Cloe Wilder, Cigarette Review

Pop
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by Eliana Fermi

“Cigarette” by rising folk/Americana/pop artist Cloe Wilder captures the tumultuous feeling of standing on the brink of adulthood while still clinging to adolescent joys. Its mellow chord progression—centered around warm, strummed guitar lines in G, Am, and C—sets an intimate tone before building into a more expansive chorus. Lyrically, Wilder balances vulnerability with a catchy, singalong quality as she recalls the sensation of being out of sync with friends who’ve already leaped into new phases of life. Lines like “I was holding my breath, I was counting to ten, I was trying my first ever cigarette” feel instantly relatable, reflecting universal coming-of-age apprehensions.

A highlight is the chorus itself, which captures a poignant moment of transition, underscoring how teenage rites of passage can become symbolic of bigger emotional evolutions. Wilder’s vocals shine through in their genuine fragility, enriched by the subtle production details that anchor the folk/pop ambiance. The shift from stripped-back verses to the more anthemic refrain showcases her growing artistry and knack for pairing heartfelt storytelling with memorable hooks.

Comparisons to her past work, such as Teenage Lullabies, reveal deeper confidence in her craft, as “Cigarette” intertwines personal confessions with melodic accessibility. Accompanied by a cinematic music video that accentuates her reflective persona, the single feels like a natural next step for an 18-year-old who’s balancing a professional music trajectory with all the uncertainty of youth.

With a major European and North American tour in the works—and collaborations under her belt from names like Spencer Sutherland and Sam Nicolosi—Cloe Wilder seems poised to turn her introspective reflections into a larger, resonant conversation. “Cigarette” reflects her ability to make pop-infused folk sound simultaneously current and engaging, ensuring that her journey forward will be one to watch (and to sing along with) in 2025 and beyond.

Connect with Cloe Wilder: Website |

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