Charli
by Charli xcx
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Sep 13, 2019
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 696 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 619 out of 696
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 696
  3. Negative: 57 out of 696
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. BMG
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    Her best album so far. It reminisces her past works, like Pop 2, True Romance, Number 1 Angel, yet it has its own vibe.

    It's a rollercoaster of emotions. Sonically, it's a great experience, full of unexpected sounds and feelings that give you goosebumps (in the good way).

    Experimental, yet a pop masterpiece. Cheesy, melancholic
  2. Needles666
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A perfectly crafted album, that makes seamless the connection between her electropop sensibilites and her avant-garde artistry. The 15-track record positions her as one of the most interesting female artists of our time in the leagues of art-pop queen Lorde, avant-garde/electronic pioneer fka twigs and experimental synth pop icon Grimes. The album shows and extensive array of influences but she manages to make it all work together and delivers a more diverse and fresh sensation than her previous records. The album opener seems like the perfect intro to the album, it's bold and agressive, featuring dreamy synths and a harsh electronic-experimental beat over Charli's autotuned vocals belting in a hip hop inspired flow. Gone ft christine and the queens is probably the best song on the album, showcasing both her hitmaker pop chops and her more progressive take on music, the production feautres characteristics from 80s synthpop sounds mixed with futuristic quasi robotic sounds and vocal production. Cross you out ft sky is a vulnerable song, featuring industrial synths, slow beats and Sky's dreamy vocals which sort of feels like a sedated version of The Cure gone electro. Click ft kim and tommy is a daring collaboration blending hip hop structure with noisy and experimental beats. Warm ft haim founds Charli as her sofest self, featuring dream pop synths, underwater quasi-worldbeat and lucsious harmonies with unique avant garde vocal production. Thoughts (probably my fave song from the album) finds Charli in her most vulnerable persona, the production of the song recalls Bowie's low with the drone inflected synth and minimal electronic beat. White Mercedes is probably one of the most commercial appealing songs, her lyrics are intimate and the production is a synthpop majesty. Silver Cross is an icy produced song, with lush synths and fueled brassy electronic beats. I don't wanna know echoes and 80s prom, with and arena-rock infused metallic slow beat. Official showcases Charli's most romantic side, featuring production that at times reminds me of Kate bush with the fairy, childlike soundscapes and the electronic harp. Shake ft big freedia, cupcakke, brooke candy and pablo vittar is the ultimate strip-club anthem, it's probably the most avant-pop song from the record, containing bold and hyper experimental production. The closing tracks, february 2017 ft clairo and yaeji and 2099 ft troye are similar in production, keeping the experimental vibe of the album but with a more sedated feel to it. Surprisingly, the first singles 1999 ft troye, a nostalgic 90s inspired eurodance-pop track and blame it on your love ft lizzo, a rework from the acclaimed track 10, consisting of production that feels as M.I.A going pop, with a fusion on wordleabt and r&b are the most noncohesive and weakest tracks of the record but still they are fun, danceable tracks that are meant to have a good time rather than appreacting their craftmanship. Overall, and exciting and innovative album.… Expand
  3. DanielBV
    Sep 13, 2019
    9
    This is the future of Pop music, the album is complete, personal and very innovative, simply a perfect masterpiece, definitely Charli XCX best album.
  4. lxnelymanU7_y
    Sep 14, 2019
    9
    Charli is the album of the year this have much styles to give us and is potentially one of the decade
  5. antonioalvimar
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    The charli album is manifested by its electrifying, synthesized beats, crosses your mind and travels through lyrics laden with your romanticism, something as personal as possible to the artist she is. PC music keeps discovering new paths and showing us how much music can still evolve. This is universal!
  6. okcestsuper
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    for me this album is pop perfection. all the guests bring something really special. charli xcx is the futur of pop music
  7. MariaEduardaM
    Sep 14, 2019
    8
    Charli XCX on another of her groundbreaking pop travels, post modern and futuristic she certainly has contact with aliens.
  8. loonaoutsold
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, **** on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it.
  9. lennoxxx
    Sep 14, 2019
    9
    This album is very next level and is ahead of its time. The negative feedback it's receiving is from people who think challenging the pop music formula automatically makes for bad art. Charli knows how to push the boundaries of pop while remaining true to herself, and that's very evident in this album. I'd give it a 9 because it sometimes lacks cohesion (looking at you 1999), but it's anThis album is very next level and is ahead of its time. The negative feedback it's receiving is from people who think challenging the pop music formula automatically makes for bad art. Charli knows how to push the boundaries of pop while remaining true to herself, and that's very evident in this album. I'd give it a 9 because it sometimes lacks cohesion (looking at you 1999), but it's an incredibly strong pop album, palatable enough for the GP, and a great way to break her five year hiatus since SUCKER.… Expand
