre, delivering an impressive debut album that is both emotive and powerful.

Before we get started let’s address the elephant in the room, One of the most controversial tracks on Chlöe Bailey’s In Pieces is the track “How Does It Feel” featuring Chris Brown. While the song itself is well-produced and sensual, the collaboration with Chris Brown has caused some backlash among listeners due to his history of domestic violence. Some have criticized Chlöe for working with Brown, while others have defended the collaboration as a separate issue from his past actions. Regardless of one’s stance on the controversy, it’s clear that “How Does It Feel” is a polarizing track that has sparked important conversations about accountability and redemption in the music industry, which is always refreshing to see.

The opening track of In Pieces, “Someone’s Calling (Chloe),” sets the tone for the rest of the album perfectly. With its beautiful harmonies and layered vocals, the song is a perfect showcase for Chlöe Bailey’s vocal abilities. It starts off slow and builds up to a powerful climax, leaving the listener feeling excited and ready for what’s to come. The way Chlöe stacks her own vocals in the background adds to the grandeur of the track, making it feel like an epic beginning to an incredible journey.

The song leads into “Pray It Away” an upbeat and energetic track on Chlöe’s album. It features a catchy and infectious chorus, and a powerful vocal performance from Chlöe, who sings about wanting to get over someone who has done her wrong without getting revenge. The production on the track is pop-oriented, with a driving beat that gives the song a danceable feel. While the lyrics may be about heartbreak and betrayal, the overall sound of “Pray It Away” is uplifting and empowering. It’s a highlight track on the album and showcases Chlöe’s ability to deliver a catchy pop song while still maintaining her soulful R&B roots.

Lyrically, Chlöe Bailey’s In Pieces is a standout album. The songs on the project explore a range of emotions and experiences, from the soulful and heartfelt “Feel Me Cry” to the more upbeat and confident “Body Do.” Chlöe’s songwriting is honest and vulnerable, and her lyrics are relatable for many listeners. The title track “In Pieces” is also a standout, with Chlöe singing about the pain of a broken heart and the struggle to move on. “Heart On My Sleeve” is another emotional track that showcases her songwriting abilities, with lyrics that speak to the feeling of putting everything on the line for someone who doesn’t appreciate it. Many of these songs sound as if they could have been written for artists such as Summer Walker, SZA, etc. (and that’s meant as a huge compliment).

The production on In Pieces is good overall, with a mix of pop, R&B, and soul influences. Some of the tracks, such as “Pray It Away” and “Worried,” have a more upbeat and pop-oriented sound, while others like “Feel Me Cry” and “In Pieces” have a more soulful and emotional feel. However, there are a few tracks where the production overpowers Chlöe’s voice, such as “Body Do” and “Told Ya.” That being said, the majority of the album is well-produced and complements Chlöe’s vocals nicely. It’s clear that much thought and effort went into the production of In Pieces, resulting in an album with a cohesive and polished sound.

Overall, Chlöe Bailey’s debut album In Pieces showcases her impressive vocal range and songwriting abilities. While some of the production choices may overpower her voice on a few tracks, the album as a whole is a solid addition to the R&B genre. Chlöe’s emotional and soulful songs like “Feel Me Cry” and “In Pieces” are the standouts of the album, displaying her ability to convey vulnerability and depth. In Pieces may not have been as experimental as some were anticipating, but it proves that Chlöe Bailey is a force to be reckoned with in the future. After listening to In Pieces, I eagerly anticipate what she has in store for the future. I hope to see her continue to explore themes of heartbreak and empowerment in her future projects, while also expanding her sound and experimenting with new genres. It’s clear that Chlöe has a bright future ahead of her, and listeners should be excited to see where her talent takes her next.

Written by: Jaylan Brooks