After three long years of anticipated waiting, fans of the beloved bedroom pop singer, Clairo, dropped her album “Charm” on July 12. In 38 minutes, through 11 songs, Charm is an album for music lovers who love to lay back, put on their headphones, and look out the window to autumn air. This month, the spotlight will be on these 11 whimsical tracks.

Clairo’s third album takes on the combination of soft rock and bedroom pop, connecting her old genre while experimenting with a new one. “Charm” tells the story of her and her past lover, taking listeners through memories of each stage of their relationship along with the lessons and knowledge she has gained as a result.

Nomad

“I’d run the risk of losing everything

Sell all my things, become nomadic”

“Nomad” is the first track, and it sets the tone of the album as it takes a deep dive into the world of heartbreak and yearning. The lyrics express the story of someone who would rather spend their time alone than taking on the risk of love–which would run the risk of future emotional pain. Balanced with that certain fear, the lyrics also express the need for connection. 

Second Nature

“It’s when you’re close enough to love

I move without a void

My train of thought destroyed”

Compared to the first track, “Second Nature” is more lighthearted and sweet. Clairo speaks of a crush that she has, and like most people, she can’t stop thinking about them. She is completely head over heels, and she longs to be closer to that person.

It is easy to fall in love with this track, a love song in all of its glory. Starting with catchy piano and playful scats, “Second Nature” acts as joy personified. Laughter is audible in the background of the song, and it almost demands skipping and frolicking with the happiness so clearly depicted.

Juna

“You know me, you know me

And I just might know you too, ooh

Come to me slowly”

As the story progresses, Clairo’s love for this person comes to a point where she believes that their relationship has deepened to a personal level. Although Clairo’s initial meaning of the song is for her lover, it is nice to imagine that the intimacy described is not strictly romantic. The idea that the song describes platonic love deepens the lyrics as this double meaning tells others that sometimes the most cherished relationships are not of partners as well as insinuates that lovers can double as best friends.

Being the most popular on the track, “Juna” is undoubtedly the one of the fun songs on the track, with her vocals accompanying the instruments and the breezy melody. This song it the most popular from the album, with listeners falling in love with the smooth flow of the words and calming nature.

Add Up My Love

“If I could wait for a time to be mad about it, mad about it

I’d choose a day when you’re on your way

And I can say it all to your face, say it to your face”

This song is ultimately the turning point of the whole album–the breakup. Clairo can’t help but wonder how her partner feels–if they miss her, if they want her back, if they still love her. At the same time, she battles the feeling of how to cope and if she was ever good enough for her past lover.

For a song so wretchedly sad, it surely does make people want to dance. “Add Up My Love” has a jazzy piano playing in the background and rhythmic lyrics that almost makes listeners forget their heartbreak for a second and dance to this poppy track.

Glory of the Snow

“I push on the door

The one I’ve ignored

The one that leads me to you”

One of the last tracks of her album wraps up Clairo’s whole experience with this person, ending with the last stage of grief–acceptance. She reflects on the memories that she had with this person, how they had brought her out, made her comfortable, and made her happy. She finally accepts that this experience was good for her, even though it was painful, leaving her scarred and scared of the future. Clairo masterfully leaves this album to be on a loop, as she recognizes that this cycle of love is not easily broken.

***

This album is beautifully human, the lyrics breaching on poetry and emotion seeping through every vocal. Clairo has raised the bar once again with the phenomenal instrumentals supplied in this album. From the simple guitars to the upbeat drums to the whimsical flutes, she creates a sound unique to herself that never gets old. Each song has a diverse style, yet they are all based on a sweet ’70s vibe that many have grown to love.

The overall album is a roller coaster of emotions, ranging from yearning to pining to acceptance. Being one of her best works yet, this simple and cozy album is perfect for the upcoming autumn season. Clairo certainly did not relent with Charm and this may be one of the best albums released this year.

This new school year is an opportunity to have new beginnings, experience mistakes, and end bad habits.