Claire Wright has a unique sound—a California-reggae vibe infused with country storytelling—that is entirely her own. Born and raised in Northern California, she weaves elements of sunshine and carefree living into every note of her music. Wright honed her craft as a full-time singer-songwriter, spending years in both Southern California and Nashville, Tennessee, learning the art of penning authentic and compelling lyrics. Her influences range from Jack Johnson to Dirty Heads and everything in between. The key to her music is the sunshine and carefree living she embodies, and that’s exactly what you get when listening to her work. Her latest album, Holding on Tight, is no exception.

The album kicks off with the title track, “Holding on Tight,” featuring The Hip Abduction. It’s a positive, feel-good anthem that sets the tone for this “walk on the beach” with Claire, reminding us to slow down, keep the faith, and enjoy the journey. The Hip Abduction adds a smooth vibe that blends perfectly with Wright’s voice.

Next up is “Lighter Shade of Blue,” a slower tune with an encouraging message: even when things feel blue, the sunshine is always shining through. This track beautifully showcases Claire’s chill, expressive vocals.

One of my favorite tracks, “Enough,” features Anuhea. Both Claire and Anuhea share a similar chill, happy, and relaxing vibe in their singing, and their voices work so well together on this track. Their soulful harmonies are pure magic—I need more collaborations from these two!

“If You Wanna Roll,” featuring The Elovaters, follows with a laid-back, beachy flow. It’s a song about spending time with someone special:
“If you wanna roll / Then baby we can roll / Take you downtown, tell me where you wanna go / If you wanna cruise then baby we can cruise / Whip it with the top back / Cadillac / What you wanna do.”
Jackson Wetherbee of The Elovaters brings an amazing feel and flow to this track, perfectly complementing Claire’s style.

“Malibu” is next, delivering another breezy, beachy groove. Claire’s magical vocals transport you straight to the sand, chilling with friends and soaking up the good vibes.

“Cloud 9” follows, a fun and de-stressing track that highlights Claire’s beautiful, versatile voice. The song’s tempo shifts and lyrical flow keep it fresh and engaging. It also features a nod to Rebelution’s “Safe and Sound,” with Eric Rachmany’s guitar work shining through:

“When we come down, oh-yeah, yeah, yeah / We’ll be dreaming safe and sound / You better know why / Oh baby that’s all I got.”
Claire then adds her own lyrics, creating a cool “re-mix” of the Rebelution classic. It’s a standout track that honors the original while making it uniquely hers.

Micah Brown joins Claire on “It’s OK to Be Happy,” a cheerful reminder to let your hair down, feel good, and not take life too seriously. Brown’s verse keeps the positive energy flowing, making this track a true mood booster.

“The Forever Song” features a great acoustic guitar groove, with Claire’s gorgeous voice taking center stage. It’s a track that pulls you in so deeply, you don’t even realize it’s almost over.

“Somewhere Easy” is a heartfelt song about slowing down and finding peace:
“Whether it’s catching fish, catching flights, catching love with a cup of coffee, somewhere far from neon lights where the sky is blue.”

Claire sings with so much heart, making it impossible not to feel optimistic and joyful.

“Keep Your Old Friends” delivers another great message, reminding us to let go of baggage and bad habits while keeping our old friends close. The upbeat rhythm and Claire’s mix of singing and rap flow work seamlessly together.

The album closes with the perfect track, “Poolside.” Claire’s soulful voice shines as she pulls you into her world of love, life, and relaxation:

“We ain’t got no plans, just working on my tan, floating on the deep end, nowhere to go, I hope the weekend please take it slow, Poolside.”
It’s a song that makes you feel like you’re lounging poolside with your closest friends or loved ones, soaking up the sun and good vibes.

This album is pure sunshine. It puts a smile on your face and fills your heart with warmth. Claire Wright’s soulful, beautiful voice floats effortlessly through each track, carrying you on a journey of positivity and joy. Holding on Tight is the perfect soundtrack for a day at the beach, a poolside hangout, a cruise with friends, or even a pick-me-up when you’re feeling down. Pop it on, sit back, and let the good vibes wash over you.

One Love – Todd M. Judd