Charlotte Lawrence - Collateral
Charlotte Lawrence has been making significant steps in the industry since her debut EP Young was released in 2017, which was streamed by thousands, if not millions, of people. However, over the years, Charlotte has taken the time to settle down and reflect, using those moments to dig down into discovering a voice, distinct style, and the story that they want to tell.
With the release of Charlotte’s single, Collateral on November 26, 2024, it’s caught people’s eyes and ears. In the Apple TV drama series titled Shrinking, it was featured during Season 2, Episode 8, under the episode title of Last Drink.
Clocking in at nearly four minutes, it captures the attention of others with its acoustic-folk approach, reminiscent of artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Billie Marten. The song's subdued and meaningful lyrics, with tender vocals, invites us into a time of reflection. As the melodies weave through the verses, they create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and relatable, allowing listeners to find their own stories within the music.
The details of this track lie not only in its structure of instruments but also in the poignant storytelling that unfolds throughout its duration. Taking time to reflect on what’s being said, and to provide us with an explanation, “I’ve never seen your house, maybe I wasn’t meant to-when all of it got too loud, I ran away from you.”
This person went headfirst into a relationship where they led their love interest on, and before it even tries to become into something else-they think twice and decide to not move forward. Word gets around after the fact, hence the lyric, “And I’ll deal with the consequences, ‘cause everyone talks in this town.”
Hearing that they’ve took time to move on, pursue other people and places, it gives them a moment to stop and think, and realize what they lost, but didn’t necessarily have before either. “I heard you got a new girl, and you stay at her place-and you’ll never know that I’m jealous, ‘cause I’ll never say it out loud.”
It gives us a captivating story, with the guitar providing a round and melodic backdrop, as Charlotte’s gentle yet articulate voice goes over the underlying harmonies, fitting together like they were always meant to be together. It gives you no choice but to be pulled into the story, as your mind takes the wheel and does the thinking, anticipating what’s to be said.
After this release, make time to give Collateral a listen and keep up with Charlotte Lawrence on platforms you may prefer!