Clairo Yearns for Desire on New Single “Sexy to Someone”

Thalia Eyles

Clairo returns to the scene with “Sexy to Someone,” the first single off her upcoming album Charm. This track is sonically similar to her last album, Sling with a sense of whimsy, reflection, and a host of lushly layered instrumentals. 

Photo by Lucas Creighton

While keeping the tone lowkey, Clairo cultivates a similar musical ensemble to that of Sling in the brass section, the dancing woodwinds and synths, with the danceable beat that recalls the poppier tracks on her first album, Immunity. “Sexy to Someone” lives in a cozy space, created by the layers of gentle vocal harmonies and the nostalgic and warm tones of the album cover. Clairo is shown lying on a green corduroy couch, looking into the camera with a neutral expression and her long brown hair down.

In “Sexy to Someone,” Clairo yearns to be desirable to someone, describing all her passing interactions with a mysterious “someone” who wants her. Sensuality and flirtatiousness underline the lyrics: a hotel lobby, a cocktail bar, bedroom eyes. But… ultimately, she says she “didn’t get the part,” “didn’t get the job.” All these fantasies disappear, and she doesn’t feel like she’s the character she’s imagining in these situations. 

Though lyrically, this song is underscored with frustration, the groovy and catchy instrumentals obscure this until you listen closely—the clarinet and guitar smooth over the longing bend. Clairo and producer Leon Michels create a multi-functional tune, applicable for the emotionally fraught listener or those just looking for a high-quality bop. 

“Sexy to Someone” continues in Clario’s very vulnerable musical bloodline—she is unafraid to talk about dejection, desire, and her needs. Clairo can take the most minuscule moment in life, impart emotional insight, and explain herself through it. “Sexy is something I see in everything. Honey sticking to your hands, sugar on the rim” she describes herself plainly, and zeroes in on a specific moment in which she uncovers the sexiness she finds innate in everything. In a roundabout way, she makes a universally applicable statement, revealing how people can see what they lack and what they want in anything. 

This track has been described as representative of the overall sonic experience of Charm with its warmth and 70s inspiration. If this song is any indication, we’re all in for a treat on July 12th with the full album, Charm.    

Pre-save Charm here!