By Larissa Swatek

American Indie-pop artist Clairo makes a triumphant return with her eagerly awaited third album, Charm, scheduled for release on July 12th. Emerging from a three-year creative hiatus, Charm represents a collaborative endeavor between Clairo and the esteemed Leon Michels of The Dap-Kings and El Michels Affair. With its release, Clairo delivers a sonic experience that showcases her evolution as an artist. 

Echoing the ambiance of a summer evening, Charm comprises a collection of warm, 70s-inspired grooves infused with elements of psychedelic folk, jazz, and soul. It marks a lively departure from her 2021 album, Sling. Recorded live between Queens-based Diamond Mine Recording and the picturesque Allaire Studios nestled in the mountains outside Woodstock, NY, Charm was meticulously crafted under the guidance of producer Michels, a soul revivalist renowned for his work with Sharon Jones and The Black Keys.

In Charm, Clairo revisits the live instrumental sounds featured in Sling, elevating them with a richer ensemble of horns, woodwinds, and vintage synthesizers. This infusion of sounds, coupled with rhythmic foundations reminiscent of her debut record, Immunity, propels Charm to new heights. Balancing delicate variations with Clairo’s signature confessional lyrics, Charm represents a triumphant return for the artist, showcasing her mastery as a songwriter at her very best.