  10. s1cks4dw0rld
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Charli is here to stay! This solidifies her as a pop enigma as she is able to work so well with so many genres. Her stand out tracks are Official, White Mercedes, Click and Shake It. She can not only hold her own on many of the solo tracks, but the features are very welcome.
  11. miguel6
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    After a long wait the third album of Charli is here. A mixture of collab and solo songs with amazing sounds thanks to ag cook.
  12. Eshiewolf
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Literally an emotional rollercoaster that will make you addicted, each one of the songs has such a good feel to it! Once you have a listen it’s not gonna stop. She’s actually worked so hard and it clearly shows!
  13. zahyisosanka
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    чарли секси секс спасает муз.индустрию
  14. michaelxvi
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Absolute perfection! Sonically so detailed and experimental, some stuff that even us PC Music lovers can't recreate with a DAW or synthesizer! Charli is an innovator of pop music in this decade.
  15. maxic
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    This album is such a rollercoaster; from the depths of isolation in 'Gone', guilt in 'White Mercedes' and sadness in 'I Don't Wanna Know', to the heights of party anthems like 'Next Level Charli' and 'Click' - throughout the chaos and the whirlwind there is a sound and a cohesiveness in every track that can only be described as distinctly Charli XCX. An incredible album, and a great (ifThis album is such a rollercoaster; from the depths of isolation in 'Gone', guilt in 'White Mercedes' and sadness in 'I Don't Wanna Know', to the heights of party anthems like 'Next Level Charli' and 'Click' - throughout the chaos and the whirlwind there is a sound and a cohesiveness in every track that can only be described as distinctly Charli XCX. An incredible album, and a great (if long-awaited) success for Charli herself. Also **** spam bots you're not gonna keep this album's score down.… Expand
  16. ZaddyXCX
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    It’s no secret Charli’s music is always some mixture of party and emo (see: her entire discography; particularly Pop2 and unreleased album of the millennium XCX World) sometimes it’s more party, sometimes it’s more emo but always a combination of the two. Charli the album, doesn’t have as many poppin/club ready/catchy moments as I’d hoped there would be (possibly because I haven’t listenedIt’s no secret Charli’s music is always some mixture of party and emo (see: her entire discography; particularly Pop2 and unreleased album of the millennium XCX World) sometimes it’s more party, sometimes it’s more emo but always a combination of the two. Charli the album, doesn’t have as many poppin/club ready/catchy moments as I’d hoped there would be (possibly because I haven’t listened to it enough for some songs to catch on) I feel this way because the songs don’t provoke my fantasies and teleport me to another dimension/take me to a different planet a la Unlock it & Femmebot; or make me simultaneously sob my eyes out while dancing in ecstasy in the club a la Out of My Head & Backseat; however it wouldn’t be totally fair to solely judge by comparing this body of work with my all time favorite songs or my all time favorite album but rather rate it for what it is, a new, different, independent body of work. Which is admittedly hard because Charli really feels like a continuation of Pop2, kind of like a cross between Marina’s Love & Fear and CRJ’s Side B follow up to EMOTION. What Charli lacks in party, it makes up for in emo. Just because this album tips the scale to the emo side more than previous efforts, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its fair share of party & flex moments. Gone is a emo club read dance-bop, 2099 is pop music’s flex version of ASMR, Silver Cross and NLC are great solo bops which were kinda rare to be released until the monthly singles drops last year, Warm and February 2017 have that soft cerebral production that I will never get enough of. 1999 & BIOYL are super fun and something even the locals will get into...Tbh I seriously should dock some points for the decision to not include Come to My Party on the album, we were really robbed of that brilliant masterpiece... but then the Russian bots and Swifties win … Expand
  17. zaynsfetish
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    “Charli” as a whole... talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender.. it’s amazing, no complaints. NLC, Click, Gone are my top three periodt.
  18. midnightrowboat
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Charli is a fantastic album full of pop and experimental electro bangers. The trick with Charli is people love to say that she's the popstar of the future, beaming back music, but don't let that be an excuse for you to sleep on her. She's got grimy hype tracks (Click), cute love songs (Official), ruminations on anxiety (Gone), and bops to boot (1999). With an army of collaborators eachCharli is a fantastic album full of pop and experimental electro bangers. The trick with Charli is people love to say that she's the popstar of the future, beaming back music, but don't let that be an excuse for you to sleep on her. She's got grimy hype tracks (Click), cute love songs (Official), ruminations on anxiety (Gone), and bops to boot (1999). With an army of collaborators each contributing their own little flavor, it's a testament to Charli's voice and vision how strongly her personality shows through. An apt follow up to her 2017 mixtapes "Number 1 Angel" and "Pop 2" Charli doesn't break new ground here, per se, but she is figuring out how her experimental side fits into her mainstream side. Maybe soon the world will be ready for it all at once and she'll just be the popstar of now.

