Charli XCX: Brat Summer
- The Voice
- May 13
- 3 min read
(Music Review)
By Ava Alers
Charli XCX released her sixth studio album “brat” on June 7, 2024. This sparked a phenomenon named “brat summer.” This album has single handedly given the word “brat” a whole new meaning.
What used to mean something negative has now been modified to something positive. It’s about accepting the messy parts of your identity and staying true to yourself in all aspects. Despite the electronic pop guise, there are heartfelt lyrics in the majority of the songs. Charli wanted this album to be honest, like a real conversation, and she succeeded. People resonated with this.
The track “Apple” has gone viral. There was even choreography created by Kelley Heyer on TikTok that has now earned itself a segment of the show on tour. There is a camera in the audience that captures random groups doing the choreography to the song.
Underneath the happy pop sound of “Apple” lies a deep meaning about family struggles. Before singing the song, Charli even announces that it is for anyone who has experienced generational trauma. She took the common phrase “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” and turned it into a song about her own family.
She sings:
“I think the apple's rotten right to the core
From all the things passed down
From all the apples coming before”
The song may have gone trending because of the happy sound of it, but behind all the viral dances and hyper pop beats lies a deep meaning that resonates with many.
Charli stated she wanted to avoid heavy metaphors with this album. She wanted it to feel like a conversation. This led many people to downplay her success stating that the lyrics are horrible and therefore she doesn’t deserve any awards. Despite others speaking badly about the record, it went on to win three Grammy awards and was nominated for album of the year!
I had the privilege of attending one of Charli XCX’s Brooklyn shows at the Barclays Center in New York City. She performed four times in one week, putting on an amazing concert each night. She left the crowds reeling, raving online about her stage presence.
Photo taken by Ava Alers
Not many artists are capable of being so captivating alone on a stage. Most musicians rely on heavy productions including bands, stage set ups, and back-up dancers to entertain. Charli simply relies on her own party girl energy, and it works!
Brat tour is another world. It’s somewhere you can go to be messy and dance like no one is watching. Everyone there is there for the same reason: to have fun! I’ve never let loose the way I did at that show. It’s a testament to the power Charli XCX and “brat” has on others.
Charli is now claiming an end to “brat summer.” The original cover of the album was a vibrant green with brat written in black. It has now been edited to brat crossed out and the album cover rotting.
Charli teased this ending at Coachella. During her set, the screens wrote, “does this mean that brat summer is finally over?” before a brat flag appeared on screen and caught flame. The screen teased making room for other artists to shine during summer, saying “lorde summer” and “blood orange summer.”
Even when “brat” starts falling off the charts, those who listen to Charli XCX will keep the energy that made it boom in the first place. “Brat summer” isn’t just one summer. It is a mindset!
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