Aimee Mann was influenced by what she calls the "super pop" of the '70s and '80s. "Charmer" is her first release since 2008's "@#%&*! Smilers."
About the title, Mann explained how charm can be manipulative. She said, "I'm fascinated by charming people and the whole idea of charm. It's hard to remember sometimes that there is usually an agenda behind the act of being charming, and that is what I'm most interested in. Is someone's charm being utilized just to try and entertain people, make them feel special and interesting, or is there a more sinister purpose behind it? Sometimes I think 'charm' can just be another word for 'manipulation.'"
The album also includes a duet with James Mercer of The Shins on "Living a Lie." Mann will support the new album with tour dates this fall.