Charli xcx’s viral ‘BRAT’ continues to glow
The Essex artist shone on singles.
Photo: Aidan Zamari
Charli xcx’s BRAT is a bold and electrifying foray into the realms of hyper-pop and experimental pop, showcasing her unrelenting creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of contemporary music. I’m going to say something controversial though: BRAT is… okay.
The singles wowed me when they first came out, so naturally I was hyped and super ecstatic for the album to come full force. The album was mediocre at best, still very enjoyable but it was missing that wow factor that made me fall in love with the artist in the first place. Charlie xcx has and will always be the icon that she is for your resident gals and gays (she’s still the loml) and no one can take away that crown from her.
The biggest stand-outs to me on BRAT were previously released: 360 and Club classics. These tracks radiate pure unfiltered fun and were electric to hear live at Primavera Sound in Barcelona (my friend FaceTime’d me for her set and I have never been so jealous in my entire life). Funnily enough, my other favourite, the Brazilian funk track Everything is romantic, debuted at Primavera Sound prior to the album’s release. The song oddly reminds me of Raye’s writing style, who Charli has worked with in the past.
Aside from Von dutch and Talk talk, the rest of the album falls a little flat for me, the production didn’t immediately draw me in like Charli’s previous work. Her lyricism has always been cheeky but this time it was a little too quirky for my liking. I was expecting fifteen short and sweet club classics, but a lot of the tracks reminded me of a coming of age film. The album would’ve been a hit in 10 Things I Hate About You, without a doubt.
Overall, BRAT is a daring and exhilarating album that solidifies Charli xcx’s place as one of pop’s most innovative figures. Her fearless approach to music-making, combined with her knack for crafting memorable melodies, makes BRAT a standout project in her discography. Fans of her previous work will find much to love here, while new listeners will be drawn in by the album’s infectious energy and bold experimentation.
Charli xcx proves once again that she is not just a pop star, but a visionary artist unafraid to challenge the status quo.
BRAT is out now via Atlantic Records.