    Personal Top 5: Silver Cross, Warm, February 2017, Official, Gone    … Expand
  19. trueromance
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    A pop album filled with passion, Charli is at her best here dealing with themes of heavy emotions and love loss. Simply put a career highlight!
  20. VegaXCX
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    This album is immaculate. Charli has solidified herself as the future of pop.
  21. evil_hag
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Look how she ate that.
    One of the best albums of 2019. Next Level Charli, Gone, White Mercedes, Shake it and feb. 2017 are some of the best songs
  22. LexCX
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    My favorite Charli album yet! And thoughts is my favorite song :). Hopefully all these bad not reviews will get squashed, this record is amazing
  23. noshadenoblame
    Sep 14, 2019
    8
    Definitely a progressive piece of pop. Charli has yet to fail to push boundaries while still being semi-radiofriendlym
  24. REALITI
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Библия. Создала молитвы. Каждая песня f*cking хит. Silver Cross отвал всего живого. Ждем клип на 2099.… Expand
  25. ixaac
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    absolutly amazing luv and its onna perriodt i just thing its amazing oh so amazing the nternational and socia as well as artisitic implications of this album and the amazing features wow wow wow
  26. C001
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Almost definitely the best album of the year and maybe even the decade. This album really just shows Charlis absolute power as well as her insanely talented collaborators. I am so incredibly proud of Charli for releasing this. I really loved the duality better Charlis solo songs that were more personal and toned down compared to every other song that has a collab being absolute bangers.Almost definitely the best album of the year and maybe even the decade. This album really just shows Charlis absolute power as well as her insanely talented collaborators. I am so incredibly proud of Charli for releasing this. I really loved the duality better Charlis solo songs that were more personal and toned down compared to every other song that has a collab being absolute bangers. Thus was yet another album that will be in the history books for being the basis of music 100 years from now. There wasn't a single moment of this album where it wasnt emotional amd it'd have to be thanks to the incredible writing, vocals, and production that went into this album. You can really tell a lot of effort and love went into this album, and thats what makes this album stand out from any single other pop star that there will be in the mainstream up until the year 2099.… Expand
  27. johnnymd
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Literally not a single skip! Shake it and Click are my faves I love the chaos in both songs.
  28. KYSferreira
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Modern Classic, Reinvention of Pop, Innovation, The Best Album You Will Hear This Year... PERIOD
  29. floete
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    The much anticipated third full length album of the British pop princess Charli XCX comes as expected after the complex mix tapes No 1 Angel/Pop2 and proves to be a worthy successor. In the tradition of collaborating with the most diverse set of artists from all over the world, Charli herself doesn't get lost in the lot. In contrary, she stands out as the familiar voice pulling everythingThe much anticipated third full length album of the British pop princess Charli XCX comes as expected after the complex mix tapes No 1 Angel/Pop2 and proves to be a worthy successor. In the tradition of collaborating with the most diverse set of artists from all over the world, Charli herself doesn't get lost in the lot. In contrary, she stands out as the familiar voice pulling everything together and making the project hers with some well placed beautiful solo tracks. The motifs of love, heartbreak and partying, added to story's of anxiety and loneliness make a very fulfilling and relatebable whole. While the production by A. G. Cook makes the music seem to be from another planet (with futuristic, robotic sounding elements and tunes), Charlis soothing voice and very much mundane feelings make you feel right at home with this album. Truly the future of Pop.… Expand
  30. irzik
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    The future of pop music. But y'all locals are just not ready yet for this mature conversation.
  31. mattyclarke04
    Sep 15, 2019
    9
    An album that will be written about in the future, ahead of its time. Only wished she’d had Sophie produce click.
  32. soundmate
    Sep 15, 2019
    9
    Charli XCX is the true definition of new pop. It's undeniable that, even though she debuted almost ten years ago, she will be a hitmaker (if she already isn't) in the next decade. This techo-fetichist album could only come out of Aitchison's brilliant mind. Collaborating with some of the biggest alternative artists right now, Charli serves a sexy, technologic and futuristic album thatCharli XCX is the true definition of new pop. It's undeniable that, even though she debuted almost ten years ago, she will be a hitmaker (if she already isn't) in the next decade. This techo-fetichist album could only come out of Aitchison's brilliant mind. Collaborating with some of the biggest alternative artists right now, Charli serves a sexy, technologic and futuristic album that everyone should listen to. I hope her team has a well-thought promotion plan to make the album top the charts since it's definitely one of the best albums of the year and one that will for sure be a reference for the 2020+ pop music creators and a pioneer in its unique, adventurous, fierce and amazingly-produced sound.… Expand
  33. Miavellzi
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    All she does is feed her fans. Nonstop. New songs released all the time whether it’s solo or a collaboration. She knows exactly what artists are up next and makes an effort to create with them. She knows her audience well from the pop songs she creates for the radio and the more electronic pc music stuff she creates for her fans specifically as shown in “Next Level Charli”. Not to forgetAll she does is feed her fans. Nonstop. New songs released all the time whether it’s solo or a collaboration. She knows exactly what artists are up next and makes an effort to create with them. She knows her audience well from the pop songs she creates for the radio and the more electronic pc music stuff she creates for her fans specifically as shown in “Next Level Charli”. Not to forget her more vulnerable songs like “Thoughts”, “White Mercedes” and “Official” that still incorporate the electronic sound that is so unique to the genre that she’s part of.

