B-Side Guys

Return often signals reassessment. Charlotte OC’s March 2025 release “God, We Tried” manifests this principle both lyrically and professionally, marking not just a new single but a reclamation of artistic identity following profound personal upheaval. Released via Embassy of Music and previewing an upcoming EP, this track positions the Blackburn-born artist as someone who has traversed emotional ruins and emerged with hard-earned wisdom.

The production immediately establishes emotional authenticity through restrained arrangements that prioritize OC’s formidable vocal presence. Elements of indie pop provide contemporary framing while adult contemporary influences create space for narrative complexity, resulting in a sound that feels simultaneously accessible and uncompromising—much like the emotional territory the song explores.

Written during the intersection of her father’s passing and a subsequent relationship that served more as emotional bandage than genuine connection, “God, We Tried” dissects the aftermath of seeking comfort in the wrong places. What distinguishes this exploration from countless other breakup narratives is its contextual honesty—OC doesn’t simply lament a failed relationship but examines how grief can distort judgment and lead to misplaced emotional investments.

The decision to film the accompanying video in her hometown of Blackburn provides perfect visual complement to the song’s thematic excavation. After experiencing what she described as “the car crash of a time I had in London,” this return to origins represents both geographical and emotional reorientation. The visual elements mirror the track’s central message: clarity often requires distance, both temporal and spatial, from our most turbulent moments.

Most compelling is how “God, We Tried” balances vulnerability with empowerment. Rather than positioning herself as victim of circumstance, OC assumes responsibility for her choices while acknowledging the complicated context in which they occurred. This nuanced perspective creates emotional resonance that transcends simple catharsis, offering reflection alongside release.

The track’s sonic palette draws from diverse influences—echoes of Patti Smith’s unflinching directness and Amy Winehouse’s emotional transparency—while maintaining distinctive character. Previously signed to Harvest/Universal before being dropped, OC leverages industry adversity into artistic advantage, creating music that feels unburdened by commercial calculation.

As introduction to her upcoming summer EP, “God, We Tried” establishes Charlotte OC as an artist who recognizes that authenticity requires integration of all experiences—even the most painful—into coherent identity. By embracing both her multicultural heritage and complicated personal history, she delivers a statement piece that functions simultaneously as confession and declaration of independence.