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Atwood Journal’s writers delve deep into Charli XCX’s monumental and feverishly addicting sixth album ‘brat,’ a file stuffed to the brim with dance, sorrow, and anxiety-inducing beats, and one whose signature pop bangers spotlight the artist’s huge sonic and lyrical vary.
Featured listed below are Atwood writers Aaron Childree, Dimitra Gurduiala, Jada Moore, Jake Fewx, Josh Weiner, Kevin Price, and Sam Franzini!
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To begin, what’s your relationship with Charli XCX’s music?
Kevin Price: Until you’re dwelling below a rock, you might have heard Charli someplace. Whether or not or not it’s on the radio or featured on one other artist’s observe; you aren’t capable of escape the Charli-verse. I dabbled in her music all through the years, however I grew to become a real fan after her 2020 launch, how i’m feeling now, which dropped through the peak of the pandemic; it was glitchy, disorienting, and nearly felt brain-altering. She already gained recognition as an artist with earlier releases, and even with the enduring options (“Fancy,” “I Love It”), the album really grew to become the top guaranteeing my standing as a real fan.
Sam Franzini: I’ve all the time lingered in her periphery, probably not a superfan however fascinated with what she has to do. In 2017 I listened to her twin mixtapes, and the next yr I used to be excited when she saved dropping singles supposedly for her subsequent album. I used to be on a facet of Twitter on the time that actually prioritized her as a brand new, artistic voice, and whereas I agreed she’s an amazing pop artist, I might by no means fairly get behind the labels of ‘the way forward for pop’ everybody appeared to simply throw out. However I’ve nonetheless saved up along with her, writing about releases, even when she’s a tad overhyped.
Aaron Childree: Till the previous yr or so, I largely knew of Charli XCX’s music via her pop hits and collaborations, songs like “Growth Clap” and “I Love It” (with Icona Pop). Then final yr, I can’t bear in mind what precipitated it, however I began listening to lots of her music and actually did a deep dive into her discography. Ever since then, I’ve had a critical appreciation for her songwriting and the best way she is consistently in search of methods to push pop music ahead.
Jada Moore: Icona Pop’s 2012 hit “I Love It” was the primary introduction I needed to Charli XCX. That music was iconic in its personal proper, and subsequently performed in all places. Let’s not overlook “You (Ha Ha Ha)” and the chokehold it had on the movie business within the 2010s. Although I owe my due to the collab of all collabs for making me a fan, which was when Marina (previously generally known as Marina and The Diamonds) and Charli launched “Simply Desserts.” Ever since, Charli has saved a everlasting residency in my often listened to artists.
Josh Weiner: It’s been about 10 years now. In 2013, I bear in mind “I Love It” being an enormous hit, however I don’t recall noticing the identify of the singer behind the music at first, solely the manufacturing duo (Icona Pop). Thus, it wasn’t till the next yr that I grew to become acquainted with the identify Charli XCX, as a result of that was when she had her first massive solo hits, “Growth Clap” particularly. Over time, because the tunes have continued to emerge, I’ve remained acquainted with Charli XCX and continued to get pleasure from her music. Catching her energetic efficiency at Lollapalooza in 2022 boosted my enthusiasm for the gal as effectively.
Jake Fewx: It’s been about 8 years since I’ve been conscious of Charli’s music and about 5 the place each time I see her put up one thing on-line I feel: “God, she is the good…” I’ve all the time been impressed with how a lot enjoyable it appears like Charli has making music. I bear in mind listening to the Vroom Vroom EP again round 2016-17 and, although it took a bit for my thoughts to make heads or tails of what I used to be listening to, I cherished Charli’s unabashed confidence. Since then, Charli XCX has, clearly, blossomed into some of the thrilling and artistic artists on my radar. I like what she brings to the pop music panorama and have the utmost respect for what she does as an artist.
