KEL MARQUEZ
Staff Writer
Since Claire Cottrill released her latest album, I’ve been having a “Charm” summer. Three years have passed since she showed her fans a different side of her music with her 2021 release, “Sling.” Shifting from her bedroom pop “Immunity” to an indie folk style left me wondering what she had in store for her fans when she announced her new album, “Charm.”
When Clairo released “Sling,” I must admit I wasn’t much of a fan at first. But after some time, it grew on me so much so that I fell in love with a genre I wasn’t used to. Clairo’s music has influenced my taste in ways other artists’ music hasn’t, which made me excited for her latest release.
This album was exactly what I wanted it to be and more. Clairo showed yet another side of her artistry with this album’s soft rock undertones. Her delicate voice is accompanied by unique instrumentation that either energizes each song or compliments her mellow lyrics. If I were to explain this release in a few simple words, I‘d say it’s flirty, flavorful and fun.
My favorite song from the album is, by far, “Juna,” which also seems to be the most popular. Never in a million years would I expect a Clairo song to make me want to dance, but “Juna” puts a little pep in my step. This song alone shows a completely different side to her discography, incorporating a new jazzy sound. This makes the song sound very playful, which is fitting for the lyrics and their coyish nature.
The lyrics can speak for themselves: “(You make me wanna) go dancing, (You make me wanna) try on feminine, (You make me wanna) go buy a new dress, (You make me wanna) slip off a new dress.”
What makes this song stand out to me is the part after the final chorus when Clairo mimics the sound of a trumpet. This detail alone emphasizes the creative side of her artistry.
The final track, “Pier 4,” ends this album in a perfect way. Despite “Charm” being a happier, upbeat record, Clairo throws us a curveball with this ballad-like song. Although I was a fan of her new direction, I was ecstatic that she included this masterpiece. The main reason for my excitement was the fact that “Sling” was full of melancholic, bittersweet music. This only left me wanting more of Clairo’s gentle songwriting, which both stings and salves the heart.
In this track, she writes about the difficult nature of intimacy: of wanting more yet being overwhelmed when it becomes too much. As someone who listens to a great deal of sad music, I believe there‘s no one else that can make me feel so much emotion within the time span of three minutes and 25 seconds.
In terms of season, I feel this album is best for the summer, but it’s also a great transitional album as we go into fall. There are several options that could compliment days when you start to feel that chilly fall breeze. “Echo” is a great listening choice for the fall due to its mysterious tone created by Clairo’s dreamy vocals. I can imagine myself walking around Newark late at night to this song, especially as Halloween comes around.
If you haven’t listened to the album yet, I would suggest starting with “Glory of the Snow.” In an interview, Clairo said she drew inspiration from the INnovations cover of “Seabird” (1976) when writing it, and that it set the tone for the album overall. This is also one of the few tracks I believe deserves more love and attention, along with “Thank You” and “Slow Dance.” Although I suggest starting with this song, I strongly believe anyone could put this album on shuffle and fall in love with it instantly. “Charm” has something to offer for every listener.
Songs that make me want to dance (and try on feminine): “Sexy to Someone,” “Thank You,”“Juna,” “Add Up My Love” and “Glory of the Snow”
Songs that I play when I feel a sudden fall breeze: “Nomad,” “Second Nature,” “Slow Dance,” “Terrapin” and “Echo”
The only song that makes me cry: “Pier 4”