    Charli knows exactly what songs are made to be experienced live especially, but still makes them enjoyable through just casual listening like 2099 feat Troye Sivan. Each project she puts out establishes her position as one of the ambassadors for this genre of music alongside notable producers like A.G Cook, Danny L Harle and SOPHIE that have collaborated with Charli to make such innovative art. Charli XCX IS the present AND future of Pop

    It’s Charli Baby!    … Expand
  34. uninsides
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    incredible... it takes a certain level of intelligence to appreciate true art. thank u charli
  35. Ickki
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Amazing, talented, what you would expect from a superstar like charli!! She continues to grow
  36. Jllh
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    It's one of the best albums of this year ... mix everything Charli is. queen the future of Pop.
  37. TBSRPR
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, **** on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it.
  38. TheBlingIvy
    Sep 15, 2019
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's a great pop album, Charli is doing what no other pop star is doing now. She snatched my wig with every song.… Expand
  39. Henrikoverli
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    Its f- amazing and genius. I love ALL the songs in this album, so creative.
  40. xcorymylove
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Charli é um álbum futurista, nenhum artista está fazendo o que a Charli está fazendo nas músicas, daqui 10 anos todos os álbuns da Charli vai ser memoráveis e já é um marco no mundo da indústria musical, as pessoas estão acostumadas com o mesmo som de sempre, elas não saem da zona de conforto e isso faz com que elas criticam os artistas que estão se inovando em cada música, e álbum, porCharli é um álbum futurista, nenhum artista está fazendo o que a Charli está fazendo nas músicas, daqui 10 anos todos os álbuns da Charli vai ser memoráveis e já é um marco no mundo da indústria musical, as pessoas estão acostumadas com o mesmo som de sempre, elas não saem da zona de conforto e isso faz com que elas criticam os artistas que estão se inovando em cada música, e álbum, por isso que sempre consomem o mesmo som, e reclamam quando os artistas não inovam, mas os que estão inovando não tem o reconhecimento e atenção que merecem!!!… Expand
  41. delreynights
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    pop perfection, the futuristic feeling and charli giving absolutely no f***** about anything makes the album even more amazing
  42. ptrasx
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    this piece of work is not as euphoric and hard-hitting bubblegum pop as we were used to see from charli, but maybe it's just what we've been needing of her without really recognizing it.

    the production 100% matches her mind as charli pours her emotions at her rawest and deepest, and even when it slows down a little, it still slashes everything in its way with experimental synths and an    this piece of work is not as euphoric and hard-hitting bubblegum pop as we were used to see from charli, but maybe it's just what we've been needing of her without really recognizing it.

    the production 100% matches her mind as charli pours her emotions at her rawest and deepest, and even when it slows down a little, it still slashes everything in its way with experimental synths and an interpretation you weren't expecting at all, even if you're a long-time fan.

    on this record, she's dealing with pressure, anxiety and the feeling of being stuck by a label or by a formula, but not for a second she's afraid of sounding weird: at this point of her career, she doesn't **** cares about what the music industry has to say about her or the boxes where the industry wants to place her in, because she's too busy using her personality and her sound as a unique weapon. and with this weapon, honestly, she doesn't got to prove her worth anymore. she can place herself anywhere.