Dimitra Gurduiala: Though I grew to become conscious of Charli due to the Icona Pop hit “I Love It,” I really began listening to her due to “Growth Clap.” Clearly, could I add, being an enormous fan of the movie (and guide) “The Fault In Our Stars.” Good instances certainly, the period of Tumblr, black Converse and black eye pencil put exaggeratedly across the eyes. Since then each period of Charli (some rather less than others maybe, however all in their very own method) have had an affect on the music business and completely different phases of my life, particularly Charli, the Vroom Vroom EP and the album how I’m feeling now (my favorite in her discography, by the best way). I’m glad she’s lastly getting the popularity she deserves, she all the time labored arduous and tried to be unique in the whole lot she did. You possibly can hate or dislike her, however you may by no means not admit that she’s an icon.
What are your preliminary impressions and reactions to brat?
Kevin Price: The discharge of this album mirrored the indie-sleaze sound that stirs up lots of pleasure inside the boring world of prime hits. Given her tendency to be additional, which is justified, I anticipated it to be slightly extreme, however brat is one other entity. I fell in love with it after I heard the piercing synth drum beat on “Sympathy is a knife,” and it made me sit up and see the brilliance of letting an artist do regardless of the hell they need. Charli was granted true inventive freedom, which we would like for all artists, however she embraced it to the nth diploma with this new album.
Sam Franzini: I really feel just like the singles actually promised one thing completely different — it was this roaring, ecstatic membership album for the pre-release, however in actuality it was slowed down by a couple of slower and clunkier tracks. For the reason that deluxe album arrived so rapidly after the usual, I’ll embrace it right here, and I have to say that it added to the attract. The poppier digital tracks actually stand out and make the album energetic, however a extra concentrated power would have helped it a bit.
Aaron Childree: I’m an enormous fan of this album, and it appears to be rising on me the extra I take heed to it. It’s an excellent mixture of experimental pop and extra accessible hits. And the synth-heavy manufacturing is actually fascinating—it provides you lots of textural and rhythmic parts to latch on to even past the vocal melodies and lyrics. That is the whole lot you need from this sort of maximalist, boundary-pushing pop music.
Jake Fewx: It’s a bop. I used to be actually hoping for some Charli XCX membership bangers, and hell sure does brat convey the bangers. I can’t actually say I fell in love on the primary hear however the album has efficiently latched itself into my mind and hasn’t but let go. The manufacturing staff is firing on all cylinders and Charli’s songwriting hasn’t skipped a beat; the whole lot concerning the album is so stinkin’ memorable. The album’s catchiness could also be my favourite facet of it, however there’s little question that brat will go down as one among my favourite listens of the summer season.
Jada Moore: I like its duality! I anticipated the album to coincide with the membership / dance get together vibes the pre-releases had been giving, nevertheless I used to be pleasantly shocked by the addition of tracks like “I’d say one thing silly” and “I give it some thought on a regular basis.” Certainly every music’s distinctive vibe contributed to an general stable piece of labor by Ms. Charli.
Josh Weiner: I loved it, and it seems like all of my Atwood colleagues on this roundtable did as effectively, so I’m glad that it has made a positive impression throughout the board.
Dimitra Gurduiala: Already for the reason that launch of singles like “Membership Classics” and “B2B” I might really feel that I used to be going to like this album. Or, at the least, my expectations had been raised loads. Then, throughout Charli’s set at Primavera Sound in Barcelona, I had the prospect to listen to new tracks like “365” and “Every part is Romantic.” There I spotted for actual that this file was going to be iconic, and never simply me – it was no coincidence that greater than 100,000 individuals turned out to leap from begin to end only for her, no artist was so extremely anticipated throughout that day.
Once I then listened to brat on its official launch, I reconfirmed all my expectations. I madly cherished it, from the very first hear. In my humble opinion, it didn’t prime how I’m feeling now, but it surely was a detailed name. Truly, brat is rising on me, so I’d even change my thoughts.
How does this album examine to 2022’s Crash and the remainder of Charli’s discography – what are probably the most hanging similarities or variations?
Sam Franzini: Like she herself stated, Crash was Charli’s sell-out album (however this may observe the development of artists disavowing their earlier album for some motive), regardless that it was actually an excellent effort with lots of nice pop songs. I do sense the liberty Charli has on brat, which is a way more bombastic album than she’s ever launched. It really appears like she was the manager director right here, which is a good inventive assertion; regardless that among the lyrics really feel corny, at the least it’s coming straight from her.
