Charm is Clairo’s 3rd studio album that was released on July 12, 2024. The album was primarily recorded and produced in New York.
The total runtime of the album is around 38 minutes and 2 seconds, consisting of just 11 songs. Clairo, aka Claire Cottrill, performed the album almost entirely by herself, with little to none backing vocals from her co-producer, Leon Michels. The album features different indie, soft rock and pop elements with influences from 70s folk, soul and jazz. It was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
Lyrically, this album is a masterpiece. Each song tells a different story, going into depth about Clairo’s personal experiences and what she’s learned from love. While tracks like “Slow Dance” and “Add Up My Love” have an upbeat, catchy energy, songs like “Pier 4” and “Thank You” offer a much softer and more vulnerable look into her private thoughts. She perfectly balances these fun, groovy moments with deeply honest reflections, making the whole album feel like a relatable journey through the ups and downs of a relationship.
Another reason this album is so good is the production. Both Cottrill and Michels add so much to the album. Charm was recorded live on analog tape making it feel so much more intimate. She doubled over each take which adds so much to it. This is especially noted in “Pier 4.” The album also features a wide variety of instruments like the flute, trumpet, clarinet and even the mellotron. The Grammy nominee is known for being so meticulous. She adds in little details like her laughter or even just a deep breath that just brings so much more to it.
Overall, this album deserves a 10/10 for its deeply personal and sophisticated elements.
