Pop 2 [Mixtape]
by Charli xcx
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Dec 15, 2017
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 351 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 322 out of 351
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 351
  3. Negative: 18 out of 351
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  1. reymigius
    Jan 4, 2018
    10
    What can I say about it? It’s an innovative, playful, and futuristic mixtape; a star-studded space where synth-pop interlaced with a sparse amount of hip-hop, outbursts in many layers of hard-hitting yet catchy trap basslines. Pitchfork stated that this mixtape is an “...antidote to the overwhelming monotony of the 2017 pop charts,” and I couldn’t agree more.
  2. Miavellzi
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    This sounds so cliché but this mixtape honestly means so much to mean. I remember finding Number 1 Angel after someone posted it on twitter and became obsessed with her bubblegum bass sound that didn’t get played on the radio. I was anticipating a new project from her for ages and was not left unsatisfied when she dropped this.

    This mixtape is the perfect follow up to N1A and encompasses    This sounds so cliché but this mixtape honestly means so much to mean. I remember finding Number 1 Angel after someone posted it on twitter and became obsessed with her bubblegum bass sound that didn’t get played on the radio. I was anticipating a new project from her for ages and was not left unsatisfied when she dropped this.

    This mixtape is the perfect follow up to N1A and encompasses her, the artists she collaborated with, and the producers sound so well. “Backseat feat Carly Rae Jepsen” - shows that she knows the artists her fans are listening to especially with the hype around CRJs “emotions” project. “Out of my head feat Tove Lo and ALMA” - the lyrics on top of the heavy bass party song sound with the catchy chorus just make you want to scream the song and is an unforgettable experience at the Pop 2 concert.

    “Lucky” - vulnerability at its finest alongside “Tears feat Caroline Polachek” such good slower songs to break up the mixtape from the intense party vibe in the beginning. “I got it feat Brooke Candy, Cupcakke, and Pabllo Vittar” - pop rave excellence. The monotone chorus inside the **** that is the electronic noise that makes up this song. Brooke Candy’s eerie voice. Cupcakkes lyrics genius. Pabllo’s high pitched vocals that lead up into the drop. All such a crazy experience live. “Femmebot feat Dorian Electra” follows the same type of sound as “I got it” however is just as crazy. “Delicious feat Tommy Cash” - one of my personal favourites off of the project for the simple fact of the chemistry that these two have on the song which is shown on stage when they perform it. Excellence.

    “Unlock it feat Kim Petras and Jay Park” - means so much to me. This song is so specific to the time when this project came out and is such a masterpiece. It’s the epitome of bubblegum bass and no artist and producer could’ve done it better. This is one of those songs where you can’t help but feel pure joy when you first hear it. Euphoric. A.G Cooks slower remix is also worth listening to and shows the versatility of this song. “Porsche feat MØ” - a badass song for bad **** vibes of dreamer but just slower.

    “Track 10” - such a beautiful song. Shows exactly how PC music is just for upbeat rave songs but also for more intimate songs. Needed no explanation in a title name and for those who overlook it for this reason, you’re missing out as the lyrics are so well put together to get across whatever Charli went through at that time. The raw emotion in her voice can be heard all the way through. To sum it up this was SUCH a great project.

    Everyone who took part in this album especially the production like A.G and SOPHIE you are very much so appreciated by us angels and you know it. Probably her magnum opus of projects. It’s Charli Baby!!    … Expand
  3. miamatangi
    Jan 9, 2018
    10
    Amazing mixtape, with sounds that make it like even distopic but nice at the same time, A.G. Cook and Charli sure know what they are doing. Futuristic sounds, very PC music. Love the collaborations too, Caroline Polachek, Dorian Electra, Carly Rae Jepsen... just the best.
  4. ignorantdrugs
    Dec 22, 2017
    10
    Uno de los mejores MIxtapes del año, increíble de principio a final con excelentes sonidos y colaboraciones. Un trabajo que refleja excelentemente el potencial de Charli XCX como cantante y escritora, destacando la producción del mismo.
  5. J-Tag
    Dec 22, 2017
    10
    Mind-blowingly good. Charli XCX is the best thing about pop, and her latest release is proof that she is light years ahead of the majority. And to think she made this in less than two months with her producer/mentor A.G. Cook is astonishing! The whole mixtape is one giant party, with some ridiculous guests. My personal favourite tracks are "Backseat" ft. Carly Rae Jepsen, "I Got It" ft.Mind-blowingly good. Charli XCX is the best thing about pop, and her latest release is proof that she is light years ahead of the majority. And to think she made this in less than two months with her producer/mentor A.G. Cook is astonishing! The whole mixtape is one giant party, with some ridiculous guests. My personal favourite tracks are "Backseat" ft. Carly Rae Jepsen, "I Got It" ft. Cupcakke, "Delicious" ft. Tommy Cash and "Track 10" – all of these are packed with incredible vocal manipulation and progress into huge climaxes. It's Charli... It's Charli babyyy… Expand
  6. AntonioUchoa
    Dec 20, 2017
    8
    Brilliant can describe this mixtape.

