Louisiana-born singer‑songwriter Clara Rae shot to fame earlier this year with her stunning performance on Season 23 of American Idol. Now, she steps into the limelight once again with her latest single “Distract Me Baby”.
Clara is known for utilizing classic sounds in her music, and this track is no different, with her warm country vocals combining seamlessly with a blues-heavy accompaniment that has a touch of a jazzy swing.
We know Clara for being a top-tier vocalist, but I think this song demonstrates that she is a smart and underrated lyricist as well. In the opening lines of Distract Me Baby, Clara explores romance as a form of escapism from the turmoil of the real world.
Cause whether I’m
Running and gunning and
Churning and burning and
Fighting to earn a living
The first verse is a beautiful piece of writing with its catchy alliteration and fast rhythm, getting the listener into the groove and capturing your attention from the get go.
It’s killing my soul and
It’s robbing my peace of mind
Oh, distract me baby
Slow down my life
On one hand, lying down in the arms of someone you love to distract yourself from life’s rat race is a comforting concept. But there’s a subtle undertone of using love to avoid confronting personal baggage hidden underneath the soft rhythm and hazy vocals.
From the opening guitar lick, spacious blues phrases cascade into brass breezes, and the arrangement envelops the listener in a warm, open soundstage. The saxophone and organ are tasteful additions to the instrumentation, and beautifully compliment the vocals.
While the song nods to the refined blues and sophisticated jazz of the ’50s and ’60s, Distract Me Baby is not retro to the point where it feels derivative. Clara’s originality still shines through, demonstrating the maturity she’s developed through years of touring and performing.
When you have such a lot going on, the production can often be challenging, but the melodic brass, organ swells, and uplifting vocals feel meticulously done without ever feeling overwrought. It’s polished, but still conveys Clara’s deeply soulful artistic vision.
With a debut album in the works and a string of high‑profile opening slots under her belt, Clara Rae is poised to carve a lasting niche in the music industry. If Distract Me Baby is any indication, her journey promises timeless substance and soulful innovation.
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