BRAT
Charli XCX
2024
Hyperpop
15 Tracks
41 minutes, 23 seconds
Atlantic Records
Produced by George Daniel, A.G. Cook, El Guincho
1xLP Lime Green Vinyl
About the artist
Charli XCX, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, is a British singer, songwriter, and producer who has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop music. Since her debut, she has become a key figure in the hyperpop movement, blending mainstream appeal with experimental sounds.
Known for her collaborations with artists like SOPHIE, A.G. Cook, and Icona Pop, Charli has created a distinct musical identity that resonates with fans worldwide. Her ability to fuse underground and mainstream influences has cemented her place as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary pop music.
On the turntable
BRAT, Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, released in June 2024, marks a significant evolution in her career, blending high-energy electronic dance-pop with the raw, experimental edge of hyperpop. It’s no surprise that “PARTYGIRL” is the name Charli xcx adopted for the DJ nights she put on in support of BRAT. It’s kind of her brand anyway, but on her sixth studio album, the British pop star is revelling in the trashy, sugary glitz of the club. BRAT is a record that brings to life the pleasure of colourful, sticky dance floors and too-sweet alcopops lingering in the back of your mouth, fizzing with volatility, possibility and strutting vanity.
Virality played a crucial role in the album's success. The lead single, "Von Dutch," became a sensation on platforms like TikTok, where its catchy hook and provocative lyrics struck a chord with a wide audience. This online buzz helped propel BRAT into mainstream consciousness, creating a ripple effect that boosted the album's visibility across various media outlets. Tracks like "360" and "Club Classics" quickly followed suit, becoming staples in both digital spaces and live DJ sets, cementing the album's place in contemporary pop culture.
The cover art—a stark lime green square with minimalist Arial font—was a deliberate choice to provoke and disrupt. Charli XCX worked closely with New York’s Special Offer, Inc. to create this bold visual statement. The garish green, as Charli explained, was selected to be "offensive" and "off-trend," a color so saturated in media and fashion that it triggers discomfort and questions about our cultural standards. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about making people rethink their expectations of what pop music—and pop artists—should look like. The cover took five months to finalise, with the design team scrutinising over 500 shades of green to find the perfect one that encapsulates the album’s rebellious spirit.
The album is a deeply personal project for Charli, with many tracks exploring her complex relationship with fame, the music industry, and her identity. For instance, "Girl, So Confusing" delves into her contentious relationships within the industry, while "Sympathy Is a Knife" touches on the emotional toll of public scrutiny. Charli has described BRAT as an album that doesn’t shy away from being "bitchy" and "direct," embracing its confrontational tone to question societal expectations around femininity and success.
Production-wise, BRAT is a collaborative effort that includes contributions from long-time partners like A.G. Cook and George Daniel, alongside new influences that add depth and diversity to the sound. The album’s sonic landscape is as bold as its themes, blending industrial beats, glitchy synths, and powerful vocals to create a sound that’s both chaotic and cohesive.
BRAT encapsulates Charli XCX’s journey as an artist who continuously defies norms and pushes boundaries, all while maintaining a deep connection with her fans through her unfiltered expression and innovative sound. The album stands as a testament to her ability to evolve and provoke, making a landmark release in her already illustrious career
From the crate