    Versatility should be a Charli’s nickname. Always bringing to us works that can make us dance until get tiredness. Eccentric mixtape, a pop segment following other patterns different from Mainstream. It is a mixtape for you guys eat it up with your friends inside a car singing aloud. Highlighting tracks as, “Backseat” featuring Carly Rae Jepsen,    Brilliant can describe this mixtape.

    Versatility should be a Charli’s nickname. Always bringing to us works that can make us dance until get tiredness. Eccentric mixtape, a pop segment following other patterns different from Mainstream. It is a mixtape for you guys eat it up with your friends inside a car singing aloud.

    Highlighting tracks as, “Backseat” featuring Carly Rae Jepsen, being one of the most different tracks inside of mixtape. Mixing Charli’s vocals sang slowly with the break in her voice in some parts of the chorus, the synthesizers in the background plus Carly’s performance. Sounds marvelous. “Lucky”, a dark ballad and very emotional track that can make us reflect about some **** after parties. “Tears” with the confusion between Charli’s vocals and Caroline’s performance, it a track that do not bring nothing new. A weak track.

    “I got It”, iconic. Sounds futuristic, miscellaneous with heavy vocals from all the performances. Pabllo Vittar offers us her best vocals.

    A decent record to listen after, before, during the party.

    Listen: “Backseat”, “Lucky”, “I got It”, “Femmebot”, “Delicious”.    … Expand
  7. bodakyellow
    Apr 20, 2018
    10
    Pop 2 is a preview of the genre's beautifully glitchy, autotuned future. Easily one of the best mixtapes of the year. Favourite tracks: I Got It, Delicious, Unlock It, Track 10
  8. zavalag15
    Aug 8, 2018
    9
    The most futuristic a pop mixtape could get. Charli is probably mocking bubblegum pop, while also showing us how it can be artistic if done right.
    Favorite tracks are: Porsche, Out of My Head, Track 10, and I Got It.
  9. Codah
    Dec 22, 2017
    9
    Pop 2 challenges and pushes boundaries in pop music that have been only done before this year in her previous mixtape, Number 1 Angel. Charli features pop icons from Carly Rae Jepsen and Pabllo Vittar to underground rappers and artists like Tommy Cash and Dorian Electra and has (A.G.) Cook blend them all wonderfully. The production and sound that has been implemented in the mixtape isPop 2 challenges and pushes boundaries in pop music that have been only done before this year in her previous mixtape, Number 1 Angel. Charli features pop icons from Carly Rae Jepsen and Pabllo Vittar to underground rappers and artists like Tommy Cash and Dorian Electra and has (A.G.) Cook blend them all wonderfully. The production and sound that has been implemented in the mixtape is sonically ahead of it's time and has created a promising future for pop for every artist. From the banger track "I Got It" to the saddening wave of "Tears", each song is on a different level of art and deserves full attention.… Expand
  10. mcourval
    Dec 20, 2017
    9
    POP. EXCELLENCE. Redefining what pop music is all about while introducing us to the unique sounds of a new generation of pop stars.
  11. no1angel
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    album of the year que chama, né? tirando backseat que apesar de ser com a carly que é uma artista maravilhosa a faixa não deu muito certo, porém o resto é simplesmente pop perfection, parabens choli.
  12. Llan
    Dec 20, 2017
    9
    "Pop 2" trás a visão de Charli XCX sobre o que seria o futuro do pop. É um trabalho experimental, surpreendentemente coeso, e bem chiclete. Nesta mixtape, Charli usou de toda sua criatividade para nos dar um trabalho ótimo, cheio de glitches e autotune, dando um ar meio Björk pro trabalho. É tão bom quanto Number 1 Angel e o EP Vroom Vroom.
    Melhores faixas: Lucky, Porsche, Delicious,    "Pop 2" trás a visão de Charli XCX sobre o que seria o futuro do pop. É um trabalho experimental, surpreendentemente coeso, e bem chiclete. Nesta mixtape, Charli usou de toda sua criatividade para nos dar um trabalho ótimo, cheio de glitches e autotune, dando um ar meio Björk pro trabalho. É tão bom quanto Number 1 Angel e o EP Vroom Vroom.
    Melhores faixas: Lucky, Porsche, Delicious, Track 10 e Unlock It    … Expand
  13. spaceagemixtape
    Jan 13, 2018
    9
    If this is what Charli XCX calls a mixtape, I can't wait to hear what she has in store when she decided to make an actual album! Starting strong and ending strong, the mixtape never seems to falter, always bringing the fun, the energy, and the experimental. Also, I do love me some Carly Rae Jepsen.
  14. prestonhung
    Aug 4, 2019
    8
    'POP2' is Charli XCX's strongest and one of her most experimental work to date. With tracks such as "Out Of My Mind", "Tears", and "I Got It", the Mixtape gives a super futuristic and enjoyable atmosphere for listeners, but listening to songs like "Porshe" and "Delicious" is kind of a "waste of time".
