British electro-pop singer-songwriter, Charli XCX, released her newest album, how i’m feeling now, on May 15. Prior to the release of her fourth studio album, Charli released the singles “forever,” “claws,” “i finally understand,” and “enemy.” All of these singles were produced (with the help of A. G. Cook and BJ Burton) and released while Charli has been in quarantine. Charli’s goal for this album was to make it collaborative with her friends and fans; she did so by asking fans to edit videos of her dancing in front of a green screen for her music videos, asking friends to collaborate on cover art, and more.
The album is 11 tracks, 37 minutes in length, and has a very cohesive electro-pop sound throughout. If you’re a fan of Charli’s 2019 album Charli, or artists like Grimes or 100 gecs, you’ll love this album! Charli explained the album in her own words as the “frantic emo younger sister” of her previous album, Pop 2.
Overall, there is something to be said about an artist whose goal for the project was to include her fans in the production. Charli announced the album after her first two weeks in quarantine on April 6, via a Zoom call with her fans, and didn’t take to Twitter with the announcement until April 30.
The song “anthems” is undoubtedly an ode to the daily routine Charli has experienced while being quarantined. With lyrics like “I’m so bored / Wake up late, eat some cereal / Try my best to be physical / Lose myself in a TV show / Staring out to oblivion /All my friends are invisible / Twenty-four seven, miss ’em all.” This song, and the album as a whole, are bound to be staples on repeat for many fans’ quarantines.
Check out Charli XCX’s newest album, how i’m feeling now.
