Welcome back to Finetuned! This week is all about a very welcoming artist, Clairo. Claire has this sort of energy that is captivating. Our specific rec here is a pivot from prior weeks, giving us a bit more groove and something to latch onto, and away from the more abstract recs. Let’s get into this, friends!
Clairo is the stage name of Claire Cottrill, an American singer-songwriter from Carlisle, Massachusetts. She rose to prominence in 2017 with the viral success of her lo-fi, self-produced song “Pretty Girl,” which she uploaded to YouTube while still a teenager. The track’s offhand, webcam-style video and bedroom-pop sound became emblematic of the DIY aesthetic that defined a new wave of internet-native artists. Since then, she’s evolved significantly, moving beyond lo-fi pop to collaborate with major producers like Rostam Batmanglij (formerly of Vampire Weekend) and Jack Antonoff (an absolute gem).
Although Clairo began as a solo act, her sound has matured into a lush, band-oriented style with contributions from frequent collaborators. Her live performances often feature a backing band, but she remains the central creative force. Her music is known for its intimate tone, emotionally open lyricism, and understated delivery, reflecting influences from indie rock, R&B, jazz, and soft pop. Across her discography, there’s a consistent feeling of warmth, introspection, and vulnerability, wrapped in elegant minimalism.
Clairo’s sonic landscape blends the softness of bedroom pop with textures borrowed from indie rock, jazz, soul, and electronic music. Her early work features minimal production, analog synths, and looped beats, while her later records embrace richer instrumentation, things like live drums, pianos, horns, and layered harmonies.
Her vocals are typically gentle and understated, serving as an emotional undercurrent rather than dominating the mix. She frequently uses subtle reverb and layered harmonies to evoke nostalgia and distance, creating a hazy, dreamlike mood. The production often emphasizes space and atmosphere, allowing her vulnerable lyrics to breathe while surrounding them with soft, organic soundscapes.
Charm, our rec today, marks a delicate, confident step deeper into sophisticated indie-pop territory, incorporating elements of jazz, lounge, and ‘70s soft rock. The sonic texture is rich and analog-feeling, full of warm Rhodes piano, muted guitars, brushed drums, and mellow horns. Think dusty grooves, vinyl warmth, and intricate but unfussy arrangements that let Clairo’s voice shine through with calm assurance. In a way this record is unassuming, but all-consuming in the attention it demands.
Vocally, her melodies float over instrumentation with this casual elegance, never forced, always conversational. There’s a noticeable shift toward groove-forward songwriting, with basslines and drum patterns that feel gently propulsive, giving songs a kind of swaying, slow-dance energy.
Lyrically, Charm explores themes of emotional clarity, queer love, self-reflection, and the quiet complications of adult relationships. The writing is subtle and diaristic, filled with understated moments of affection, regret, and personal growth. Throughout Charm, the atmosphere is one of intimacy and refinement. It’s music for quiet mornings, slow afternoons, or reflective nights. It is never something flashy, but deeply resonant in its mood and maturity.
Why listen? Clairo makes emotionally honest, beautifully crafted music that blends vintage textures with modern vulnerability. Her songs feel like private reflections shared with grace, offering listeners comfort, connection, and calm.
A Step Further - The standout in her music and in this specific record is the warmth delivered from the production choices. The keys sonic texture, her vocal texture, the synth choices, everything. Think groups like Fleetwood Mac. The keys guide a melodic clarity. There is this washed, dry texture to this release that feels so inviting and relaxing.
clairo - charm
Listen Wherever You Are ⤵
Finetuned Rec 👇
Feels like a walk in the park with the perfect weather. Feels like the first sip of a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. It feels like a hug. It feels like lounging on shag carpet staring at the ceiling while jamming tunes.
Enjoy the jams, Finetuners!
artist - Clairo
album - Charm
album rating - 9.7/10
fave track - Juna
hon. men. #1 - Thank You
hon. men. #2 - Add Up My Love
Thanks for reading here, Finetuners! I do hope you all have enjoyed this week’s Finetuned. I’d appreciate any insights, admiration, or otherwise. You can email me here: [email protected].
Please do share Finetuned with your friends & fam & whoever else! I believe great music should be shared, cherished, and understood from all sorts of perspectives.
See you all in the next one! 🙌
(Sources: Wikipedia, Fandom, Pitchfork, The Guardian, The New Yorker, WERS, SLUG Magazine, Everything Is Noise, Reddit)