  15. folomohah
    Sep 6, 2019
    0
    So ugly, so boring, so trash the EP is futuristic and kinda synth sounding and some of the tracks did good for me but most of it felt like the production is kind of awkward and
  16. netunoboy
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    Pop 2 é com certeza uma das maiores evoluções na carreira da Charli.
    Com muitas parcerias e abusando do experimental, Charli mais uma vez nos prestigiou com seu talento.
    Melhores musicas: Delicious, Lucky, Tears e Porsche.
  17. LeadOxide
    Jan 29, 2018
    1
    I have no idea what all the hype is about surrounding Charli XCX. Every track on here sounds unfinished and rushed and she seemingly can't make a song on her own, she needs 2 features on every track. A classic example of unfinished, poorly crafted music being passed off as "experimental" and released as a mixtape rather than an album
  18. RobbyP
    Dec 22, 2017
    6
    Sure, if you like discordant sounds and over-bearing autotune, then this is a great album. If you like vocal talent and melodies, then maybe skip it.
  19. Wael
    Dec 22, 2017
    8
    It's a little risqué when an artist announces that they're releasing a mixtape instead of an LP, but it's also very intriguing because it means they're about to show us their full true creative abilities being completely and freely put into action. It's no different with "POP 2" which turns out to be a collection of ten witfully made and and smartly chosen eccentric-polished-pop tracks.It's a little risqué when an artist announces that they're releasing a mixtape instead of an LP, but it's also very intriguing because it means they're about to show us their full true creative abilities being completely and freely put into action. It's no different with "POP 2" which turns out to be a collection of ten witfully made and and smartly chosen eccentric-polished-pop tracks. Kicking off with a duet with the sweetheart of synthpop Carly Rae Jepsen, "Backseat" is a very well-produced breathy song about a dying relationship that see the two pop-stars alternating vocals from verse to chorus. The next track, "Out Of My Head", enlists the help of swedish mega-force Tove Lo and ALMA, and Charli lets them handle the first minute of the track and then joins during the second verse, right before they end up freestyling altogether till the end. All the other features on the record are also fire (8 out of 10 songs have features, and most of them are artists I've never heard of): "I Got It" is so well-done, and there's a beautiful synchronization between Brooke Candy and CupcakKe, "Delicious" with Tommy Cash had me smiling until my face ached, and Porsche with MØ is a true banger about forgetting about an old flame and spoiling yourself. XCX's lyrics are so smart, and as relatable as ever. The best moments however, turn out to be the solo tracks: "Lucky" is probably the most heartbreaking song Charli has ever made, making use of so much auto-tune and flutes, which gives it even a more raw emotional feel, and "Track 10" serves as a beautiful closer, with personal lyrics such as "I blame it on your love every time I **** it up" (which, repeated, basically makes up the whole hook of the song) or "Every time you get so close, I run away".
    At the end, we get a record that showcases true, unrestrained and uninhibited creativity that sounds like futuristic pop music that'll be made 10 or 20 years from now. Give Charli XCX creative control over the making of a mixtape and this is what she'll end up making: the most elaborate and intricate far-from-the-mainstream pop record of her career.    … Expand
  20. NETMUSIC
    Jan 26, 2018
    4
    Expected much better from Charli after Number 1 Angel and Vroom Vroom. Too many features and auto tune.
  21. kimyjo
    Oct 19, 2018
    10
    Ícone do pop e não choca. Excelente como tudo o que essa mulher faz. Destques para Unlock It e Track 10.
  22. tngrnsrmgnry
    Sep 12, 2019
    8
    Charli, of all the pop girls, seems to get it more than most when it comes to what’s legitimately cutting-edge, as opposed to what’s hot in the moment – an important distinction. She might never get the radio play she deserves with these mixtape projects, if only because she’s too busy being ten steps ahead to regurgitate a tired trend or hop on an existing hit.

    The purpose of Pop 2 is    Charli, of all the pop girls, seems to get it more than most when it comes to what’s legitimately cutting-edge, as opposed to what’s hot in the moment – an important distinction. She might never get the radio play she deserves with these mixtape projects, if only because she’s too busy being ten steps ahead to regurgitate a tired trend or hop on an existing hit.

