On July 12, the world was blessed with the release of “Charm” by Clairo: a collection of 11 lilting, joyful songs. I am writing this to ensure that if you have not sampled the true joy that is now yours to experience, you get up from where you’re sitting, plug in your headphones and listen to this album.
Claire Cottrill, better known by her stage name, Clairo, has been a beloved and respected artist since she began releasing singles produced in her bedroom in 2017, blessing the world with now classics “Sofia,” “4EVER” and “Pretty Girl” (which was originally produced on GarageBand).
The importance of her newest album, “Charm,” becomes most apparent when compared to her early music, including her first two albums, “Immunity” (2019) and “Sling” (2021), which center around the process of self-discovery.
Clairo’s first EP, “diary 001” (2018), showcases the frustrating experience of accepting her sexuality. The lyrics to songs “Hello?” and “Flaming Hot Cheetos” attempt to describe the maddening experience of coming into your sexuality as a young adult.
Her earlier releases invoke feelings of reflection and call to me when I am craving a calm, lyrically deep and consistently engaging listening experience.
The pensive, comforting feel of her early music is what makes the listening experience of jubilant “Charm” a particularly pleasant surprise. “Charm” encapsulates a feeling of mature romance.
With triumphant hits like “Juna,” “Sexy to Someone” and “Add Up My Love,” as well as quieter pieces like “Nomad” and “Echo,” Clairo has built upon the unique style for which her music has been adored since 2017 while infusing it with the maturity that comes with self-acceptance.
Her earliest releases, including her first full album, “Immunity,” have felt almost overproduced. The surplus of filters and digital instruments overpower the emotional depth the album means to convey and detract from her personable and relatable lyrics.
Harnessing her digital production in order to curate the specific vibe of her music, Clairo has definitely come into her own style with “Charm.” The 11 songs comprising the new album sound more like the authentic Clairo than her music before ever has.
My mind after a listen-through of a Clairo album is a different place altogether. Especially with “Charm”, I find myself wishing I could dive into the dreamy fairyland her music invents. The buoyant lyrics, bright beats and fluid instruments make her music and those who listen to it sparkle with an effervescent hopefulness and femininity.
I recommend you lean into the lyrics, appreciate the odd instruments and absorb the energy oozing from this masterpiece. “Charm” will make you an optimist.
