It’s so obvious— Charli XCX is your number one. Or at least number one on the charts, but who’s shocked?
Charli XCX, the queen of hyperpop, reappeared after two years of relative silence to drop one of the wildest, most vibrant albums of 2024.
Charli XCX always took on innovative methods of curating music, starting with more “campy” songs that climbed steadily up the charts and invaded the internet in the early 2010s, such as “Boom Clap,” Icona Pop’s “I Love It” and Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy.” Naturally, her music started to evolve and manifest into a glittery, almost electric genre when she collaborated with hit songwriter SOPHIE when constructing her EP “Vroom Vroom.”
“Brat” is somewhat reminiscent of hits dominating social media platforms in the early 2010s. It was almost impossible to scroll through Instagram in 2014 without hearing Charli’s “Boom Clap.” With Charli’s talent, she showcases her ability to blend nostalgic elements with futuristic, harsh sounds, proving her continued relevance and innovation in the music industry.
The album starts strong with “360,” a song illustrating the importance and gratification of being a self-empowered badass. “When you’re in the mirror, do you like what you see? / When you’re in the mirror, you’re just looking at me / I’m everywhere, I’m so Julia.” Charli knows she’s an icon- laying it on thick as she compares herself to Julia Fox, a prolific Italian-American actress.
It’s hard not to want to get up and dance as Charli delivers her lines with infectious energy and confidence. “360” is a testament to Charli’s ability to blend loud, catchy hooks with empowering lyrics, making “360” an anthem of self-assurance and individuality.
In her new album, Charli explores aspects of her inner self that she hadn’t explored before. As the album progresses, she allows insecurity to seep through her cracks, settling into her soul and making itself at home. It’s almost obnoxious—gut-wrenching, even, when she spews her guts in “Sympathy is a knife,” one of the album’s most vulnerable, passionate songs.
“This one girl taps my insecurities / Don’t know if it’s real or if I’m spiraling / One voice tells me that they laugh / George says I’m just paranoid.” Spiraling, Charli struggles to get a hold of herself, allowing the public to continue to have a grip on her mental state with their harsh words.
Charli’s emotions seem somewhat all over the place throughout the album as she navigates through themes of self-doubt, vulnerability and empowerment. This emotional rollercoaster showcases her growth as an artist, offering listeners a raw and unfiltered glimpse into her psyche. “It’s so confusing sometimes to be a girl,” Charli admits on “Girl, so confusing.”
Arguably, one of the most emotional songs on the album would have to be “So I,” a track that explores Charli’s connections with her long-term collaborator, SOPHIE, who tragically passed away over three years ago. Grief is complex in itself–it’s even more complicated when manifested through songs and intricate lyricism.
“Wish I’d try to pull you closer / You pushed me hard, made me focus / Your words, brutal, loving, truthful / I was petrified / You’re a hero and a human.” SOPHIE was a shining, bright star who guided and influenced Charli not only in her songwriting but also in her life.
“She changed my life. She changed all of our lives. Not just because of her music but because of the person that she was. She has this incredible energy that is so special because she’s so inspiring,” Charli said in an interview with Notion.
“Didn’t know how I should act / I watched you dance online” is one of the most devastating, modern depictions of what it is like to lose someone. It’s heartbreaking when someone you love passes away–especially when they have a prominent online presence; it would be suffocating seeing their pictures and videos while you’re trying to grieve. While it is wonderful that SOPHIE’s memory will never die, it must have been tough for Charli to deal with at the time.
Overall, “Brat” is a lewd, devastatingly bitchy masterpiece. It’s no wonder why the album won not one but three Grammys. It’s easy to say that Charli once again solidified her ability to challenge societal norms and expectations, inspiring others to embrace their complexities and vulnerabilities.
