It’s difficult to believe the artist has less than 1,000 followers on Instagram and under 10,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. With silky smooth vocals and vulnerable yet poetic lyrics about unrequited love, it’s no surprise Mariella has previously been featured as one of BBC’s ‘Future Artists’.

Comparable to Jorja Smith and Mahalia yet with her own unique sound and vocals, Mariella’s ‘Clueless’ is a versatile single for listeners. Add it to study, work, drive, or pre-drink playlists and it won’t be out of place.

Mariella takes listeners on an exploration of heartbreak and healing through her lyrics. So many of us can relate to the realisation of what is actually happening rather than what we perceive, and this is captured perfectly with lines such as: “Oh my gosh, I’ve been so foolish romanticising you.” And: “There’s nothing to say that could take away the shame knowing you didn’t feel the same.”

Vulnerable, heart-wrenching lyrics contrast with the upbeat tone of the song which perhaps suggests the protagonist has reached the stage of acceptance with their heartbreak. It is this mixture of lyrics and a slick R&B sound that creates such a wonderful listening experience.

The single remains in-line with Mariella’s previous releases such as ‘Disconnect’ and ‘Natural’ but has a more mature, refined edge. She is evidently a songwriting powerhouse who can combine her words with her soulful sound.

‘Clueless’ feels like an evolution of Mariella’s music rather than a change in direction and with such raw talent as displayed in her latest release, there’s no doubt this is only the beginning of a very exciting musical journey for her.