Chlöe's Trouble In Paradise Explores Afro-Pop Rhythms and R&B with Experimental Flair.

Trouble In Paradise by Chlöe is a vibrant exploration of Afro-pop rhythms and early 2000s R&B sensibilities, offering a more personal and experimental follow-up to her debut solo album, In Pieces. Released after a challenging build-up, In Pieces struggled to capture the energy and creativity Chlöe displayed in her earlier work as part of Chloe x Halle. It felt constrained by industry expectations, leaving fans with a sense that Chlöe hadn’t fully embraced her potential on the contemporary pop-R&B stage.

However, Chlöe’s industrious nature led her to quickly move on to her next chapter. She teased this new direction with "Boy Bye," a pop-punk influenced track that added a fresh edge to her repertoire. This shift culminated in the release of Trouble In Paradise, a 16-track collection inspired by her time on the island of St. Lucia. Described as "songs from my diary," the album reflects the emotional and creative recharging that the island provided.

Trouble In Paradise is not a straightforward course correction but rather a detour that reimagines Chlöe’s sound. The album blends the intimate, sensual vibes of early 2000s R&B with lively, carnival-infused beats. The opening track, "All I Got (Free Falling)," sets the tone with a contemplative yet rhythmic start, hinting at the heartache and Soca-Afrofusion energy that permeates the album. Unlike the self-seriousness of In Pieces, Trouble In Paradise presents Chlöe as a complex and imperfect lover—carefree, chaotic, and utterly exhilarated by the possibilities of romance and self-discovery.

Musically, the album oscillates between the deep, pulsating rhythms of Amapiano and the bright, syncopated energy of Afro-pop. "Never Let You Go," featuring YG Marley, is a standout track designed for transatlantic radio, with Chlöe’s voice taking on a breathy, ethereal quality that perfectly complements the airy production. The back-to-back tracks "Redemption" and "Temporarily Single" blend sultry R&B with breezy island guitars, creating some of Chlöe’s most accessible and pop-oriented songs to date.

While the album’s experimentation is mostly successful, there are moments that feel less cohesive. "Strawberry Lemonade," a dance-funk track produced by SG Lewis, stands out as a misstep that could have been left off the album. However, amidst these ups and downs, "Want Me" emerges as the crown jewel. This tender ballad, featuring Chlöe’s sister Halle, showcases their harmonies in a beautifully synchronized performance, echoing the psychodramatic soul that made Chloe x Halle so captivating.

Trouble In Paradise represents Chlöe’s ambitious reach for pop success without completely abandoning the minimalist, slow-building structures that highlight her vocal agility. Tracks like "Nice Girls Finish Last" serve as deep cuts that further explore this balance. Ultimately, Trouble In Paradise feels like the result of Chlöe creating with a sense of freedom and experimentation. However, two albums in, she has yet to fully solidify a sound that is distinctly her own, leaving room for further exploration and growth in future projects.