Album Review: Charli XCX - Vroom Vroom
By Jonathan Fuchs, Copy Editor
[Vroom Vroom; 2016]
Rating: 8.5/10
Key Tracks: “Vroom Vroom,” “Trophy”
UK pop star Charli XCX has been busier than ever over the past few years. After releasing hit singles like “Boom Clap” and performing all over the world, she spontaneously announced her own record label Vroom Vroom Recordings and Vroom Vroom, a collaborative EP with acclaimed producer SOPHIE. With this collaboration, Charli XCX brings the charm and personality fans crave to SOPHIE’s sound, which is just as strange and sugary as ever.
The average Charli XCX fan may walk into Vroom Vroom very confused, as it is like noting she has put out before. Thanks to SOPHIE’s sound smothering this EP, the vocal delivery from Charli XCX sounds more aggressive and confident, especially during the parts of songs where she offers a rap-like style.
The best tracks out of the four on Vroom Vroom are the title track and “Trophy,” which assault the listener with blaring bass and bright melodies that sound like bit-crushed versions of Britney Spears songs from 2010. The other two tracks (“Paradise,” “Secret (Shh)”) have plenty of sweetness to them that will make anyone who listen feel loose and fun. All of the tracks as a whole provide something totally different for Charli XCX’s discography, as SOPHIE’s production brings a lot of sweetness and aggression that isn’t usually found in her songs.
Vroom Vroom is the best release from Charli XCX yet, as it challenges fans with SOPHIE’s unique instrumentals and XCX’s different attempt at vocal delivery. Although the lyrics aren’t as original as some might wish, Vroom Vroom perfectly reaches its goal in being a fun, catchy and addicting collection of tracks.
