11. Echo
Favourite lyric: “And if I told the world I needed you, would you hear your name echo?”
‘Echo’ has an unusual sound, and is still in keeping with the authenticity of ‘Charm’. There’s something a little darker about the atmosphere, seen also in the lyrics. And so lyrically it is strong, creating intrigue, with the line above competing for best on the album. However, Clairo’s vocals are drowned out by the instrumental and this isn’t poorly done but it isn’t admirably done either. Certainly not a weak melody, just not as easy a listen as the tracks below.
You can listen to Echo here:
10. Second Nature
Favourite lyric: “I’ve forgotten the point, my train of thought destroyed”
‘Second Nature’ is notable for its radiant beat, as well as the instrumental shifts taking place in the second half of the song. The hook isn’t as memorable as that of some of the other tracks, hence why it’s lower down on this list. However, it’s still a melody worth a listen; offering a soothing and instrumentally fascinating experience.
You can listen to Second Nature here:
9. Terrapin
Favourite lyric: “I guess that I don’t cry”
Perhaps ‘Terrapin’ isn’t a minimal instrument ballad like that of ‘Pier 4’, but it does possess a melancholic quality in its sound at the beginning and this was intriguing. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why I chose to put this song further down my list – I would argue that the arrangement is more messy than its neighbouring tracks, but this isn’t objectively a bad thing. Let’s just say it isn’t a favourite.
You can listen to Terrapin here:
8. Pier 4
Favourite lyric: “You’ll find a reason, you’ll chalk it up to being different, being young, and wonder why no one knew you at all”
Without a solely instrumental opening, Clairo delves straight into a lyrically focused ballad with ‘Pier 4’. I like how it stands out amongst the other tracks on the album. The emotion really shines through via repetition of ‘When close is not close enough’ – a vast enough statement to be relatable yet poignant enough to be personal.
You can listen to Pier 4 here:
7. Glory of the Snow
Favourite lyric: “I pull on the string that binds me to memories of the way I loved you”
Initially, ‘Glory of the Snow’ was incredibly high up on this list, bound to make the top three. And it’s not that the song wasn’t as good upon second listen, but that the six songs below became so much better. Here, Clairo lays out the greatest elements of her high range beautifully for us to be mesmerised by. The reference to nature – ‘I heard the rustle in leaves’ – brings out the environmental complexion of the album.
You can listen to Glory of the Snow here:
6. Nomad
Favourite lyric: “I’d rather wake up alone than be reminded of how it was a dream this time.”
‘Nomad’ has this serene opening, nicely contrasting the ‘risk of losing it all’ as she sings. I think the title makes for an interesting song concept, and it definitely stands out, perfect as a single. I believe the sound here to be reminiscent of Lorde’s ‘Solar Power’, another nature-embracing ensemble of melodies.
You can listen to Nomad here:
5. Slow Dance
Favourite lyric: “And what is it that’s keeping you alone and leaving after we slow dance?
‘Slow Dance’ is strangely like a much cooler Christian hymn. There’s some charmingly dramatic flairs here instrumentally, making for a vivid listening experience. The pace nicely mirrors the modifier of the title, truly inviting us to the slow dance scene Clairo describes with a despondent inquisition.
You can listen to Slow Dance here:
4. Juna
Favourite lyric: “Most of these days I don’t get too intimate, why would I let you in?
‘Juna’ wins first prize for the best intro, possessing this aura that would light up any room. The verses are perhaps not as strong as the next three tracks but the pre-chorus and chorus hit just as good. Instrumentally lavish sequences lead us out of the melody, featuring a marvellous blend of the piano, saxophone, drums and much more.
You can listen to Juna here:
3. Thank You
Favourite lyric: “Cause when I met you, I knew it, I’d thank you for your time”
There really is a charm about ‘Thank You’. At first I thought it was a nice but simple song, and nothing more, but then I realised that’s the beauty of it. Looking at the addition of the flute, a favourable instrument on ‘Charm’, we can hear how it is so fundamental to the rich yet clean texture of the instrumental.
You can listen to Thank You here:
2. Add Up My Love
Favourite lyric: “I’d choose a day when you’re on your way, and I can say it all to your face”
‘Add Up My Love’ is a classic complicated love song, with a timeless temperament. From the intro we are aware of an incipient melody. It’s fast-paced with a constant flow of lyrics to analyse. The warmth of Clairo’s voice is accentuated, particularly at the chorus as she begs the question ‘honey, was it enough?’.
You can listen to Add Up My Love here:
1. Sexy To Someone
Favourite lyric: “Oh I need a reason to get out of the house”
Packed with soulful, jazz-esque synths, there’s something addictive about the way Clairo renders each line in ‘Sexy To Someone’. The chosen lyric above is more to do with the way she sings it, for example. It’s a song we can ensconce ourselves in, being such an easy listen, yet also receive rich tones during the melody, becoming more and more apparent with each listen. The psychedelic instrumental breaks between verses demonstrate a clear maturity in production.
You can listen to Sexy To Someone here:
You can listen to the whole album here: