Clarity Liao’s Shows An Intimate Power In ‘Like I Do’

San Francisco’s rising star, Clarity Liao, has done it again. With her latest single, Like I Do, the young singer-songwriter proves that her gift for turning raw emotion into irresistible pop is only growing sharper. Following her poignant alt-pop debut, Hurt My Heart, this piano-led ballad is a masterclass in vulnerability, blending delicate melodies with lyrical depth that would leave most seasoned artists envious.

What makes Like I Do so compelling is its origin story. Written as an English assignment, the song captures the ache of unrequited love through the metaphor of wandering endlessly through a desert. It’s stripped back, intimate, and entirely Clarity: every piano note, every breath in her voice, feels deliberate, honest, and heartbreakingly relatable. “This song really brought out my emotions from the current situation I was in at the time,” Clarity says, reflecting on the track’s evolution from homework to studio release.

At just 12, Clarity was already crafting songs that showcased technical mastery and emotional maturity, and her growth since then is undeniable. Her solo work draws from indie pop, R&B, and even modern doo-wop, while taking cues from Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars, and timeless voices like Celine Dion. Like I Do isn’t just a song—it’s a statement: Clarity Liao is an artist who doesn’t just sing; she communicates, resonates, and leaves you thinking long after the last note fades.

Her forthcoming EP, Dear…, promises more intimate explorations of love, jealousy, and loss, but if Like I Do is anything to go by, Clarity is setting the bar high. Vulnerable yet confident, tender yet powerful, she’s not just a young talent—she’s a force in contemporary pop ready to make a lasting mark.