Clairo, ‘Closer to You’ | Track Review

After making a strong first impression with “Bags,” Clairo makes another great impression with “Closer to You,” the second single from ‘Immunity.’ 

“You called me late at night, I pick up every time / Wish that I could rewind, get some peace of mind.” After releasing “Bags”, the promo single for her highly-anticipated debut album, Immunity (August 2, 2019) in May, rising alternative singer/songwriter Clairo (Claire Cottrill) returns with her second single, “Closer to You.” “Closer to You” is co-written by Cottrill alongside Rostam Batmanglij. Additionally, Rostam produces this compelling gem which features excellent, electro-/alt-pop production cues. “Closer to You” excels in regard to its use of synths and drum programming.

Thematically, the record deals with matters of the heart, as evidenced by the aforementioned excerpt from the first verse.  On the second verse, Clairo sings, “Know I’m standing here by choice / And I can’t hear the background noise anyway.” Throughout, Cottrill delivers lovely vocals, even with some vocal effects in play.  Speaking of those vocals, harmonies enter into the mix beginning on the pre-chorus:

“Shut up, don’t wanna hear it now, I’m fed up

Wish I could say it was enough, oh, to make me walk away

And I messed up ‘cause every time I start to get up

And now my head feels fucked up, and I know I won’t change.”

As electrifying as the pre-chorus is, the chorus provides Clairo with another well-executed section that’s a memorable listening experience:

“The things you do

Only make me want get closer to you

And the things that you say

Only make me want to stay”

Further amplifying the ear-catching excellence is the thoughtful addition of guitar to the chorus.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Closer to You” sounds like a hit the first time you hear it. Sure, it’s a record that’s simple enough, but also highly effective.  Clairo continues to make her case as the next big, alternative/alt-pop breakout star.  Immunity should be a treat.

Clairo • Immunity • Fader • Release: 8.2.19

Photo Credit: Fader