Pop 2 opener “Backseat” (featuring Carly Rae Jepsen) is a moody, futuristic synth-storm that takes me back to Charli’s 2013 release True Romance. I love the vocal harmonies and effects, and it just feels really space-y and new. Another favorite track of mine is “Femmebot”, which has that racing, heavy bass that nods to that SOPHIE-specific sound that we’ve heard on older tracks like “Roll W Me”. (And not that I want to keep referencing similarities to older songs, but I notice it because I love it!) And let’s not forget how hard Mykki Blanco’s feature is on this cut!
One more huge highlight for me is the song “Delicious” which again has that distorted, trap element that I like – notably used in both the overly auto-tuned vocal effects, and the cymbals layered over the beat. Even though the chorus is still kind of dark and heavy, it has an airy and anthemic feel as well. This song progressively adds more of those familiar rave elements as it builds – along with a really interesting feature from Estonian rap artist Tommy Cash. The way the tempo stars to change right when he says “I always think about you when I’m high…” may actually be a favorite moment on the entire mixtape for me.
What I am also realizing is that I think I like her music paired with the added vocals of a male artist – I’m really liking this dynamic!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcp0BfcB15f/?taken-by=charli_xcx
Additional noteworthy features on Pop 2 include past collaborators Cupcakke and Brooke Candy on the abrasive “I Got It”, Kim Petras on the bubbly and candy-sweet “Unlock It”, and Charli also teams up with MØ once more on the song “Porsche.”
Go ahead and listen to Pop 2 below, let me know your faves, and make sure you also check out my review of Charli XCX’s Number 1 Angel mixtape from earlier this year!
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