Charlotte Aitchison, better known as Charli XCX, released her seventh studio album and first remix album, “Brat and it's completely different but also still brat,” Oct. 11. Though many things have changed, the core of the album remains true to the original “BRAT.”
The original album, “BRAT,” quickly became an international phenomenon upon its release in June. Viral trends sprung from nearly every song and the “brat girl” aesthetic, featuring lime green garments and wraparound sunglasses, became the new fashion.
There is no doubt this summer was the season of brat. Yet, as the seasons changed, fans wondered if “BRAT” would rise to the occasion or fall to the ever-evolving trend cycle.
When XCX wished brat summer “goodbye forever” in early September, it appeared as if the latter would be true. However, only a few weeks later, the artist began teasing a brand new release à la “BRAT” coming Oct. 11.
After lime green billboards were spotted around the world, featuring the names of artists from across genres, it became clear the new release would be a remix album.
“Brat and it's completely different but also still brat” released to eager fans and speculative critics. The album features 15 “BRAT” remixes and the previously released single, “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish.
The album starts strong with a remix of “360” featuring Robyn and Yung Lean, two Swedish artists who Aitchison previously worked with in 2021. The featured artists were seamlessly integrated into the electronically bouncy track, a trend that stays strong throughout the album.
“Sympathy is a knife,” featuring Ariana Grande, spotlights both artist’s unique voices without taking away from the song’s original message. Aitchison’s vocals are a high point, and her raw vocal talent is clearly on display in this album.
“I think about it all the time featuring Bon Iver, is another vocal standout for Aitchison. The driving music is persistent but softer, and XCX once again sheds the autotune and synth, allowing her talent to shine through.
The 1975 and Jon Hopkins slow down with “I might say something stupid.” Though a musical powerhouse, this song feels out of place in the realm of “BRAT” and may have been better suited as a single.
“Talk talk,” featuring Troye Sivan, fits with Sivan’s recent releases including “Rush” and “One of Your Girls” while remaining true to the “BRAT” album's electronic and hyperpop roots. Both artists separately toured the world this summer but recently joined for the “SWEAT” tour, which kicked off Sept. 14.
The “SWEAT” tour has welcomed numerous musical guests to the stage, including Lorde and Addison Rae, both of whom are featured on XCX’s album.
A speculated feud between Lorde and XCX has fans thoroughly analyzing “Girl, so confusing,” featuring Lorde. The original “Girl, so confusing” was believed to be about XCX’s relationship with the pop artist. Fans were shocked when the remix became the two artists musically working out their differences.
But, if Lorde’s appearance at the Madison Square Garden “SWEAT” tour stop is any indication, the artists seem to have moved past their drama for now.
The album ends strongly with “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish. Initially released as a single in August, “Guess” is the newest addition to the “BRAT” roster. Eilish’s line “Charli likes boys, but she knows I'd hit it,” and the other sexually explicit lyrics set the internet aflame. On the release of the remix album, “Guess” is spending its ninth week on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat” is a perfect title. The album stays true to the core of “BRAT,” and the original album's uniqueness, while offering a new audio experience.
Artists and creators often overplay their ultra-viral content, leading to trend exhaustion. Yet, the virality of “BRAT” is not smothered by the new album. Through these remixes, Charli XCX found a way to profit and expand on the success of “BRAT” without feeling repetitive or overdone.
The best example of this is “Apple,” featuring The Japanese House. The lyrics are completely different; even omitting the iconic verse which sparked a popular TikTok dance. In fact, the word “apple” doesn’t appear in the lyrics once. However, the feeling of the song remains the same and is still strong as a standalone.
The album’s novelty demonstrates XCX’s talent as an artist and musician. Her collaborations with a wide variety of genres highlight the vast diversity of modern music. From The Strokes’ Julian Casablanca to Spanish rapper BB Trickz, and pop icons like Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish, XCX’s remix is a love letter to the music industry.
As an album, “Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat” is cohesive, distinct and definitely still “BRAT.” For now, Charli XCX holds her title as pop sensation and fans gear up for “Brat Autumn.”
