Atanaria
In a world where pop music often feels overproduced and disconnected, Too Late to Cry, Carlie Hanson’s debut EP under Fearless Records, is a breathtaking breath of fresh air. With this seven-track masterpiece, Hanson captures the essence of raw, unapologetic vulnerability while celebrating strength and personal growth. If there’s one thing this EP proves, it’s that Carlie Hanson is not just an artist—she’s a force to be reckoned with. The EP is an effortless 10/10, offering a deeply personal journey that resonates with anyone who has ever faced loss, found strength in the face of adversity, and dared to move forward.
From its intimate production to its emotionally charged lyrics, Too Late to Cry marks a defining moment in Carlie’s career. After parting ways with her previous label and embracing her newfound creative independence, Carlie built this EP in the quiet of her Los Angeles apartment, pouring her heart and soul into every note. The result is an album that feels both uniquely hers and universally relatable. The stripped-back yet intricate sound is a testament to her growth as an artist, seamlessly blending alt-pop melodies with organic instrumentation that mirrors the authenticity of her message.
The EP opens with how many hours?, a hypnotic and introspective track that captures the restless, late-night overthinking that many of us know all too well. With its layered synths and Carlie’s haunting vocals, the song sets the tone for what’s to come—an exploration of vulnerability and reflection, where every moment is an invitation to sit with one’s emotions. It’s not just a song; it’s an experience, one that gently lures listeners into the world Carlie has created.
In stark contrast, nutshell strips things down to raw, acoustic emotion. It’s a simple yet poignant track that showcases Carlie’s lyrical prowess and ability to evoke deep feeling with minimal instrumentation. Here, her voice takes center stage, unfurling the complexities of heartbreak in a way that is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
But it’s covering faces that serves as the EP’s cathartic, anthemic centerpiece. A song born out of freestyle spontaneity, covering faces is an unapologetic anthem for anyone who has ever had to shed the weight of toxic relationships. It’s a moment of catharsis, a release of pent-up frustration and empowerment. The accompanying music video, shot in Japan, mirrors the track’s themes of self-discovery and transformation. Japan, a place Carlie had never visited before, becomes a symbol of her ongoing journey—a journey of shedding the past and embracing the unknown. The track is a stunning reminder that sometimes the most powerful songs come not from over-analysis, but from pure instinct.
The title track, Too Late to Cry, is a driving anthem that perfectly encapsulates the EP’s core message of resilience and self-empowerment. With its pounding beat and defiant lyrics—“It’s too late to cry, I’m moving on now”—it acts as a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever faced personal setbacks. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to stand tall and move forward, no matter what life has thrown at you. It’s the perfect anthem for anyone who’s ever felt defeated but refused to stay down.
What makes Too Late to Cry so compelling is its authenticity. Each song feels like an open letter from Carlie herself—honest, vulnerable, and fiercely independent. As both the writer and producer of the EP, she has crafted a collection of songs that are undeniably hers. Her ability to turn personal pain into empowering anthems is nothing short of remarkable. Whether it’s through the atmospheric production of how many hours? or the introspective storytelling of sinking, Carlie’s music invites listeners to not only hear her story, but to live it with her.
Too Late to Cry is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a declaration of artistic independence and personal growth. It’s clear that Carlie Hanson is no longer the young girl who first broke into the scene with “Only One” in 2017. She’s a confident, self-assured artist who has taken full control of her creative vision. The emotional depth and sonic experimentation on display in this EP are a testament to her evolution, both as an artist and as a person.
Carlie Hanson’s Too Late to Cry is a stunning reflection of resilience, strength, and hope. With this release, she has not only reclaimed her narrative but has created a body of work that speaks to anyone who’s faced loss, heartache, or self-doubt. From the vulnerable highs to the cathartic lows, Too Late to Cry is an album that will stay with you long after the final track fades. It’s a 10/10 release—an anthem of empowerment, vulnerability, and most importantly, growth. Carlie Hanson has arrived, and she’s here to stay.
