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Sling (album)

Sling is the second studio album by American singer and songwriter Clairo. It was released on July 16, 2021, through Fader and Republic. It serves as the follow-up to her debut album, Immunity. The album was announced on June 11, 2021, alongside the release of the lead single, "Blouse".[1][2][3][4]

Sling

July 16, 2021 (2021-07-16)

Autumn 2020

44:33

After its release, Sling received widespread critical acclaim by music critics, praising a noticeable expansion in Clairo's vocals, and the maturity of her songwriting. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 17 on the US Billboard 200, making it her first top 20 album.

Background and release[edit]

In April 2020, it was reported that Clairo had begun work on her follow-up to Immunity when she shared a screenshot of a playlist titled 'Album 2 (demos so far)'. One demo, titled 'february 15, 2020 london, uk (demo)', dates back to February 2020 and another titled 'Everything I Know' from the beginning of April.[5] In the writing process, Clairo admitted that "Joanie, my dog, opened up my world in ways I didn't think were capable. By caring for her, it forced me to face my own thoughts about parenthood and what it would mean to me."[6] Having started writing in July 2020, Clairo revealed that "Reaper" was the first song she wrote for the record, and had then recorded approximately 35 of its demos thereafter.[7]: 00:51  Recording took place during autumn 2020 at Allaire Recording Studios in upstate New York,[8][9] and was completed at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.[10]


Prior to the announcement of Sling, Clairo provided background vocals on Lorde's song "Solar Power" alongside Phoebe Bridgers. On June 11, 2021, Clairo released the lead single of the album, "Blouse", which features background vocals from Lorde.[3] Our Culture named "Blouse" one of the best songs for the week of June 14, 2021.[11] The song was performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[12] In 2022, she embarked on the Sling Tour, with Arlo Parks as an opening act. [13]

Composition[edit]

Sling has been described as a vintage pop,[14] acoustic folk,[15] folk rock,[16] baroque pop,[17] and chamber folk record.[18] Rolling Stone reporter Jonathan Bernstein deemed it a concept album about "aging and feeling older than you ought to".[19] "Blouse" has been described as a folk tune and "crushing ballad" where Clairo sings over a "hushed acoustic guitar" as well as "orchestral swings".[20][21] Clairo's vocals become louder in the song mix as the track progresses and includes backing vocals performed by Lorde.[6]