THE FREQUENCY

“Who’s The Clown?” by Audrey Hobert Album Review

**Subject to Opinion**

It’s been a hot second since Who’s The Clown? by rising artist Audrey Hobert dropped, but every song is still on repeat in my house. I had no choice but to write a review. The album features 12 tracks that cover a range of topics, all of which feel refreshingly relatable to the average girl. Whether it’s love, heartbreak, insecurity, or just figuring life out, Audrey nails the emotions with raw honesty and style. 

Track 1: I like to touch people 

From a marketing standpoint, this was the strongest choice for the album’s opening track. The lyrics immediately capture listeners’ attention because of their unusual and provocative nature. Taken literally, lines like “I like to touch people” might sound a bit unsettling. However, rather than a literal interpretation, Hobert seems to be expressing her desire to connect with people on an emotional level. This not only intrigues listeners, but encourages relatability between the artist and audience. The track itself has a somewhat simple melody to complement the strange lyrical composition and it isn’t one of my favorites, but it is still an alright song.

Track 2: Sue me

The album’s first single, “Sue me,” made a huge impact on Audrey’s career. Hobert lays it all out, singing about the shameless urge to hook up with an ex – a messy, familiar feeling that so many can relate to. When she belts out “Sue me, I wanna be wanted,” it’s not just a lyric, it’s a confession fans latch onto. The track blew up on TikTok, pulling new listeners to her music from every corner of the internet. With its heavy synths and punchy, in-your-face beat, “Sue Me” introduced Hobert as more than an artist, she’s the future of pop.

Track 3: Drive

This track comes across as a bit more mundane compared to some of the other tracks on the album, but that’s not a drawback. Instead, it works almost like an intermission, giving listeners space to sit with their emotions before the record ramps up again. There’s a clear sense of disappointment running through the song, but Hobert doesn’t dwell – she’s ready to push past it. When she sings “put it in drive again,” she’s signaling not just her own attempt to move forward, but inviting listeners to join her. 

Track 4: Wet Hair

Audrey remains in her “album intermission” with the next song “Wet Hair”. Another single from the album, that to be completely honest didn’t capture attention like the others at first. I’ve grown to appreciate it more as time has gone by, but upon the first listen it was nothing particularly special. That being said, it wasn’t by any means a bad song. I think this track is one you just have to relate to to understand and appreciate. The song itself is about trying to appear nonchalant when rekindling with an ex and showing up with wet hair in order to do so. Interestingly, the track somehow captures this feeling of trying to act nonchalant – something that’s very difficult to do. Part of the reason it didn’t get my immediate attention is likely because being nonchalant is one of my biggest pet peeves – nothing directly related to the song.

Track 5: Bowling Alley

The album’s second released single is much more mellow than the first – taking the feelings that come along with social anxiety and putting them to music. It dives into themes not so commonly talked about in pop and adds a sense of lightheartedness to the depth of the lyrics. She sings about how she only feels recognized for her achievements versus who she is as a person. It’s not necessarily my favorite on the album but I do think it adds a fresh topic to the music scene. Instead of just writing another song about love or heartbreak, she talks about something so specific to her life yet applicable to others’. 

Track 6: Thirst Trap

Hobert bounces out of the break with the best song on the album. Another single and rightfully so. This track was my personal favorite with its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics, it is pop perfection. Describing an experience the majority of girls relate to – Audrey tells of being performative in all aspects just because you have a crush like by posting yourself, making playlists, and etc. Just when the track sounds like it’s about to end the listener is hit with a saxophone solo –  something we don’t see enough in mainstream music. It’s very rare I come across a 10/10 song and Hobert was able to accomplish that on her debut album making me very excited for what’s to come.

Track 7: Chateau

“Chateau” immediately grabbed my attention with its punchy pop-punk beat and kept me hooked with its defiant lyrics. The track captures Hobert’s quiet rebellion – that feeling of being the black sheep in a crowd that doesn’t quite get you. Rather than standing around making small talk at a party that feels meaningless, she’d rather be anywhere else – a sentiment most of us can relate to. “Can’t lie, but I’m thinkin’, like, high school was better than this (yeah, it probably is),” she sings, perfectly summing up that moment of disconnection and longing for something more genuine.

Track 8: Sex and the city

As an avid follower of Carrie and Big, I was beyond excited for this song. I went in expecting a fun, girly pop anthem – but instead, it turned out to be a bittersweet ballad about how real life never quite lives up to the perfection we see on TV. While the lyrics hit deeper if you’ve seen Sex and the City, anyone who’s ever dated in today’s world will relate. She captures that feeling of wishing life were more like the show – where everything falls into place, and the guy you like actually calls. Her vocals on this track also take her sound to new levels, demonstrating how excellent her breath control is. 

Track 9: Shooting star

The title itself is a metaphor for thinking something – particularly men and relationships – are not as they seem. She’s almost trying to say a relationship doesn’t have to make you feel bad even though that’s what you may be used to. It’s a song to bring oneself down from the delusion of situationships – something that a lot of people (including myself) – sometimes need to hear. Its upbeat synths add a sense of hope that contrasts with the realism of the lyrics, perfectly balancing the song’s emotional depth while maintaining the pop-punk energy of the album.

Track 10: Don’t go back to his ass

While “Don’t Go Back to His Ass” seems to be written about one of Audrey’s friends, it captures a universal experience. Everyone knows that one friend who just can’t stay away from that guy – and if you’re like me, you probably have a few. Hobert channels that mix of frustration and concern perfectly, torn between yelling at the guy or the friend who keeps going back. The lyrics may be simple, but that’s what makes them so effective –  sometimes the truth doesn’t need to be complicated to be understood .

Track 11: Phoebe

This song has become an anthem for “weird girls” everywhere – and I mean that as a compliment of the highest order. It resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in, whether that’s because of their style, personality, or interests. The title, “Phoebe”, references Phoebe Buffay from Friends, who was often misunderstood by both strangers and her own companions – a feeling Audrey captures perfectly here, much like she did in track seven, “Chateau”. Personally, I loved this song and the way it offers a more intimate glimpse into Audrey’s mind and puts her emotions into perspective for others to understand.

Track 12: Silver Jubilee

“Silver Jubilee” closes the album with an energetic, electric dance beat that feels made for a night out. It’s all about celebrating a 25th birthday surrounded by friends and enjoying where you’re at in life. The upbeat production and carefree lyrics perfectly embody the spirit of celebration. Ending the album with this track was a smart move by Hobert, leaving listeners on a high note – feeling uplifted, joyous, and ready to keep the party going even after the music stops.

Audrey and producer ,Ricky Gourmet, went above and beyond with this project, delivering what feels like one of the best debut albums in a very long time. Audrey shines in her collaborations with Gracie Abrams – no doubt about it – but there’s something especially refreshing about hearing music that feels so unapologetically her. Giving my honest review – “Who’s the Clown?” should be the album of the year. 

My Ranking

12. I like to touch people

11. Wet Hair

10. Bowling alley

9.Silver Jubilee 

8.Sue me

7. Sex and the city

6. Don’t go back to his ass

5. Drive

4. Shooting star

3. Phoebe

2. Chateau 

1. Thirst Trap