Charli XCX – Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat ( Album Review )

It is hard to deny the tremendous impact that Charli xcx’s BRAT created last summer in the music industry. The crazy combination of dance-pop with experimental and memorable production aspects has defined Charli’s new image. With the bold choices on records like “365” or something more pop-infused like “Talk Talk,” Charli has undoubtedly created one of the best pop albums of the year. 

In a recent time, Charli has been consistently active in releasing remix versions of her original songs from BRAT. Some of these remixes, like “Girl, so confusing” with Lorde, have definitely surpassed the original in terms of quality. However, there have also been cases where the remixes have shown a noticeable decline in excellence, such as the “Von Dutch” remix by a.g.cook featuring Addison Rae. Because of this, my initial anticipation for a new remix album was quite uncertain.

But with the record now here, and appearances from artists like Ariana Grande, Troye Sivan, The 1975, The Japanese House, Bon Iver, Billie Eilish, and others, Charli has certainly created a new vision for her blockbuster album BRAT. Where we still will feel as if we’re listening to the original album, but with a minor “What if?” included.

So, without further speculation, let’s take a look at how the re-imagined version of BRAT changes the original, and does it actually add something new?

My usual attitude towards remix tracks or compilations is not very enthusiastic. In most cases, I believe that the original is superior to the re-issued track, usually giving a better overall feel. However, I have experienced a few exceptions that have made me reconsider my stance. For instance, the remix of “FRANCHISE” by Travis Scott and the collaboration between The Weeknd and Ariana Grande on “Save Your Tears” have proven me wrong. These examples have shown that sometimes, a remix can actually enhance a song. It has made me realize that just wearing the same attire with different accessories can also be necessary.

Brat and it’s completely different but also still a brat, kind of self-explanatory. It retains the influence of the original tracks with instances like “360” with Robyn & Yung Lean or “Guess” with Billie Eilish; where the differences are quite peripheral, just showcasing how each artist would sound on a hyper-pop, EDM beat. However, there are also tracks like “Sympathy is a knife” with Ariana Grande or “I might say something stupid” with The 1975 & Jon Hopkins that offer a completely different perspective on the original songs. Despite some of the creative decisions all-around, the album comes across as hit or miss for me.

For example, let’s look at “Club Classics” featuring Bb Trickz, which intends to sound like a creative mess symbolizing the original sound of a song. However, instead, you get a purely cut-down version of the original that feels so out of place. Rather than a more or less catchy track like “Club Classics,” you get a beat with bigger bubblegum bass that sounds too overused, giving it a cheaper feel. Conversely, weaker tracks from the original album like “I think about it all the time” have greatly benefited from a more extended narrative, with Charli delving deeper into her career, strengthening the message by Bon Iver’s ethereal vocals. Another standout is “Girl, so confusing” with Lorde, which extends the track’s message, adding another layer of depth. Lorde’s feature perfectly fits within Charli’s vulnerable and sincere atmosphere, delivering one of the best performances on the album.

“So I” becomes the new “365” of this album, taking a single line as a starting point for the continuous development of a track. It introduces an entirely new direction, but as the song progresses, it lacks a clear endpoint and suffers from overextension. Another issue I have with this record is that tracks memorable for their punchiness and captivating choruses — like “Apple,” “B2B,” or “365” — were left off, replaced with a much more restrained energy and expression.

Charli can hit you with some striking performances here and there, but often at the cost of that same energy or unnecessary features.

Despite some of my complaints, I am still glad we got this extension. Some tracks have not only regained their supremacy, like “Girl, So Confusing,” but have also offered a completely different narrative, as seen in “I think about it all the time” and “Sympathy is a knife.” Another example is the completely new mix we got on “I might say something stupid” featuring The 1975 & Jon Hopkins. This track became the most non-BRAT track on the album, featuring a gradual build with somber piano and a slight rock influence, transforming Charli’s hyper-pop into a more teenage rock track rather than hitting a deeper emotional note.

Score/Great: Overall, the remix does the job well. It’s still BRAT, but it’s also quite different, offering new viewpoints and perspectives.

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