The artist 24kGoldn releases a new track titled “Clarity.” For the most part, I think the song discusses 24kGoldn trying to stay healthy and happy, away from temptation, and focusing on what is good in his life: “I try to keep my heart pure but I’m damned if I don’t, damned if I do.”

I think this track is a good example of an upbeat and catchy feel-good track that also talks about some serious stuff at the same time. Just for context, a song like “Pumped Up Kicks” would also be a good example of an upbeat track that talks about a serious topic. It does work very well. In a lot of cases, the juxtaposition between upbeat music and serious lyrics gives a whole new perspective on both those things. I personally have not listened to 24kGoldn that much before, but I enjoyed this track. It kind of reminds me of a track like “Vertigo” by Khalid. This track is featured on a 2-piece “single” with 24kGoldn’s other recent release “Good Intentions” as well. Good Intentions also sound like a song that has been inspired by 24kGoldn’s struggles with fame and all that it entails.

A lot of artists feel the pressure of their fans and industry to constantly be releasing songs. This can be both beneficial and bad. However, despite not releasing songs in 2023, 24kGoldn has really managed to keep a huge active audience. One small problem that I can see when you take a long break is that no matter how good your project is when you release it, some fans are still going to be mad about your late release and listen to the song while being mad. So I am saying this to say please, fans, listen to the track for what it is. As for the artist, don’t be focusing on the few people who just need a reason to be mad. I heard words from a lot of artists and just creators in general who get so many positive reviews, but then one single negative comment can really mess up their mood. Part of that Clarity 24kGoldn talks about in his latest track might even include hopping off social media etc, and solely focusing on his own growth. I think pound for pound, the screens are the most time-consuming and mind-deteriorating things we have. At the same time, they can be a huge help if you know how to use them right.

This single may very well be a part of 24kGoldn’s upcoming album “Better Late Than Never.” The album is set to be released this year, and personally, I would love it if the album has a similar vibe to Clarity. Now it would be kind of unfair to call this release (or his upcoming album) a “comeback.” You don’t make a comeback when you keep traffic up in the way that 24kGoldn has done. If you are going to have a comeback, you need to have had a fall-off. Otherwise, where are you going to come back from? Where you already were? Anyways.

The song has soft pianos, soulful vocals, little synth plucks, strings that fill in spaces/follow vocals, and DnB drums with a fat thumpy kick that also adds a lot of low-end sub. The bass is quite hard to hear in the mix, but that is probably a stylistic choice where they let the kick drum carry the low end more. I think overall this is a really simple and clean song that a lot of people will use to brighten up the sonic space in their day-to-day.

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!