An enchanting album – The Tartan

We all knew that if Clairo released a new album, it would be full of the heartbreaking yet gentle beats that are her signature. “Charm” delivers on that promise and more. The album consists of 11 tracks full of hopeless romantic genius. Her lyrics are dreamy and vibrant, and there’s a fantastic mix of slow, brooding heartbreak and groovy, romantic confusion. Basically, it’s my ideal summer-to-fall album.

Although I’ve been a Clairo fan for a while, Charm is the first album of hers that I absolutely had to listen to from start to finish. The album is cohesive, with each song offering a unique vision but flowing seamlessly into one another. “Charm” simultaneously convinces you to lie on the grass, have a dinner party, and cry in the shower.

“Nomad”

The fact that Clairo STARTS the album with this song is criminal. Luckily I’m not in that situation because otherwise I just wouldn’t know how to continue after listening to this song. It’s devastating, but also a catastrophe. The song has a kind of Laurel Canyon vibe that I always love, but nothing will ever recover from the chorus: “But I’d rather be alone than a stranger/You’d visit me late at night/I’d rather.” waking up alone than being reminded that this time it was a dream.”

“Sexy for someone”

Some people argue that this song is over the top and I agree. While “Sexy to Someone” has some good lyrics – I love the way Clairo says “Honey stickin’ to your hands, Sugar on the rim” for example – personally I think it’s one of the less exciting songs on the album. The song has a simple but powerful message about desire and insecurity; It’s just not groundbreaking.

“Second Nature”

The beginning of this song will live rent-free in my head for at least the next year. Clairo’s “Da-dum, da-da-da-da-da-dum, da-da-da-da-dum-dum-dum” is sung so satisfyingly and just makes me feel like I’m on a sweet little stroll You to get an iced coffee. It’s about being close to someone and being in love. It’s sweet and wonderful and gentle.

“Slow Dance”

This song is just great. The imagery is so vibrant and whimsical, with an amazing drum beat that carries the whole song. “What keeps you from keeping one foot out/And the other from crawling around in bed?/And what keeps you alone/And leaving after we slow dance?” “Slow Dance” is Clairo’s most poetic form.

“Thank you very much”

This is my personal favorite song on the album. It’s groovy, it’s jazzy, it has a coherent story and the piano is stirring throughout. This song feels like a crisp fall Thursday when it’s 20 degrees Celsius and all you have on your mind is a walk with cider in hand. “Thank You” is a beautifully written thank you letter to someone you once loved. it’s bittersweet and nostalgic.

“Tortoise”

It’s a song about a turtle. What more could you want? It’s simple, it’s sweet, it has another fantastic piano moment and some more romantic undertones.

“Juna”

This song is so much fun, with fantastic instrumentation and Clairo playing mouth trumpet, cementing her iconic status forever. It’s about being swept up in love, and Clairo’s playful lyrics reflect that beautifully: “(You make me wanna) try on feminine/ (You make me wanna) go buy a new dress/ (You make me wanna) slip on.” in a new dress.” ”

“Add my love”

Once again, Clairo brings an absolutely devastating touch to the funky pop-dance masterpiece. I love her, but how can you say, “Add up my love/Honey, was that enough?” (ooh)/Is it ever enough?” in a song that makes me want to twirl in a tulle dress?

“Echo”

Clairo’s whispery, folksy tones make me feel like we’re solving a mystery together and falling in love at the same time. The guitar and drums work so beautifully together and once again Clairo breaks me with this line: “Our love is meant to be shared / While our love goes nowhere.”

“Glory of the Snow”

The instrumentals here remind me a lot of “Amoeba” from “Sling” in the best, dreamiest way. Clairo’s voice is beautiful and the imagery is wonderful: “I dust the windows, the shutters, the ducts/Where you would sit, paper and pen/Sweeping under carpets/The one I didn’t want to/The one I would dance on again.” .”

“Pier 4”

So she decided to end up with heartbreak again? This song feels like sitting by a lake at sunset and thinking about everything you’ve ever done wrong in your life – which seems to be Clairo’s intention. The “ohs” are completely heartbreaking and I will spend fall break staring wistfully out the window at “Pier 4.”

Clairo’s “Charm” is an absolute masterpiece. It’s beautiful, tactile, and transports you to a dreamlike world of love, heartbreak, and coping.