Pop star Charli XCX has never been one to shy away from pushing boundaries, and her latest album, Brat (And It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat), featuring 35 tracks and 20 guest artists, is a stepup from the already apparent boldness of Brat. Charli’s known for blending wild pop beats with clever lyrics, but this time, she’s turned the volume up, crossed a few more lines, and created an album that’s hard to fit into any single genre, but it’s incredibly easy to enjoy. For people looking for an album that’s fun, surprising, and rebellious, this adaptation of Brat delivers a fresh energy that’s impossible to ignore.
The album opens with the song “360” featuring Robyn and Yung Lean, two alternative artists who add a distinc sound to the already iconic song from its sister album; the song features an unexpected trio for sure but that contributes to the overall vibe of the album; unapologetically original.
“Club Classics” is already a very lively and dynamic song from the original album. The revamped song features Spanish rapper BB Trickz who really made the song her own; bringing her own individual energy to the song and really showing her versatility as a rapper with a sharp edge.
The 1975’s Matty Healy also reserved a spot on the tracklist along with electronic artist Jon Hopkins; the song “I might say something stupid” turns the album around, taking down the energy but bringing a sound that is unlike anything else; these two artists compliment the album in an artistic way and really make the album a genre in itself.
Justin Vernon, better known for being the primary of the group Bon Iver, brings an indie perspective and sound to the tracklist. The song “I think about it all the time” reflects the energy of a house album but also an indie and earthy track; something that only artists like Vernon can achieve. The collaboration between Charli XCX and Vernon is something out of the ordinary but it did not disappoint.
The song “Guess” featuring Billie Eillish cannot be overlooked. The song is pure energy, the mix of Charli’s glittery-pop sounds mixed with Eillish’s moody vocals. The song adds depth to very conversational lyrics while adding a sense of amusement to the track, it’s definitely a fan favorite for its playful undertone.
And it’s impossible to ignore the feature from the unexpected but incredibly talented Lorde. Lorde’s contribution in “Girl, so confusing” flips the narrative around as fans orginally thought the track in the first album was a diss track aimed at Lorde. The song discusses the messiness of relations in the industry and almost serves as a “let’s work it out” remix.
Charli XCX reimagines her iconic Brat album in this newest addition, expanding it with adapted tracks and a line-up of incredible collaborators. Each guest artist, from Billie Eillish to Lorde, brings new energy and surprises, blending effortlessly with Charli’s fearless style. This album is a genre-bending adventure that’s bold, experimental, and totally engaging. Featuring tracks that range from club-worthy anthems to introspective tunes, Brat (And It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat) is a must listen for fans seeking music that’s as bold and unpredictable as Charli herself.