Orange County singer-songwriter Chloe DeMore has just released her melancholy yet powerful debut single “Side Effects”. DeMore wrote the track about “finally being free from a 3-year toxic relationship”, and the roller coaster of emotions she went through is evident in the lyrics.
The song opens up with a simple piano and some background vocal effects. Her vocal talent will catch the listener’s ear as soon as she starts singing the first verse. Here, she confronts the push-and-pull she feels as she tries to let go of this toxic love.
The chorus is distinguished by ambient background vocals as DeMore acknowledges the “side effects” she feels, comparing the relationship to an addictive drug. We see drums added into the second verse, picking up some power just as DeMore herself becomes more powerful in her resistance. The drums continue through the following chorus before abruptly stopping for the bridge. Here, both the piano and her voice get softer as she acknowledges the pain she’s in as she weans herself off this “drug”.
The music starts to build again as we enter the final chorus and find that the lyrics have changed. She sings about how the chemicals have worn off and how she finally feels free. Even though she’s let go, the song still ends emphatically with her asking “but where are you today”. We fade out to DeMore humming along with the music.
“Side Effects” takes us on a full journey, from trying to let go to becoming powerful enough to do it and finally to being on the other side. The simple instrumentals allow DeMore’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage so we get the full emotional impact. DeMore is known for her personal and intricate lyrics, and they certainly stand out in this track.
This first single from Chloe DeMore shows a promising future, and we can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.
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Your insightfulness into this song is spot on. You are a terrific writer! 🙂