Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Jacquie Clay – Lighter Now (2021)

When you lose your way, there are often people around you who are there to bring you back to yourself. Jacquie Clay is celebrating these people through the soulful pop tones of ‘Lighter Now’. Co-written with Marina Bennett, the single combines choral vocals with light piano for an upbeat sweep that captures the feelings created by someone who is always there for you.

The single continues the uplifting and powerful pop sound Clay has created through struggles and a unique insight into life. Coming together with Bennett, a self-proclaimed sonic storyteller, the pair fuse pop with soul and RnB for a moving track that shines a bright light unto your heart. By the end of the track, you are going to feel the urge to find and embrace that person in your life who helps you through your darkest times.



‘Lighter Now’ opens with a gentle piano line and harmonising choral vocals. The soft tones of the opening melody build toward the upbeat movement. There is a gentle sweep to the piano that leads you to clapping tones and a cascade of glittering tones. When the chorus hits, you are filled with the upbeat flow of the track that fills your senses with light energy. There is a wonderful rise and fall to the melody as it takes you from the soulful light tones into the upbeat and toe-tapping bursts. Woven into this is a trumpet that adds this bit of popping fun to the track that is utterly wonderful.

Clay’s vocals are powerful and theatrical as she opens the track and pulls you into the music. The lyrics are heartfelt and you can feel the appreciation threaded into them for the person who helps her through the troubled times. While powerful, Clay’s vocals have a soulful edge that smooths the movement and helps her voice sink into your senses. The backing vocals provided by Bennett are as impressive as Clay’s as they bring a burst of hope and happiness from the background.

Jacquie Clay fills you with bright energy and affection for someone close to you in the powerful and soulful sounds of ‘Lighter Now’. With the help of Marina Bennett, she sweeps through your senses with a theatrical movement that turns into an upbeat bounce. The vocals are soulful and powerful as they weave through your ears with an appreciative message.

Find out more about Jacquie Clay on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.