Charli xcx’s sixth studio album, “BRAT,” is not only a fan favorite in terms of musicality, but also the internet’s most recent favorite obsession because of how creative the album is in its developmental choices.

The term “brat summer” was used all throughout social media shortly after the album’s June 7th release date. “BRAT” became more than just an album to blast in the car; to some, it became a lifestyle.  The “brat” lifestyle is one that’s definitely not perfect, highlighting those important aspects of girlhood. It focuses on the realities of girlhood and life’s imperfections. It encompasses a wide spectrum of music genres into one album, though it’s able to give off one general vibe of partying, and having fun. When attracting younger generations, the music that gains the highest popularity is the type of music teenagers often love to “let go” and party to. “BRAT” gives music like this a better opportunity for the spotlight and allows them to break past their niche altitude. 

An interview with Resident Advisor London features Charlie xcx, in which she shares her thoughts regarding her musical influence/career, specific “BRAT” themes, rave/pop music culture and the music industry’s treatment of women. 

“What makes me really feel is when I see a DJ, or when I see an electronic performer or even when I see a kind of a DJ who is really doing more than just playing the songs but just being really creative with song choice or mixing…” Charli xcx said in the interview with RA London. “…That’s when I really feel like ‘oh wow I feel alive in this space and I don’t need to watch something, I just need to feel what’s happening.’” Charli xcx gives her listeners insight into what is going on behind the creation of the music, and what her thought process was while creating it, all while explaining what she appreciates most from it. The ‘rave’ sound is complementary to the feeling of letting go, which is almost a universal need.

“I heard a really interesting interview with Charli xcx,” AP Literature and AP Seminar teacher Lisa Callender said. “She was talking about what it means to be brat, and it’s just about someone who likes to have fun, likes to party, but is a little bit messy and not perfect — not like a perfect influencer — and that’s kind of her approach to life as well.”

Charli xcx created a song  with Lorde, “Girl, so confusing,” which depicts two girls  having a conversation with each other, talking about how they both admire each other; however, the music industry sets them up to be rivals. Lord talks about some of her body dysmorphia issues she was having while struggling with her weight, and she didn’t reach out to Charli because she was having her own struggles, not necessarily because she was angry with her for whatever reason. The industry often putting women against each other in this aspect affects the way that the rest of the world views them, and in some cases, can make or break their career.

“…Just the way that the industry really tries to put people against each other, and I think that her song really puts it out there for people to recognize the struggles that women face in that particular industry,” Callendar said. “I think that’s really empowering.” 

Presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, is adopting the famous brat color, neon green, into her campaign website ever since Charli tweeted, “Kamala IS brat.” This has become extremely  influential to youth in a way of encouraging them to vote in the upcoming election, while also proving how “BRAT” has spread to more than just one audience. 

“It’s pretty big for multiple companies and brands to really implement “BRAT” into their marketing because it’s not very seen for more experimental types of music to be implemented in that way, which opens up the opportunity for unique means of expression,” Cade Barber (11) said.

With the viral dance on TikTok to the song “Apple,” the album has gained a lot of attention from listeners everywhere. “Apple” is track 11 on the album and one of the most popular. It has an underlyingly mellow tone behind the electronics that are amped into it, to some degree adding another musical genre into the album. “BRAT” should be celebrated for its versatility because it taps into a lot of genres, whether it be pop songs, or club songs, as it reaches out of the same mainstream music.

Charli xcx’s album “BRAT” has not only been a fan favorite in the clubs late at night because of its creative disposition, but also altered perspectives on the music industry.