Pop powerhouse Charli XCX has unleashed her sixth album, Brat, and it’s shaking up the world. Since its June 7 release, Brat has taken over—from its bold neon green cover that everyone’s obsessed with, to becoming a pop culture staple, even making waves in Kamala Harris’s political campaign. The album is all over TikTok, thanks to a viral dance for the kitschy track “Apple,” and Charli is smashing records left and right for herself and the music industry. Brat has proved that it is much more than an album of music. It’s a global phenomenon that talks about living your life unapologetically.
The bold and abrasive neon green album cover for Brat is critical in shaping the album’s identity and impact. In the music world, where visuals are just as important as sound, the choice of color challenges traditional aesthetic expectations. Charli XCX has taken a color perceived as ugly and reshaped it into the color of the summer.
“I think the ugly neon green is a big reason for the album’s success because it is so random that it is a color everyone can recognize,” junior Sebastian Lee-Yee said. “Without this color, I don’t know if the album would [be] as successful.”
The album’s success can be partly credited to Kamala Harris. When Vice President Harris announced two months ago that she would be the Democratic nominee for president, Charli XCX wrote on Twitter, “Kamala IS Brat.” The Harris campaign then adopted Brat’s imaging and aesthetics as a part of its campaign, referencing the album across its social media accounts. Politicians have said it was part of an effort for Kamala Harris to appeal to younger voters.
Another factor in the album’s success was the viral “Apple” dance. Sophomore Naomi Herman said, “I think the dance is fun, and anyone can do it because of the simple movements,” contributing to its widespread popularity, with Ashley Tisdale and Jake Shane participating in the trend.
In recent months, you may have noticed the term “Brat Summer” popping up in conversations, whether from influencers, politicians, or even within your social circles, but what exactly does it mean?
Well, picture this: a sweaty grunge club in the heart of Ibiza. The air is electric, pulsing with a neon-green glow. In the center of it all stands a rebellious woman, fresh from her fourth breakup and ready to channel her unmatchable energy into self-empowerment. Welcome to the 2024 “Brat Summer.”
Despite its playful tone, “Brat Summer” resonates more deeply with fans, where rebellion and self-expression take center stage. This term has become more than just a trending phrase; it reflects the carefree, bold energy many are embracing as they push back against societal expectations and embrace their inner “Brat.”
To live a “Brat Summer,” Charli XCX said in a TikTok that you must make mistakes, be emotional, and do dumb things. Never be afraid to speak your truth; party through it if anyone has anything to say.
Senior Ellie Anderson said, “[Brat Summer means] living your life with your unique personality and flavor and embracing the moment. It’s an excellent essence, and we got to keep it going!”
Ellie isn’t the only one determined to keep this global phenomenon alive. Charli XCX continues to drop fresh remixes, including one of the hottest tracks, “Guess,” featuring Billie Eilish. This high-energy collaboration playfully dives into the quirky topic of guessing the color of someone’s underwear, blending Billie’s signature whispery vocals with Charli’s energetic hyper-pop sound.
Junior Laila Ciaccio praised the track. “It has a very iconic sound,” Laila said. “Billie Eilish’s soft voice and Charli XCX’s lively hyper-pop vocals make for a great song.”
As the warmth of summer fades, Charli XCX is making sure the “Brat” energy doesn’t cool off. She’s set to release a completely reimagined version of her album, “Brat: And It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat,” on October 11. This new take on the original album promises to carry the rebellious and vibrant spirit of “Brat Summer” into a fierce and exciting “Brat Autumn.”
Fans can expect an electrifying continuation of the “Brat” era, as Charli pushes boundaries and keeps the momentum of her artistic vision alive, showing that she will not let the spotlight go away anytime soon.
