Clairo, whose real name is Claire Elizabeth Cottrill, is a Georgia-born American singer-songwriter. Clairo started out her musical career posting covers at the age of fifteen, but when she rose to fame with her 2017 hit, “Pretty Girl,” she began releasing music under Faber Label. As she continued to release music, she slowly began rising and rising in fame among the bedroom pop and indie genres.

Charm was released on July 12th, 2024, with eleven tracks. This album is only thirty-eight minutes; however, each track is absolutely incredible and has such great repeat value. On March 1st, Clairo posted on Instagram with a caption with a number three, a check mark, and a purple heart emoji. Music publication The Forty-Five ultimately figured out that this was to tease that her third studio album had been completed and would eventually be brought to fans.

On May 23rd, Clairo announced that her album would be coming in July and released the first of two singles from the album, “Sexy to Someone,” track number 2 on the album. Following this, on June 28th, Clairo then released the second single, “Nomad,” which is track one. She performed track seven, “Juna,” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. After the show aired, she released the dates for her North American tour for the album, opened by Alice Phoebe Lou.

On August 4th, Clairo’s first music video in six years was posted, the video for “Juna.”

This album was recommended to me by my boyfriend, Daniel, and I have to say, I’m very pleasantly surprised! I have not been very big into Clairo since I had listened to her back in 2017-2018, but I really enjoyed this album! I found each song to be very intriguing and I never wanted it to end. Each song had its own flare, while still being cohesive enough to fit into the album. From my first listen, I was immediately drawn to the dreamy sounds and soft beats, combined with her soothing, smooth vocals. To say I enjoy this album is a very big understatement. When talking with Daniel about why this album is so great, he stated, “I like it because it’s very low energy and its great to walk around to and feel immersed within your surroundings. I think, even though it’s very low energy and a lot of the songs are similar, they all have very different catchy moments, which makes each of them stand out to me.” I was recommended this album because of its sound and the way it feels to the listener, with such a relaxed tone.

Tracklist:

1. Nomad (9/10)
2. Sexy to Someone (9.6/10)
3. Second Nature (8.7/10)
4. Slow Dance (8.5/10)
5. Thank You (8.5/10)
6. Terrapin (8.8/10)
7. Juna (9.8/10)
8. Add Up My Love (9.8/10)
9. Echo (9.2/10)
10. Glory of the Snow (8.6/10)
11. Pier 4 (9.3/10)

I do have to agree that this album is such a perfect thing to listen to when walking or doing anything low-energy, like laying down, reading, or even doing homework. It has such a relaxing feel that it never feels overwhelming, which is always a plus in my book. One of my favorite tracks from this album is Juna, which many people seem to agree with! This song specifically trended on TikTok for a while, with users loving even the 15-second snippet used to record clips. I personally love the fun, silly lyrics throughout it, even with such an amazing meaning behind it. Having such a deep connection with someone that everything else is blocked out is such a beautiful feeling, and this song encapsulates that perfectly.

I would recommend this album to someone who wants music that has beautifully written lyrics, who wants to be introduced to more indie-style artists, and/or someone who is looking for an album that could be used for relaxation, comfort, or calmness.

Favorite lyrics from (mostly) every track:

• Nomad
  • I’d rather wake up alone than be reminded
    Of how it was a dream this time
• Sexy to Someone
  • I want to be sexy to someone (Is it too much to ask?)
    I want to be sexy to someone (Then what’s holding you back?)
    I want to be sexy to someone (It’s not too much to ask)
• Second Nature
  • It’s second nature
    Like the sap from a cedar
    Rolling down to be near her
  • Soon you’ll realize, too
    How it, it aligns you
    Oughta know, know the
    Know the truth
• Slow Dance
  • And, too, when candles burn out
    And the record is faded down
    I know you’ve got people to turn to
  • What is it that’s keeping one foot out
    And the other crawling in bed?
• Thank You
  • ‘Cause when I met you, I knew it
    I’d thank you for your time
• Juna
  • I don’t even try
    I don’t have to think
    With you, there’s no pretending
  • You know me, you know me
  • (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
• Add Up My Love
  • If I could wait for a time
    To be mad about it, mad about it
    I’d choose a day when you’re on your way
    And I can say it all to your face, say it to your face
  • Do you miss all the ways I put you in your place?
    You say you like all of my attitude
• Echo
  • There’s a secret I can’t keep from you
    And I think you already know
    It’s in the things I see in you
    And what you notice I echo
• Pier 4
  • What’s the cost of it, of being loved?
    When close is not close enough

Overall, this album gets a 9.1/10! Although only a half hour long, I have such a great experience every time I play it. If you’re looking for something that has a great vibe to it, this is the album to stream.

Find “Charm” by Clairo on Apple Music, Spotify, and other major streaming services!