    highlights: gone, click, thoughts    … Expand
  43. Paulo124412
    Sep 14, 2019
    9
    Pop 2 continua sendo meu favorito, mas esse não decepcionou Gone ,shake it e february 2017 melhores faixas
  44. Spike00001
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    This is truly Charli’s best project yet! She has taken what she learned being a radio hit artist and an underground PC Music artist and combined them into a fully fleshed out well rounded album. Charli has taken the best bits of Pop 2 and pushed it further while at the same time going places she hasn’t gone before. You have her at her most vulnerable and personal while never failing toThis is truly Charli’s best project yet! She has taken what she learned being a radio hit artist and an underground PC Music artist and combined them into a fully fleshed out well rounded album. Charli has taken the best bits of Pop 2 and pushed it further while at the same time going places she hasn’t gone before. You have her at her most vulnerable and personal while never failing to give you bangers as well.… Expand
  45. Simsimmahboul
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Her best album yet . it's full of émotions and raw feelings plus great songs that mix pop and edm (PC music)
  46. madisonnicole
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, **** on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it
  47. Littlebut
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Shake it is the hit song, Silver cross is the new Vroom Vroom and gone the song of the summer. Cross you out is the anthem of health and care!!!
  48. Zmannaie
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Music from the FUTURE. Charli did what is called art she played with music and made it her own. She styled it in her own style
  49. juliocesar222
    Sep 17, 2019
    10
    I love it wjejdsjjejejdjzakalwoeodkdfndjdjsjjdjejekeejejfiffijeejwueuryriroxmsnabacax Da Hwwlpskfkrkrowmsnsxkdjckgkrkeowjwjrhydfbxbsndkxalalaloehdgsbedv
  50. matthewmirliani
    Sep 19, 2019
    9
    Charli is gloriously futuristic, gloriously 80’s, gloriously indie-pop, with an exceptionally strong opening (anchored by the exceptional “Gone”, “Cross You Out,” and “1999”). The record does lose steam and feels stretched at the end, and some of the sonic choices can feel jarring or misplaced; overall, however, this is an epic, bold, well-executed effort that builds off of Charli’sCharli is gloriously futuristic, gloriously 80’s, gloriously indie-pop, with an exceptionally strong opening (anchored by the exceptional “Gone”, “Cross You Out,” and “1999”). The record does lose steam and feels stretched at the end, and some of the sonic choices can feel jarring or misplaced; overall, however, this is an epic, bold, well-executed effort that builds off of Charli’s previous endeavors and proves she’s one of today’s most interesting pop stars. Whereas the general public tired of the maximalist-pop of the early 2010s (dominated by the Britney’s, Perry’s, Gaga’s, and Rihanna’s), Charli (and her indie pop cohorts) have taken this sound, repackaged it, given it an underground-pop restoration, and have made it cool again (a parallel pop restoration has been underway by Carly Rae Jepsen and Korean boyband BTS).… Expand
  51. marcmyworks
    Nov 14, 2019
    8
    The Boom Clap master is back and this time has written her most personal album yet. What I like about Charli XCX is she is extremely experimental and she really speaks to the tween market, despite being 27 herself. I admire her collaborating with musicians of different language backgrounds, ethnicity and LGBTQIA+ members. I will criticize that at times the album does seem overlong with 15The Boom Clap master is back and this time has written her most personal album yet. What I like about Charli XCX is she is extremely experimental and she really speaks to the tween market, despite being 27 herself. I admire her collaborating with musicians of different language backgrounds, ethnicity and LGBTQIA+ members. I will criticize that at times the album does seem overlong with 15 tracks and one or two of the collaborations don't work as well as they could, but over this is a solid product.… Expand
  52. JohnPelicano
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    The future of pop showed how she can push boundaries of pop music, mapping the landscape of the future of pop. In this self titled project, she showed both vulnerability and how she can innovate the sound of pop. This really is Next Level Charli
  53. Turuncu
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    this album really redefined the socionormativity and the stigmatizations around the world by rewriting the plethoraexanoroma and the rules of society with modicum panaceas with predilection dignified with pragmatic tetroxides
  54. nikola_koda
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. perfect pop album
    amazing futuristic innovation, the most amazing album by charli xcx so far    … Expand
  55. Simao
    Oct 1, 2020
    8
    although it still is, overall, a great album, charli comes as a retrograde step on charli's previously always-improving discography. i blame the label's pressure to release an LP that would sell - an LP that would have singles worth playing on the radio, thus further promoting the album and enlarging the sale volumes. this was an issue the pop2 mixtape didn't have to go through, exactlyalthough it still is, overall, a great album, charli comes as a retrograde step on charli's previously always-improving discography. i blame the label's pressure to release an LP that would sell - an LP that would have singles worth playing on the radio, thus further promoting the album and enlarging the sale volumes. this was an issue the pop2 mixtape didn't have to go through, exactly because it was not an official album. we didn't witness any mainstream single getting played at the radio during the pop2 era. yet, with Charli we could hear 1999 and blame it on your love repeatedly through the car's speakers - exactly the 2 worst songs who completely ruin the rest of the album.

