Hello readers, this review finds me taking a break from buying new clothes for a wedding I am heading off to tomorrow. It’s all very stressful! (I think I need one of those personal shoppers that they have in the States). However, I find when things are stressful music provides a perfect antidote. So what better way of getting through the stress than reviewing the new single by Charlotte Besley?
Charlotte Besley is an emotive singer-songwriter from London who threads her blend of country pop with rock in a potent soulful sound. Her press pack tells me she has a voice like a ‘warm summer breeze’ and she has played in some of our capitals iconic venues such as The Bedford and Half Moon Putney.
She says herself that she is making an ‘unexpected and exciting sonic leap’ with her new single, released on July 25 on all the main platforms.
It’s produced by Tim Prottey-Jones whose credits include Megan McKenna (Celebrity X Factor). My press information tells me that “Are We Cool” dives into emotional tensions within a relationship that is on the brink. It is told from the perspective of one person holding on tightly while the other slips away. I can relate to that! But I think I was the one holding on if I look back. Charlotte says that the single is a departure from what she has done before, she tells us “I grew up listening to pop-punk and always wanted to bring that influence to my music. ‘Are We Cool’ gave me the perfect chance to do that while staying true to the emotion and honesty I put into every song.”
My review:
This is an upbeat track with pop energy. It bounces along and although the lyrics are kind of sad – “messing with my mental health” – the infectious beat and sing-along style delivery means that it is hard not to smile along too. It is more pop rock to my ear, a good driving song, more of a coming of age teenage type of feel about it (according to my resident teenager). You could certainly happily drive along to this on an open road with the top down! Building on from that, I do think that commercial radio would do well to give this a few plays.
Overall, “Are We Cool” is a confident step forward for Charlotte Besley—accessible, emotionally open, and radio-ready. It’s a track that shows her versatility and broad appeal, and it’ll be interesting to see where this new sonic direction takes her next.
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You can stream music by Charlotte Besley here
By Lorraine Foley