They say that the third time’s the charm, and Clairo is proving the longstanding saying right with her appropriately named new album Charm. Starting off on familiar ground with two pre-released singles “Nomad” and “Sexy to Someone,” the record lives up to the expectations set by the dreamy releases. Eleven tracks spanning just under forty minutes make up a succinct album, and one that finds the artist building upon her previous work.

While not straying too far from her previous album Sling, Charm offers a new and more mature side of Clairo (AKA Claire Cottrill). Remaining true to her soft indie-pop sensibilities, Charm feels like sun rays dancing through your bedroom window – fleeting, tranquil, and bright – with a subtle retro flare.

The word “charm” had been floating around in Clairo’s mind for a couple of years before the aesthetics and lyrics of the album revealed themselves, “I came to the conclusion that, to me, charm is the moment when two people meet, and they have separate life experiences, all their own stories and feelings, and then they tell each other the first layer. ‘I’m from blank, and I do blank.’ There’s this beautiful haze and buzz when you’re still imagining the rest of it. That feeling is so good,” shared Clairo in an interview with The New Yorker.

Clairo - Juna

Songs such as “Terrapin,” “Juna,” and “Thank You” are rich in R&B influences, with “Terrapin” featuring a dazzling piano riff about halfway through. It’s moments like these that break up Clairo’s soothing voice, which admittedly can get monotone at times. However, cleverly inserted tempo and key changes keep the album fresh all the way through, flopping through easy-going rhythms that provide pops of color on the record.

“Juna” is a standout track, with Clairo’s vocals gliding over groovy instrumentals. A giddy repetition of “You make me wanna” mirrors the jazzy woodwinds and bass on the song, leading into a similarly up-tempo “Add Up My Love.” “Glory of the Snow” and album closer “Pier 4” are more subdued, closing out the album on a reflective, perhaps even melancholic, note.

Self-released by Clairo, Charm was recorded in New York and produced by Leon Michaels. Although she’s not going on tour, Clairo has announced two weeklong residencies, in New York and Los Angeles. You can find more information on her shows here.

Clairo - Charm (Full Album)