After a long wait and much anticipation, Charli XCX has finally dropped her sixth studio album, Brat, an unapologetically brash yet emotionally nuanced exploration of hyperpop, dance, and introspection. Released on June 7, 2024, Brat is Charli’s next major step after her pop pivot on Crash, but this time, she’s not just flirting with mainstream sound—she’s twisting it, deconstructing it, and making it her playground. The result? An album that balances the infectious thrill of club bangers with moments of sincere self-reflection, embodying everything that makes Charli a pioneering force in pop music.
Back to the Club, but With New Baggage
From the very start, Brat pulls listeners into a whirlwind of pulsating beats, distorted synths, and Charli’s unmistakably autotuned vocals. But don’t let the party-ready exterior fool you—beneath the neon-lit surface, there’s an undertone of vulnerability and existential musing. Songs like I Think About It All The Time delve into Charli’s contemplation about balancing her fast-paced career with thoughts of motherhood, while tracks like Sympathy is a Knife explore deep insecurities wrapped in infectious bass-heavy production. This thematic duality defines much of Brat, making it more than just a party album—it’s a window into Charli’s evolving relationship with fame, self-worth, and ambition.
Nostalgia Meets Futurism
Musically, Brat plays with the tension between nostalgia and futurism. Charli harkens back to the hyperpop sensibilities that helped define her early work, but with a more refined and mature approach. Take Von Dutch, a track that channels the brash, rebellious energy of Y2K pop, while blending it with modern, hard-hitting production. There’s even a cheeky nod to 2000s electropop, but this time it’s laced with aggressive, glitchy undertones, reminding listeners that Charli is as much about rewriting the rules as she is about paying homage to them.
Tracks like Rewind explicitly tap into Charli’s personal nostalgia. Here, the hooks are sugary-sweet, but the lyrics reveal a deeper longing for a simpler time, pre-fame, when life wasn’t under the constant scrutiny of the public eye. This track feels like a sonic diary entry, laying bare Charli’s conflicting feelings about success and personal identity.
Hyperpop but Make It Personal
One of Charli XCX’s defining traits has always been her ability to take hyperpop—a genre known for its bombastic and often impersonal sonic landscapes—and inject it with raw, emotional depth. Brat is no different in that regard. Girl, So Confusing stands out as a prime example, blending frenetic beats with a tale of strained friendships and the isolating nature of the music industry. There’s a vulnerability in Charli’s lyrics that wasn’t as pronounced in her earlier work, revealing an artist who is increasingly unafraid to show the cracks beneath her glossy pop persona.
On Talk, Talk, a collaboration with several A-list artists, Charli opens up about love in a way that feels refreshingly authentic, touching on her relationship with her fiancé, George. Where previous albums like How I’m Feeling Now might have seen Charli running from love or self-sabotaging her relationships, Brat shows her accepting love and stability, a maturity that contrasts sharply with the album’s more hedonistic tracks.
Production That Bites
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Charli XCX album without killer production, and on Brat, she teams up with longtime collaborator A.G. Cook, as well as names like Easyfun and Cirkut, to deliver some of the most adventurous soundscapes of her career. Tracks like Everything Is Romantic showcase Cook’s signature style, with spliced vocals, distorted orchestral arrangements, and a brasileiro funk beat that somehow works within the hyperpop framework. The production on Mean Girls is just as audacious, flipping from a jazzy piano break to glitchy, sliced-up vocals, making for a sonic rollercoaster that keeps listeners on their toes.
The album’s closing track, 365, is perhaps the most extreme in terms of production. It’s a chaotic, high-energy anthem that feels like a final burst of frenetic energy, as though Charli is burning out the last bit of fuel after a night of endless partying. Dirty synthlines and warped beats spiral into a dizzying conclusion, leaving listeners both exhilarated and exhausted.
A Tribute to Sophie
Perhaps one of the most poignant moments on the album is So I, a track that serves as a heartfelt tribute to Charli’s longtime collaborator, the late producer Sophie. The song reflects on their time together, capturing vignettes of shared memories and creative breakthroughs. Charli paints a touching portrait of their friendship, and the production—helmed by A.G. Cook—mirrors the innovative spirit that Sophie embodied. The track is a fitting tribute to an artist who helped shape Charli’s sound and who left an indelible mark on the hyperpop landscape.
Brat: A Cultural Moment
In many ways, Brat feels like the culmination of Charli XCX’s career to date. It’s an album that fully embraces her status as both a pop provocateur and a deeply introspective artist. The mixture of high-energy bangers and reflective ballads creates a dynamic listening experience that mirrors the contradictions of modern fame—glamorous on the outside, but fraught with tension underneath.
Critically, Brat has been received as a major moment for Charli, with some calling it her most complete and personal album yet. The interplay between its sonic experimentation and its emotional depth has won over even those who may have been skeptical of hyperpop’s longevity. It’s an album that speaks not just to Charli’s fans, but to anyone navigating the complexities of identity, love, and success in the modern age.
FAQs
What is Charli XCX’s Brat album about?
Brat explores themes of fame, self-worth, and vulnerability, with Charli reflecting on her career, relationships, and personal aspirations. The album blends hyperpop with nostalgic elements, offering a mix of danceable anthems and introspective tracks.
Who are the key collaborators on Brat?
The album features production from A.G. Cook, Easyfun, Cirkut, and others. Charli also collaborates with artists like Robyn, Addison Rae, and Lorde on various tracks, adding to the album’s eclectic sound.
How does Brat differ from Charli XCX’s previous albums?
While Charli’s previous albums like Crash leaned more towards mainstream pop, Brat returns to her hyperpop roots but with a more mature and introspective edge. The album also incorporates elements of early 2000s pop and electropop, giving it a nostalgic yet futuristic feel.
What is the standout track on Brat?
Tracks like I Think About It All The Time, Von Dutch, and So I are considered standout moments. Each song brings a unique mix of emotional depth, bold production, and lyrical introspection.
Is Brat Charli XCX’s best album yet?
Many critics believe Brat to be Charli’s most complete and personal album to date, marking a significant moment in her career. Its blend of sonic experimentation and vulnerability has resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
What themes does Brat explore?
Brat delves into themes of fame, identity, friendship, and love. Charli also touches on deeper insecurities and personal struggles, providing a nuanced portrayal of the highs and lows of her career and personal life.
Conclusion
Brat isn’t just another hyperpop album—it’s a statement, a bold declaration from an artist who has spent her career bending and reshaping pop music to her will. With its blend of infectious beats, vulnerable lyrics, and audacious production, Brat is Charli XCX at her brattiest, and her best. Whether you’re here for the bangers or the deeper emotional cuts, Brat delivers on all fronts, solidifying Charli’s status as one of pop’s most innovative voices.