    charli is not a consistent LP. for every masterpiece of a song we have a filler right after. we witness tracks like the lizzo feature between masterpieces like thoughts and white mercedes. this is the fundamental problem with the album. it doesn't work as an album because we would have to keep skipping songs, which doesn't happen at any other charli project.

    apart from this major problem, charli is an album that features some of charli's best songs to date. the intro «Next Level Charli» does justice to its name - a beautiful, energetic, progressive track that gets you immediately attached to the album - probably ending up by causing a certain amount of disappointment.

    «Click» follows as another historical song on charli's discography, featuring an amazing kim petras and tommy cash verse and an immaculate A. G. Cook / Dylan Brady / umru joint production. further ahead, shake it may go down on history as one of charli's most ambitious and strong collaboration tracks - featuring verses from big freedia; brooke candy; cupackKe and rainha com dois L e dois T - pabllo vittar .

    white mercedes; i don't wanna know & official show us a new and extremely vulnerable side of charli, one we would never have predicted by listening to precedent projects. the songs are beautiful yet almost disconcerting - we're not used to seeing charli under lights other than the party ones.

    fav songs: next level charli; official & shake it
    least fav: blame it on your love    … Expand
  56. Joel_Freecheck
    May 29, 2020
    9
    "Next Level Charli" sets the tone and standard for "Charli" with it's bombastic production and hooks. With each successive song, the album continues to surpass itself. Shoutout to "Gone", a marvelous track only Charli XCX could craft.
  57. totoro0192
    Jan 2, 2020
    9
    Oyfsoufsoyfav69s0ufs6r Charli it's Charli baby omg Charli you're Charli I'm glad that this exists this is really good this is vision 2020 so 2021 I'm amazed this is like 2099 but 1999 and it clicks with you like omg
  58. PretentiousGeek
    Sep 16, 2019
    8
    If there's an album I could generally compare it to, it would probably be Kelis Was Here. A bizarre comparison for sure, but both are departures from their main production team (where is SOPHIE?) and are (perhaps overlong) collections of mostly understated polished songs that are endearing enough to reward multiple listens without being directly gripping. Both albums have issues and LOTSIf there's an album I could generally compare it to, it would probably be Kelis Was Here. A bizarre comparison for sure, but both are departures from their main production team (where is SOPHIE?) and are (perhaps overlong) collections of mostly understated polished songs that are endearing enough to reward multiple listens without being directly gripping. Both albums have issues and LOTS of filler but the highlights gleam enough to warrant getting your teeth stuck into. Her glittery, metallic vision of pop's kaleidoscope future lives on.

    Favourite songs: Click, Gone, Shake It
    Least favourites: I Don't Wanna Know, Blame It On Your Love    … Expand
  59. u137288reddit
    Sep 24, 2019
    9
    This album is great- Charli manages to make a full album expanding on the ideas of Pop 2 and the ideas behind PC Music. The one criticism I have is that Blame It On Your Love feels more like a remix of Track 10 than a finished version.
  60. Himayocat
    Sep 14, 2019
    9
    Amazing album. Just amazing. Pop music of the future. This cleared my skin when I started streaming.
  61. MalgxBritney
    Feb 14, 2020
    10
    Absolutely amazing, no filler tracks, no generic songs, best song is Gone and I don’t wanna know. Queeeen!
  62. DenefRobles
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, **** on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it.… Expand
  63. Shartur
    Sep 16, 2019
    7
    I like sole tracks of the album.. there’s a new sound on the album I’m not a big fan of it but there’s some good tracks that match what my ear is looking for.. but overall I like more the poppi Charli
  64. DaleXCX
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    Pop perfection, the album has amazing features with a track listing that dives into her emotions but also has alot of party bangers
  65. ycamurca
    Sep 22, 2019
    10
    this is her best work. click and shake it are the proof that charli is that bit**
  66. itbelikethat
    Sep 15, 2019
    8
    amazing album..she’s pushing pop boundaries and deserves the critical acclaim
  67. gih_bafini
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    bright and unique. striking beats, powerful voices and extraordinary melodies. Charli truly shows her talent in this album.
  68. ivan13
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    AVG: 9.73

