66. Single Review of Undressed (Human) by Citizen Audrey

Originally published on November 20th, 2024

About the Artist

I can remember my senior year in high school, 25 years ago (shut up), my Grammar/Literature teacher explaining the importance of starting and ending a story. We had an assignment where we had to write a story with a first sentence that grabbed the attention of our readers. We then had to read the story aloud in class. I didnt take school as seriously then as I would once I got into college. If I had, my story would have started something like this: 

“I got kicked out of church, so now I do this.”

That is an attention grabbing opening line. Unfortunately, I did not write this. Fortunately, the artist I will be discussing today did. Now that Citizen Audrey has our attention, let the story begin:

Citizen Audrey is from New Zealand. She has accomplished a great deal. She’s gone viral. In addition to music, she is an actor, voice over actor, a writer, and director. She’s been featured and won awards in both music and film, including the Cannes Film Festival(!!!!). She’s also human. 

She is socially engaging, as she is active on her Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube profiles. She is unapologetically true to herself; she does what she does because she loves to do it. She needs no other reason and seeks no validation for it. She has nerve damage in her mouth, which complicates her ability to do the things she loves; like singing and speaking. But she doesn’t let that stop her. 

And, her Realtor thinks she’s quirky. Which probably checks out.

She also released a single on November 2nd. 

My name is Jeff Thomas. I’m 43, which is “too old to still dream about being a musician.” I’ve made peace with the fact that my music is nowhere near good enough to be breakthrough performance material. I also have big dreams and aspirations of my little network of Fifteen Minutes of Fame indie artists gaining global popularity so that there is more of a fair diversification of who people listen to. I know it’s ridiculous. But I just love it too much. I love music too much. Which is why I am the guy who is going to be reviewing Citizen Audrey’s November 2nd single. And the next artist. And the next. 

About the Song

Undressed (Human) Is a pop rock/ alt pop song by Citizen Audrey. It released on November 2nd, 2024. With a runtime of approximately Two minutes and Thirty seconds, it features Citizen Audrey on vocals with an accompaniment consisting of layered acoustic guitars, synths, and eloquently fitting production value. This is a stripped (hence the name) version of her song Human; a song that released on an EP of the same title earlier this year.

About the Music

I was a fan of the EP and the dance vibe of Human when it came out earlier this year. However, listening to Undressed, this is a completely different vibe. I’ve listened quite a few times over the last few days and, I gotta say, I think this stripped version hits the song in a very real way. In my opinion, it may be more fitting for the song. The song starts with Citizen Audrey on vocals and a single guitar. The synth string effect is very much backed out. So much, that I’m not sure it’s synth strings. It may be an electric guitar with a LOT of reverb. Not sure.

When the chorus come in, layered acoustic guitars and vocals really fill the sound space. The overall production of the song was done with such thought and care. The backing vocals are done at the most appropriate times, in the most fitting ways. The reverb effect used on the overall track was done so well. It sets just the right mood for the song. This song was wonderfully produced.

About the Lyrics

The lyrics of this song are what really call for it to be acoustic and stripped down. This is such a beautifully written song. A large emphasis of the human body, our imperfections. How they are actually the tools that give us our strength. It gives the organic beauty of the acoustic guitar a reason to shine with these beautiful words.

“Human so every scar I get is a weapon. I’m not afraid of what’s to come, confidently numb. I’m just dust to dust.”

In the first verse, the author is embracing their humanity. The lyric “every scar I get is a weapon,” a more eloquent way to look at “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” It is a very sweet and vulnerable opening to this song.

“Finally found happiness even in my sadness; contentedness. They say I’m a wreck-less, ‘she’s got a death wish. Scar tissue but I love my issues”

The second verse, the author is embracing their humanity more and more. They’re also reflecting on be aware of how her freedom makes those around her feel uneasy. This is a very calculated observation on how people choose to live their lives. Either choosing caution, or fitting into molds. The author realizes that this can be perceived as a missed opportunity to experience their life. 

“Cry cuz I’m still incomplete. Scars cuz I feel what I bleed. But I just wanna dance to the beat. Laugh, it is my insanity. At least I know, you know I’m human. I’m human.”

The chorus brings together each of the swirling thoughts and perspectives that are approached in the song. The vulnerability. The independence. The awareness. The lyrics of this song were so thought out and unique. They honestly were overlooked a little in the energy of Human, but in Undressed, they’re sort of put on display. It was a magnificent decision to release the two versions of this song.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the thing about pop, alt/pop, and these subsequent genres. They can really be broken into tiers of musicianship. First tier is more generalized, though the artists all demonstrate excellence in some capacity. That would be Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Sabrina Carpenter. The second tier is going to be a little more original. I would put P!nk and Tove Lo, and Ariana Grande into this category. In my opinion they’ve got the musical talent of the first tier but they have a more personal touch with what they’re doing. Then there’s the tier of elite musicians who find themselves in the alt/pop genre of music who are truly savants. Like Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish, who are both in the top 5 streamed artists in the world today and the lesser known but equally brilliant Robyn, who is the artist I am most inclined to compare Citizen Audrey to. These artists are the immaculate representations of their genres. 

What is special about Citizen Audrey is that her musicality, her songwriting is at that bar. The only difference I see and hear is she is simply lesser known. But she is just as good as the powerhouse performers of her genre. I honestly don’t understand how more people aren’t listening.

The quality of music that she is producing tells me one thing about her future: she can’t be ignored forever. I am here for it. She is an artist that could very possibly be on the precipice of greatness.

If you’ve made it this far (and I really hope you have) you know what to do. Go press play on Undressed (Human)! Also, make sure you follow Citizen Audrey!