After 3 years, the much anticipated follow-up to 2021’s acclaimed Sling sees the bedroom-pop pioneer charting new sonic territory.

It cannot be overstated just how much the advent of the internet changed the landscape of music. It allowed just about anyone to be able to record and post music for potentially thousands, if not millions, to hear without needing the backing of a record label to do so. One such artist who benefitted greatly from this is none other than Claire Cotrill, known professionally as Clairo. Clairo began posting music online at the age of just 13, when she posted a cover of a Maroon 5 song to Facebook. She would continue to post music on platforms such as Bandcamp , YouTube and Soundcloud, eventually garnering the attention of the likes of MTV and major record labels.

As one of the true pioneers of bedroom pop, Clairo has carved out a non insignificant niche for herself in the indie space. She’s had multiple of her songs go viral on the internet, and gained praise among critics throughout her various singles, EPs and first two albums. “Charm” is Clairo’s third studio album, and a much anticipated one after the highly praised Covid-Era “Sling”. While I personally didn’t love “Sling”, I was still a fan of much of Clairo’s work outside of that record, and as such was very much looking forward to this third effort. As a record, “Charm” feels like an evolution in a way that blends what made Clairo’s earlier work so captivating and broadly appealing, but also adds in the evolved artistry of her sophomore record. It’s mature but still has moments of whimsy, sarcasm, and playfulness. It’s the mark of an artist that seems to have truly put it all together.

In an interview with Crack Magazine, Clairo says of the record, “[Charm] is a feeling you have. When you’re charmed, it’s that perfect blend of being goofy-eyed over a person – platonically, romantically – and not knowing how long it will last.” It’s a feeling she felt closed off from for a long time, but finally with this record, she feels she’s getting it back. That newfound confidence and freedom can be found throughout the entire record. Even in moments of insecurity or doubt (“Sexy to Someone”), there is still a feeling of resilience. Sonically, this might be Clairo’s most interesting collection of songs to date. The writing, arrangements, and production have all gone up a notch, as well as the stellar instrumentation (the piano by Marco Benevento on “Juna” comes to mind). The blending of genres from lounge rock to blues adds a welcomed additional layer of artistry.

One minor issue with the album, though, is the flow. While it starts off strong, and really hits a flow state by tracks 7 and 8 (two of the best of Clairo’s young career so far), the ending feels a bit underwhelming. It would’ve been nice to end the record with more of a bang, though the self reflection and personal nature of the tracks will still likely hit home for some. The mixing of the album is strange as well, as the vocals seem to get drowned out at times, which is a real shame as there are some excellent vocal performances throughout. Overall though, despite those two criticisms, this still feels like Clairo’s most complete record to date. It’s a realization of that potential many knew she had when she was still just a teenager uploading covers onto Bandcamp.

Rating: 8.4/10

By Devyn Tammons