FOR THE FIRST TIME: Charm by Clairo

Earphones and coffee table jazz vibes are always welcome (9.1/10)

God bless the invention of the earphones. It has always existed but in the recent years, it’s impact in music has become even more resonant. With many artists producing albums that suit the earphone users, there is massive difference in how Indie music has sounded in the last 20 years.

While this genre can be called indie folk, alternative, gay longing, femcel music, it has no doubt been one of the most marquee forms of music. We can thank Lana Del Rey and the other Lanas for their contribution. In a generation which revolves heavily on self reflection, personality development and actualisation to the detriment of the person, these artists have officially made a place in our hearts and wallets.

Today, it’s Clairo we are talking about.

I have got lots of work. I don’t study these days, been depressed lately, and I still have to drop my Slim Shady LP review. But this album is irresistible to not talk about.

Charm is Clairo’s first record since 2021’s Sting and the first thing that immediately stands out is the very chamberplay production. Common trope of the 2010s and the 2020s. The production is minimalistic and fits with the very stripped down jazz vibe this album offers.

Clairo plays with the instrumentation. And I can’t stop talking about how soothing the production is. It is like butter on pancakes. Beautifully optimised. Shoutout to Claire herself, but also Leon Michels. The choice of skipping over Jack Antonoff is a blessing.

The songwriting is also blissful. This is a no skip album in my opinion. It’s your typical post 2019 Taylor style writing but if Taylor put some work on sounding better and not closeted like Antonoff put her in a box.

Overall, this record is great to go through. If you like a chamberplay record with an orchestraic vibe and some jazz on it, this record is for you. But again, I know most people who like Clairo are already accustomed to this style. Bliss is all I can say

Favourite Tracks: Juna has an excellent outro, it plays out really well. Besides that, I see myself binge on Sexy for Something

Rating: 9.1/10

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