Charm: A cocktail of Clairo's subtlety, warmth and confessions, in a seventies style.
After three years, the American indie pop star, Clairogives us his third studio album, Charm (2024) under his own record label. This album revives the magic of retro music recordings and brings together the qualities of its predecessors: Sling (2021) and Immunity (2019).
A piano enveloped by a psychedelic and passive aura opens the album: it is “Nomad”a song that we already know because it was released as a single. In it, Clairo He intones a honeyed monologue about taking risks. He continues with “Sexy to Someone”another single that contains a bit of the essence of the album: confessions and sensuality, accompanied by floral melodies.
“Second Nature” comes, ornamented with the tender tararara-dum of ClairoThe calm rhythm unfolds until you hear the warm drums of “Slow Dance”an R&B and jazz ballad. “Thank you”loaded with an intense flavor vintageit's a track of gratitude to that person with whom we shared time and love, but who is no longer with us. Here we see the musical and emotional maturity of a Clairo 25, who is grateful after a breakup.
The nostalgic atmosphere and balance between voice, wind instruments, energetic piano and synthesizers develop in “Terrapin”, “Juna” and “Add Up My Love”; this includes interesting contrasts in musical notes and rhythm. A nod to Pink Floyd manifests itself in “Threw out”a mysterious and psychedelic track, but perfumed with the sweetness that characterizes the singer-songwriter.
As announced in a press release, Charm is an extroverted rebound of Slingher second album. This is evident in the warm and sensual aura of her lyrics and her singing, as well as in the balance and richness of the instruments.
Yes ok “Nomad” It is a powerful and artistic piece to open the album, the nostalgic farewell extends from “Glory of the Snow” until “Pier 4”which leaves pending some final contrast, such as that developed in the first tracks and in “Add Up My Love”. One might even expect his vocal range to stand out above usual, in an effort to break the tranquility and deliver the same drama from the opening to the closing.
In the end, Charm represents artistic progress and an ode to the 70s. Clairo combines the nostalgia and subtlety of their previous albums, and benefits from analogue recording methods. This mix allows you to enjoy the album from start to finish in the setting of a bohemian night.
