Isabella Chiarini adds all the cinematics to reimagined single, "Gotta Be (stripped)"
On “Gotta Be (stripped),” Isabella Chiarini strips everything back and somehow makes the emotional impact feel larger, not smaller. It’s a rare kind of reimagining, one that doesn’t exist to simply soften the edges of the original, but to completely reframe the emotion of it all. What emerges is a version that feels cinematic, almost suspended in air, allowing Chiarini’s voice and songwriting instincts to take center stage with a breathtaking touch.
Though Chiarini has always described herself as a pop artist at heart, this semi-acoustic reinterpretation shows how fluid her relationship with the genre really is. The song still lives under the pop umbrella, but here it’s filtered through atmosphere rather than punchy hooks or layered production. Light strings drift gently through the arrangement, creating a sense of space and stillness, while the instrumentation stays intentionally minimal. Nothing competes with the vocal, that’s where the song shines the absolute brightest.
And that vocal performance is the undeniable anchor. Chiarini’s voice sounds angelic and ethereal, floating above the arrangement with a warmth and range that’s literally as intimate as it gets. There’s a softness in her delivery that pulls the listener closer, as if the song is being sung just inches away. Every breath, every subtle inflection feels deliberate, enhancing her lyricism and giving the words room to fully land. It’s heavenly without ever tipping into excess.
The production is immaculate in its simplicity. Rather than relying on dramatic shifts or grand crescendos, the track unfolds patiently, trusting you to really dig into the vibe. The confidence is what makes this version feel so expansive. It’s not louder or busier, but it feels bigger, like a widescreen moment built from quiet details.
In our interview above with Isabella, she spoke candidly about the process behind rethinking the original version. We love learning about the meaning of the music, so without giving too much away, we really urge you to check out the conversation! The acoustic arrangement feels born from reflection rather than revision for novelty’s sake. It’s clear she wasn’t interested in simply “unplugging” the song, but in uncovering something deeper within it.
Ultimately, “Gotta Be (stripped)” stands as a beautiful companion piece that enhances, rather than replaces, its counterpart. Both versions shine in their own ways, but this stripped-back take reveals Chiarini’s artistic maturity and emotional intuition. We already know you’re going to love it, because how could you not?
Click those links below to listen in, follow along, and of course to check out our chat with one of our favorite artists!
Listen to “Gotta Be (stripped)”
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