Going Back to Her Roots, Clairo’s “Sexy to Someone” Feels Like A Walk Through the Park
Photo by Lucas Creighton
“Sexy to Someone” sounds like seeing an old friend for the first time in years feels - like pure nostalgia. Reminiscent of “Impossible” from her debut album Immunity the upbeat percussion and high hats are a refreshing pivot from the more mellow Sling. I met this song with tears as it evoked memories of listening to her early projects for the first time.
“Sexy to Someone” reminds listeners what it is like to be desired in a time of doubt and isolation. It invites the opportunity for introspection, to evaluate how our longing for social and romantic desirability fuels our extraversion and interactions with the world–something that can be all too true for the lonesome sapphic. With a lyric like “I just want to get out of the house,” everyone can relate. It is a universal feeling to be wanted, nothing more and nothing less.
Listening to the lyrics felt as if I was taking a sneak peek, a secretive glance, at a diary entry written by a person finding their identity and place in the world. The poetic feel and catchy beat begs listeners to press repeat and soak in the story being shared. You can find meaning in all three minutes and twenty-seven seconds of the “first look” single.
“Sexy is something I see in everything
Honey stickin' to your hands
Sugar on the rim”
A lyric so simple, yet so specific. Finding beauty in everything is such a Clairo-coded way of thinking. It's finding something in the mundane that can get you hooked when you are caught up in wanting to be sexy to someone.
The warm instrumentals offer those feelings similar to sitting outside on a balcony, listening to the birds chirp first thing in the morning, like you are sipping on a warm cup of coffee taking in everything in the song and the world has to offer. The soft melodies in the chorus feel like a long hug and everything about the vocals feels so inviting.
Clairo has also taken to learning the clarinet over the course of writing adn recording Sling, and her talent at it is apparent in this newest single. The playful piano carries certain aspects of the song much like “Amoeba” did on Sling.
Over the course of two albums, Clairo has mastered the use of instrumental variation to create a unique but cohesive set and I expect Charm to provide the same experience. The slide guitar stands out as one specific element she’s bringing new life. She offers a fresh take on what it means to want to be desired and gives self-perception a new look. This summer anthem comes right at the turn of the seasons, and gives you a reason to get out of the house.
Leon Michels, who has previously worked with artists such as Norah Jones, collaborated with Clairo on the first lead single off her third album. Michels offers a fresh take on Clairo’s style of indie pop and brings sexy back. Charm, the third studio album by Clairo, comes out July 12th.
