Arlo Parks, Caroline | Track Review 🎵

British R&B singer/songwriter Arlo Parks shows immense potential on her chill, narrative-driven single, “Caroline.”

If you haven’t done so yet, you need to welcome 🎙Arlo Parks into your life.  This 20-year-old British singer/songwriter has plenty to offer, 🚫🎓. Also, worth noting, she is part of the ever-expanding LGBTQ+ musicians delivering some truly fresh, compelling music.  If you’re in need for a starting point for Parks, look no further than her latest bop, 🎵 “Caroline,” set to appear on her 2021 debut album, 💿 Collapsed in Sunbeams.   

“I was waiting for the bus one day / Watched a fight between an artsy couple escalate,” Arlo Parks sings on the first verse, continuing, “Strawberry cheeks flushed with defeated rage / Then he spilled his coffee as he frantically explained.” Clearly, the poetic nature of Parks is front and center from the start of “Caroline.”  This narrative-driven songwriting is one of the biggest selling points. Written with 🎙 Gianluca Buccellati, Buccellati also produces.  Musically, “Caroline” is a straight-up vibe.  The backdrop is simultaneously chill and soulful.  The same can be said of Parks, who sings with incredible ease, yet manages to pack a punch.  Her voice just sort of floats – definitely a desirable quality.

Final Thoughts 💭

All in all, “Caroline” is a triumph for Arlo Parks in every facet. The songwriting, narrativizes “seeing situations unfold without context” is definitely on-point.  The music, melody, and vocal performance are all elite.  Throw in a memorable chorus – “Caroline, I swear to God I tried” –  and “Caroline” is indeed a surefire hit.  Don’t sleep on Arlo. She has ample potential.

🎙 Arlo Parks • 💿 Collapsed in Sunbeams • 🏷 Transgressive • 🗓 1.29.21

[📷: Transgressive]