Club Classics doesn’t even begin to describe it. “BRAT” is the newest full length LP from UK hyperpop artist Charli xcx. Being her 7th full length album, the British pop star has had her fair share of successful albums and top.
This record is filled to the absolute top with crazy synth runs, deep drums and phenomenal vocals that make this 41 minute LP feel a lot shorter than it is. From the plucky synths on tracks like “360” and “So I” to the deep distorted bass on “Sympathy is a knife” and “Von Dutch,” the sheer sound palette that is in this record is amazing.
Vocal wise, Charli has never been more versatile. Coming from someone who just spent the past week listening to nothing but Charli’s past projects, this is far and away the most range she has showcased. From the catchy choruses on “360” and “Talk talk” to the fast paced verses on “Everything is romantic” and “Mean girls” this is one of the strongest vocal performances from a pop artist this year.
If I spent this review going through all of the high moments of this album, it would be way too long so instead I’ll go over the highest of the highs. Starting with the bookends of this LP, “360” and “365.” “360” has its booming bass mixed with its plucky synth makes for a beautiful start to the album.
“365 is a remix of the former track. The beat is slightly sped up and while it shares this beat, it is its own song completely. Like the way “360” felt like an intro, “365” feels like an outro showing the pure genius and versatility of this record.
“Talk talk” showcases a slower side of the album with some more synth pads than we’ve seen. It still brings the club energy with both the distorted vocals and the faster pace chorus. There really can’t be a hidden gem on such a concise album but if there has to be one, this is the track.
Now, by far, the best track on the base album is “Von Dutch.” This track is the definition of club banger. With the hook that makes you feel as if you are entering the club to the drop with the intense bass and the vocals puncturing the massive synth risers consistently oscillating throughout the track. On an album with infinite replayability, this track could play forever and I would never get sick of it.
With this being a pop record, it comes with the curse of pop music which is way to many remixes and deluxes. However, with this album being as good as it is, even the deluxe and one of the remixes are phenomenal.
The deluxe version of “BRAT” is titled, “Brat and it’s the same but there’s three more songs so it’s not” and adds three more songs to the LP. The first two, “Hello goodbye” and “Guess” are great tracks but they are completely blown out of the water by the final track, “Spring breakers.”
With tongue-and-cheek lyrics and monotone vocals, not many artists could pull this song off. Charli somehow manages to make this song, which on paper is trash, another club banger that is absolutely incredible.
In addition to the deluxe there were a few remixes of songs on the album released with an extra verse or feature but none is better than the “Girl, so confusing” remix.
Titled, “The girl, so confusing version with lorde” is exactly what it says it is. It is “Girl, so confusing” with lorde. On an already fantastic song it it’s absolutely incredible to hear Lorde sing over a hyperpop beat. This track puts all other pop remixes to shame.
Overall, this is my favorite pop record of the year and one of my favorites of this year, all genres. With the fantastic hyperpop production, sheer versatility showcased here, and the astonishing deluxe and remix, this is far and away the best hyperpop record I have ever listened to. 10/10.
Featured Image: The album cover for “BRAT.” “BRAT” was released on June 7, 2024.
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