Introduction to Charli XCX’s Album "brat"
Charli XCX once said, "It is difficult to be ahead," during a party for her sixth studio album, "brat", last May. This statement proved to be true as her album defined the summer of 2024, and a year later, it still feels like "brat" summer has not yet ended.
The Road to Success
At this point, most people know that Charli XCX’s commercial success has been a long time coming. She broke out years ago and earned her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with Iggy Azalea’s "Fancy" in the summer of 2014. Coincidentally, the route debuted on the charts on June 7th, the same date that "brat" was published a decade later.
Building Hype for the Album
Before "brat" arrived, Charli XCX built its publication brilliantly. She released "von Dutch" in February, followed by a remix with AG Cook and influencer-turned-artist Addison Rae. Charli XCX also released the single "360" and its adjacent music video, which featured IT girls like Julia Fox, Gabbriette, Rachel Sennott, Chloë Sevigny, and Alex Consani.
The Album’s Release and Reception
When "brat" finally arrived on June 7, it debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart. The album dominated the zeitgeist of pop culture, although its chart and streaming success did not necessarily match its cultural impact. Charli XCX also played a pop-up show in Lot Garden in Brooklyn, where she teased more aspects of "brat", including her collaboration with Lorde.
Collaborations and Remixes
Charli XCX collaborated with Lorde on a remix of the song "Sympathy is a Messer", which led to speculation about a feud between the two pop singers. However, Charli XCX set the speculation to rest, and the two artists later confirmed that they had worked together on the song. The remix was a huge success, and it marked a new era in Charli XCX’s career.
The "brat" Era
The "brat" era was marked by a series of viral moments, including Charli XCX’s tweet about Kamala Harris, which led to the presidential candidate’s campaign changing its profile banner to match the "brat" aesthetic. Charli XCX also released a follow-up album, "Göre and it is completely different, but still roast", which featured collaborations with Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and other artists.
Commercial Success and Accolades
Charli XCX received seven Grammy nominations for "brat", including Album of the Year, and won her first three Grammys. She also embarked on a world tour, which featured guests like Eilish, Lorde, and Addison Rae. The tour was a huge success, and it marked a new level of commercial success for Charli XCX.
Legacy of the "brat" Era
A year after the release of "brat", Charli XCX is still in demand. She has announced a new tour, the Bratour tour, which has already sold out several dates. She has also been named as a headliner for several music festivals, including Coachella and the Primavera Sound festival. The "brat" era may be over, but its legacy lives on, and Charli XCX is still pushing the boundaries of pop music.
Conclusion
Charli XCX’s album "brat" was a game-changer in the pop music industry. It marked a new era in her career, and its impact is still being felt today. The album’s success was not just limited to its commercial performance, but also its cultural impact. Charli XCX’s ability to combine the wider pop culture landscape while being authentic has made her one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation. The "brat" era may be over, but its legacy will live on, and Charli XCX will continue to be a driving force in the pop music industry.
