Audrey Hobert’s Debut Album Who’s The Clown? Review and Ranking

By Kayla Harper 

 

You might not know her–yet, but you will.  Or maybe you know her from her childhood best friend Gracie Abrams’s latest album, The Secret Of Us, and the hit “That’s So True” she co-wrote, or perhaps her brother, singer/songwriter Malcom Todd.  Either way Audrey Hobert is ready to take over the music industry with her debut album, Who’s The Clown? 

Who’s The Clown?  is a classic teen pop album dressed up with driving synths, rhythmic drum beats and harmonial vocal layers.  Primarily self-written, Hobert establishes her own style, different from anything else being heard.  Her satirical, ironically comedic lyrical approach is accessible and mundane giving the album an overall conversational and light-hearted tone that really feels like a late night debrief with the girls over a glass of wine.

In a track that doesn’t exceed four minutes, Hobert somehow inserts the listener into her experience, setting the scene with vivid and specific imagery and providing commentary on every emotion and thought that goes with it.  While the album is cohesive, maybe almost too much at times, some songs are better than others.  Here’s our ranking after our first listen of Who’s The Clown? 

 

12. “Don’t Go Back To His Ass”

Some girl to girl advice from Audrey Hobert delivered over humorously witty and brutally honest lyrics. However, it’s simply the most forgettable on the album.

 

11. “I Like To Touch People”

At first glance the title might seem disturbing, when in reality the track is a wholesome depiction of Hobert’s tendency to emotionally impact the people around her and her desire to do so.

 

10. “Drive”

Sometimes, actually, most times, life isn’t perfect and you simply just have to go with it until it starts to make sense. Hobert captures that sensation well in this laid-back track

9. “Phoebe”

Named after the Friends character Phoebe Buffay, the self-depricating anthem dives into and tries to make light of Hobert’s insecurities which are not unique, making it an accessible track.

 

8. “Bowling Alley”

We love our socially awkward queen and the ballads she writes about it.  Bonus points for the way the story builds and progresses through the song.

 

7. “Wet Hair”

Want to make an ex think you’re really over them? That you truly don’t care despite the fact that you’re deciding to meet them? Show up to the bar with wet hair.

 

6. “Shooting star”

One of the first original songs Hobert ever teased, the full version definitely lives up to the snippet we heard previously.

 

5. “Sex and the city”

This track is the upbeat lead single “Sue Me” if it was sad.  One of the most emotionally vulnerable tracks, it’s a reality that most listeners can understand and relate to at some point in their lives.

 

4. “Sue Me”

Classic Hobert with sassy, hilariously relatable lyrics, a driving and danceable drumbeat and mundane problems because don’t we all just want to be wanted?

 

3. “Chateau”

This track might just be the new imposter syndrome ballad.  Hobert nailed everything from the emotional depiction in the lyrics to the vocals and the guitar solo at the middle part.

 

2. “Silver Jubilee”

A perfect track to close the album with its carefree nature.  Yeah life is hard, sometimes it really sucks, but oh well, let’s just have fun and make the best of its vibes. Bonus points for the sister shoutout.

 

1. “Thirst Trap”

From the instrumental track (drums, trumpet?, guitar) to the vocal harmonies and layers, the production on this track is exceptional. It tackles so many different emotions in a fun, lighthearted way.