Charm (Clairo album)

On July 16, 2021, Clairo released her second studio album Sling to critical acclaim, appearing on numerous "best albums of 2021" lists.[1] Critics praised Sling for Clairo's artistic progression and thematic songwriting that ponders future motherhood, domesticity and the responsibility of becoming a caregiver.[2][3] Clairo embarked on the Sling tour in 2022 in support of the record.[4] During the tour, she suffered from sinus infections and an ear injury, before finishing the tour on October 4, 2022.[5][6] In 2023, aside from collaborating with artists like Phoenix and Beabadoobee,[7][8] Clairo also released two charity singles on Bandcamp, "For Now" with all proceeds directed to Everytown for Gun Safety and For The Gworls,[9] and "Lavender" to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders during the Israel–Hamas war.[10] A live EP, Live at Electric Lady, was released on May 12, 2023.[11]

In January 2024, Clairo started teasing a new album with a post on Instagram, captioning it "maybe this year".[12] In March, she shared an Instagram post captioned with emojis depicting the number three, a check mark, and a purple heart.[13] The post was interpreted by music publication The Forty-Five to mean that her third studio album was complete.[13] On May 7, she revealed a release date of May 23 for her new music via Instagram Stories.[14]

On May 23, Clairo announced that the album, titled Charm and produced by Leon Michels, was scheduled for release on July 12, while releasing its lead single, "Sexy to Someone".[15][16] A press release accompanying the announcement of Charm described the album as "a collection of warm, '70s-inspired grooves that move lithely between jazz, psychedelic folk and soul".[17]

Charm was recorded at Allaire Studios in upstate New York near Woodstock and at Diamond Mine Recording in the New York City burough of Queens.[18] Cottrill previously worked with producer Jack Antonoff on Sling at Allaire Studios.[19] On Charm, production is instead undertaken by Leon Michels who had previously produced for jazz and soul artists such as Norah Jones, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Liam Bailey.[16] The album was recorded live on analog tape.[20]

The first single from Charm to be released was "Sexy to Someone" on May 23, 2024.[21] Uproxx described the track as "flirty" while Rolling Stone said it was "a summer stunner with cozy production and whimsical instrumentation".[22][23] "Nomad", the record second and last single, was released on June 28, 2024.[24]

On May 29, Clairo announced two residencies for September in support of the album.[25] The Los Angeles residency will take place at the Fonda Theatre and the New York residency will take place at the Webster Hall.[26]

Vinyl LP track listing