By Serena Edwards
The cover of the album displays simplicity with boldness, awash in neon green with stretched, arial font plastered in the center, British artist Charli XCX released her new album “BRAT” on June 7. Being a “Brat” gained a whole new meaning this summer. Charli has changed the perspective of life and its meaning, showing that the messiness of life is sometimes the best. We are conditioned to show the best parts of life, and portray a perfect image of ourselves. Charli has shown that living in the moment is a powerful way to live life, continuing to expand the narrative of society’s perspective on words.
“Brat” is often an adjective used to describe someone spoiled and ungrateful. This summer, however, the term has transformed into describing an individual who embodies certain qualities, including putting yourself first, being the life of the party, and keeping up with trends. “Brats” are messy but hot, outside party girls, plastered in makeup from the previous night.
During the summer, it is easier to live the “Brat” life. With the summer weather dwindling, how will “Brats” live their once summer lifestyles? The cold weather brings seasonal depression, feeling like they can’t live out their inner “Brat.” But that doesn’t mean that the aura can’t live on. “Brat” is an aura; “Brat” is how you carry yourself. You can always live a “Brat” lifestyle no matter the circumstances by embracing the changes that are coming. You can still consider the positive and make the best of your circumstances.
Take part in activities like Halloween parties, haunted houses, and pumpkin patches. “Brats” love autumn. It is filled with Halloween costumes, pumpkin patches, and hanging out with the people you love. It is also the start of the holiday season, and who says you can’t get cute during the autumn and winter? You can also get creative with what you do. Take the party inside, plan a movie night, host a paint and sip. Brats can make the most out of any circumstance.
A “Brat” is unapologetically themselves: they display confidence in all aspects of life no matter what comes their way. When you walk in the room, your presence is known.
The “BRAT” album was truly a phenomenon with the rapidity that it took over social media. From profile pictures featuring the “Brat” aesthetic, to the music being added to Tik Tok videos and Instagram Reels, everyone featured “Brat” in their lifestyles. TikTok creators created a dance to the song “Apple” with clear and accessible choreography. People began to ask what “BRAT” was and wanted to join the conversation. Many who didn’t know of Charli XCX aimed to expand their music taste.
People who didn’t primarily listen to pop were listening to “BRAT” and enjoying the experience. Touching upon different realms of life, no one ever expected it to touch the political realm. Vice president and current Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris used the popularity of the album for promotion of her campaign. Charli XCX has also endorsed Kamala in a tweet saying “Kamala is BRAT,” bringing more attention to the influence of music to politics.
The album features songs that cater a variety of tastes, spanning across genres including club music, hyperpop, EDM, and Swedish pop that brings multiple personalities into one blend. Some will argue the pop industry has been falling and that we haven’t had an iconic album in a while until this one. There are a few pop princesses that have helped keep pop at a steady level, however, there hasn’t been an album that has created conversations quite like this one. Charli XCX has set the bar high for what music is supposed to do: create a conversation.
Everyone can live the “BRAT” life: a life where you celebrate the challenges as well as the triumphs. Living the “BRAT” life is embracing all experience. Remember, not only is everything romantic, but Brooklyn College students are forever living that “Von dutch” life.