The Process
The pop singer Charli XCX has been on the rise throughout the 2010s, first gaining recognition with her infamous 2014 single "Boom Clap" that was popularized by the movie "The Fault in Our Stars." Though true angels were obsessed even before her 2019 album "Charli," the internet ran with the stellar production and iconic collaborations that made the self-titled album a big hit across the board.
As a big fan, witnessing the evolution of Charli's discography has naturally been an exciting ride. But it didn't hit me until I was standing front row at her Chicago show in October -- moshing with fellow girls and gays under flashing neon lights -- that the future of pop was now in her hands. Quoting the queen herself, it was the "best pop concert" of my "motherf*cking life."
From hosting zoom meetings and live writing sessions with fans to documenting the whole 6 weeks of creation on video, Charli has made the album-making process as collaborative as possible -- something that no other artist has done during quarantine. Some fans even got to share their input on song lyrics. Even though fans showed their extreme support and love, making an album in such a short period of time was not easy for Charli in the slightest.
"I started to feel some pressure this week. I constantly feel worried that I'm pushing people too hard or asking too much from people, and this week I really felt that. Maybe it's just my own paranoia, maybe it's a real feeling, who knows. I cried about it and tried to move on."
Source: User @charli_xcx on Instagram
As a fellow creator, the process of making something as complex as an album is extremely stressful, and it was not hard to see that Charli was going through it. Many fans expressed their gratitude for her hard work and urged her to take the time she needed -- even if it meant that the album's release date would be pushed back substantially.
Nonetheless, the album was released on its original set date, May 15th.
The Album!
Parties, Chaos, Reflection, and Romance.
Charli XCX released three singles preceding her album "How I'm Feeling Now," which showcased her advancement into the hyperpop genre, one that she's been experimenting with for a while now.
Most notably, "Claws" was produced by Dylan Brady of 100 gecs, the staple group of the Hyperpop genre, with glitchy beats and funky autotune play-ups that created a catchy single that is personally one of my favorites from the album. Brady wasn't the only PC producer to hop on the creation of HIFN; he was joined by A.G. Cook, Danny Harle, BJ Burton, and other equally talented writers/producers. Charli has also been experimenting with Imogen Heap-like artificial harmonies, which only adds to her already-unique sound
Both tracks "Detonate" and "Enemy" are two very light and easy-to-listen songs, but Charli released "Enemy" as a single on the release date of the album. Most likely, "Detonate" was the second choice for the late single. These two are highlights of the album that stick out on the first listen, which enhances the initial impression listeners have of the record.
Similarly, "Party 4 U" was a big hit with Charli's fans because of its capability to sound soft and emotionally vulnerable, but not lose that signature Charli noise.
Another highlight of HIFN is "Visions," the last track on the album, but by far one of the more complex. There's an otherworldly tension in the sound of this song, which is only enhanced by the contrast of Charli's higher-pitched vocals on the track. At the end, there's a high-speed dance segment. It feels like a euphoric mind trip, one of love and uncertainty, which sums up the entire record perfectly. No wonder why Charli chose it as her closing track.
As a whole, Charli XCX's "How I'm Feeling Now" is indicative of the "new normal" we're all experiencing right now. It feels handmade, raw, and yet somehow so perfect. Charli wanted to take everything available to her from the reach of her home and create something beautiful and game-changing out of it. She's proving that even when times are scary, there's always a silver lining, and sometimes that just has to be music.
How is this Changing Pop?
Pop is becoming more glorified and recognized for not always being so amateur, as the stigma reads. It's about taking the fundamental structure of pop music and adding multi-genre elements that complexity and ameliorate the pop genre altogether. This is how pop evolves and stays popular. Just as the '70s had their disco staple, the '20s might just be taken over by the infamous hyperpop.
Whatever is to come of our beloved pop world, Miss Charli will surely continue to change the game as she did with this album.
