Audrey Hobert’s Who’s the Clown is a witty collection of 12 songs, including “Sue me” and “Thirst Trap,” that make every awkward, silly, and carefree girl feel seen and heard.
Hobert started as a Nickelodeon writer before transitioning into songwriting alongside her childhood friend, Gracie Abrams. She co-wrote tracks like “That’s So True” before eventually stepping out on her own and going solo. She found songwriting fun and inspiring, yet it wasn’t until she embraced her true self that her album Who’s the Clown was born.
Here’s what makes this album perfect for anyone who sometimes feels like they don’t quite fit in.
Her brand (or lack thereof)
At first glance, Hobert feels eclectic and intentionally unpolished. Her album cover is simple and unassuming: no makeup, her own clothes, and a clown peering in the window behind her. Her live performances typically consist of her being alone onstage, delivering choreography that looks almost improvised.
The result? A chaotic and interactive energy that fans genuinely love.
It’s almost like anyone could go up onstage alongside her and belong there. In today’s hyper-curated, algorithm-driven music industry, Hobert stands out precisely because she doesn’t seem to follow trends. She stays true to herself, and that authenticity is refreshing.
relatable lyrics
Across the album, Hobert touches on topics like acne, overthinking, and impostor syndrome.
In the hit single “Sue me,” she says, “Not that it matters, but I’m breaking patterns / And getting so good at pilates.” Although these lyrics are sung in an upbeat, catchy tune, they speak to the girl inside who’s just trying to make it through life.
Similarly, in her song “Phoebe,” she states simply, “Now I don’t sweat the acne / It’s a bitch, but it goes away.” As someone who has struggled with acne their whole life, I love this lyric. It’s straightforward and honest, because acne really is a pain to deal with, but it does go away.
More specifically, the song “Bowling alley” paints a picture of Hobert having anxiety about a party she was invited to. By saying “But I got my creams on, and my gown on / And I don’t think anyone cares if I go or not / So wrong to think everyone loves me/ But doesn’t need to be around me all the time,” she’s outlining the feeling of being an outcast when in reality, you’re not.
Anyone who’s dealt with impostor syndrome knows the feeling. Despite evidence of being wanted, such as an invitation to a party, we might not think anyone wants us there.
Hobert hammers down on this throughout the song, and also sprinkles in some overthinking in the lines later in the song, “I see it and it’s frightenin’/ It’s a candle in my room, forgot to blow it out.” This nails the feeling when anxiety pulls you out of a situation.
These are just some of the lyrics that make this album special. Hobert’s lyrics turn our insecurities and obsessive thoughts into catchy pop anthems.
Hobert’s Who’s the Clown takes the classic themes of heartbreak, anxiety, and insecurities and turns them into pop songs that are hilarious and oddly freeing. By being unapologetically herself, she stands out as a popstar who, instead of chasing perfection, keeps it real over infectious melodies.
Stream Who’s the Clown if you need music to sing into your hairbrush in the comfort of your room; you’ll probably feel a little less alone.
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