Clever’s Genre-Defying Mastery: A Review of His Captivating Self-Titled EP
Clever’s self-titled EP marks a monumental step in the journey of a genre-bending artist who’s as comfortable delivering punchlines in rap battles as he is spinning heartfelt country tales. Hailing from the small town of Gadsden, Alabama, Clever has always been a storyteller at heart, and his recent embrace of country music feels like a return to his roots, rather than a stylistic shift. With a career that boasts collaborations with some of music’s biggest names—including Lil Wayne, Post Malone, and Justin Bieber—it’s easy to see why Clever’s foray into country has been met with curiosity and anticipation. But one listen to this EP, and it's clear that Clever was made for this moment.
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The EP opens with “Billy the Kid,” a cinematic track that paints a vivid picture of a lone outlaw. Clever’s knack for wordplay is front and center, but it’s his ability to transport listeners into the scene that truly makes this track a standout. As the first song on the EP, “Billy the Kid” sets the tone for Clever’s storytelling prowess, a reminder that while his roots may have begun in poetry and rap, his heart has always been in the narrative craft that country music holds dear.
Then comes “Cowboy Killers,” an ethereal journey that blends contemporary production with classic country storytelling. The song unfolds like a movie, each line delivering a new image, a new feeling. Clever’s voice, smoky and tender, carries the weight of the story, while the production remains minimalistic enough to let the lyrics shine. It’s a testament to Clever’s versatility—not only can he tell a great story, but he can do so in a way that resonates across genres, proving that emotion transcends any musical boundary.
The EP’s closer, “Sandcastles,” might just be the crown jewel of the collection. The track showcases Clever’s range in both voice and songwriting, blending metaphors and raw emotion to reflect on heartache and the fragility of life’s fleeting moments. The production is understated, allowing Clever’s vocal performance to take center stage. His delivery is soaked in sincerity, and the listener can almost feel the weight of every line as he sings about dreams that wash away, much like sandcastles in the tide.
What makes Clever such an impressive body of work is its ability to balance deep introspection with effortless storytelling. Each song is a glimpse into Clever’s evolution as an artist—an evolution that doesn’t discard his past but instead builds on it, bringing a new level of richness to his music. His transition into country feels not only natural but necessary, as if this is where his stories were always meant to be told. Clever’s EP is a reminder that music, at its core, is about connecting through shared experiences, and with this project, he’s done just that—leaving listeners eager to hear what’s next.
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