The opening track “Dreamer” sets the tone of the mixtape (especially with the “eh-eh-XCX” shout-outs that you’ll hear sprinkled throughout the record). I like that the project starts off really hard and takes us on a whimsical, semi-autobiographical ride though her journey to becoming the boss bitch that she is today.
Went to go get it, I get it, I got it
Went to go sleep while I dream ’bout this money
These boys tryna hit me up
But I’m on my job, so no, I’m not on it
With support from Starrah and Raye, “Dreamer” is smothered in female confidence and empowerment – which is definitely a common thread throughout the rest of this album. Here’s a few of my favorites from the project.
“Blame It On You” – Basically true confessions from a girl perspective. Having a (modern) crush on that dude that’s pretty much awful for you – but you still keep going back because he’s got everything going on that you like. Or think you like. And while we are usually right about their misbehavior – we gotta throw that blame somewhere in the meantime until it sticks. I love the super slow tempo in contrast to the speed of the lyrics. beat change at the end /bad boy make a bad girl
“ILY2” – Starts off very cute and classic bubblegum pop – definitely a Sucker vibe and an instant like from the start. Then that pre-chorus tempo sped up and i just knew it was leading into something really heavy. I got what I expected but in the best way: a break in the tempo with aggressive synth, guitars, and a bad ass attitude. Then the beat drops and more hip hop elements start to come in. All of this is happening beneath the repeated “ILY2” chant that is so good! Hear this one time and I guarantee you’ll be singing it all day. Her voice is amazing on this song.
I don’t talk a lot, talk a lot
So you should listen up, I mean it when I say
I’m not afraid, it’s okay
You know I love you too
“White Roses” – This one is another A.G. Cook-produced slow-banger, and possibly my favorite* song on the mixtape. While the tempo is very slow and minimal, the actual composition of the track feels very complex and it’s got that mixtape feel down. What I really like from a vocal perspective is that the emphasis of the chorus’ lyrics are on the downbeat of the tempo, and it makes a bigger impact when the bass hits. Again, another track with a twist at the end. The instrumental switch-up in the last 30 seconds of this song is a masterpiece along with the repeated vocal elements from earlier parts in the track.
“Emotional” – This would be considered the only “slow” track on Number 1 Angel, but very upbeat and strong nonetheless and a nice transitional track into the second half of the project. Super relatable lyrics, and you can really hear the emotion in her voice during the bridge. There’s also something about the melody that gives me this impression like I already knew the song before I’d heard it – it was very easy to connect to.
All over
Deep under my skin
You got me so emotional
We had something that never happened
If only we had less control
*It seems I tend to lean towards the A.G. Cook-produced tracks??
In addition to plenty more producers and artists, the remainder of the album features even more hot collaborations from the likes of Abra, Uffie, and Chicago’s very own CupcakKe. Other highlights include “Roll With Me” (reminds me a bit of True Romance’s “Take My Hand”) and the throwback 90’s jam “Babygirl” featuring Uffie – which is impossible not to dance to.
Overall I love this album and the lyrics are fun and applicable to real life. I can’t wait for summer to start so it can soundtrack my antics. And something I REALLY like about Charli, generally speaking, is that no matter what genre she is performing – SHE KEEPS HER ACCENT. Some artists lose that but she manages to always sound like herself which I can appreciate. That’s why I like all of her work because I know it’s hers.
I’m hoping she performs some of these new tracks during the summer festival circuit; would love to see how they translate live! I’ll be adding different Charli XCX sets to the videos page soon, but for now here’s a few clips from her Chicago show at Lincoln Hall a few years back!
What are your thoughts on Number 1 Angel? Let me know!
Pages: 1 2