CLEMENTINE, MEGAN BLACK’S ANTHEM OF DESIRE AND DEFIANCE

SINGLE REVIEW | MEGAN BLACK – CLEMENTINE by Ella Jay

Megan Black once again proves her storytelling abilities in her new single, ‘Clementine’. The coming-of-age anthem invites us into a parallel universe, Megan explained:

“I grew up in a small town in Scotland and was afraid to come out, this song is about an alternative reality where I never came out and married a man- terrifying, I know.”

Once played, the track dives straight in, with an upbeat groove and retro guitar hooks; this song immediately charms you with its playful air of mischief. The flirty vocals of Megan Black kick in as she sings about her fictional longing for Clementine, with lyrics like

“I know a lady who’s all or nothing, one day she’ll be my wife”.

Black’s vocals are strong and well supported throughout, delivering the song with power through the climactic notes. Frequent groove shifts keep the structure of the song fresh and unpredictable. Contrast is created in the final minute of the song, as it builds to an extravagant breakdown with chugging guitars and crashing cymbals, to then lull into a more emotive and expressive ending, highlighting both the intensity and anguish of her turmoil.
It is clear to me that this song is very dear to its artist and serves as a celebratory reminder of how far she has come in her queer journey.

The pop tune is even named after the singer/songwriter’s beloved white Peugeot and comes with an anecdote,

“I wrote the chorus – Clementine, you’ve got my desire. Clementine, a woman on fire – and two weeks later, my car exploded!” shares Black. “So, you just know this song contains witchcraft of some kind. It’s a reminder for everyone to embrace their inner Clementine, whatever that means for you”, adding another layer to how deeply personal this track is for the artist.

Exciting things are in the pipeline for this Scottish queer-pop artist, as she gears up for a summer of shows across the United States and awaits the release of her new album, Full Circle.

Clementine is packed with heart, feeling, groove, and a little bit of magic. Megan Black may call it witchcraft- we just call it brilliant.