Charli xcx has made history, and this success is nothing short of deserved as she has been pushing the boundaries of pop music for years.
Charli xcx released her sixth studio album, ‘BRAT,’ on June 7, 2024, marking a daring entry into the EDM scene. Embracing a raw, unpolished sound that goes back to the minimalist rave/pop vibe of the late 90s and early 2000s. The album was promoted with the singles ‘Von Dutch‘, ‘Club Classics‘, ‘B2B‘, and ‘360‘. Alongside it was a Boiler Room set that previewed remixed versions of the tracks. This project is a tribute to the bratty energy of female pop icons from the past, reflected not just in the music but also in its minimalist, green-themed visuals, which intentionally contrast with the elaborate covers typical of the genre.
‘BRAT’ stands out as Charli’s most lyrically dense and personal album, exploring themes of love, fame, grief, and insecurities. Tracks like ‘360’ and ‘365’ capture the party-ready, braggadocious energy that defines much of the album. While songs like ‘Sympathy is a Knife’ and ‘So I’ delve into deeper emotional territories. Collaborations with artists like A.G. Cook, George Daniel, and Lorde add further depth. The latter joined Charli on a remix of ‘Girl, So Confusing’, an anthem addressing the complexities of female friendships in the industry.
BRAT as a Cultural Movement
The less positive things on BRAT are the slower tracks. I Might Say Something Stupid and I Think About It All the Time, while adding depth, don’t quite match the iconic energy of the rest of the album. Despite this, BRAT is still a must-listen, blending nostalgia, personal reflection, and danceable beats perfect for club and EDM playlists.
The album marked Charli’s first UK №1 hit, sparked a TikTok trend with the track ‘Apple’, and featured deluxe tracks with top artists like Billie Eilish. It even earned the famous 10 rating from Anthony Fantano. Beyond music, BRAT has evolved into a cultural movement, with Kamala Harris endorsing it as part of her presidential campaign.
After years of pushing boundaries in pop music, Charli xcx has made history, and this success is nothing but well-earned. Charli could have relied on her earlier hits’ success, but she chose to carve her own path. This choice made her a leading pop artist of her generation and a staple of the hyper-pop genre. Now, the artist is finally receiving the mainstream success she long deserved.
