Chlöe, “Surprise” | Track Review

Chlöe continues to show ample potential on her third solo single, “Surprise,” but also leaves the listener desiring a bit more all told.

“Y

ou like the way that I ride (Yeah) / Give you a piece of the pie (Yeah).” Oh my, Chlöe! The Grammy-nominated half of Chloe X Halle keeps things, um, sexy on her solo music.  “Surprise” arrives as her third single in advance of her debut solo album.  I would love to say that I’m surprised by this offering but honestly, it’s not dissimilar from “Have Mercy” and “Treat Me” that precede.  I enjoyed both of those singles, and enjoy “Surprise” too, but don’t find myself blown away per se.

The script on “Surprise” is predictable – sexual.  Chlöe establishes this early on with the chorus, which includes the lyrics, “If you stay down for me, then, I’ll stay awake for you / Surprise, slip my panties to the side / Give me your money, baby, I’ll make it rain for you.” Wow.  The naughtiness seeps into the verses, including the excerpted lyric from the first verse, as well as “My lipstick on your zipper / I like the way that sounds” from the second.  It’s effective, particularly with such a tight runtime, but nothing groundbreaking or game changing. Scott Storch and iLLA give Chlöe a respectable backdrop, fitting for the sexed-up vibes exhibited.

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Final Thoughts  

So, how do I feel about Chlöe – that is the question! Still, three singles into her solo artist phase, I’m left desiring more.  “Surprise” is good, but I still would like that extra something-something from her.  She’s in great hands with Beyoncé guiding her, but something’s missing.

 

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Chlöe • “Surprise” • Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia • 6.17.22

[: Brent Faulkner, Columbia, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, Parkwood Entertainment LLC]

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