    The purpose of Pop 2 is clearly not to show off Charli XCX’s song-writing or vocal talents but to prove that pop music boundaries can indeed be obscured and blurred. In an era where pop music is so formulaic and prescriptive, the mixtape is a total imposter, it’s the first of its kind. Of course artists push boundaries all the time in their music but so seldom do any of these artists have the same amount of influence and audience scale as Charli.

    Pop 2 transports the listeners to a totally new pop stratosphere. Charli XCX has totally re-imagined the peripheries of the pop genre and those peripheries may never be whole again.

    - she is a server, you know... track/s: Delicious, I Got It, Backseat
    - STOP!! stop that **** now!! track/s: -    … Expand
  23. ikxro
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    Como sempre Charli XCX surpreendendo a todos fazendo arte propriamente incompreendida pelo público, porém se destacada fazendo isso com a mais pura qualidade, ela é com certeza uma das melhores de seu ramo.
  24. PrincesaDelMar
    Jan 26, 2020
    10
    The pop queen has done it again. Another year another mix tape, a very good one I might add. I could listen to this start to finish all day everyday. Just banger after banger although there are a few songs that just aren't my cup of tea but that doesn't mean they are by any means bad. They just better suit other listeners. Amazing features on this mix tape and notable people as well, IThe pop queen has done it again. Another year another mix tape, a very good one I might add. I could listen to this start to finish all day everyday. Just banger after banger although there are a few songs that just aren't my cup of tea but that doesn't mean they are by any means bad. They just better suit other listeners. Amazing features on this mix tape and notable people as well, I loved it when it first came out and I still do 2 years later.… Expand
  25. Porcohesu
    Apr 16, 2020
    0
    Fra non vuole fare pace con me quindi fa cagare dio bastardo molto meglio changes di justin Bieber
  26. Evic21
    Feb 16, 2018
    9
    On "Pop 2", Charli XCX proves herself to be one of the most innovative pop stars of our generation. The way she plays with sound and experiments with vocal processing is stunning. Never has auto tune sounded so creative. Even though some may disagree, there is no denying that Charli is a remarkably talented vocalist in her own right without the machines.
  27. Simao
    Oct 1, 2020
    10
    Pop 2 will go down as one of history’s best albums me thinks. it brings so many new things to the table and i doubt charli can ever top the level it has.

    from the production to the god tier collabs, every song has a place on this album and they create this aesthetic that can ONLY belong to pop 2.

    the cover art is also god-tier...

    fav songs: track 10, delicious
    least fav: out of my head
  28. aleppo
    Jan 14, 2018
    8
    I didn't even know this mixtape existed until seeing it featured here. Charli's Pop 2 is an exhilarating, adrenaline rush of a record that boasts hard-hitting, progressive electronics and a well-balanced mix of both established (Carly Rae Jepsen, Tove Lo) and up-and-coming (cupcakKe, Mykki Blanco) artists. There isn't much to unpack thematically on this release, but such a fact isn't oneI didn't even know this mixtape existed until seeing it featured here. Charli's Pop 2 is an exhilarating, adrenaline rush of a record that boasts hard-hitting, progressive electronics and a well-balanced mix of both established (Carly Rae Jepsen, Tove Lo) and up-and-coming (cupcakKe, Mykki Blanco) artists. There isn't much to unpack thematically on this release, but such a fact isn't one to bemoan; Pop 2 presents the English singer/songwriter flexing her experimental-pop muscles with ease, and, despite being late to the party, this effort should not go unrecognized as one of 2017's best.

    Highlights include 'Lucky' and 'Porsche'.    … Expand
  29. PretentiousGeek
    Sep 16, 2019
    8
    My favourite concept mixtape. Who doesn't love malfunctioning androids experiencing love when the music is this consistently good? #JusticeForXCXWorld
  30. JesusHerrera
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    El Mixtape es uno de los mejores que he escuchado de inicio a fin. El Mixtape es muy futurista y con este trabajo demostró porque es una de las mejores escritoras y cantantes.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 30, 2018
    80
    While it lacks the polish of a major pop album, it's not dulled by the overthought conservatism that might bring with it. [Mar 2018, p.115]
  2. The Guardian
    Jan 4, 2018
    80
    The 10 tracks never stint on the basic stuff. There are big choruses and hooks amid the teeming sound, not least on Unlock It and Out of My Head, tracks that sound like hit singles from a slightly more adventurous, expansive alternate universe than the one the charts currently inhabit.
    Read full review
  3. Consequence
    Dec 22, 2017
    83
    On Pop 2, her second mixtape of 2017, she digs even deeper into her music’s rough edges, exploiting its paradoxes, peeling back its layers, and having more fun while she’s at it than she’s ever had before.
    Read full review
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