Though tempting to veer off into cynicism, Lily Clarke is determined to pursue her big goals while encouraging other young people to do the same. These days, many are often left tired by the realities of the world, but Clarke’s “The City” insinuates that it doesn’t have to be that way. Still, she is self-aware, and though she asserts her stance with conviction, her lyrical prowess is solidified by her realistic approach to hope.

Many young songstresses have quickly risen to fame by implementing real-life experiences into their work. There is something so refreshing, even as someone nearly ten years Clarke’s senior, about seeing young women relentlessly go for the gold.

Her singing voice alone is outstanding; her ability to evoke such emotion with only her vocal instrument should be praised. With enough practice and care, her voice could carry her through a prolific career that speaks to a broad audience, perhaps beyond the one she is aiming for currently. It sits evenly within the mix, not outshining critical instrumentation or storytelling elements.

“The City” is an incredible starting point, and I applaud Clarke and her boyfriend for their dual efforts. Creating a space for people to come together and bond through music (which I believe to be the world’s only universal language) is far more rewarding than any accolades marked by metrics.