Album Review: Charm | Clario
Third times the charm. Literally.
Claire Cottrill, aka Clairo, has made it very clear that she's a shapeshifter, but she still manages to surprise us every time. Her unique ability to adapt, jumping between different sounds and genres, makes her one of the most interesting young artists in the industry.
At 25, Clairo has already demonstrated an impressive range of musical styles and influences, reflecting her evolution as an artist and her willingness to experiment with different genres. She began her career with lo-fi bedroom pop, capturing listeners' attention with her raw and intimate sound on early singles like "Pretty Girl" and "4EVER”. These tracks, characterized by their DIY production and candid lyrics, quickly garnered a dedicated online following and set the stage for her future musical explorations. Her debut album, Immunity, marked a significant shift towards indie rock. Tracks like "Bags" and "Sofia" showcased her ability to blend heartfelt lyricism with catchy melodies and solidified her place in the indie music scene.
With her sophomore album, "Sling," Clairo ventured into folk territory, embracing a more stripped-down, acoustic sound. Produced by Jack Antonoff, the album features a warm, organic production style that complements her reflective songwriting. Songs like "Blouse" and "Amoeba" reveal a more vulnerable side of Clairo as she navigates themes of self-discovery, mental health, and the pressures of fame. The sharp left turn sonically was generally considered a "sophomore slump" for the artist, leaving listeners yearning for something more compelling and innovative from a production standpoint (and Antonoff might be to blame). The departure from her original style failed to truly captivate an audience that was expecting a richer and more dynamic listening experience.
In her latest record, Clairo continues to evolve, incorporating elements of jazz and soul into her music. This genre-blending approach showcases her versatility and desire to create.
“It’s definitely very important to me to try something new every record, challenge myself a little bit more.”
Charm is a testament to Clairo’s relentless pursuit of artistic growth. The record is filled with unique musical choices that play to her strengths, showcasing her evolution as an artist. The album's top half features the lead single, "Sexy to Someone," a track with a captivating groove driven by its chords and bassline that demands attention.
Clairo's vocal control on this record is particularly impressive, especially on the aforementioned lead single. Her voice feels intimate and unassuming, maintaining the essence of her indie bedroom style. Charm is the perfect everyday album—a versatile companion for walks, cooking dinner, or running errands. It draws you in with its allure without overwhelming you.
Another standout track, "Juna," highlights Clairo’s ability to experiment with song structure. The blend of hooks and verses creates an ambiguous yet compelling chorus. The keys on this track are both light and dense, a contradiction that somehow works beautifully. The implementation of jazz chords and the synth lead on the chorus is masterfully done.
Clairo's journey through various musical landscapes not only showcases her talent and adaptability but also underscores her unwavering commitment to artistic growth and authenticity—and Charm is no exception.
Check out our favorite tracks, listen to the album, and see our scores below:
Can’t Miss: Sexy to Someone, Add Up My Love, Juna
You Can Skip: Echo
BY THE NUMBERS
Bennett’s Score: 7.18
Carson’s Score: 7.36
Overall Album Score: 14.55
Notes from Bennett:
yes
Notes from Carson:
Really quite charmed with this album! I absolutely adore some Clairo songs but never though any of her albums quite matched the genius of tracks like Bags, Sofia, & Amoeba. Charm is a pleasant surprise as it is solid front to back.
This vibe of this record is really special - i love how whimsical and down to earth it feels. It’s so easy to put on and listen without it becoming overwhelming. She really nailed this sound.
Add Up My Love is a the initial standout to me - really catchy tune. Same goes for Thank You - this one feels slept on.
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