Charlotte Lawrence’s debut album ‘Somewhere’ is a heartfelt and poetic exploration of heartbreak, identity, and the pains of growing up in real time. With its haunting production, powerful lyrics, and a dusk-toned emotional atmosphere, ‘Somewhere’ showcases that Lawrence is much more than a fleeting one-hit wonder; she’s a true pop force with genuine messages to convey.
Stream: ‘Somewhere’ – Charlotte Lawrence
There are albums that shatter you, and then there are those that resonate when you’re already in pieces. Charlotte Lawrence’s ‘Somewhere’ falls into the latter category – a gradual emotional tempest that offers solace during a dry spell. I've overlooked Charlotte's music for years. While I enjoyed “Joke’s on You” from the Birds of Prey soundtrack and found “Sleep Talking” irresistibly catchy, I never really delved deeper. I didn’t pay attention to her lyrics or allow myself to feel the depth of her songwriting. That changed the moment I hit play on ‘Somewhere.’
Since its release on June 27th, this album has accompanied my writing routine and, let’s face it, much of my everyday life. It has evolved beyond just a collection of songs – it serves as a companion through heartbreak, healing, artistic yearning, and womanhood. It captures a specific emotional climate, akin to standing in a summer rain after a week of oppressive heat. Soaked. Breathless. Thankful.
Charlotte Lawrence is a singer, songwriter, and model based in Los Angeles. At just 25, she has created a niche that merges crisp indie pop with emotional depth, embracing bedroom-pop aesthetics while infusing elements of pop-rock drama. Although she has previously released several singles and EPs (including ‘Charlotte’ in 2021 and ‘Young’ in 2018), ‘Somewhere’ marks her inaugural full-length album. And it’s more than just a debut; it’s a bold declaration.
The album cover alone feels like a thesis statement. Lawrence is depicted floating in a vast expanse of water, her expression calm, with the title elegantly scripted in delicate cursive. It’s both personal and cinematic, capturing everything the album represents: feeling lost, submerged, and visible. With thirteen tracks (a fortuitous thirteen), ‘Somewhere’ is an emotional rollercoaster filled with sonic surprises. The songs oscillate between sharp and tender, joyful and heart-wrenching – a masterclass in emotional fluidity. More than once, I found myself exclaiming, “Wait, she wrote this?” aloud.
Let’s examine each track as they deserve.
The opening track and title song, “Somewhere,” greets you with something intimate and piercing. It’s the emotional center of the album – hazy, bittersweet, and drenched in yearning. The line “I’m three beers away from losing my license for good” struck me like a whispered secret shared in the backseat of a car you shouldn’t be in. It’s not melodrama – it’s truth. Lawrence doesn’t amplify; she reveals.
“Us Three” wasn’t a favorite initially, but after a few listens, it completely took my breath away. Lines like “Hidden Hills can’t hide your habits” or “steal all the knives from the kitchen cupboard / chills down my spine, promise there’s no other” genuinely gave me goosebumps. The clever wordplay. The bitterness. The longing. The pure ache. It brought tears to my eyes and made me question why it took me so long to appreciate it. After all, they do say I’m a late bloomer.
“Bodybag” jumps in with force. “Calm me down with ketamine, it’s better than you holding me.” It’s the type of lyric that cuts deeply – bold, raw, and compelling. I’m absolutely captivated by using the term “body bag” as a metaphor for death. It’s a fresh perspective that prompts contemplation. The production is sharp and haunting, immediately establishing a mood that says: don’t settle in.
The title “Hollywould” showcases clever wordplay, but the song itself is a masterpiece. It includes everything it needs: a delicate introduction, an underlying bite. It explores youth, innocence, and danger. Definitely one of the most replayable tracks. And yes, I’m obsessed.
“I Don’t Wanna Dance” presents a beautiful contradiction: club lights, toxic romance, sleazy men, and the exhaustion of pretending everything is fine. It addresses the misery of love and the annoyance of the male gaze. Iconic.
“Better Than This” offers a beat you can cry to or scream along with. I’ve done plenty of both. Written for a best friend enduring heartache, it feels like the kind of song you blast while driving fast at night, windows down, with tears stinging but not yet falling.
“Lola” initially misled me. With
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Charlotte Lawrence’s first album ‘Somewhere’ is a visceral, lyrical exploration of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the struggles of coming of age. Featuring haunting production, impactful lyrics, and a somber emotional tone, ‘Somewhere’ demonstrates that Lawrence is not just a fleeting sensation – she is a formidable force in pop music with genuine experiences to share.