Aaron Childree: In comparison with Crash, brat appeals to me a bit extra. My ideas are fairly just like Sam’s. The way in which that Charli talked about Crash was that it was her likelihood to embrace a extra mainstream pop sound, and she or he did that to nice success. That album has some songs I actually love, like “Fixed Repeat” and “Twice.” However now that she’s accomplished the down-the-middle pop album, I agree with Sam that there’s a palpable sense of freedom on brat. And the fascinating factor is that at the same time as she’s experimenting and discovering new methods to push herself each sonically and lyrically, she’s nonetheless creating a few of her catchiest songs. So, whereas Crash is an efficient album that may stand by itself, I additionally get the sense that it was a vital step on the best way to brat.
Jake Fewx: I agree with Aaron. In a method, Crash appears like a template for brat. I feel Charli was looking out to broaden her sound and storytelling potential on Crash however issues didn’t fairly culminate like they did on this new album. I feel the truth that Charli pursued this sound has paid off in spades!
Kevin Price: Crash is past doubt how she sounds if she ever decides to enter the mainstream sellout route, however surprisingly, it’s nonetheless amusing to take heed to. Many of the songs are enjoyable, quirky radio bops, however there are some standouts like “Yuck” or “Fixed Repeat,” that are replayable in her discography. I do suppose the most important distinction is that it feels pressured when most of her earlier work is, for lack of a greater phrase, experimental.
Jada Moore: I feel probably the most obvious similarity between the 2 is that Crash appears to have performed extra into a touch of the place Charli was headed subsequent musically. Because the album itself was the very essence of pop, although with a slight essence of dance added to the combo. Nonetheless with brat, the album is simply so unapologetically dance! Brat embodies the very essence of Charli XCX. Now with the liberty to completely engulf herself into the digital and membership banger facet of the spectrum, it appears as if she discovered her area of interest.
Josh Weiner: I haven’t listened to Crash during not too long ago sufficient to make a sound comparability between that one and brat, however essentially I really feel that [SIMILARITY] they each have good, catchy lyrics and infectious dance beats, regardless that [DIFFERENCE] she seems to have gathered a distinctly completely different lineup of producers on each, and even the producers that seem on each albums are used at completely different charges. A.G. Cook dinner, as an example, solely appeared twice on Crash, however known as upon twelve instances on brat– Charli XCX should have elevated her confidence within the fella.
Which music(s) stand out for you on the album, and why?
Sam Franzini: Because it was launched again in February, I all the time overlook how a lot of a banger “Von dutch” is. That, plus “Membership classics” and even “360” are such instantly legendary pop songs. “Speak discuss” and “Apple” are enjoyable, bouncy songs as effectively, and “Sympathy is a knife” and “365” are roaring, gritty songs that present what was so profitable about earlier albums like how I’m feeling now or Pop 2. When it comes to standing out within the incorrect method, nobody will persuade me that “Every part is romantic” or “I give it some thought on a regular basis” are profitable songs that sound pleasing to the ear.
Aaron Childree: Two songs rapidly grew to become my favorites: “360” and “Sympathy is a knife.” To me, these songs showcase all one of the best facets of this album. The manufacturing is advanced, expansive, and propels the songs ahead rhythmically, and the melodic hooks are as infectious because it will get. These two songs additionally spotlight the big selection of lyrical themes on the album. There may be lots of confidence and swagger on “360,” however then on “Sympathy is a knife” we hear Charli exploring a few of her doubts and insecurities. I additionally actually love “So I,” a transferring ballad that reveals one more facet of Charli’s songwriting.
Jake Fewx: “360” stands out as an unimaginable opener. It attracts you in and splendidly units the tone for the album. Like I discussed earlier than, I’m all about brat’s bangers; “Membership Classics,” “Von Dutch,” and “B2b” are all wonderful homages to 2000’s period pop and stand out as a few of my favourite Charli XCX songs so far.
