If you’ve scrolled through social media in the past few months, you would immediately recognize the plethora of Brat themed videos that have taken over the internet by storm, whether it be the iconic “Apple” dance or short clips of users pouring matcha into a clear cup to reveal the word Brat. Since the release of Charli XCX’s sixth album on June 7, the Brat aesthetic, with its signature low-resolution Arial font on a lime green backdrop, is seemingly everywhere. This dance-pop album and its social impact have even inspired the “Brat Summer” movement—a cultural phenomenon celebrating a carefree, edgy, and messy aesthetic.
Collaborating with notable producers like A.G. Cook and Easyfun, Brat blends hyper-pop with personal storytelling and club culture, exploring themes of fame, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships. Brat features 15 tracks and draws inspiration from late ’90s and early 2000s French dance music, creating a nostalgic yet fresh soundscape.
The album opens with “360,” a high-energy anthem with a catchy chorus that references Charli’s fame, declaring, “When you’re in the mirror, you’re just looking at me.” Other tracks like “Von Dutch” and “Club Classics” exemplify the tone set by “360,” combining infectious beats and clever lyrics. One of the most popular tracks, “Apple,” showcases Charli’s ability to create vibrant pop songs. The track is characterized by its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, delving into familial relationships. The accompanying dance on TikTok has made “Apple” a viral sensation, further solidifying its place in pop culture.
Brat also displays an impressive emotional range, with tracks oscillating between celebratory songs such as “Mean Girls” and wistful ballads such as “So I.” The 14th track on the album, titled “I Think About It All the Time,” explores Charli’s anxieties surrounding her career and personal life, illustrating her vulnerability amidst her confident exterior. Similarly, in “Sympathy is a Knife,” Charli expresses her insecurities, lamenting, “I couldn’t even be her if I tried.” The juxtaposition of celebratory tracks and reflective songs creates a dynamic listening experience, allowing fans to connect with Charli on multiple levels.
The album concludes with “365,” a reference to the first track of the album, “360.” “365” encapsulates the essence of the project with its catchy and confident lyrics, capturing the excitement of nightlife. Lyrically, “365” touches on themes of excess, insecurity, and the messiness of club culture. The closing anthem leaves listeners with a sense of empowerment, perfectly summarizing the album’s themes of unapologetic expression.
Overall, Brat is a triumphant return for Charli XCX, merging her experimental roots with mainstream appeal. The album not only redefines what it means to be a “brat” in today’s pop landscape but also cements Charli’s status as a trailblazer in contemporary music. Whether you’re dancing to the upbeat tracks or reflecting on the more introspective ones, Brat is an album that invites you to celebrate life in all its complexities.