    Next Level Charli 10/10
    Gone 10/10
    Cross You Out 10/10
    1999 10/10
    Click 10/10
    Warm 10/10
    Thoughts 10/10
    Blame It On Your Love 10/10
    White Mercedes 10/10
    Silver Cross 10/10
    I Don't Wanna Know 10/10
    Official 10/10
    Shake It 10/10
    February 2017 10/10
    2099 6/10
  69. EmanuelAndres
    Sep 18, 2019
    10
    Nothing to say this is one of the best albums of the year 100% pop ♡ thanks charli
  70. softicecream
    Nov 15, 2019
    8
    The collaborations and the lyrics are amazing and fit well with each other. But... too much autotune, could barely hear her voice.
  71. mika_flk
    Oct 5, 2019
    10
    Stream Charli and scream "play Taxi" at Charli when you see her shows. It's Charli baby.
  72. JoshOPiper
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Of course it’s a 10. She did the damned thing. Charli XCX is the future of pop and she has outdone herself once again. Charli is a masterpiece with such an amazing balance of songs and outstanding production. Her talent as a songwriter and talent coordinator shines through and she gives every artist she features their chance to show their talent. Personal favourites are Gone, Click, WhiteOf course it’s a 10. She did the damned thing. Charli XCX is the future of pop and she has outdone herself once again. Charli is a masterpiece with such an amazing balance of songs and outstanding production. Her talent as a songwriter and talent coordinator shines through and she gives every artist she features their chance to show their talent. Personal favourites are Gone, Click, White Mercedes and Official.… Expand
  73. NenhumAnjo
    Mar 27, 2020
    10
    Charli XCX conseguiu mais uma vez se superar musicamente, misturando o pop que conhecemos com o experimental apresentado em suas mixtapes Number 1 Angel e POP2, Charli é um trabalho completo
  74. Poolbecker
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    This album is fantastic. She offers a great analysis of herself and covers so many styles shes known for while also having a unifying flair for the album. Also shoutout to "Shake It" for being my new song of the year. Loved this album, there is a song for everyone.
  75. WaitingGames
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Charli has truly reinvented pop music and is taking us to the future with this album.
  76. pineapplejim123
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Charli xcx comes in full force with her back to back experimental pop masterpiece.
  77. venusasanangel
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    it's so good everything about this album is perfect. production! charli really released her best work yet! sad/whore anthems in one album its what we deserve EVERYONE SAY THANK YOU HUCK!
  78. svgxy_
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    i love it. it was everything i was expecting from
    charli ❤️ her music always made me feel super great and goofy lmao i just love her
  79. waifugenerator
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Pushing the boundaries of pop music all while giving a platform to up and coming/and or LGBTQPoC artists
  80. SandiStronger
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    Amazing, brilliant, incredible. A masterpiece sophisticated body of job in the modern days.
  81. clpng
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    An amazing thesis statement about the future of pop, love, heartache, and burning rubber on the freeway. Charli XCX is one of the most visionary artists of our time.
  82. Bkeeler
    Sep 17, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best album from Charlie by far. It kind of have a 1980s feel as well. I believe the sounds extrapolates a deep-thought mood. The emotionally centered sounds allows for a great listen while reminiscing on great-to-sad Times in life. This is highly accomplished in “Silver Cross.” — I didn’t know if I should cry, smile or feel empowered.… Expand
  83. AJSF316
    Sep 26, 2019
    10
    Charli show us what is the future of pop music.
    The production is one of the best in the genre, the lyrics are smart in the whole futuristic theme.
    Also, the collaborations brings something to every song. Very easy to listen to.
  84. Syaifulmalik
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think this best album of 2019, since lover by Taylor Swift, and my favorite track is white Mercedes… Expand
  85. alienpiercer
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    The best album she have done yet. Beyond pop, beyond laws, beyond everything she have given us or any pop star now.
  86. sebastianabbril
    Sep 22, 2019
    7
    Charli XCX realmente está intentando redefinir el concepto genérico de 'pop' y lo está logrando. Este álbum es realmente la continuación de sus trabajos experimentales en Vroom Vroom, Number 1 Angel y Pop 2. Un álbum tan esperado como este solo dejaba expectativas sueltas en el aire y al parecer son expectativas que han sido cumplidas gracias a la consciente producción de AG Cook, Lotus IVCharli XCX realmente está intentando redefinir el concepto genérico de 'pop' y lo está logrando. Este álbum es realmente la continuación de sus trabajos experimentales en Vroom Vroom, Number 1 Angel y Pop 2. Un álbum tan esperado como este solo dejaba expectativas sueltas en el aire y al parecer son expectativas que han sido cumplidas gracias a la consciente producción de AG Cook, Lotus IV y Ö en 'Charli'. Aunque hay tracks que van más allá de esa experimentación propuesta en sus trabajos anteriores, también hay un interés por llegar a toda clase de públicos. Pero... no nos engañemos este pop no es uno para la radio, es un pop dificilmente de aceptar y eso lo hace aún más interesante, es la mezcla perfecta entre bubblegum, mainstream y experimental. Charli es el futuro.… Expand
  87. georgeaaaa
    Sep 26, 2019
    9
    Really impressive pop album. It's really experimental but still has some classic pop structures which works really well imo. Her songwriting is really good and her and A.G. Cook make a great team. Not every track is amazing (BIOYL, I don't wanna know) but the overall quality of the album makes up for it. Click, Shake it, Silver Cross, Gone, Cross you out and 2099 are all stellar tracks andReally impressive pop album. It's really experimental but still has some classic pop structures which works really well imo. Her songwriting is really good and her and A.G. Cook make a great team. Not every track is amazing (BIOYL, I don't wanna know) but the overall quality of the album makes up for it. Click, Shake it, Silver Cross, Gone, Cross you out and 2099 are all stellar tracks and really make this album for me.… Expand
  88. augxsbt
    Oct 4, 2019
    8
    one of the best album i heard on 2019! but i think that Charli deserves more recognition
  89. urlittlemonstah
    Oct 14, 2019
    9
    sin duda el mejor álbum de diosarli xcx hasta ahora, combina perfectamente sonidos futuristas y roboticos con letras humanas. las colaboraciones están perfectas excepto por Snake it la cual me parece la peor canción del album. Lo mejor, sin duda white mercedes, 2099 y silver cross.
  90. Enterka
    Nov 14, 2019
    10
    So amazing album in 2019. One of best. Thanks Charli to this album. Love from Russia.
  91. ruicorrea70
    Dec 7, 2019
    10
    charli innovates with every job she launches. with a dramatic futuristic beat, she can excel at this album that captures our ears and our hearts at first listen
  92. kermie_the_frog
    Jan 5, 2020
    8
    I had been out of the pop genre for quite a while but like dang... this is actually pretty great.
  93. Azzura
    Dec 30, 2019
    8
    Charli me surpreendeu dessa vez. Muito bom para se sentir uma piranha robótica.
  94. aabortus
    Aug 31, 2020
    9
    great album, top 3 album of 2019 and definitely something to recommend to others
  95. deniskadeniska
    Feb 5, 2020
    10
    perfect, ideal, unbelievable, beautiful, on of the best albums of 2019 PERIODT.
  96. noinguyen
    Dec 1, 2020
    8
    The well-executed, adventurous and experimental sound of "Charli" further proves that Charli XCX is undoubtedly the current pop queen.

