With her highly anticipated debut album, Who’s The Clown?, Audrey Hobert has officially stepped out from behind the scenes and into the spotlight she so rightly deserves. At just 26 years old, the talented singer-songwriter has taken a unique and winding path to the mainstream music scene. This journey included co-writing songs with her childhood friend Gracie Abrams, a collaboration that helped shape her songwriting voice, and a prior career as a screenwriter that honed her storytelling skills.
After signing a publishing deal, Hobert initially focused on crafting “hits” for other artists. However, she soon realised that her true fulfilment stemmed from expressing her own experiences and emotions through her music. This pivotal decision led her to embark on a solo career, embracing her individuality and perspectives.
The album itself is a captivating collection of heartfelt confessions, where Hobert, embodying a “so it went like this” ethos, skillfully employs a blend of diaristic storytelling and relatable humour to extract meaning from the seemingly mundane aspects of life. Standout tracks like “Thirst Trap” and “Sex And The City” vividly illustrate the lengths to which young people go in seeking attention and idealising their everyday actions, capturing the essence of modern youth culture.
In contrast, the album also delves into more vulnerable themes, addressing feelings of social alienation in tracks such as “Class Clown,” where Hobert explores the challenges of fitting in, and “Nauseous,” which confronts the deep-seated trauma of abandonment, adding layers of emotional complexity to her work and solidifying the album as both raw and profoundly personal.
While there are moments where the album’s themes and melodies may feel a touch repetitive, the production in tracks like the charmingly nostalgic “Drive” and the electropop-infused “Silver Jubilee” introduces welcome variety and dynamic sounds that elevate the listening experience. Ultimately, Hobert’s distinctive comedic style and relatable narratives shine throughout the entire project, establishing her as a unique and vital voice within the pop music landscape.
Audrey Hobert’s openness in expressing her feelings and vulnerabilities makes her album a compelling artistic endeavour. Her heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies create an intimate atmosphere, hinting at a bright future in her career. The standout track “Who’s The Clown?” showcases her ability to navigate complex emotions while exploring themes of identity and self-discovery. With her unique perspective and sincerity, she captivates her audience and ushers in a new wave of authenticity in pop music.
