Known for its viral song “Juna” on social media, Charm is American singer and songwriter Clairo’s third and most recent studio album released. 

Claire Elizabeth Cottrill, widely known as Clairo, prominent indie and bedroom pop music artist, is recognized for songs like “Pretty Girl,” “Sofia,” and “Bubble Gum.”  Collaborating with Clairo is producer and songwriter Leon Michels, known for working with names like Lana Del Rey, Travis Scott, and Kali Uchis. 

Since its release on July 12 Charm has received critical acclaim.

 “Even with a more playful style of writing in Charm, Clairo still maintains her artistry with lyrics that are illustrative and immensely dynamic,” The Stanford Daily notes. It may very well be the album of the summer. 

Clairo’s soft, entrancing voice pairs well with the jazzy, soulful grooves. However, the rhythms will sometimes overshadow her quiet, mellow singing: the music is strong, but the tone does not match up. Some songs feel one-note and repetitive, like “Terrapin” and the “Sexy to Someone”/“Add Up my Love” pairing. 

“By no means a bad album but one which squanders its potential because it cannot figure out the balance,” concludes Ewan Gleadow, editor-in-chief of digital newspaper Cult Following.    

Her lyrics discuss love and loss, in all stages and sides of it. Clairo depicts the despair you feel as you chase after a fruitless infatuation, but also the rush from falling in love that sparks hope in your heart again. 

Track one on Charm, “Nomad,” is a perfect introduction to the album. It describes someone who pursues a transactional relationship, despite her desire for something more. Even with her knowledge that the attraction is one-sided, she would “rather be alone than a stranger.” 

Track three, “Second Nature,” is where Clairo exhibits both her ‘70s funk inspiration and her prowess in song production. All elements of this song flow together, while maintaining an imaginative and lighthearted atmosphere. Specifically, the bridge would not normally mesh well with the rest of the song. In the middle, there is a sudden transition from lively to melancholy; however, the song picks up seamlessly despite the substantial difference in tune. To the narrator of the song, her affections towards her crush are instinctual; when this person is around, she no longer controls her rational thoughts or words. “Second Nature” is undoubtedly one of the best songs from Charm. 

If the third track is considered new or carefree for her, track four’s “Slow Dance” feels like a love letter to Clairo’s past. “Slow Dance” is a goodbye: to herself, to her lover, to the audience. She is parting with her old albums and building another version of herself, improving more and more at what she does.

“Terrapin” (track six) may be my least favorite song due to its repetition; after a strong beginning, this song is basing itself off of previous tracks. “Terrapin” just does not stand out, and the instrumentals outweigh Clairo’s vocals. It sounds more like a demo than an actual song.    

Listening to the song “Juna” (track seven), it’s clear why it went viral. It is a great representation of Charm, placed in the middle of the album. “Juna” brings back the much needed vitality from tracks like “Sexy to Someone” or “Second Nature.” What makes it so “charming” are the chimes and the trumpet noises: all the sounds are well-integrated and mixed, altogether sounding dreamy and spirited. 

Track nine, “Echo,” is distinct. It is distant and separated from the other songs. However, Clairo’s voice tied it back together and made it relevant to the album. The lyrics call out to her lover, with only an echo as a response. “Our love is meant to be shared / While our love goes nowhere.” 

In Charm, Clairo exhibits much improvement in terms of her albums. Her clean, eclectic tracks are transformed under the influence of Leon Michels’s rich, soulful beats. She reflects the absurdity of those ‘70s grooves while grounding it with her lyrics of desolation and heartbreak. Despite its issues, the album is an indication of Clairo’s progress in her song production skills over the years. Clairo will be showing at the Santa Barbara Bowl at 7:00 p.m. on October 7, as part of her tour, and will be playing many of the songs off of Charm.