Charli XCX, the dance-pop sensation, has reached new heights in 2022. With a style reminiscent of the white-hot wave of dance divas from the 80s, she exudes confidence and rebellion. Her recent performance on Saturday Night Live showcased her power as she sang infectious hooks that hit you in all the right erogenous zones. Her album, Crash, starts with lyrics that set the mood for the entire collection. “I’m high voltage, self-destructive, end it all so legendary,” further emphasizing her boldness and tenacity. It’s fun to be a badass, and Charli embraces it with gusto.
Crash marks the end of a long-term contract Charli XCX signed with Atlantic when she was just 16 years old. This 13-year engagement has often been fraught with challenges, with the label frequently delaying her releases and attempting to control her image. Charli bravely stood her ground, proclaiming that she was not a puppet and refusing to be manipulated by her bosses. The album Crash is a powerful statement about the oppressive treatment of young female stars by major record labels, who prioritize their shareholders’ profits without acknowledging it’s the talent that pays the power bills. However, Charli tempers her message with a playful nod, using visuals that amplify her personal struggles.
Far from being a lackluster project to fulfill her contractual obligations, Charli XCX pours her heart and soul into every second of Crash. The album is a captivating blend of diverse genres, ranging from funk to R&B and from infectious Eurodance to cutting-edge house. While exploring these new sounds, Charli remains true to the wild mood swings that have defined her music throughout her career. It’s as if she has summoned the distinct essences of her previous albums for one final house party.
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Charli XCX has proven herself an exceptional curator in modern pop through her collaboration-focused mixtapes. On Crash, she flexes her creative muscles by bringing together a cast of industry heavyweight hitmakers and revisiting past collaborators she championed early on. One notable example is her collaboration with Rami Yacoub, the co-producer of “…Baby One More Time,” for the phenomenal Cameo-inspired track “Lightning.” This electrifying song combines a new jack swing beat, distorted guitars, and Charli’s powerful vocals. Word Up?? The production by Ariel Rechtshaid transports listeners back to the ’80s. These choices exemplify Charli’s ability to create radio-worthy hits while maintaining her artistic integrity.
Charli XCX shares a fascination with the commercial side of pop music, questioning the concept of “selling out.” This fascination is evident in Crash, where she slyly incorporates elements from commercial hits and cheekily references the Backstreet Boys‘ iconic track, “I Want It That Way.” Charli’s knack for audacious sampling shines through on “Used to Know Me,” which incorporates Robin S.‘s classic hit. In collaboration with Rina Sawayama, Charli unabashedly pays homage to September’s “Cry for You” while infusing the song with a contemporary twist. These bold choices celebrate pop music’s timeless appeal and reflect Charli’s affinity for pushing boundaries and embracing the classics.
What sets Crash apart is Charli XCX’s ability to create music that straddles the line between mainstream pop and her distinct style. While she aspires to make a record that appeals to the conventional pop market, her music retains its raw edge, making it challenging to fit onto Top 40 playlists seamlessly. Yet, it is precisely this defiance of conformity that elevates the album. For instance, “Baby” is an uber-sexy ’80s-inspired disco, dance-pop, and funk-pop track with new jack swing and electro-funk elements. This banger is instantly addictive, and when she repeatedly warns the target of her seduction that she’s going to ‘fuck’ [him] up,’ you totally believe she’s willing and able.
On the other hand, “Every Rule,” produced by A. G. Cook and Oneohtrix Point Never, offers an unexpectedly tender farewell to a failed love affair. Even when Charli ventures into radio-friendly styles, she adds her signature twist, as seen in “Yuck,” where she embraces pop’s sensuality while dismissing shallow seduction with a snarl. The result is a stunning display of her versatility and refusal to conform to expectations.
“Good Ones,” the album’s first single, captivates listeners with its hypnotic, throbbing synths and punchy production. Created by Oscar Holter of Max Martin‘s Wolf Cousins group, the song delves into the singer’s struggles to maintain healthy relationships, instead finding herself inevitably drawn back to dysfunctional and destructive situations. Moreover, “Good Ones” not only explores personal relationships but also reflects the artist’s own complicated connection with the music industry, shedding light on the autonomy lost through participation in it.
“New Shapes” marks the second time that Charli XCX and Christine and the Queens have joined forces to create musical magic. Their previous collaboration, the 2019 single “Gone,” captivated audiences with its unique sound and infectious energy. This dynamic duo has a remarkable ability to inspire each other creatively, resulting in music that resonates with listeners. Caroline Polachek, another exceptional musician, enhances the collaborative nature of “New Shapes.” Having previously collaborated with Charli XCX on the track “Tears” from the 2017 mixtape Pop 2, Polachek brings her distinctive style and artistry to this latest endeavor.
The track takes inspiration from the vibrant sounds of the ’80s, infusing it with a delightful sense of nostalgia. Lyrically, delves into the complexities of human relationships. It explores themes of fear and vulnerability, capturing the universal struggle of allowing others to truly enter our lives. The lyrics lament the inability to embrace true love, pushing away those who care deeply, all in the pursuit of freedom. This emotional depth adds a layer of authenticity to the track, allowing listeners to connect on a profound level.
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“Beg for You” is a UK garage song which encompasses the bubblegum sweetness of early 2000s pop while infusing the rhythmic essence of 90s house music. Delving deeper into the musical tapestry, “Beg for You” cleverly borrows the beat, melody, and hook from an iconic hit single, “Cry for You,” by the talented Swedish singer September. Lyrically, the singers beautifully express their longing for departed lovers and reminisce about intimate moments.
Charli XCX’s previous music sparked a mini-revolution within the pop music landscape, challenging modern. In Crash, she reaches new heights and nears perfection in her craft. “Constant Repeat” is a carefree, trance-infused confection that soars with pitch-shifting vocals, creating a multi-layered sonic experience. Produced by Lotus IV, it is as potent as their previous collaboration, “Gone,” maybe a little more so. As the song fades, Charli’s voice is enveloped by whispers and dazzling fragments of conversation, adding an extra touch of enchantment. These moments of joy feel particularly triumphant, considering Charli’s recent disillusionment and burnout. While a couple of the album’s lead singles may not be as robust as the rest, Crash stands tall as Charli’s most exceptional project, solidifying her reputation as a sincere student of modern and classic pop styles. It sets a new standard for creative mainstream pop that can both devour and enthrall, leaving listeners begging for more.
Summary:
Charli XCX’s album, Crash, is a fearless and vibrant exploration of pop music. With her signature style and boldness, she defies traditional norms to create a compilation of songs that traverse various genres while remaining true to her distinct sound. Despite her challenges in the music industry, Charli proves her resilience and artistic integrity with each track on the album. By collaborating with top producers and incorporating elements from commercial hits, she strikes the perfect balance between mainstream appeal and artistic expression. Crash represents a breakthrough for Charli XCX, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the pop music landscape.
