A blazing hot summer comes with fiery new trends, to which teenagers all over the internet have made their domain. First came “Brat Summer” by Charli xcx, uplifting an unashamed, bold, and even a messy, party-life attitude amongst every girl. While “Brat Summer” became a widely admired and popular mindset that seized the summer, the other end of the spectrum held “Charm Summer”. Singer and songwriter Clairo released “Charm Summer” in July of this summer – 11 songs consisting of dreamy instrumentals, whimsical melodies, and soothing vocals.
The opening track, “Nomad”, alludes to the introspective battle between a desire for a romantic connection, versus a desire to steer clear from heartbreak and emotional burdens. The melancholic build up of a soul-touching instrumental behind a calming voice reveals the true poetic reality of the inner turmoil expressed. The bridge of the song presents a subtle change of the tone of the song, with heavier bass and the genius utilization of cellos emphasizing her frustrati`on and desperation about looking for qualities of a memorable lover from everyone she meets.
The second track, “Sexy to Someone” showcases Clairo’s burning yearn for someone to hold a special bond and create memories with. She strategically uses the word “sexy” as an umbrella term – representing all aspects of romance, attraction, and all the little details that you notice in someone you love or are attracted to. Compared to the last track, this song is short and sweet, and it is undeniably catchy, with a bright tone and an addicting chorus.
“Second Nature”, the third track, presents a more lyrical, unique, and creative array of words. Through the use of metaphorical lyrics and elements of the beauty of the natural world, Clairo expresses how her love for someone comes so easily for her, that it is like a “second nature”. From the very first second of the song to the last, the melody, experimental sound, staccato vocals, and slower, celestial rhythm of the bridge practically illustrate the gates of heaven, making this track stand out from the rest of the album.
The fourth track, called “Slow Dance”, opens with the most awe-inspiring piano tune that undeniably pulls at the heartstrings. This song is a spot-on depiction on what it feels like to be a “second option”. Clairo expresses the insecure feeling in which the other party of a relationship does not seem confident or loyal to their connection, and prioritizes other people over her. The soft and desperate tone of Clairo’s voice passionately expresses the disorientating and burdening deep weight that one carries in their stomach when they feel like their love with someone is fizzing out.
The fifth track “Thank You” focuses on the reflection of memories and lessons learned from past relationships. Unsurprisingly, the instrumental is a stimulating, religious experience. The song is more fast-paced, with Clairo’s signature slow, gentle bridge elevating the song to impossible levels. “Thank You” holds one of the most important meanings and themes throughout the whole album: the feeling and experience of loving someone is never a waste.
The sixth track “Terrapin” is the national anthem for simplicity. This song begins with a humming melody, strategically imitating elements of meditation. It glows with a sense of tranquility, emphasizing the beauty in a care-free, chill, and uncomplicated life. “Terrapin” almost acts like an interlude of sorts, pacifying the rollercoaster of emotions that is experienced throughout the first half of the album. In a world where we are constantly worrying about the tsunami of events cascading through our lives, “Terrapin” highlights the importance of taking a step back and dedicating time to yourself in order to protect your peace.
“Juna”, the seventh track of the album, is a clear fan-favorite, and for a valid reason. The dream-like, melodic chimes and captivating beat is what makes this song so unique and well-received. The meaning explores a connection so deep, that there is no need to put any thought behind words or actions because it comes naturally when you’re with a person who loves you for all of you. So far, it has been made evident that Clairo is an instrumental and lyrical genius, which is clearly portrayed in the ending of the song, where a vocal imitation of trumpets is followed by a striking, harmonious belt of an actual trumpet. The hypnotizing sound of “Juna” expresses a completely renewed outlook of the world, just because of the feeling of love.
The eighth track, called “Add Up My Love”, is dedicated to the goal of making people get up and dance. However, this song possesses an energetic and exhilarating tune that hides the dejecting meaning behind the lyrics. Don’t be fooled by the cheery, uplifting sound of the song, because the lyrics express the process of dealing with a breakup. Clairo portrays her perspective, highlighting specific memories with a lover and questioning how her old lover is dealing with the breakup. Her thought process behind her lyrics reveal how she hopes she is missed and that old memories meant something to her ex. Throughout the whole song, she is hopelessly questioning if her love was enough to fulfill their old passion.
The ninth track on Clairo’s album is called “Echo”. Right off the bat, this song is a lot different than the others on the album. Despite this, the song is an engaging experience that grabs the listener’s attention with its new sound. “Echo” has a darker, more sinister vibe to it, with a deep, romantic element adorning the song, truly making it a blessing to the ears. The lyrics explore a bond that has hit a crossroad. There is no progress in the relationship, alluding that the only direction to go from there is down. The somber route that “Echo” takes gives the track a distinctive and mysterious ambience.
“Glory of the Snow”, the tenth track, relates to the necessity to move on and revive oneself after experiencing an evanescent romance. The track title relates to a flower that blooms in late winter while there is still snow enveloping green fields. Clairo uses this flower to symbolize her rebirth after a hard lesson learned. Through the detailed building blocks that structure the song, which end abruptly near the end, Clairo makes clear to her listeners the importance of letting go from momentary and thought-consuming situations in the past, even if it seems like these thoughts will forever be engraved in the crevices of your brain.
The final track, “Pier 4” is the most satisfying finale to “Charm”. The song is met with a deep, gloomy piano, with an airy and lullaby adjacent vocal performance. The message of “Pier 4” renders the complicated yearn for invisibility within a relationship. Clairo dwells on her crave for feeling loved and if it will last, which becomes so overwhelming that the effort does not even seem worth it. “Pier 4” is a flawless lamentation that leaves listeners feeling like their heart was exiled to oblivion.
“Charm Summer” is for those who romanticize late night walks in the balmy weather, reading a book surrounded by tall green trees and a lake, participating in every hobby imaginable, enjoying juicy fruits, riding their bikes all over town, and writing love letters and poems hidden in a chest. Clairo’s immaculate album perfectly encapsulates what it means to exercise your mind, love others endlessly, and take the long summer day by day through the sense of serenity.
