One of the more personal playlists we’ve done…

Sydney singer-songwriter CXLOE has definitely been making waves as of late, her debut EP Heavy Part 1 garnering critical acclaim last year and helping to establish her as one of the ones to watch in the burgeoning alternative and electronic scene. She left fans itching for more, with singles like ’12 Steps,’ ‘One and Lonely’ and of course ‘Heavy’ establishing themselves as crowd favourites.

Now, she’s given the world a taste of her upcoming project with her first single ‘Cry & Drive,’ written after a heat-wrenching drive home from the hospital after the passing of her Grandmother. It’s one of her most personal and vulnerable songs yet, and just goes to remind us all to never to cry and drive, but rather, to call our loved ones and hold tight those we care for most.

To celebrate the release of the new tune, we caught up with the Sydney singer-songwriter to get her top ten songs to cry & drive to, and she’s hit us with some quality picks. Grab a box of tissues and check it below.

Charli XCX – ‘Lucky’

This song makes the cut because it’s hauntingly sad. The production is super weird and the vocals are hard auto tuned which is an odd mix for a sad song but man it does the job..

The 1975 – ‘Somebody Else’ 

I mean.. I don’t even have words for this song. I think it was the saddest song to come out of 2016. If I could put this on my list twice I would.

Bonnie Raitt – ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’

I can’t make you love me is probably my no. 1 song to cry and drive to. Unrequited love is the most heart-wrenching thing in the world to watch. I’ve seen it with a few people I love and I can’t help think of them when this song plays. ( Bon Ivers version also slaps )

a-ha – ‘Take On Me’

This song makes the cut because it reminds me of growing up with my dad and living so carelessly. We would always put this song on around the house and dance to it. I miss those days!

Bon Iver – ‘Re: Stacks’

This song makes the list because it’s just simply beautiful to listen to – but it also touches on Depression which is something ive struggled with in my life. The lyric ‘ there’s a black crow sitting across from me, his wiry legs are crossed. He’s dangling my keys he even fakes a toss’ is GENIUS. The crow is his depression, and the keys are the gateway to a happier life. The depression ‘fakes a toss’ granting him a glimmer of hope but doest follow through. Ugh.

CXLOE – ‘Cry & Drive’  

My grandma’s voicemail at the end of the song gets me every time. I miss her so so much. Am yet to listen without tearing up!

Sampha – ‘No One Knows Me (Like The Piano)’

I cry and drive to this song because it perfectly and poetically describes the feeling of being misunderstood and the only thing in his life that understands him is his music and piano. I’ve often felt like this during my career and it can become quite lonely.

The National – ‘About Today’

This song makes the cut because its just high key depressing. And sometimes you need a song that can match how you’re feeling!

Grimes – ‘Delete Forever’

This is probably my most played song to cry and drive to at the moment. Grimes is brilliant and her vocals are killer in this. The song talks about people in her life who have passed away from drugs and a lot of the time being artists. My heart breaks for artists, or anyone who struggles with this, and so many go way too soon..

Allday – ‘Void’

Void makes the list because it perfectly describes that part in your chest and soul where it can become empty. And a lot of the time you ‘avoid the void’ because its too hard to face. The guitars are stunning and it’s written so perfectly. 

CXLOE’s latest single ‘Cry & Drive’ is out now. You can buy/stream it here. Be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all of her latest projects.