The hardest part about talking about Clairo’s debut record, Immunity, is deciding what to talk about.
Do I mention her rise to fame as a viral YouTuber, which led to her signing with Fader? Do I dwell on the minor controversy around her father’s industry connections, which some have labeled as a case of nepotism? Or do I mention that this album was co-produced by Rostam Batmanglij (formerly of Vampire Weekend) and features drumming by Danielle Haim (of the Haim sisters)?
Let’s ignore all of the above and just focus on the music, because in the end that’s all that matters. There are many styles at work on this album, including elements of trap, hip-hop, lo-fi indie and baroque pop (check that harpsichord on track 2!).
Despite this, none of the songs feel out of place. Nothing was done as an experiment and then left on the album without intention. Each style suits the song and the tracks around it, and it’s all held together by her sublime voice. It’s a shame that this album was released this late into summer, as it’s the perfect record to pop on under the warm sun, letting the rays wash over you.
“Softly” blends a boom-bap hip-hop beat with Kacey Musgraves-esque country singing. Standouts like “Sofia” and “Bags” walk a straighter lo-fi pop line.
Closer “I Wouldn’t Ask You” is arguably the best track on the album. The song starts with dreamy vocals on an echoey piano, before the beat drops and elevating the piece to another level, as she chants “It’ll be alright.”
Sometimes it’s okay to forget the hype and details around how an album was made. Sometimes it’s enough to just close yourself and let it tell you it’s going to be alright. With the sun on my face and this album washing over me, I think I will be.
Score: ☀️☀️☀️☀️/5
Brendan is an avid record collector from Adelaide, Australia and the man behind the @ridges_and_grooves. There are few genres he won’t listen to. His search for the best album of all time through process of elimination continues.