With 20,346,914 monthly listeners on Spotify and ranking as the 340th most listened-to artist in the world at only 26 years old, Clairo is continuing to grow in popularity.
Her ability to incorporate jazz styles into her indie pop songs makes her unlike any other artist. Even her concerts are completely unique; she incorporates 70’s set designs with carpeted conversation pits, effectively relaxing her audience with her mellow, calm attitude, allowing them to embrace the music.
While she is mostly known for her hit songs like “Bags” and “Sofia,” she recently released her newest album, “Charm,” over the summer. This album focuses on vulnerability and feelings of unfulfillment in her past relationships. I’ve highlighted some songs that stood out to me on this album.
The first track is titled “Nomad,” it speaks about feeling lonely even in a relationship. Clairo states, “but 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.”
She vocalizes her heartbreak at feeling unimportant and alone; she would prefer to be alone than to be treated less than she deserves. This song can resonate with people of all ages. When growing up and dating, sometimes individuals don’t realize how little someone cares about their feelings and how much they’re are putting up with someone. The song is balanced and calming, with lyrics that focus on self-preservation. It uses cellos and booming drums to cr
eate a whimsical sound, reminiscent of something one might hear in a dream.
The second track, “Sexy to Someone,” features a key lyric that stands out: “Sexy to somebody, it would help me out. Oh, I need a reason to get out of the house.” The validation of feeling attractive to someone can boost motivation and make people more willing to try for them. She talks about how she sees beauty in everything, and someone recognizing it in her makes her feel more attractive and confident. She goes on to ask if it’s too much to request, insinuating that in past relationships, she had to reach for validation, and it wasn’t immediate. This is one of the most popular songs on her new album, likely because many people can relate to her feelings.
“Terrapin,” the sixth track on “Charm,” is one of the more underrated songs. In the song she says, “you can say whatever you want, I don’t care, I’m already gone.” This song relies heavily on instrumentals rather than vocals, focusing on being at peace and accepting everything that comes your way. It features multiple instrumental breaks that radiate a peaceful, joyful energy that people gravitate towards. Although this song doesn’t receive as much attention as it should, I enjoyed listening to it, and it is one of my favorites on the album.
In contrast to “Terrapin,” “Juna” is one of the more popular songs on this album after it gained traction on TikTok. “Juna” is an upbeat song celebrating the joys of being in love and having someone who knows them deeply. “(You make me wanna) go dancing, (You make me wanna) Try on feminine.” These lyrics highlight how she feels light and adventurous when with someone. The trumpets in this song add a playful aspect, helping convey the feeling of being in love.
All the songs on this album are vastly different in tempo and mood, but they mesh perfectly. This is one of my favorite recent releases, and I think Clairo deserves credit for how beautifully it is put together. I would give this album a 10/10 because I find myself relistening and never getting bored. This album has opened the door to amazing new possibilities and projects because of the growing support.
It reaches multiple age groups and is a mesh of new and old that many can enjoy. Everyone should give this new album a listen and dive into Clairo’s discography to find more of her older music that is equally enthralling.