Charli xCX - the saviour of pop culture
In 2022, Dazed Magazine declared that “pop culture is dead,” claiming that everything artists did was designed for TikTok virality. I agreed—until about three weeks ago.
It is with great pleasure that I can say pop is back. It’s so back.
While Sabrina Carpenter and Doja Cat have released records reminiscent of the 2016 club culture and celebrity lifestyle (messy, outrageous, amazing), the true beacon of this revival is brat by Charli XCX. Universally praised by critics, listeners, and industry peers, this fifteen-track masterpiece strikes the perfect balance between club anthems and introspective ballads. Tracks like "Von dutch," "360," "365," "Club classics," and "Everything is romantic" provide the ideal soundtrack for dancing on tables while trying not to get a concussion from headbanging to the beats.
The album rollout itself was iconic: cryptic social media posts, neon green teaser images, and a surprise flash mob in Times Square. Charli had fans and industry insiders scratching their heads and refreshing their feeds in anticipation. The pièce de résistance? A mysterious neon green square as the album cover—minimalist genius or a middle finger to conventional album art? Whatever your take, it was a masterstroke of marketing. Charli didn’t just drop an album; she orchestrated a cultural event that had everyone buzzing.
My favourite part of this rollout was Charli's interviews discussing brat. Her nonchalant attitude, emphasis on fun, and dismissal of taking oneself too seriously underscore the central theme of Brat: the world is messed up, so have fun when you can. Tracks like "Sympathy is a knife," "Rewind," "Mean girls," and "I might say something stupid" highlight the toxic elements of the industry, particularly Charli’s imposter syndrome. The album reminds us through infectious beats and heartfelt lyrics that even the most glamorous/ seemingly perfect lives have their off days, and that's perfectly okay!
The most notable event in brat’s album cycle was the remix of "Girl, so confusing," where Charli addresses her insecurities about another artist. With lyrics like "sometimes I think that you hate me" and "opposites do attract," speculation swirled about the song's muse—was it MARINA, Taylor Swift, or Lorde? In a surprising twist, Lorde acknowledged she inspired the track and joined Charli on the remix, titled "The girl, so confusing version with lorde." She publicly apologized, saying she sometimes forgets that "inside the icon, there's still a young girl from Essex," and pledged her unwavering support for Charli. This collaboration redefined celebrity feuds by opting for transparency and mutual respect, culminating in a flawless track.
brat has become more than just a spectacular album; it’s a cultural phenomenon championing inclusivity and joy in the face of insecurities. Charli XCX is reviving the pop world, getting us dancing on tables again, and reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously. We’re all here for a limited time, so yes, cry all you want, but then get up and have FUN!
