Charli xcx - Brat and it's completely different but also still brat
Charli xcx and she's completely iconic but also still Charli xcx.
This summer brought us Charli xcx's album "Brat," a standout release that blew away musical expectations with its boldness and creativity. Charli demonstrated that pop music can still be daring, surprising, and remain deeply beloved by audiences. Now we have her remix album with the intriguing title: "Brat and it's completely different but also still brat." The title alone hints at a transformation—these tracks have been reworked but still hold onto their original essence.
From the very first remixes, like those featuring Billie Eilish and Lorde, it became clear that Charli XCX intended to show a completely new side of her album. And she definitely delivered. One of the most important aspects of this project is that these remixes truly feel like fresh versions of the tracks. Many of them have been fully reworked, with new melodies and extended durations. A perfect example is "Sympathy Is A Knife" featuring Ariana Grande, where the song is almost unrecognizable from the original.
The album also stands out for its unusual and even provocative guest lineup. At one point, it felt like this remix album could surpass the original "Brat" and become the pinnacle of Charli XCX's career. However, in my opinion, that didn’t quite happen. The reason being that each remix had to hit the mark at a 10/10 level to match the high bar set by the original. But that doesn’t mean the album failed—it’s far from that.
Among the highlights are collaborations with Caroline Polachek, Ariana Grande, The 1975 x Jon Hopkins, Shygirl and Bon Iver. One standout track is the remix of "Girl, So Confusing" featuring Lorde. Although the song wasn’t completely reworked, Lorde’s verse became the best moment on the entire remix album, surpassing everything else on it. The track immerses you in a deep atmosphere, where all its uniqueness and iconic lore shines through.
There are also less successful moments, like "Mean Girls" with Julian Casablancas, which unfortunately disrupts the album's overall flow towards the end. However, tracks like "360" remixed with Robyn and Yung Lean, "Club Classics" with BB Trickz, and "Talk Talk" with Troye Sivan add their own original flair and stand strong. Despite a few questionable decisions, most of the songs are either well-reworked or even surpass their original versions.
Ultimately, Charli XCX once again proves that her creative process is full of boldness and imagination. This remix album is not just an addition to "Brat." It’s a standalone piece that reinterprets the original, offering new meanings and ideas. It feels like "Brat" has gained a twin, and now every listener can choose which one resonates more with them. Charli deserves major respect for her willingness to push boundaries and experiment, making pop music even more exciting.
8.0/10