Kevin Price: The 2 songs I often bounce to are “Speak discuss” and “Sympathy is a knife.” Each have such replayability and general manufacturing that make you need to transfer. Whereas “Speak discuss” performs slightly extra pleasant in comparison with the opposite, it nonetheless has that very same sense of aching or the craving to want actual emotion.
Jada Moore: I’m going to very clearly select “Von dutch” as a result of it’s really a banger, however I additionally love the susceptible facet of “I’d say one thing silly.” I can also’t not point out “I give it some thought on a regular basis” because it transports me again into the golden period of the late 90s, early 2000s tv, although its lyrics are fairly trustworthy and uncooked.
Josh Weiner: Like others within the roundtable, I’m a fan of “360.” I feel that it’s an thrilling observe and a sensible selection for the album opener, because it generates anticipation for the remainder of the album that follows. Plus, I like “I give it some thought on a regular basis,” because it’s a pleasant, candid observe by which Charli XCX contemplates her future, and I benefit from the melody that the refrain is constructed round (“I give it some thought on a regular basis, that I’d run out of time. However I lastly met my child and a child is perhaps mine.”
Dimitra Gurduiala: “Every part is romantic.” I take into account it some of the profitable tracks in Charli’s total discography, really. It’s la dolce vita if it was a rave, a romantic observe however excellent for summer season. It conveys to me a want to have enjoyable and discover the wonder in the whole lot, from lemons to scooters – the whole lot is romantic certainly. I’m additionally proud that she wrote it impressed by her vacation in Italy, I’ll admit it! (“Early nights in white sheets with lace curtains / Capri within the distance”). It’s pure lust for all times and an anthem of hopeless romantics.
Do you might have any favourite lyrics to this point? Which traces stand out?
Sam Franzini: I feel those the place she’s hyper-specific and referential actually work: it’s like an web novel that zags round what number of designer manufacturers or influencers they’ll identify. “I’m in all places, I’m so Julia”; even when Julia Fox has achieved it-girl standing solely not too long ago, it retains zinging round my head. “Who the * are you? I’m a brat after I’m bumpin’ that” on “365” can be such an ideal thesis for the entire album. Additionally, the entire fantasy of blowing up the Grammys on “Spring breakers” could be very very humorous. “And I simply laughed when the our bodies went splat!” Iconic.
Aaron Childree: There’s an actual emotional complexity in among the lyrics on this album. I admire the uncooked honesty on “Sympathy is a knife” that reveals up in traces like “don’t know if it’s actual or if I’m spiraling” and “I’m embarrassed to have it however want the sympathy.” And on “I give it some thought on a regular basis” it’s like she’s working via whether or not or when she needs to grow to be a mother or father the best way she would if she had been writing in a personal journal. Telling the story of assembly one among her pals who has not too long ago had their first little one, she sings, “She’s a radiant mom, and he’s a ravishing father, and now they each know these items that I don’t, I give it some thought on a regular basis.” I additionally admire how on this extraordinarily susceptible music, she chooses to strip away the auto-tune she typically makes use of on her voice.
Kevin Price: Everybody throughout social media has been, after all, making numerous memes about this album, and one of many lyrics that’s been circling the platforms is “Why I wanna purchase a gun? Why I wanna shoot myself?” I discovered it to be “meme-able” as effectively and a tad susceptible, but it surely heightens that music to a extra critical diploma of hysteria. The opposite is, “I feel the apple’s rotten proper to the core from all of the issues handed down, from all of the apples coming earlier than.” It’s a very relatable lyric concerning the inevitable psychological, emotional, and bodily attributes being handed down from your personal familial previous, and the way you can not keep away from them.
Jada Moore: Although the tune of a lot of the album could be very upbeat, Charli additionally will get fairly susceptible. On “I give it some thought on a regular basis” the brutal honesty from Charli concerning her ideas and aspirations for the longer term could be very relatable. “That I’d run out of time. However I lastly met my child. And a child is perhaps mine. ‘Trigger possibly at some point I’d. If I don’t run out of time.” That very same vulnerability and openness seems on “Sympathy is a knife” the place Charli opens up about her personal struggles and insecurities. “Why I can’t even grit my enamel and lie? I really feel all these emotions I can’t management”
Although on the other facet of spectrum, the very unapologetic assured facet of Charli comes into play on 360 with the lyrics “Internationally acknowledged, I set the tone, it’s my design and it’s caught in your thoughts. Legacy is undebated. You gon’ bounce if A. G. made it. For those who adore it, should you hate it, I don’t f*ing care what you suppose.”
