This album, written and recorded by Chloe Grace Baker or Bitter’s Kiss, is inspired by and written for a movie, “The Divorce Party,” a soon to be released romantic comedy.
But this is hardly this young singer songwriter’s first foray onto the world stage.
She began writing and recording songs when she was still in high school, having already released an EP, and it’s that naiveté and soulful authenticity that is the center of her musical style.
But there’s a depth and a sophistication in these songs that belies Baker’s youth. A sweet, poetic irony and a humor to the lyrics and themes that remind me of Fiona Apple or Alanis Morrisette. Although Baker has a style very different to theirs and a soft, subtle delivery all her own. Her voice is pure, breathy, but not contrived. She has a husky edge to her, like she just woke up after a big night out and while the rest of us are barely breathing she can annoyingly sing like a moody angel.
This 11-track album (yes, you read it right, 11 tracks), is quite the ode to love, loss and turning pain into pleasure. I particularly enjoyed the cover of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” one of my favorite tracks of all time. She picks at the words in a way so different to the original recording, loving the lyrics, giving them a new life. Perhaps that’s the story running through all these songs; new life, new hope, a new understanding of oneself.
She has a brilliant way with words, actually. “I already know it’s the end, so why am I clutching the phone in my hand?” Her take on doomed romance and the ridiculous things we put ourselves through over and over again is more than a little perfect. Although I should probably tell her that with age, it doesn’t really get any better.
Love this album…
For more information about Bitter’s Kiss:
https://www.bakergrace.com / https://www.facebook.com/bakergracemusic
Twitter and Instagram ‐ @bakergracemusic
For more information about The Divorce Party: https://www.facebook.com/seedivorceparty/