Charli XCX - 'Sucker'

7/10

While it's fair to say that Charli XCX has come a long way since her humble beginnings, her latest album still holds that same rebellious attitude that made her such a stand-out in the first place. Originally an underground vocalist setting her own path in the music scene, Charli has experienced a lot of mainstream success over the last few years thanks to a number of radio friendly hits like 'Boom Clap' and her addition to Iggy Azalea's 'Fancy'. But this new record seems to show more of the old Charli battling a personality with the glossy popstar she is know expected to be.

'Sucker' is the second major label release of her career and despite some of its additions being released almost a year ago, it still manages to hold a solid direction and concept. Taking influence from a number of 80s rock bands like Siouxsie And The Banshees and Def Leppard, this album plays like a hybrid of what can happen if you tell a naturally rebellious individual to create a glossy pop record. The result is a slightly brooding but overall enjoyable release that seems determined to break the mould of conventional commercially-led music and delivers something with a little more grit to it.

She has certainly got the talent to write some brilliant pop records but at times, it doesn't feel comfortable in itself and can come across as a little unsure of direction. But still, Charli XCX manages to tread that fine line of mainstream appeal and punk attitude with aplomb and produce an album that reflects that.

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