Chloe Black, Godless Review

by Amity Hereweard

The alt-pop artist Chløë Black is back with her single “Godless.” Delivering a track that artfully blends 50s rock rhythms with introspective modernity. This is a song steeped in existential reflection, bolstered by a sultry delivery and lyrical wit, offering listeners a taste of the turmoil and hope that coexist within Black’s artistic soul.

The harmonic structure of “Godless” stands apart from typical pop fare by leaning into a 50s rock progression. The chorus is particularly engaging, with its descending bassline colored by strategic 7th and 9th chords that lend to its moody feel. The subtle use of a subdominant to the minor ii chords creates suspense and leads to moments of release. The song avoids the overused four-chord cycle, instead creating a rich, melancholic mood by moving from major to minor, specifically employing a major IV to minor iv in the chorus’ cadence. This chromatic shift adds a layer of emotional depth, reflecting the song’s lyrical exploration of loss, faith, and the struggle for meaning.

The rhythmic drive in the drums and bass echoes a 50s rock-style beat, grounding the song in nostalgia while giving it a contemporary twist. The interplay between the harmonic movement and the rhythmic foundation works to create tension that mirrors the song’s themes of existential questioning.

From the very beginning, “Godless” grabs your attention by starting with its catchy chorus, immediately drawing the listener into Black’s world of observational crisis. This structural choice sets the tone for the song’s shifts from acoustic to modern production elements seamlessly. Each section—verse, chorus, bridge, and outro—serves a purpose, guiding the listener through emotional peaks and valleys, with the arrangement emphasizing the song’s themes of searching for faith in a godless world.

The bridge, with its swelling string touches, pushes the emotional narrative further, using dynamic shifts to convey the depth of the artist’s internal struggle. The song swells to revisit the chorus with vocal variations and orchestral layers for the outro, offering a touch that recalls the golden age of 50s rock while maintaining a contemporary sensibility. It’s in this moment of contrast—between the vintage and the modern—that Black shines, her vocals flowing effortlessly through the song’s timeless melody with sultriness, holding true to her Gothic soul.

Lyrically, Black bares her soul, offering listeners a raw and sometimes darkly humorous take on faith, or the lack thereof. The chorus’ lyrics, “Even folks who’ve never prayed can still lose faith,” suggest that disillusionment is universal, even for those who reject traditional belief systems. The line “Seems the only perk of being godless / Is the fucking on Sundays” blends vulnerability with deflection, highlighting Black’s ability to use humor as a shield against deeper pain.

As the song progresses, she explores her own existential crisis, contemplating the futility of chasing dreams and questioning what remains once they have been achieved. The powerful imagery in the line “But in the hospital halls and our depressions / Even the most nihilistic wish there was a heaven” captures the internal conflict between skepticism and the desire for something greater, a hope for redemption even in the darkest moments. This balance between existential questioning and dark humor creates a deeply introspective narrative that resonates with listeners who’ve grappled with similar emotions.

In the Outro, Black offers a biting critique of modern society with lines referencing “reality show level checks” and “reality check,” calling out the superficial fixes we seek. The repetition of the phrase “I’ve always been godless, but it never felt hopeless til now” hammers home the emotional weight of the song, reminding listeners that even those who reject traditional faith can experience moments of profound loss and yearning.

Chløë Black’s “Godless” blends interesting harmonies, nostalgic yet modern production, and deeply introspective lyrics. The orchestral touches, vintage influences, and Black’s effortless, sultry vocal delivery make this track grab your attention in today’s crowded pop landscape.