Josh Weiner: As said above, I preferred the thematic idea of “I give it some thought on a regular basis” and its central refrain, which I discovered catchy and melodic. Plus, I admire her imaginative and prescient of a “Imply Lady” on Observe #13 – “It’s 2 a.m., and she or he’s on the market within the sheer white gown, carrying final night time’s make-up, all coquette-ish within the footage with the flash on, worships Lana Del Rey in her AirPods, yeah.” OK, listening to Lana name-dropped in that line for me is a tricky reminder that her present at Fenway Park right here in Boston on Thursday is totally bought out and there’s no method I can go… however that’s by no means Charli XCX’s fault, so I’ll nonetheless give that lyrical shout-out a thumbs-up.
Dimitra Gurduiala: “In a spot that may make you modify / Fall in love repeatedly,” from “Every part is romantic.” I’m a agency believer in journeys made to seek out your self, in getting your coronary heart damaged solely to have the ability to love even stronger than earlier than, and for me this straightforward verse describes this philosophy completely. I’d additionally add the entire lyrics of “So I,” devoted to Sophie. I have to say, I discover it very candy and touching that for as soon as a music devoted to this extraordinary artist doesn’t point out how she handed away, as different artists have accomplished (St. Vincent in ‘Sweetest Fruit’, for instance). “Once I make songs, I bear in mind / Belongings you’d recommend, ‘make it quicker’ / Would you want this one?” Oh, Charli. I’m positive Sophie would love this album.
The place do you’re feeling brat sits within the pantheon of Charli XCX’s discography?
Sam Franzini: Within the center, however nearer to the highest. I really feel if she went actually all-in and crafted this electroclash, bombastic file with the identical power and momentum all through, it actually might have been among the finest pop albums of all time. (A file filled with “Von dutch”es and “Spring breakers”? Signal me up.) As it’s, it’s fairly profitable, regardless that among the writing is useless on arrival. “Apple” is painfully over-explained, and “Imply ladies” is clearly attempting to undertake a writing fashion that Charli is simply not good at. However such a membership music isn’t concerning the writing, so it may be given some passes.
Aaron Childree: I’d put brat within the prime tier, alongside along with her 2017 mixtape Pop 2. Each of those initiatives combine wonderful pop songwriting with masterful digital manufacturing and a wholesome disregard for pop conventions. This new album, together with Charli’s spectacular Boiler Room DJ set within the leadup to the album’s launch, additionally make me actually excited to see the place her music goes from right here. Brat explores a variety of sounds and lyrically themes, and the Boiler Room set confirmed Charli’s abilities behind the decks, so it feels just like the sky is the restrict as she continues to problem what it means to be a pop star.
Jake Fewx: Actually, Vroom Vroom EP apart, I feel that is Charli’s finest album but. I do know Charli has been on a tear the previous 5 years however I actually really feel like this album distills and amplifies each nice Charli XCX-ism whereas concurrently displaying Charli at her most susceptible and the album is extra versatile and pleasant for it.
Kevin Price: brat is a masterpiece, however I do suppose that if this was launched earlier in her profession, it could not have accomplished as effectively. Her discography has such wide selection, interesting to all various kinds of pop followers, and brat has this kind of spice that displays the present age of her followers and the expertise all of us possess at this time in comparison with what was as soon as earlier than.
Jada: I feel Brat deserves its personal place on the desk for positive, simply because its the very embodiment of Charli XCX. You possibly can inform this was an album she really put a lot coronary heart into. With that being stated, No 1 Angel and Pop 2 stay amongst my prime two favourite albums. The collaborators alone are sufficient to retaining again for extra!
Josh: My favourite album of hers continues to be in all probability 2014’s Sucker, however that will come right down to nostalgia on the finish of the day. I’m comfortable to defend brat as one among her finest information so far, although I confess that I’ve not listened to all of them (there are rather a lot, in my protection).
