Reviews

Summer Walker “Clear 2: Soft Life EP” Album Review

CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE – EP

Summer Walker

  • Genre: R&B/Soul
  • Date: 19 May, 2023
  • Content: explicit
  • Region: NGA
  • Track(s): 10
  • â„— 2023 LVRN/Interscope Records
Summer Walker &Quot;Clear 2: Soft Life Ep&Quot; Album Review, Yours Truly, Reviews, March 27, 2024
Emma Mcintyre/Getty For Billboard

Being dumped by a romantic partner while expecting your first child is one of the most emotionally devastating experiences, and few things beat that feeling -Except Maybe the woman he had an affair with while you were dating is bragging about it online. Summer Walker aired her dirty laundry on 2021’s “Still Over It,” accusing her ex of being a liar, clout hound, and deadbeat, sometimes over his production. “I want to start with your mother; she ought to have whooped your ass,” she sang. The “new” Summer is less interested in writing about life as it resembles a Love & Hip-Hop episode now that she’s had a few lovers and babies. Instead, she is developing tranquility and seeking serenity.

Summer Walker is a highly acclaimed artist whose exceptional talent shines brightly in the soothing realm of R&B music. Her captivating melodies and engaging lyrics can transport listeners to a world of relaxation and serenity. With a unique energy that sets her apart, she masterfully expresses the complexities of toxic relationships and the frustrations of dealing with men. Her music is a true testament to her artistry and the power of her voice and message.

Album Art

Summer Walker &Quot;Clear 2: Soft Life Ep&Quot; Album Review, Yours Truly, Reviews, March 27, 2024

The album artwork for Summer Walker’s latest project is a visually striking depiction of the artist herself, portraying her as a serene and radiant pregnant woman draped in elegant white attire perched upon a beautifully adorned boat surrounded by vibrant flowers. The tranquil waters in the backdrop serve as a poignant symbol of her desire for peace and stability in her life. Through her music, Summer Walker seeks to address the common issue faced by countless women today – the challenge of finding a reliable and committed partner who will remain steadfast and supportive throughout the trials and tribulations of parenthood. Her message resonates deeply with those who have experienced the turbulence and uncertainty that often accompanies modern relationships, and her art serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of love, trust, and commitment in our lives.

Tracks and Features

Walker is aware of how exhausting it can be to maintain a tough façade, and the aim of the title of her most recent EP, Clear 2: Soft Life, is to promote ease and comfort. Her earlier music featured hatred toward black men, but on the mellow start, J. Cole, a collaborator, expresses adoration and appreciation: In “Audio hug,” he says, “I’m sendin’ you, SZA, and Ari my love/Y’all holdin’ us down, y’all hold the crowns,” a minimal gesture that sets Walker’s current standard for the men in her life. Likewise, she pines for support on the worn-out neo-soul track “Hardlife,” jealous of women “with the feet kicked up/And they glass in hand.”

In “New Type,” where Childish Gambino portrays a lover who can barely afford dinner at McDonald’s but still finds a way to criticize her physique and choices, Walker continues to revel in some delightful dysfunction. Progress is not linear. You can see there’s something about a fixer-upper she finds alluring. Still, when she refers to another notorious good-for-nothing man, the one on Erykah Badu’s “Tyrone,” it’s because this time she has the discernment to know the difference between a worthy companion and a time-waster.

“Pull Up” is a stunning song. Summer Walker has incredible high-pitched vocals, excellent poise, and astonishingly honest lyrics (in the music, she talks of giving her guy her mind, body, and soul as if he were Shang Tsung). And to top it all off, her outro gave me the impression that black men have privilege. In addition, she has a natural sense of humor and is an indisputable speaker. On “Pull Up,” she pretends to be uninterested in enticing a man to follow after her (“Stop touching me, I’m getting out”), but she can’t hide her giggly amorous nature (“You funny, I love you too”).

Walker serves as a role model for growth for those who identify with the jilted narrator of Still Over It by slogging through her ugly personal life and coming out on the other side. On the spoken-word closer “Agayu’s Revelation,” she vows that “we’re going to evolve—mentally, spiritually, physically, financially, uh, emotionally.” Solange, Steve Lacy, and John Caroll Kirby provide the track with glimmering pianos and soothing woodwinds. Walker believes that leading a “soft life” involves more than just sipping wine by the pool; it also entails growing in self-awareness. So wait till you have clear chakras and a highly annotated copy of all about love before attempting to spin the block on her.

Tracklist

NO TITLE
1 To Summer, From Cole (Summer Walker & J. Cole)
2 Hardlife
3 How Does It Feel
4 Mind Yo Mouth
5 Pull Up
6 New Type (feat. Childish Gambino)
7 Finding Peace
8 Set Up (2017)
9 Agayu’s Revelation
10 Soft Life Summer

Album Summary

Summer Walker’s music is a delightful emotional journey that’s easy to get lost in. As a vocalist, she effortlessly adapts to any instrumental she’s given, delivering high-pitched, silky, and delicate vocals that can send chills down your spine. Her lyrics, however, are refreshingly honest, exploring the complexities of relationships in a way that feels genuine and relatable. Despite being tired of love songs, the sincerity and vulnerability in Summer’s music keep us coming back for more. And let’s not forget her remarkable consistency in tone, which makes the CLEAR 2:SOFT LIFE EP feel like one continuous, captivating live performance. Summer does almost everything right, making her music a must-listen for anyone who appreciates excellent vocals and relatable lyrics.

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