BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR
Album cover courtesy of @clairo on Instagram
ALBUM SCORE: 5/5 Stars
Progressing from her EP days, Clairo continues to perfect her sound in her latest record, “Charm.”
“Charm” is the third commercial release from singer-songwriter Clairo, who quickly captured the hearts of the bedroom pop and singer-songwriter scene in the mid-to-late 2010s. Her rise was propelled not only by hit singles like “Bubblegum,” “Pretty Girl,” and “4EVER” but also by a remarkable output of 13 EPs under her name, Claire Cottrill.
Early in Clairo’s career, some critics suggested she might be an industry plant, but her prolific output and consistent improvement to her craft say otherwise. After all, It’s not often you come across a teenage songwriting prodigy who produces one home recording after another and manages to build an audience from it.
On her latest LP, Clairo intelligently teamed up with producer and multi-instrumentalist Leon Michaels of El Michaels Affair, known for his work with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.
Michael’s funk, soul, and jazz background perfectly complements Clairo’s gentle, intimate, sophistic-pop vocals. The record presents a tight patch of pop tunes with sharp hooks, mature lyrics, and ornate bridges, reflecting a shared love for 70s soft rock aesthetics.
“Charm” is a significant step up from Clairo’s previous record, “Sling,” where the production often matched the energy of her hushed vocals without enlivening the songs. In contrast, “Charm” boasts bold instrumentation that brings each track to life.
Whether it’s the whispering arpeggios and slinky lead melodies on the opener, the zestful drums and tuneful woodwind melodies on “Sexy to Someone,” the timely piano phrasing all over “Slow Dance,” or the ascending piano runs on “Thank You,” every song is a vibrant mix of sounds.
Other highlights include “Second Nature” and “Terrapin,” featuring jazzy embellishments that add to the LP’s impressive sound.
Lyrically, Clairo hits her mark, exploring themes of touch-starvation, the desire for proximity and the transient nature of relationships.
In the opener, she describes feeling seamless about being “touch starved,” battling back and forth between wanting and not wanting someone, as their presence reminds her of how temporary the situation is. “Thank You” also stands out lyrically, with themes of temporary companionship and some of her best lyrics.
“Second Nature” is another highlight, with its evolving harmonies and intricate melodies. The song’s Beatles-esque breakdown adds a surprising twist, showcasing Clairo’s ability to blend different influences into a cohesive whole.
Ear-candy modern R&B tunes such as“Terrapin” and “Juna” feature intricate arrangements and soulful melodies. Clairo’s vocal layering on these tracks is impressive, adding depth and texture to the songs.
“Add Up My Love” is a joyful, strutting anthem that adds energy to the album. Its upbeat tempo and catchy hooks make it a perfect indie rock tune, showcasing Clairo’s versatility as an artist.
The final trio of tracks—“Echo,” “Glory of the Snow,” and “Pier 4”—showcase Clairo’s ability to blend influences into an eclectic yet cohesive listen. “Echo” has a playful, psychedelic sound, “Glory of The Snow” is a happy pop tune with Mellotron flute and vintage keyboard sounds, and “Pier” is an intimate, emotional finale.
“Charm” is a testament to Clairo’s artistic growth and evolution. Each track shows her ability to blend introspective lyrics with lush, vibrant soundscapes. Lyrically, the album is an emotional landscape, filled with vulnerability and introspection.
debelljb22@bonaventure.edu
