clairo - ‘sexy to someone’
‘Sexy to Someone’, Clairo’s groovy single from her latest album ‘Charm’ teases fresh summer possibilities and a promise of an album featuring jangly indie-funk infused with true Clairo essence.
The song begins with upbeat drums and sturdy piano chords that soon turn into tantalising interjections. Clairo’s light-hearted melody is juxtaposed by her longing lyrics, claiming feeling desirable is ‘All I really want’. This introduces a layer of irony when compared to her second album’s lead single ‘Blouse’, in which she laments ‘Why do I tell you how I feel/ When you’re just looking down the blouse’ accompanied by heart-breaking strings. Here, the opposing perspective on sexuality lies in whether it is Clairo’s own choice- in ‘Blouse’ she mourns being objectified in a business setting, whereas in ‘Sexy to Someone’ she reclaims her sexuality with a cheeky, anticipatory tone.
Featuring angelic vocals against punchy drums, the single is remnant of ‘Immunity’, Clairo’s debut album, with tracks like ‘Impossible’ and ‘Softly’. Yet, the intermittent guitar slides and woodwind elements bring ‘Sling’ back into the picture, suggesting that her third album may be an amalgamation of both previous albums, and her most musically diverse project yet. In the second verse, the sensuous line ‘honey sticking to your hands’ seems a metaphor for the whole song; sweet and luscious, but the underlying feeling is difficult to get rid of no matter how much you want to wash your hands of it. The honey of ‘Sexy to Someone’ is Clairo’s candied vocals and melody, while the core theme of desire ‘sticks’ to her like an obsession.
The ending strips itself back with the final guitar slide asking a question that leaves the listener hoping the rest of ‘Charm’ will answer. In conclusion, ‘Sexy to Someone’ is a testament to Clairo’s evolving artistry, balancing evocative lyrics with whimsical melodies. It serves as a compelling preview of what ‘Charm’ has to offer, blending the sounds of her previous albums with the present to create a tone that is both familiar and refreshingly new. As Clairo continues to explore and redefine her musical identity, ‘Sexy to Someone’ stands out as a beacon of her growth and versatility.