Album Reflection: Clementine

Between the recent releases of albums such as Ariana Grande’s Positions and LANY’s Mama’s Boy, it feels as though I’ve been treated to a never-ending stream of new music from long-time favorite artists. However, my most anticipated release of the season was Grant Klein’s debut album Clementine. I discovered Klein through his band {Parentheses}, which fortuitously appeared in my Spotify recommendations in the spring. {Parentheses} quickly became one of my favorite bands due to their uniquely vibrant sound. Many of their songs, especially “It’s Always Sunny With You” and “Jackson Pollock,” have been on repeat the past six months. As such, I had high expectations for Klein’s first solo album, and Clementine did not disappoint.

Clementine, released October 30, features indie rock and pop influences. Given Klein’s piano expertise, it’s no surprise that the album relies heavily on instrumentals, with upbeat piano melodies being given center stage. While providing a unique musical sound of its own, Clementine also possesses a nostalgia-inducing familiarity. This is particularly evident in opener “Notes,” my personal favorite song from the album. While Clementine as a whole is quite energetic, “Notes” features a relaxing beat reminiscent of the background music featured in childhood favorite video games like Wii Sports Resort or Mario Kart. While Klein’s vocals certainly elevate the song from these classic video game soundtracks, this familiarity evokes cheerful memories of peaceful days long past.

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There is a uniquely youthful energy present in Clementine, which is conveyed through the songs’ high energy. Rock number “Melted” continually grows more and more fast-paced, conveying an appropriate sense of urgency as Klein worries that he is “melting through the cracks.” “Melted” is one of many songs on the album that demonstrates Klein’s skill in crafting an exquisite harmony between his vocals and the background instrumentals. Klein also proves a mastery of multiple genres of music. Slow-paced instrumental number “Hiding in Hydrangeas” is, in many ways, the opposite of “Melted.” Even so, it is just as well-educated, and despite a lack of lyrics, Klein is able to portray a youthful sense of wonder about the world. It’s a deeply beautiful piece, and Klein’s ability to navigate such a diverse range of music styles within his debut album is quite impressive.

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Ideas of nostalgia and youth are present not only in Clementine’s sound but also in its lyrics. “Annie” is a fun and lighthearted love song in which Klein declares “you make me stupid” to the titular Annie. He jokes about continually misplacing his belongings and forgetting important information because of the space that she occupies in his mind, noting that his “brain is filled with Annie.” This theme of youth is also present in “Cherry Tree,” the album’s lead single and most popular track. Accompanied by an incredibly addicting piano tune, Klein sings, “I’m stuck here without you, baby. And I’m learning that the truth will never change a thing.” Throughout the song, he muses on the lessons that heartbreak and the passage of time have brought him.

Clementine is a masterful debut album that signifies that beginning of an exciting and highly promising solo career for Grant Klein. Available on all streaming services, the album is highly worth the listen. Marked by a fresh and memorable sound, Clementine has a wide range of songs to suit all your musical needs, from study music to the perfect soundtrack for dancing alone in your room.

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