Like Pop 2—the clearest blueprint within Charli’s catalog for a project like this—Brat and… is raucous and reckless, and it’s really really sad. But romantic love isn’t a concern here. Instead, Brat and… siphons off some of BRAT’s primary fuel: the idea that fame is too potent, too damaging, and too deliriously intoxicating for any one person to deal with in a “normal” way.
The stakes are far higher now that my mum, your mum, and Ella Emhoff’s mum have all at one point self-identified as “Brat.” Seeing the most famous woman in the world at your boyfriend’s show, it turns out, is not as bad as hearing that your friends think you’ve changed; wondering if you should have a baby is even more agonizing when the album on which you wondered if you should have a baby becomes so successful that the next three years of your life are suddenly fully booked. Brat and… has the aesthetic of a victory lap—Ariana Grande co-sign, monumental first-day streams, weird activation at a bucolic outdoor Hudson Valley art center—but its lyrics are often even more shatteringly bleak than those on BRAT, that album’s many hypotheticals suddenly made viscerally real.
BRAT was one of Charli’s few records without features, a fitting mode for an album about how isolating it’s been for her to spend a decade drifting in and out of the mainstream. The guests on Brat and… were seemingly recruited with that sense of loneliness in mind: The 1975’s Matty Healy, Grande, Eilish, and Bb Trickz are lightning rods, forever singled out for their sharp tongues, fat mouths, and tabloid provocations; Bladee and Yung Lean make an aesthetic of alienation; Justin Vernon is indie music’s most enduring avatar of aloneness; Lorde and Eilish spent their teen years surveilled and scrutinized by the public and the media.
None of these artists have traversed Charli’s exact path, but they’ve all, in their own ways, had to reckon with their own stardom, their position in the industry, and the choice to chase easy success or follow their muse down the rabbit hole. Rather than fruitlessly try to foster relatability with her audience—who will never be as rich, famous, or exposed as her—Charli writes with surgical specificity, a welcome change from the platitudinal, patronizing I’m Just Like You vibe that’s become de rigueur lately. The flip side, of course, is that these songs do sometimes veer into one-percenter solipsism (“It’s a knife when you’re so pretty, they think it must be fake”) but they feel truthful in their mashups of folly and despair.
Engaging Introduction
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Main Sections
Section 1: The Impact of Brat and…
Brat and… delves into the complexities of fame and its effects on individuals, showcasing a raw and unfiltered perspective on the struggles that come with being in the spotlight. The album’s themes resonate with a wide audience, touching on the challenges of maintaining personal relationships, dealing with success, and navigating the pressures of celebrity life.
Section 2: Collaborations and Loneliness
The collaborations on Brat and… were carefully curated to reflect the sense of isolation that Charli has experienced throughout her career. Artists like The 1975’s Matty Healy, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eilish bring their own experiences with fame and scrutiny to the table, creating a powerful narrative of shared struggles and triumphs.
Section 3: Authenticity and Vulnerability
Charli’s approach to songwriting in Brat and… is marked by a sense of authenticity and vulnerability, eschewing generic themes for a more personal and introspective look at her own journey. The lyrics, while at times dark and introspective, offer a glimpse into the inner workings of a pop star grappling with the highs and lows of fame.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brat and… stands as a testament to Charli’s evolution as an artist, showcasing her growth and maturity in the face of fame and success. The album’s themes of loneliness, isolation, and self-discovery resonate with listeners on a deep level, offering a glimpse into the complexities of life in the public eye. Through her collaborations and introspective lyrics, Charli has created a body of work that is both raw and unapologetically honest, solidifying her status as a pop icon.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Charli to create Brat and…?
A: Charli drew inspiration from her own experiences with fame and the challenges that come with being a public figure. The album serves as a reflection of her personal journey and struggles in the music industry.
Q: How do the collaborations on Brat and… enhance the album’s themes?
A: The collaborations bring a diverse range of perspectives and experiences to the album, adding depth and complexity to its themes of loneliness, isolation, and self-discovery. Artists like Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and The 1975’s Matty Healy contribute their unique voices to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences.
Q: What sets Brat and… apart from Charli’s previous work?
A: Brat and… showcases a more mature and introspective side of Charli, delving into deeper themes of fame, success, and personal growth. The album’s raw and unfiltered approach sets it apart from her previous releases, offering a more intimate look at the artist behind the music.
Credit: pitchfork.com
