After their acclaimed album Ungodly Hour, Chlöe x Halle occupied a unique place within music. Since the 90s, the popularity and number of R&B groups have declined dramatically. The sisters are most comfortable and empowered when singing in unison. Chlöe’s soulful voice complements Halle’s higher vocal range to create beautiful harmonies. Ungodly Hour’s lighthearted nature keeps things playful while giving them room to shine.
While Halle has stepped further into acting, Chlöe has become a polarizing figure in music. Chlöe has embraced her “sex appeal”, further distancing from her once childhood star image. Unsurprisingly, the response to her provocative content was a clash between opposing extremes, with neither hearing the other out.
Chlöe’s budding music career is what interests me most. Her first single, “Have Mercy”, is a poppy track that Chlöe uses to embrace her physical features and amplify the discord. She affirms herself amid the criticism while signaling the direction of her solo career. Last week, she teased her latest single, “Treat Me”, which samples Bubba Sparxxx’s “Ms. New Booty”, with the recognizable hook layered over Chlöe’s vocals. While some have responded positively to the preview, it makes me question her musical direction and reflect on broader trends in music.
An under-appreciated aspect of Ungodly Hour is Chöle x Halle’s lyrical growth. Gone are the coming-of-age tales showcased on their predecessor, The Kids Are Alright, in favor of layered stories about love and lust. Ungodly Hour finds the two entering young adulthood and energetically dealing with it as any twenty-something would. Their push into mature topics is refreshing but isn’t the foundation of their artistry or appeal.
So far, Chlöe’s solo career seems to have taken the opposite approach, attracting off aesthetic with the music lagging. This problem isn’t exclusive to Chlöe and has been rampant within rap for years. I’m still unsure what “Pushin P” means but have accepted that it’s not intended for close reading.
I’m writing about Chlöe because I want to root for her. I believe her abilities as a singer, producer, and entertainer are second to none. “Treat Me” is another single that makes me question her direction as a solo artist.
Musically, I think Chlöe is closer to Ari Lennox than the likes of Normani. Yes, Normani has re-established her career post-Fifth Harmony, but it is undeniable that music is a secondary lure. “Motivation” and — to a lesser extent — “Wild Side” captured us with grand visuals and unrivaled choreography. Chlöe’s talent as a musician far exceeds Normani’s but is heading down a similar path. I fear that Chlöe will be the latest R&B artist to lazily sample from the early 2000s for nostalgia and quick attention.
Before “Have Mercy”, I envisioned Chlöe would have a style similar to Victoria Monet, Shay Lia, and Joyce Wrice. Uniting the feel of R&B with the easy-going nature of pop seemed natural given the success of Ungodly Hour. Chlöe could have added her personality and craft using her abilities as a producer.
Yet, Chlöe isn’t making a mistake, financially speaking. She is giving listeners exactly what they demand both musically and culturally. Her star power will only increase following the eventual release of her debut album.
Chlöe’s margin for error is greater than most artists today. She is talented and well-liked by the public and power-brokers in the industry. Her rise also showcases the growing impact culture has on music. Saweetie, Cardi B, and Megan the Stallion have given a blueprint to how music can be the pathway to lasting relevancy and an eventual career outside the booth.
Over the years, Meg has pivoted from the relentless hard-hitting rapper in favor of a more cross-genre style, to her financial benefit. I expect Chlöe to be the latest artist to rack up endorsements with household products and designer brands. By no means is this a “bad” choice, it just comes with a more “acceptable” style of music.
It’s unfair of me to expect Chlöe to make the type of music I like. Yet, I’m disappointed but holding out hope because I believe she can make something much more dynamic.
With her sister, Chlöe x Halle delivered one of the best albums of 2020 that gave equal consideration to the music and stylistic pieces that accompanied it. So far, I’m underwhelmed by the start of her solo career as it seems to value what we see over what we hear.
