Rank It: "Brat" Remixes

As Brat summer comes to a close, Charli XCX releases a remix album paving the way for Brat autumn.

Titled, “Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat,” the electronic pop artist reflects on life post-’brat’ and talks about the consequences and effects of rapid fame.

This remix album is an entirely new interpretation of the original songs, giving a new and fuller definition of what it means to be ‘brat.’

16 - “Mean Girls featuring Julian Casablancas”

Call me a mean girl all you want, but I stand by my ranking. I cannot begin to describe my disappointment that the remix fell short because the original version was perfect.

While some elements worked well, I could not get past Julian Casablancas’ vocals against the piano and overall song structure.

Additionally, I would have liked to hear more of Charli on the track.

15 - “Rewind featuring Bladee”

Unfortunately, I will not be rewinding this remix. Something about it feels off-beat, but maybe that is the point.

14 - “360 featuring Robyn & Yung Lean”

I love the decision to keep the hook of the original song.

The three collaborators bounce off each other extremely well, keeping the track flowy and fun while making their icon status known.

13 - “Apple featuring The Japanese House”

There is no TikTok dance this time, but I am still bobbing my head like I am biting apples.

I like how she expanded on complicated family dynamics, with my favorite line, “Don’t know if you can hear me, inside this conversation.”

12 - “I might say something stupid featuring The 1975 & Jon Hopkins”

The soft instrumentals sound similar to Minecraft music, presenting a nostalgic, cold feeling. The emphasis on breaks between lyrics allows for a deeper understanding of the emotions of lead singer Matty Healy.

The build-up at the end of the track offers a sentimental and vulnerable perspective on mental health and destructive behaviors.

11 - “Von dutch A.G Cook remix featuring Addison Rae”

Addison Rae’s iconic scream never fails to impress me.

It is the first remix from ‘#bratsummer,’ for a reason, showing the world that they are “living that life.”

10 - “B2b featuring Tinashe”

Hearing Charli’s response on the success of the “SWEAT” tour was a great aspect to add on the remix, referencing back-to-back shows.

The combination of word repetition and hyperpop production makes a solid performance.

9 - “I think about it all the time featuring Bon Iver”

The production is very atmospheric on this track, almost like a wavering decision.

The greatest part of this masterpiece is at the end, where she repeats the word time over and over again, symbolizing the internal ticking clock of starting a family.

“‘Cause my career still feels small, in the existential scheme of it all.”

8 - “Talk talk featuring Troye Sivan”

I cannot stop talking about this remix. The house music ambience of the song makes you want to dance your heart out in the club.

I am pleasantly surprised by how much vocal variation there is as well, giving life to electronic melodies.

7 - “Everything is romantic featuring Caroline Polachek”

This remix’s sound has Lo-fi elements that evoke coziness and warmth, like you are looking off into the distance through your rainy window with hot tea.

The duality of the remix and the original depicts Charli questioning if everything is still romantic, which many people can relate to.

6 - “Sympathy is a knife featuring Ariana Grande”

Ariana Grande’s vocals blend beautifully together with Charli’s in this feature.

It has the classic production elements from the first version and the two detail the ways in which people come after an artist after becoming famous.

“It is a knife” when people say they do not like this song.

5 - “Guess featuring Billie Eilish”

Our culture shifted when this feature was released.

4 - “Girl, so confusing featuring Lorde”

Charli and Lorde broke the internet just as they claimed. The remix is a healing discussion of their miscommunicated friendship with one another.

It is an important representation of how female relationships are complicated, and well, confusing.

3 - “So I featuring A.G. Cook”

With unbelievable production from A.G. Cook, Charli reflects on all the good experiences she had with her late friend and co-collaborator Sophie.

In the last minute and a half of the track, the production spirals, and derails into absurdity.

This shift symbolizes the realization that reflecting on good times only leads to you remembering that your loved one is gone for good.

2 - “365 featuring Shygirl”

I would consider this particular song the main theme of the remix album because “365” is known for its insane production.

The electronic sound creates an atmosphere and world inside of the music and amplifies its status as the best dance anthem.

1 - “Club Classics featuring bb trickz”

I love everything about this song. Outstanding production would be an understatement.

Bb trickz’s feature works incredibly well with the fast-paced nature of the track because of her catchy lyrics.

My favorite part is the incorporation of elements from “365,” the reason being that the song is now considered a club classic after the initial release of “Brat.”

Allison Curley is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email amc9204@psu.edu.