Charli XCX'S 'BRAT': Raw Rants & Dancefloor Anthems
Charli XCX has dropped her most revealing project yet, and it's nothing short of mesmerizing!
“BRAT” feels like leafing through Charli's personal diary, a collection of raw, unfiltered thoughts that detail her coming-of-age during tumultuous times. The album is a stark contrast to her previous release, “Crash”, which leaned into polished synthpop. “BRAT” is a different beast altogether: a dance record that's not afraid to delve into the darker recesses of Charli's psyche.
Charli kicks things off with "360," a high-energy party track that's impossible to ignore. "I'm so Julia," she declares, referencing Julia Fox and setting the tone for an album that's as much about her celebrity status as it is about her personal struggles. The track is catchy and full of swagger, the perfect opener for what's to come. "club classics" lives up to its name with its freaky dubstep and high-octane energy. It's a club banger that gets under your skin and demands you dance. Charli's having the time of her life here, but as with much of the album, there's an underlying sense that the glitz and glamour are just a façade.
On "sympathy is a knife," Charli's honesty is piercing. The song cuts deep with its raw lyrics and high-energy production, showcasing a vulnerability that contrasts sharply with the album's more bombastic moments “I might say something stupid" slows things down with a dark, brooding ballad. "I don't know if I belong here anymore," Charli laments, her voice soaked in melancholy. It's an anaesthetized meditation on self-doubt and insecurity, a moment of introspection amidst the chaos.
"Talk talk" brings a lighter, disco-infused sound that's irresistibly danceable. Charli's vocals are captivatingly melodic, yet there's a lyrical awkwardness as she talks to herself, wishing for someone to make a move. It's a beautifully crafted piece that encapsulates the album's mix of joy and discomfort. "von dutch," the album's lead single, is a frenetic blend of rock influences and turbo-charged beats. Charli's processed vocals merge with the pulsating rhythm as she delivers braggadocious lyrics with unapologetic flair.
"everything is romantic" starts softly with violins before shifting into English-style rap over hard baile funk music. Charli narrates her visions from a trip to Pompeii, creating a vivid and eclectic sonic landscape. It's a bold and unexpected track that showcases her willingness to experiment. "B2B" is a cold, wounded track about being strung along. Charli's pain is palpable, and the minimalist production highlights the emotional weight of her words.
“Mean Girls" is a turbo pop anthem that pays homage to today's internet it-girls. It captures the love-hate dynamics of online fame and the security it provides. The track features a piano-house breakdown that builds back up into a euphoric chorus, making it a standout moment on the album. It's reminiscent of 2006's Bodyrox hit "Yeah Yeah," with Mean Girls references and a nod to David Guetta, making it an instant cult classic.
"Rewind" is a nostalgic plea for simpler times. Charli evaluates her career, wondering if she deserves her success. The synth outro is reminiscent of her song "1999," adding a layer of introspection to the track. "Apple" has a bubblegum flair, but its conventional sound feels almost out of place amid the album's more unpredictable tracks. It's a brief respite from the intensity that surrounds it.
"Girl, so confusing" describes the awkwardness of maintaining a friendship with another female singer. Charli's discomfort is tangible, making the track relatable and poignant. "So I" is a tribute to her late collaborator Sophie, blending glacial expansiveness with deep regret. Charli sings, "You're a hero / And a / Human," a hymn to not letting inferiority complexes hinder meaningful connections. It's a beautiful, heart-wrenching ode to a lost friend.
"I think about it all the time" contemplates motherhood and the sacrifices it entails. Charli's sadness is palpable as she wonders about the life she might have had and the choices she's made. The album closes with "365," where Charli raps over a sped-up mix of "360." It's a wild ride, capturing the essence of the craziest house party imaginable. Charli's energy is infectious, making it a fitting end to a deeply personal and introspective album.
“BRAT” is Charli's most vulnerable work to date, balancing bombastic dance beats with dark, introspective lyrics. It's a fearless exploration of her insecurities and obsessions, delivered with the rawness of a self-hating Notes app rant. Charli's sensitivity shines through, making “BRAT” a deeply resonant and unforgettable experience.
Watch the music video for Charli XCX’s “Von dutch” below!
