There’s something magnetic about vulnerability when it’s wrapped in the right sonic package, and Manchester’s This is Daro has discovered that perfect alchemy with her latest single “Hooked”. Released on July 8th, this track doesn’t just capture the butterflies-in-stomach sensation of crushing hard on someone – it transforms that raw, relatable anxiety into a sophisticated pop anthem that feels both intimately personal and universally resonant.
The journey to this moment has been years in the making for This is Daro, whose path from shy introvert to confident pop artist reads like a masterclass in artistic evolution. Those early days spent dancing to Kylie and Dannii Minogue on Top of the Pops planted seeds that would eventually bloom into something far more complex and emotionally nuanced. What began as childhood inspiration has matured into a distinctive artistic voice that draws from the melodic sophistication of Mariah Carey, the harmonic richness of The Backstreet Boys, and the contemporary R&B sensibilities of JoJo.
Her credentials speak to an artist who has methodically honed her craft. The BTEC National Diploma in Popular Music provided the technical foundation, while her time with Motown Soul Sisters and The Soul Vandellas offered invaluable live experience. Supporting Alexander O’Neal in the Isle of Wight and working as a session singer for DJ/Producer Andrea Fois in Italy demonstrate an artist who has consistently sought opportunities to expand her musical vocabulary. Even an invitation to audition for Britain’s Got Talent speaks to the recognition of her raw potential.
Following her 2024 debut “Sour”, This is Daro has been building a catalog that explores the full spectrum of romantic experience – from summer euphoria to melancholic longing. “Hooked” represents perhaps her most sophisticated work yet, tackling the paralyzing fear of rejection that so many experience but few artists capture with such precision and emotional intelligence.
“Hooked” is a testament to thoughtful production and arrangement. The track opens with warm pastel tones that immediately establish an intimate atmosphere, as shimmering keyboards create a dreamy foundation that mirrors the hazy, uncertain feelings of attraction. Clean jangling guitars add texture without overwhelming the delicate emotional space, while rolling basslines provide a steady heartbeat that mimics the physical sensations of nervous anticipation.
The percussion work is particularly noteworthy capturing that restless energy of someone who can’t quite sit still, whose mind is racing with possibilities and fears in equal measure. This rhythmic foundation builds expertly toward the choruses, where the sonic palette explodes into bright, vibrant sounds that match the emotional release of the hook.
This is Daro‘s vocal performance is nothing short of masterful. In the verses, her delivery is soulful and introspective, drawing listeners into her internal monologue with an almost conspiratorial intimacy. When the choruses arrive, her voice transforms – powerful and anthemic, yet retaining the vulnerability that makes the track so compelling. This dynamic range showcases an artist who understands that true emotional impact comes from contrast and restraint as much as from power.
The overall sonic experience successfully blends Soul, R&B, and Pop elements into something that feels both fresh and classic. It’s contemporary enough to sit comfortably on today’s playlists while drawing from timeless influences that give it lasting power. The genius of “Hooked” lies in its unflinching examination of romantic paralysis. The opening lines immediately establish the scenario with cinematic precision – those wandering eyes, the infectious smile, the smooth complexion that becomes impossible to ignore. But This is Daro doesn’t simply paint a picture of attraction; she captures the internal conflict that follows, the way desire wars with self-doubt.
The line about trying to focus on girlfriends’ conversations while being distracted by this “heatwave” is particularly brilliant. It’s a moment every listener will recognize – that inability to be present anywhere else when someone has captured your attention so completely. The use of “heatwave” as metaphor is inspired, suggesting both the physical warmth of attraction and the overwhelming nature of the experience.
What sets this track apart is its honest exploration of sexual desire alongside emotional vulnerability. The repeated reference to wanting to “rip all your clothes off” is refreshingly direct, but it’s immediately tempered by the fear of rejection. This juxtaposition – raw desire constrained by anxiety – creates a tension that drives the entire song.
The chorus serves as both declaration and plea. “I’m hooked on you” isn’t just about attraction; it’s about addiction, about being caught in something beyond your control. The promise to “treat you right so you don’t want to leave” reveals deeper insecurities about worthiness and the fear of abandonment that often underlies romantic anxiety.
The second verse introduces the element of time pressure – “clock is ticking,” “after midnight,” “my time to leave.” This urgency adds another layer of anxiety, the recognition that opportunities have windows, that hesitation might mean missing your chance entirely. The physical manifestations of nervousness – the racing heart, the inability to speak – are rendered with almost medical precision.
The bridge section, with its repetitive “I wanna know” structure, captures the obsessive nature of infatuation. It’s not just about wanting to know this person; it’s about the desperate need to understand their thoughts, to bridge the gap between stranger and connection. The line “I wanna show you the things that you are missing” suggests confidence beneath the anxiety, a belief that if this person could just see past the surface, they might find something worth their time.
“Hooked” arrives at a time when dating apps have supposedly made connections easier, they’ve also created new forms of rejection and social anxiety. This is Daro has tapped into something profoundly relevant – the way technology hasn’t eliminated the fundamental human fears around romantic connection.
The song speaks particularly to those who identify as introverts or those who struggle with social anxiety. In a culture that often celebrates boldness and confidence, “Hooked” offers validation for those who feel paralyzed by possibility. It’s a reminder that some of our most intense experiences happen entirely in our heads, in the space between desire and action.
There’s also something refreshingly honest about the song’s portrayal of female desire. Rather than waiting to be pursued, the narrator is clear about what she wants – she’s just struggling with how to act on it. This agency, even when compromised by anxiety, represents a more complex and realistic portrayal of modern romance than many pop songs offer.
“Hooked” positions This is Daro as an artist capable of transforming personal vulnerability into universal connection. Her ability to mine her own experiences for material that resonates widely suggests a songwriter with both emotional intelligence and commercial instincts. The track’s blend of accessibility and sophistication indicates an artist who understands that the best pop music doesn’t talk down to its audience but rather elevates common experiences into something transcendent.
“Hooked” succeeds because it doesn’t try to solve the problem it presents. There’s no neat resolution, no moment where confidence conquers anxiety. Instead, it offers something more valuable – recognition, validation, and the kind of melodic comfort that makes difficult emotions feel manageable. The song doesn’t promise that approaching your crush will get easier; it promises that you’re not alone in finding it difficult.
This is pop music at its most essential – taking the experiences that make us most human and wrapping them in melodies that make them feel less isolating. This is Daro has delivered something special with “Hooked”, a track that announces her as an artist worth watching and, more importantly, worth listening to when the night gets late and the heart starts racing at a hundred beats per minute.
OFFICIAL LINKS: SOUNDCLOUD – SPOTIFY – INSTAGRAM
