Clever's self-titled EP marks a new chapter in his career, as the Alabama-born artist ventures into country music while maintaining the storytelling depth and emotional rawness that first brought him recognition. Though he originally made his mark in the world of rap and hip-hop, collaborating with industry heavyweights like Lil Wayne, Post Malone, and Juice WRLD, Clever's transition into country feels less like a departure and more like a homecoming. “It doesn’t feel like a transition,” he explains. “It feels like something I’ve always known.” With his Southern roots running deep, Clever’s move into the genre seems to tap into a musical instinct that has been with him all along.
Known for his poignant lyrics and intricate wordplay, Clever has built a reputation for his ability to channel raw emotion into his music. Justin Bieber once praised the artist, saying, “You can feel emotion, just raw emotion, and I think it’s so powerful.” Now, with his self-titled EP, Clever applies that same intensity to country, blending heartfelt storytelling with the soulful grit of his Alabama upbringing. This collection of tracks showcases his versatility, while remaining true to his core—an artist capable of crossing genres, yet still delivering music that speaks directly to the heart.
This genre-blurring project showcases Clever's ability to infuse country with his signature moody atmospheres, while still retaining the emotional depth and lyrical sharpness that first gained him recognition. Clever brings a raw, personal edge to each song, mixing introspective storytelling with evocative melodies that resonate across different genres.
The EP opens with ‘Billy the Kid,' a gentle acoustic ballad that reflects on Clever's childhood, casting himself as an outlaw under the moonlight. The combination of a lilting guitar melody and slightly distorted vocals in the chorus creates a unique texture that elevates the song’s personal feel. This track sets the tone for the EP, as Clever explores themes of rebellion, nostalgia, and self-reflection with an emotional resonance that ties it all together.
‘Trainwreck' and ‘Candlelight' showcase Clever’s versatility, blending country elements with pop and R&B influences. ‘Trainwreck' features plaintive guitars and a haunting opening that builds to a really strong chorus and, what will soon become known as Clever's trademark knack for a gripping and engaging melody. ‘Candlelight,' meanwhile, builds from moody acoustic guitar to a sweeping, anthemic chorus about undying love that feels both uniquely personal and yet relatable to the common human experience. Both tracks offer strong melodies and clever lyrics, with ‘Candlelight' especially standing out for its depiction of a love story that culminates in a wedding day. These songs highlight Clever’s ability to craft songs with crossover appeal while staying true to the emotional weight of country music.
Eslewhere, one of the standout tracks, ‘Cowboy Killers,' taps into western themes with a Johnny Cash-inspired guitar riff and moody, evocative lyrics about freedom and rebellion all tied up in imagery around cigarettes. The song’s darker tone and vivid imagery make it a highlight, offering something truly unique in the EP’s lineup. Paired with the expansive, arena-sized production of ‘Gently in the Night' and the haunting ballad ‘Sandcastles,' it further strengthens the diversity and appeal of the project. The latter is another haunting, evocative pop-leaning ballad with an expansive production sound that builds to a bigger chorus about a relationship teetering on the edge of imploding. There’s a bluesy vibe to the guitars here and a plaintive country sounding echo alongside. ‘If you leave me now, it would hurt like hell,’ Clever pleads. ‘It’s all sandcastles.’ You can hear the pain in his vocals as he pleads with the girl not to leave.
This EP marks an impressive shift from Clever's previous pop and R&B roots, blending genres with a deeply personal, evocative touch. Across six tracks, Clever delivers an introspective and emotionally charged collection that highlights his ability to navigate the worlds of country, rock, and pop seamlessly. From acoustic ballads to arena-sized anthems, the EP showcases his evolution as an artist without losing the vulnerability and depth that made him stand out in earlier works.
Tracklist: 1. Billy the Kid 2. Trainwreck 3. Candlelight 4. Gently in the Night 5. Cowboy Killers 6. Sandcastles Record Label: StreamCut Records Release Date: 18th October Find out more right here.
