The bar has been set exceptionally high for our generation's pop music scene since the widely anticipated return made by the famously versatile pop artist Charli XCX this summer. After her many celebrated hits that are rooted in her particular niche for experimental pop, such as her 2017 hit single "Boys" or her feature on the 2014 summer smash hit, "Fancy", by Iggy Azalea, Charli XCX has helped to engineer an entirely new approach to typical summer pop music with her special fusions of pop subgenres with other main genres, including house music, hyperpop, electro-pop, disco, and rave music influence. In many ways, what was once considered an unconventional approach to curating pop albums and summer hits is being redefined by her immense success with the release of her experimental pop album, BRAT (2024).
It is safe to say that summer 2024 is known by many as a brat summer, collectively coined after her new album name by both Charli XCX and her listeners. The term brat, itself, is an emotion, an energy, meant to evoke a super confident, funky, and exhilarating energy for anyone who listens to the album. As Charli XCX has put the mainstream music audience on their toes and invited different musical tastes for many listeners' genre palettes, we deserve a certified brat-inspired playlist that can and should be bumped to at any time of the year. Alongside some personal favorites on the album, here are some other songs as part of a curated list that is guaranteed to make you feel brat all day, every day.
"360" - Charli XCX
We all know there's nothing like the original. At number one, is "360" (2024), which is one of the main three largely known BRAT songs that have taken the internet by storm. "360" is cutesy, energized, and hyper-feminine. The song is classified by some as bubblegum bass and electronic pop club music with some house music influence, meant to make you feel the most fun and free version of yourself.
"Like Me" - Chase Icon
At number two, "Like Me" (2022) by Chase Icon is another song that, although not created by Charli XCX, is perfect brat material. The alternative pop song experiments with mixed synth beats and boosted bass for a more aggressive, hardcore vibe. This particular song along with this genre of music falls under the categories of both electric pop and electro hip-hop. The song is perfect for the brats as it encourages confidence, power, and the feeling that no one can mess with you.
"365" - Charli XCX
"365" (2024) is the second song of the hit three songs across social media that encouraged the takeover of BRAT. The song experiments with boosted bass, where Charli XCX keeps relatively the same monotone while switching up the BPM about four or five times in the entire song. A perfect song for those moments where you're "bumpin' that", when you want to feel full of yourself and not care what others think.
"Regardless" - Raye, Rudimental
At number four is "Regardless" (2021), by Raye and Rudimental. Although Raye herself isn't typically known for specifically creating music involving hyperpop and other forms of alternative and experimental pop, this song is funky while also being sensual and upbeat. She collaborates with Rudimental, a British drum and bass band to create a club pop song that is sure to place listeners in a trance. Not only is Raye's voice and vibe in this track reminiscent of both Charli XCX and Dua Lipa, another crowd favorite, but this versatile track is sure to bring out the brat in you.
"All Around The World (Bonus Track)" - Miss Luxury, Aufa
Up next is a personal favorite track, "All Around The World" (2021), which is heavily rooted in hyperpop with 2016 nightcore and scene influences. This remix samples an early alternative pop classic commonly known via Vine, "Around The World (La La La La La)" (2000) by A Touch of Class. In addition to the fact that the original song was one of the earlier successes of alternative pop, with their album being named Planet Pop, Miss Luxury and Aufa collaborated to revive this classic with their rendition of the song with a far more fast-paced hyper bass version, a perfect song for both getting ready for the club and being at the club itself.
"Everything is romantic" - Charli XCX
This song, "Everything is romantic" (2024) is one of the most melodic and flawless songs on the album. We start off with a beautiful melodious orchestra before Charli jumps in on the rhythm with her flow. The orchestra then pauses and melts into a chaotic mashup of synths, bass, and claps that capture the uncontrollable nature of falling in love. The music does a phenomenal job of actually conveying the message, something that is not so easy to do in alt-pop subgenres. "Everything is romantic" is perfect for the uncertain moments in your life that are difficult to address.
"NUMB" - Chitra
Up next at Number seven is a dance pop and experimental artist who is similar to Charli XCX in many ways. It's Chitra with her new single, "NUMB" (2024). Fun fact: Chitra and Charli XCX are both of South Asian descent, an identity which contributes to Chitra's unique fusion of both South Indian Carnatic sounds with simplified dance and techno pop sounds. Despite being lively and versatile, the "NUMB" deals with the mental trauma of heartbreak and deceit, but its range and versatility makes it worthy of being a dual brat-coded classic and a wonderful representation for the South Asian brat community.
"Alter Ego" - Doechii, JT
At number eight is "Alter Ego" (2024) by rapper and songwriter Doechii alongside JT, famously known for being one of the City Girls. This song flawlessly blends typical old school house music with rap, in addition to utilizing the iconic "Milan, darling. Milan!" quote by Edna Mode from the Incredibles, making it one of the best releases of 2024. The initial melody is reminiscent of 1993 house pop classic "Show Me Love" by Robin S. This song is underrated despite being the perfect representation of fusing genres and is perfect for the brats, as it evokes confidence in being alternative, comfort with oneself, and embracing of your own "alter ego".
"B2b" (2024) - Charli XCX
"B2b" is another song on the BRAT album that, although being a perfect example of properly executed techno pop, is quite underrated on its own for the full album. The song features a range of synths and rave music-inspired frequencies that makes for the perfect clubbing atmosphere. The song puts emphasis on cheating in a relationship and the high one person gets while making impulsive and rash decisions.
"The Big Big Beat" (2016) - Azealia Banks
This song in particular is another great example of doing right by house music. Azealia Banks has had record hits that have been favorable amongst those involved in the ballroom scene, as well as been heavily rooted in dance and technopop. Combing her own rapping with a sampling of a Notorious B.I.G. interlude as a hook, then going back and forth from singing on the same house pop track was not an easy feat for many artists when this song first came out in 2016. Overall, "The Big Big Beat" is a perfect brat confidence anthem.
Check out the full Spotify playlist of our favorite brat-coded songs here. What do you want to see covered next on Enharmonic Magazine next? Let us know.
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