Charli XCX has had quite a year, with her album “Brat” becoming a cultural moment that became bigger than music, taking over both politics and social media in the months following its release.

Her newest release; “Brat and it’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat,” is the latest installment in the ever-expanding “Brat” universe and offers a variety of new takes by a host of collaborators.

This new project is more of a re-imagining than a remix and brings some spectacular changes to an already incredible project. 

In most cases, remixes are either not different enough from the original to warrant listening to or they are so different that whatever made the original special is lost in the process. 

“Brat and it’s Completely Different” hits all the right notes and manages to present an entirely new listening experience while still retaining all the elements that made “Brat” so successful. 

The title of this project rings true, it’s like a whole new album, but it’s not. 

The album kicks off with a brand new take on “360,” this time featuring new production from Robyn and rapper Yung Lean on vocals. The track is still full of energy and the remix offers some variety both vocally and in the production that makes the track feel entirely fresh and unique. 

“Club classics” includes a new rap verse in Spanish from Bb trickz and also includes verses from other songs on “Brat”; “360” and “365,” which massively changed the song in an exciting way.

The new and improved “Sympathy is a Knife” features Ariana Grande on vocals and sees both artists muse on the pitfalls of fame and the heightened scrutiny that comes with it. Grande’s vocals sound terrific and this track feels like a continuation of the deeply personal and introspective lyrics that were all over her last record. 

Some collaboration tracks were released as singles during the album’s roll out with “Girl, so confusing,” featuring Lorde, “Talk, talk,” featuring Troye Sivan, “Guess,” featuring Billie Eilish and “Von dutch” featuring A.G. Cook and Addison Rae, all sounding relatively unchanged with only minor tweaks made for the official album release. 

These tracks remain standouts, particularly “Girl, so confusing” which saw Charli and Lorde “work it out on the remix” and break the internet in the process when the track was first released in June.

A particular favorite remix of mine was “B2b” featuring Tinashe. Tinashe’s vocal performance is reminiscent of early Rihanna, whom I love, and, alongside the changed production, an entirely new sound was born. 

One of the most transformed songs on the album is “Apple” with The Japanese House taking over primary vocals from Charli and delivering a new melody that leaves the track practically unrecognizable from its “Brat” counterpart. 

Caroline Polacheck shines on the remix of “Everything is romantic” and the inclusion of rapper/producer Shygirl on “365” takes the song from a catchy pop anthem to an EDM banger. 

“Rewind” featuring Swedish rapper Bladee, went from a traditional dance-pop sound on “Brat” to a more hyperpop sound on the remix. 

“So I” featuring a new production from longtime collaborator A.G. Cook, serves as a heartfelt tribute to SOPHIE, a long time friend of Charli’s and fellow musician who tragically passed away in 2021. The original was more of a heartfelt ballad and the new version is more upbeat and bouncy, sounding more like the music that SOPHIE herself primarily produced during her career. 

“Brat and it’s Completely Different” bends genres to great effect with the inclusion of features from The 1975, Bon Iver and The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas, who all offer phenomenal performances that completely reshape their respective tracks. 

The 1975’s Matty Healy delivered an exceptionally emotional performance on the transformed “I might say something stupid” and Bon Iver’s vocals are a most welcome addition to “I think about it all the time.” 

The remix portion of the tracklist was rounded out by a re-imagining of “Spring Breakers,” featuring Kesha. The track works exceptionally well for the pair of self-proclaimed “party girl gods” who both deliver exceptionally well on that title, bringing an incredibly up-tempo club anthem that is made for the stage. 

Too often, remixes feel lifeless, like the artist just handed the original to a competent producer who adds a few bass drops and then calls it a day. 

“Brat and it’s Completely Different” is not one of those remix albums. It feels both unique and original while still maintaining the energy and vibe of “Brat,” and in some cases, even improving upon it. 

This album is a delight and well worth a listen for fans of “Brat,” infectious pop music and high energy, creative song production.

Official Score: 10/10

Categories: Arts & Entertainment