Girl, so amusing
Atlanta duo and inseparable best friends, Coco & Clair Clair, have released their third full-length album, Girl, delivering a record that, true to their style, is brainless, girlish, and irresistibly fun. They embody the spirit of a new, bold generation that is unbothered by traditional, sentimental musical intellectualism, and instead, thrives on experimentation and unapologetic self-expression.
via V Magazine
But what’s happening with the girlhood narrative in pop music today? Chappell Roan calls it a Femininomenon, Charli XCX muses that being a girl can be confusing, while Lorde reflects on the toxicity of the industry for a young woman like she was, and Billie Eilish wants to eat that girl for lunch and already knows the color of our underwear (but that’s a story for another time). The “girl” phenomenon signals a cultural shift in how artists approach pop music and how the audience engages with it. These new artists aren't just making music - they're crafting identities. They challenge industry norms, aiming to break through the fourth wall and foster a deeper, more emotionally honest connection with their audiences, creating a genuine and horizontal dialogue.
With Girl, Coco & Clair Clair tap directly into this shift, blending self-assuredness with a carefree rebellion. They don’t take themselves too seriously, opting for a laid-back, unhurried approach that permeates each track. Beneath the surface of bubbly beats and cheeky lyrics, there’s an undeniable depth that speaks to their ability to balance fun with quality substance.
The charm of Coco & Clair Clair lies in their relatability. Their music feels like a reflection of today’s society, making us feel like we’re hearing something familiar - something that captures the pulse of a generation. Their references are niche enough to make us smile, and the lyrics are tailored to specific subcultures and micro-realities, especially those thriving in Gen Z’s internet bubbles. Their reclaiming of girlhood isn’t about conforming to societal expectations. For them, being a girl can mean being bratty, opinionated, silly, and even a little messy. Girl embraces contradictions - it’s an album drenched in glittery, comforting melodies that make you want to dance and live out your main-character fantasies, as if you’re in the opening scene of a Netflix young-adult drama. The Y2K revival is strong throughout the album, but it’s digestible, thanks to their playful, challenging attitude toward the hyperfeminine pop we’ve come to expect. We’ll see Coco & Clair Clair donning Nike trainers and long oversized trench coats, always prioritizing cosiness over glamour and proving that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.
If Girl is on repeat in your playlist, it’s no surprise. It’s proof that pop music doesn’t have to be profound to resonate and make an impact - sometimes, it just needs to be unabashedly silly and unapologetically fun.
