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.

More Reviews

ALBUMS OF 2013: Top 30-21
10 years 11 months ago

30. Laura Mvula – Sing To The Moon

ALBUMS OF 2013: Top 40-31
10 years 11 months ago

40. Ryan Hemsworth – Guilt Trips

ALBUMS OF 2013: Top 50-41
10 years 11 months ago

50. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Mosquito

EP: Memory9 - 'Red Falcon'
10 years 11 months ago

As one of dozens of new producers looking to make their mark on the world's electronic music stag

EP: Bipolar Sunshine - 'Drowning Butterflies'
11 years 2 weeks ago

When you first hit play to uber-hyped Bipolar Sunshine's latest EP 'Drowning Butterflies' there i

EP: George Ezra - 'Did You Hear The Rain?'
11 years 1 month ago

The world of the male singer-songwriter is a formidable in world in this current music scene.

LIVE: Sofar Sounds "Secret Gig" @ Office Space, Kings Cross 23/01/13
11 years 10 months ago

Sofar sounds "Secret Gig" @ Office Space, Kings Cross 23/01/13

LIVE: PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING W/ BOX OF GHOSTS @ CARGO, SHOREDITCH - 15th August 2012
12 years 2 months ago

PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING W/ BOX OF GHOSTS @ CARGO, SHOREDITCH