Review: "Charli" Album by Charli XCX
Charli XCX is known for her electro-infused, bright and synth tracks that are kind of like Halsey meets Katy Perry. Her latest album, “Charli”, stays on brand for Ms. XCX but has nuanced influences and diverse collaborations that show the artist expanding out of her comfort zone faster than ever.
Hip-Hop influences shine through in the vocals of “Next Level Charli” and “Klick”, featuring Tommy Cash and Kim Petras. In the formidable and slicing Vogue/New Orleans style “Shake It” featuring heavy-hitters CupcakKe, Big Freedia, Brook Candy and Pabllo Vittar, you’ll find yourself transported to an intensely choreographed/ dance battle in You Got Served.
On “Cross You Out”, darker, almost gothy vibes shine through thanks to the addition of Sky Ferreira in this drunken croon of a sad girl track.
One of your favorite tracks on “Charli” features the queen of 2019, Lizzo, on this undeniably catchy track that has a Sean Paul inspired backbeat.
This album might not be a revolutionary one, but it’s a healthy and creative addition to the pop landscape in 2019. “Charli” time travels through the eras here as she blends that slow, ballad nostalgia from the 80s (re: her track “I don’t Wanna Know”) with futuristic vibes for a timeless track list that won’t get old anytime soon.