CD reviews: Charli XCX; Nicki Minaj; D’Angelo and The Vanguard
Charli XCX has become a ubiquitous presence on other people’s hit songs – from Icona Pop’s I Love It (which she co-wrote) to Iggy Azalea’s ubiquitous Fancy.
Sucker
Atlantic
Charli XCX has become a ubiquitous presence on other people’s hit songs – from Icona Pop’s I Love It (which she co-wrote) to Iggy Azalea’s ubiquitous Fancy.
The 22-year-old English singer-songwriter (born Charlotte Emma Aitchison) began creating music at the age of 14 – stuff she has since called “terrible MySpace music”. She has demonstrated skill and savvy for her age, gilding everything she touches with a dark, bratty edge.
Unfortunately, her third solo album, Sucker, emphasises the bratty element. Where True Romance is dreamy and artful, Sucker is more direct and obvious. “I don’t want to go to school, I just wanna break the rules,” she sulks on the album’s titular opener. The petulance that made I Love It so delicious is there, but the cleverness is missing.
The album has its strong moments, such as the lethargic Santigold-ish Gold Coins, the cutesy fun of Famous, and of course Boom Clap, which is already – deservedly – a global hit. Charli XCX’s talents are obvious but Sucker is largely flat and formulaic.
The Pinkprint
Cash Money/Republic/Young Money
