Charli XCX’s third studio album pushes her lyrical intelligence while still keeping with her experimental and avant-garde pop style.
Like most self-titled albums, Charli is a reflection of the artist. The English singer/songwriter's emotions seem to be pouring out of the music, and melodically unfurling her thoughts and struggles into the listener’s ears.
With the exception of “1999” featuring Troye Sivan the rest of the album is a mix of warped club pop, and visceral ballads.
“1999” is different because she is channeling 90s nostalgia and pop culture, she even adds a nod to Britney Spears in the drumbeat.
Along with Sivan, she works with artists including Lizzo, Clairo, and HAIM, ushering back many from her previous 2017 album Pop2.
Another big name on the album is SOPHIE, an experimental electronic artist. SOPHIE appears on 2099, Click, and Silver Cross.
SOPHIE’s signature wet and heavy vanguard sound pairs well with Charli’s euphoric sensibilities on this album. “2099” is Charli’s way of taking “1999” to the future, which is pretty cool.
She is channeling sounds that are dreamy and ephemeral on most of the songs, especially on her more personal ballads like “Cross You Out” and “Thoughts.”
On “Thoughts” Charli really shines, this solo track immerses you in a euphoria of pop. She makes you feel as if you’re floating in the ether, with her angelic voice harmonizing the air.
“Blame it on Your Love” featuring Lizzo, is a bubblegum pop song, with a fun-loving rhythm, but deeper and more emotional lyrics.
In that emotion Charli often speaks about her struggle in a love-blame relationship with herself and that’s reflected in the lyrics, and the militaristic beat of this song. She keeps the emotions flowing on “Warm,” bringing back the feeling of euphoria and vapor-dreams.
Her lyrics speak about unrequited love and being on a different page with your partner. She cries out for reciprocation while synth rhythms ring out.
Charli’s pop music has her taking up arms against the pop machine. Her sound choices seem to put her music outside of a typical pop sound, and fans of Charli can appreciate her boldness.
This anecdote only becomes more clear as the album progresses. On track “2099” also featuring Sivan, she posits, “All she wanna do is my style, yeah/No one on my level.” Charli is the face for reimagining pop and creativity in the genre.
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