Cleo Handler – “compare & contrast”

I’m absolutely obsessed with Cleo Handler and her latest album “compare & contrast”. This album tackles dating and being alone with the kind of brutal honesty that will have you nodding along while simultaneously cringing at how accurately it captures those awkward, painful, and sometimes hilarious moments we’ve all experienced. Cleo splits her time between LA and NY, and you can hear that bi-coastal creative energy throughout the record.

If you are a fan of Liz Phair’s straightforward lyrical approach or Wet Leg’s indie rock sensibilities, you will enjoy this. There is also a fair share of attitude that is similar to Olivia Rodrigo and Beach Bunny, but Cleo maintains her own distinct voice throughout.

What is most notable is that the album captures the transition from relationship uncertainty to self-actualization. The title “compare & contrast” comes from a brutal breakup where someone told Handler they needed to keep dating others to “compare and contrast” – ouch! But she brilliantly reclaims that phrase, turning it into a framework for understanding herself better rather than evaluating others.

The album also features three music videos for the songs “marathon”, “rules”, and “easy” that Cleo directed and edited herself, which is a filmmaker background, and the videos have a home movie feel that is fitting for the personal lyrics of the songs. You can check the music videos down below.

I can’t get enough of this album and believe it is one of the most honest and genuine albums I’ve listened to in a long time so you should follow Cleo Handler on her social media, and listen to “compare & contrast” because music like this is rare.