Dimitra Gurduiala: I feel brat represents Charli’s true golden period and the start of recognition by a a lot bigger viewers than she’s used to. I really feel that the top of her profession is but to return, although. I do suppose, nevertheless, that she is on an excellent, good path to completely notice her potential. I need to hope that that is only a starting, relatively than the tip or a mere continuation of her journey. I’m curious to listen to no matter she’s going to do sooner or later. With none expectation in any respect, actually – she’s by no means been capable of really disappoint.
Charli — or her followers — have lengthy alleged she acts in antithesis to the pop norm, whereas concurrently enveloping its finest options to create a brand new music. What impact do you suppose this has on brat?
Aaron Childree: What comes via to me on brat is the best way Charli takes what she likes from pop norms and conventions with out feeling certain by them, and I actually admire that. We’ve talked about how there’s a freedom to this album. That is an artist at a second the place she feels free to create the precise sound she needs with out worrying what critics will say or how the music will work its method via the business machine.
Kevin Price: By means of her many collaborators, together with the legendary SOPHIE, Charli has realized that pop could be no matter you make it, however there are such a lot of completely different avenues and wavelengths you possibly can course of it via. It doesn’t must be this one singular entity. You possibly can broaden on it endlessly, and I feel Charli is or has already perfected that mindset.
Jada: For as soon as I’m really going to agree and listen to me out! Although Charli has been making pop music for a few decade now, she has continued to blur the traces between pop and dance. Brat embodies the very essence of Charli XCX in that she is as soon as once more utilizing pop to create one thing distinctive to what we’re sometimes listening to on mainstream pop radio proper now.
Josh: I don’t take into account “pop” a musical style, however relatively a industrial standing – it’s brief for common, in any case! So, merely attaining the mainstream ranges that she has robotically makes her a “pop singer,” in a way. I interpret this query as asking, “Does her music take one of the best parts of at this time’s pop songs whereas additionally sustaining its personal distinct id?” and to that I say, “Maybe so, however I must grow to be a extra seasoned listener earlier than I can correctly say which songs on brat finest obtain that impact.”
Any ideas on the prolonged model, Brat and it’s the identical however there’s three extra songs so it’s not? How do the bonus songs contribute to the general launch?
Jake Fewx: First off, unimaginable title, however the three bonus tracks are nice! All three are a ton of enjoyable and I form of want they got a spot on the unique product. I do know we expect “360” is a good opener however don’t inform me “Whats up goodbye” wouldn’t be simply nearly as good. And “Guess” might have been an amazing palate cleanser that would add some extra depth on the, um, sexual facet of the album… (insert blushing emoji right here).
Kevin Price: Absolute bangers. All three are the proper cherry on prime of this complete album, particularly as a result of they don’t really feel far off from the vibe executed. “Whats up goodbye” is already a membership basic (no pun meant), whereas “Guess” and “Spring breakers” wrap up the entire deluxe model in pure “brattitude.”
Jada Moore: I’m going to agree with Jake right here, as a result of what a title that is! I’m all the time going to eat up an excellent artistic title, particularly when it’s one that’s so literal. Now onto the songs, undecided if it’s an unpopular opinion, however I feel it makes lots of sense to incorporate them on their very own / on an prolonged model of the album. They’re a bit extra digital ahead and paying homage to a membership model vs. radio edit (should you get what I imply.) “365” alone closes out Brat effectively, however the addition of the three tracks provides a little bit of an encore really feel.
Josh Weiner: Yep, I agree with the “encore feeling” and the “absolute bangers” labels that everybody else has bestowed on these albums. Plus, I just like the hip-hop persona of Charli XCX that emerges in these bonus tracks; it’s a fantastic approach to shut issues out.
Dimitra Gurduiala: I’d say it’s clear, particularly with “Guess,” that Charli has realized that she will now do no matter she needs, each musically and lyrically. I discover that she has completely let herself go in these three bonus tracks, they add an fascinating contact to the album. Actually hoping all the deluxe album shall be a part of DJ units all around the globe this summer season, it’d undoubtedly be deserved!
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