    Favorite tracks: Next Level Charli, Gone, Cross You Out, 1999, Thoughts, White Mercedes, Silver Cross, Shake It, February 2017, 2099
    Least favorite tracks: Blame It On Your Love
  97. Nxtlvlauren
    Apr 4, 2020
    10
    This is literally the future of pop music. This new mechanic-like sound sets the tone for the way music will sound from 2020 and on. Don’t knock it till you hear it!
  98. JordanLayton
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    A glitchy, sometimes glitsy, sometimes grimey, pop record that fully delivers. So many memorable moments. Every track brings something new and exciting.
  99. Lbstev
    May 15, 2020
    10
    This is experimental pop on its finest and the best album in my opinion from 2019 period
  100. parkerilla
    May 17, 2020
    10
    Hit after hit - energetic, abrasive cuts such as Click mixed in with more tender, emotional introspection on Official and White Mercedes. Phenomenal
Page:

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Oct 3, 2019
    80
    It’s a party album, which means it’s utopian. It’s a solo album, which means it’s rebooting. “Next Level Charli” doesn’t sound like a version we’ve never heard before; it sounds like the very same, not even accelerated but integrated, at 100% synchronization rate.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Sep 24, 2019
    60
    It often feels as if Aitchison's nasal croon and counter-intuitive toplines are the least interesting bits of her own project. [Nov 2019, p.116]
  3. Consequence
    Sep 18, 2019
    83
    The good news is that her songwriting is stronger than ever. Along with co-executive producer A.G. Cook, Charli XCX has put together a delightful album of high-end pop confections. Charli packs in plenty of wow and proves to be more than worth the wait.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »