This summer, Clairo dropped her third studio album Charm, which has now been nominated for Best Alternative Album in the 2024 Grammy Awards. Her music career started in 2017 with the release of four singles, including the songs “Pretty Girl” and “Flaming Hot Cheetos,” which gained traction for their unique bedroom pop sound. However, it was in 2019 when her career really started to take off with the release of her debut album, Immunity. In these first couple of years, Clairo was known for her indie-pop melodies and soft girl aesthetic. She perfectly encapsulated the vibes of 2017-2019 with lo-fi, bedroom pop songs that quickly became her image, though they did not fully feel authentic compared to her style now.
In 2021, Clairo moved to upstate New York, taking time off to work on her sophomore album, Sling, with producer Jack Antonoff. This is when we saw the biggest shift in Clairo’s music, with a new slow, soft, and understated vibe. Clairo has repeatedly spoken of her love for Carole King and Joni Mitchell and how they serve as muses for her sound. I think with Sling, these influences stood out more in the sound of this album but were not yet heavily noticeable. With Sling, we began to see Clairo’s songwriting abilities take charge with standout tracks like “Harbor” and “Blouse.” However, with Sling, producer Jack Antonoff’s influence heavily rubbed off on some tracks like “Zinnias,” which limited their potential. You can feel her wanting to break away from lo-fi pop, but it seems too constrained by the conflict between her breakout sound and Antonoff’s production.
Charm was not a huge breakaway from the sounds of Sling, but it solidified her whimsical, soft, groovy sound. However, her choice to work with producer Leon Michels aided her further into the sonic, folky path she wanted to take. Clairo said that the experiences that inspired this album were “fleeting moments… where I’ve been charming or have been charmed,” setting a romantic, reminiscent, and intimate mood. The first track, “Nomad,” reflects on the dilemma of being heartbroken while also seeking connection. This song serves as the bridge from Sling to Charm, incorporating the solitude of Sling while stepping into the melodic nature of this album. Electric guitar slides between notes, with an upright bass playing softly behind, welcoming listeners into the world of Charm. “I’d rather be alone than a stranger… I’d rather wake up alone than be reminded of how it was a dream this time,” Clairo perfectly encapsulates the feelings that come along with the choice to remain alone to avoid another heartbreak. The following track, “Sexy to Someone,” was the leading single from the album. This groovy pop melody explores the need to feel sexy in order to feel like her life is interesting. This song gained a lot of popularity on TikTok for the universal feeling it touches on. “Sexy to Someone” incorporates a saxophone, cello, flute, piano, and guitar, adding to the soulful roots of the album.
In a TikTok interview with creator @marg.mp3, Clairo touches on the sonic influences of this album. She credits a majority of her influence to many bands and artists under Mag Records, like the Innovations and Monik. These influences pop out heavily on many of the tracks, including “Thank You,” “Slow Dance,” “Glory of the Snow,” and “Echo.” These songs all incorporate the use of synthesizers, bass guitar, and tambourines while sticking to Clairo’s intimate and playful lyrics. Many of Clairo’s vocals on Charm are soft and grainy, as if they are playing from a gramophone, amplifying the retro, sonic vibe. The songs “Terrapin” and “Juna” both use a unique touch of mouth trumpet sounds that became a staple of this album. The album ends with “Pier 4,” a sullen, acoustic melody recounting themes of loneliness, self-reflection, and the failure to connect with a partner. This song serves as the perfect closer for the album. Charm explores themes of romance, friendship, self-discovery, heartbreak, and human connection. I think Clairo’s choice to close with this track serves as a metaphor for the relationship she’s built with the listener coming to a close, inspired by fleeting moments of charm that only last briefly before inevitably parting ways in search of a deeper connection.
This album stands out among the rest of Clairo’s discography due to its genuineness and individuality. The ways in which she has evolved into a sound that feels the most authentic to herself have deeply improved her songwriting and production. I believe Clairo’s music will only evolve further, and she is fully deserving of her Grammy nomination. I guess what they say is true: third time’s the charm!