Pop innovator Charli XCX recently offered a rare glimpse into her personal musical preferences, publicly ranking her top five favorite songs from her extensive and acclaimed discography. Speaking with Scott Lipps on his "Lipps Service" podcast, the artist provided insightful commentary on the tracks that hold particular significance for her, spanning over a decade of groundbreaking work. This curated list arrives as anticipation builds for her forthcoming album, Music, Fashion, Film, slated for release on Friday, July 24th, further fueling discussions around her evolving artistry and enduring legacy in contemporary music.
The Unveiling: Charli XCX’s Personal Top Five
The selection process, as revealed during the podcast segment beginning around the 51:20 mark, highlights key turning points and pivotal collaborations throughout Charli XCX’s career. Her choices reflect a blend of early foundational work, commercially successful tracks, experimental fan favorites, and recent collaborations, underscoring the breadth of her sonic exploration.
1. "Stay Away" (from True Romance, 2013)
Kicking off her definitive list is "Stay Away," a track from her debut studio album, True Romance, released in 2013. Charli XCX identifies this song as one of her first "official" releases, marking its importance in the genesis of her professional career. True Romance itself was a significant entry point for many into Charli XCX’s world, showcasing her distinct blend of dark pop aesthetics, melancholic lyricism, and catchy hooks. Produced primarily by Ariel Rechtshaid, the album received critical acclaim for its sophisticated pop songwriting and Charli’s raw, emotional delivery. "Stay Away" specifically captured the essence of her early sound—a synth-laden, atmospheric pop offering that hinted at the innovative path she would forge. Its inclusion at the top of her list speaks to the foundational role of this period in shaping her artistic identity, representing the raw, unfiltered beginnings of a career that would soon redefine pop music parameters.
2. "Next Level Charli" (from Charli, 2019)
Next on the list is "Next Level Charli," the opening track from her self-titled third studio album, Charli, released in 2019. Described by the artist as "really euphoric," this selection encapsulates a period where Charli XCX expertly balanced her experimental inclinations with a more polished, accessible sound. Charli was widely celebrated for its ambitious collaborations and its seamless fusion of hyperpop, electronic, and mainstream pop sensibilities. "Next Level Charli," co-produced with A. G. Cook, serves as a mission statement for the album, characterized by its driving beat, distorted vocals, and an infectious, almost overwhelming sense of exhilaration. The track perfectly embodies the artist’s confidence and her continuous push to evolve her sound, signifying a moment of artistic consolidation where she embraced her role as a genre-bending pop star. Its euphoric quality resonates with fans and critics alike, marking it as a highlight in her discography that showcases her ability to craft emotionally resonant, high-energy anthems.
3. "365" (Shygirl Remix, from Brat companion album, 2024)
The third choice highlights a more recent entry: the "365" remix featuring Shygirl, from the companion album to her critically acclaimed 2024 release, Brat. Charli XCX characterizes this remix as "the ultimate party song but it’s actually kind of sad," a paradox that perfectly encapsulates her nuanced approach to pop music. The original "365" from Brat was lauded for its raw, unfiltered energy and its exploration of themes like desire, vulnerability, and the intensity of modern relationships. The addition of Shygirl, a fellow innovator in the experimental club and rap scene, elevates the track, infusing it with an added layer of abrasive charm and lyrical depth. The Brat era itself has been a cultural phenomenon, seeing Charli XCX achieve unprecedented levels of critical and commercial success, solidifying her status as a leading voice in contemporary music. The remix’s ability to simultaneously evoke hedonistic celebration and underlying melancholy speaks to Charli XCX’s mastery of emotional complexity within a high-energy sonic framework, making it a standout for its innovative production and collaborative synergy.
4. "Track 10" (from Pop 2, 2017)
A perennial fan favorite and a consistent closer for nearly every Charli XCX live show, "Track 10" from her 2017 mixtape Pop 2 secures the fourth spot. Pop 2 is often cited as a seminal work in the hyperpop genre, pushing the boundaries of what pop music could be through its maximalist production, experimental vocal processing, and eclectic collaborations. "Track 10," co-produced by A. G. Cook and umru, is an emotionally charged, sprawling track that culminates in a cathartic sonic crescendo. Its intricate production, featuring layers of synths, distorted vocals, and a dynamic structure, creates an immersive experience that has resonated deeply with her fanbase. The song’s ability to build from a relatively subdued opening to an overwhelming, almost spiritual climax makes it a powerful closing statement, both on the mixtape and in her live performances. Its inclusion underscores the profound impact of Pop 2 on her artistic trajectory and its enduring influence on contemporary pop music.
5. "Vroom Vroom" (from Vroom Vroom EP, 2016)
Completing Charli XCX’s top five is "Vroom Vroom," the title track from her 2016 EP. This song holds particular significance as it was "the first song she made with Sophie," referring to the late, pioneering electronic producer SOPHIE. "Vroom Vroom" marked a drastic sonic departure for Charli XCX, signaling a bold shift towards a more industrial, avant-garde electronic sound. The EP, entirely produced by SOPHIE, was initially met with mixed reactions but has since been retrospectively recognized as a revolutionary moment in pop music, laying the groundwork for the hyperpop movement. SOPHIE’s signature production—characterized by its abrasive textures, synthetic sounds mimicking organic materials, and innovative sound design—found a perfect vehicle in Charli XCX’s fearless vocal delivery and pop sensibilities. "Vroom Vroom" is an audacious, defiant anthem that cemented Charli XCX’s reputation as a risk-taker and a visionary, forever linking her artistry with SOPHIE’s groundbreaking genius. Its position on her list highlights its monumental impact on her career and its role in forging a new sonic identity.
