Ungodly Hour: Album Review

By: Kemi-Ali Wessie

When power-team Chloe x Halle first appeared in our radar we knew them as the singers of the theme song of ‘Grown-ish’ which stars the sisters as well as Yara Shahidi and Luka Sabbat but they have successfully proven that they have far more to offer. The sister’s second studio album ‘Ungodly Hour’ was released over a month ago and if you haven’t heard any of their songs I suggest you find your way to your music listening services ASAP! Compared to their first album ‘The Kids Are Alright’, their new album showcases their range as musicians; they talk about all the stuff that we are dealing with in this generation in an upbeat and sharp way. It is clear to see that the Bailey sister’s mentor Beyoncé Knowles greatly influences many of the songs like Busy Boy, each lyric and line delivered with a cut-throat and sassy tone which is almost the polar opposite of their earlier work. ‘The Kids Are Alright’ reflects a seemingly innocent desire to shed the identities created by others and ‘Ungodly Hour’ shows what they are doing with that new identity. Tipsy is perfect for a bad b*tch, ‘don’t mess with me’ kind of attitude and if you have ever need to get your point across but don’t have all the right words; just play this song and I’m certain they’ll get it. All thirteen of the songs have a certain vibe to it that displays a gentle nod to an old-school hip-hop/disco type feel that is beautifully combined with modern beats and tunes, the songs are risky, sophisticated, different and far from their perceived squeaky clean image in a classy way.

Photograph by: Robin Harper

I can barely carry a note to save my life but I know without an inkling of doubt that this album beautifully showcases their capabilities as musicians as well as their true personalities as every other twenty-something living on this planet. ‘Ungodly Hour’ acknowledges and reflects on their growth from those girls posting videos singing on YouTube to following in the footsteps of the greatest female pop icons, I foresee great things for the Bailey sisters and cannot wait to discover what they may come up with next! HM