Make Way for Chloe x Halle: An Album Review of “Ungodly Hour”

“You should never apologize for who you are or any of your imperfections, and you don’t need to get permission from the world to be yourself.”- Chloe

The Atlanta-born sisters mark their territory in the R&B realm of music as they make a comeback with the release of their visually-provoking sophomore album, “Ungodly Hour” that was recently released this past Friday. The two artistically talented sisters have been progressively active in the music industry ever since their YouTube cover of them singing Beyoncé’s track, “Pretty Hurts” went viral. As soon as Beyoncé discovered this cover, she quickly signed them to her company, Parkwood Entertainment, a management and entertainment firm based in NYC. Chloe, age 22 and Halle, age 20 switched up the roles in their professional music paths as they transitioned into a more intrinsic and exuberant sound well exemplified throughout the entirety of the album, signifying their shift into young womanhood.

Moreover, the cinematography of their music videos  “Forgive Me” and “Do It” embody an almost intergalactic, early 2000’s Pop and R&B kind of visual that is illustrated through their choice of style and their subtle vogue-like dance movements. The two videos almost seem aesthetically influenced by an Aaliyah music video with the use of their shimmery and metallic clothing pieces, distinctive style of makeup, use of mirrors, and use of dancers, almost as if one is watching the video through a peep hole with a magnifying glass (try to imagine it).

Overall, by listening to each song, one can point out that the overall production contains very unique layers of sounds. Similar to the ethereal and exotic sounds of alternative R&B artists FKA Twigs, Solange, Kelela. The mashup of the sounds on the album in sync with Chloe x Halle’s singing voices are simply heavenly. The album is introduced with a 28-second harmony that smoothly transitions into the 2nd song on the album, “Forgive Me” initiating an angelic, lighthearted, yet sensual and sophisticated message. In conclusion, this album is all about exuding confidence, owning sexuality, and being of essence.

Chloe x Halle dancing in newly released music video, “Do It”.

 “We just wanted to show that we can own our sexuality in a beautiful way as young women, and it’s okay to own that”, Chloe shared as she reflected on ‘Ungodly Hour’.

Each song is beautifully combined and easily distinguished through the use of their harmonic melodies, variety of instruments, and beat production. 

“We just think of ourselves as vessels and we just let ourselves be instruments to whatever comes out.”

Stream Chloe x Halle now on Spotify and Apple music!