The Context: Lipps Service Podcast and Artist Self-Reflection
The "Lipps Service" podcast, hosted by Scott Lipps, is known for its in-depth interviews with musicians, artists, and cultural figures, offering a platform for candid discussions about their careers, creative processes, and personal insights. Charli XCX’s decision to share her top five in this forum provides valuable insight into her artistic self-perception and the emotional connections she maintains with her own work. For an artist whose career is marked by constant evolution and reinvention, pausing to reflect on defining moments through specific tracks offers a unique perspective on her journey. Such self-curation not only delights fans but also provides critical context for understanding her artistic choices and the narrative arc of her discography.
Upcoming Release: Music, Fashion, Film
The revelation of Charli XCX’s favorite songs arrives amidst a flurry of activity surrounding her highly anticipated new album, Music, Fashion, Film, set to be released on July 24th. This album follows the immense critical and commercial success of Brat, which garnered widespread acclaim and solidified her status as one of pop’s most influential figures.
Leading up to the release of Music, Fashion, Film, Charli XCX has already unveiled several singles, each offering a glimpse into the album’s potential sonic landscape and thematic concerns. These include the hard-hitting "Rock Music," which hints at a more aggressive or guitar-driven sound; "SS26," a track that continues her exploration of high-fashion aesthetics and electronic textures; "Wink Wink," which might lean into playful yet provocative pop; and the most recent release, "Camera," suggesting a focus on observation, image, or perhaps vulnerability. The album title itself, Music, Fashion, Film, suggests a multidisciplinary artistic statement, potentially integrating elements from various creative fields into a cohesive pop experience. Fans and critics are keenly awaiting how this new project will build upon the raw energy of Brat while continuing to push her artistic boundaries.
A Chronology of Innovation: Charli XCX’s Evolving Discography
Charli XCX’s career has been a testament to consistent innovation and artistic bravery, marked by distinct eras and significant stylistic shifts.
- Early Years (Pre-2013): Born Charlotte Aitchison, Charli XCX began releasing music on MySpace in the late 2000s, cultivating an early following with her DIY approach and unique synth-pop sound.
- True Romance (2013): Her official debut album showcased a darker, more introspective take on pop, establishing her as an artist with depth and a distinctive aesthetic. Tracks like "Nuclear Seasons" and "You’re the One" introduced her melancholic yet catchy style.
- Sucker (2014): A pivot towards a more pop-punk and mainstream-leaning sound, Sucker spawned global hits like "Boom Clap" and "Break the Rules," catapulting her to international stardom and showcasing her versatility.
- Vroom Vroom EP (2016): This EP, produced entirely by SOPHIE, marked a radical shift into experimental, abrasive electronic pop. It was a divisive but ultimately groundbreaking release that laid the groundwork for the hyperpop movement and her future collaborations.
- Number 1 Angel and Pop 2 (2017): These two mixtapes, released within the same year, solidified her status as an avant-garde pop trailblazer. Featuring extensive collaborations with artists like Caroline Polachek, MØ, and CupcakKe, and producers like A. G. Cook, they were instrumental in defining the sound of modern experimental pop.
- Charli (2019): Her self-titled third studio album synthesized her experimental tendencies with more accessible pop structures, earning widespread critical acclaim and featuring high-profile collaborations with artists such as Lizzo, Christine and the Queens, and Troye Sivan.
- How I’m Feeling Now (2020): Created entirely during the COVID-19 lockdown, this album was a raw, immediate response to the pandemic, showcasing her ability to innovate under extreme circumstances. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize and praised for its intimate, diary-like quality.
- Crash (2022): Her final album under her long-standing major label contract, Crash saw Charli XCX embrace a more overtly commercial and ‘major pop star’ persona, delivering a collection of polished, high-energy pop anthems that served as a calculated and successful commentary on the industry.
- Brat (2024): A triumphant return to her experimental roots, infused with an aggressive club sound, Brat received universal critical acclaim, dominating year-end lists and becoming a cultural touchstone for its raw energy and unapologetic self-expression.
- Music, Fashion, Film (2026): The upcoming album is poised to continue her streak of artistic evolution, with the singles released so far suggesting a multifaceted approach that blends her signature pop with new influences.
The Enduring Influence of a Pop Maverick
Charli XCX’s influence extends far beyond her own impressive discography. She has been a consistent tastemaker, championing new sounds and artists, and her collaborations have often brought niche experimental sounds into broader cultural consciousness. Her work with SOPHIE, A. G. Cook, and other PC Music affiliates was pivotal in popularizing the hyperpop genre, inspiring a generation of artists to push the boundaries of pop production and vocal manipulation.
Her willingness to experiment, to embrace both mainstream success and avant-garde exploration, has cemented her legacy as a true pop maverick. The fact that her top five personal choices span such a wide range of her career, from early indie-pop to groundbreaking experimental works and recent club anthems, speaks volumes about her diverse artistic journey and her deep connection to every facet of her creative output.
As Music, Fashion, Film approaches, the anticipation among fans and critics is palpable. Following the monumental success of Brat, the new album is expected to further showcase Charli XCX’s unparalleled ability to innovate, adapt, and consistently redefine the parameters of pop music, ensuring her continued relevance and influence in the global music landscape. Her reflections on her past work only serve to enrich the narrative of an artist who is always moving forward, yet remains deeply rooted in the journey that brought her to the forefront of contemporary culture.
