CRASH | CHARLI XCX
2022: I think this is what Charli XCX’s said her stipulations for the album art were when talking to the creative director, It needs to show off my body, you know, like most of my albums…Crash is good straight on pop.
Crash is the fifth studio album by British singer Charli XCX, and it is a pop masterpiece that showcases her musical sophistication, lyrical wit, and studio perfectionism. The album features 16 tracks that span across genres such as dance-pop, synth-pop, power pop, and hyperpop, with complex harmonies, intricate arrangements, and innovative production techniques. The album also features guest appearances from some of the most respected and talented artists in the industry, such as soul singer Charles Bradley, rapper Black Thought, and singer Fousheé.
The album is partly inspired by Charli’s own fear of death and an incident in which her father collapsed before a family dinner in January 2020 after accidentally taking double his heart medication. The album is also influenced by David Cronenberg’s 1996 film of the same name, which explores the themes of car crashes, fetishism, and sexuality. The album’s title and artwork reflect these influences, as well as Charli’s sarcastic and self-deprecating humor.
The album showcases Charli’s musical diversity and lyrical depth, as she explores themes such as love, happiness, fear, guilt, and spirituality. Some of the standout tracks include “Crash”, the lead single and the title track of the album, which is a poignant and nostalgic song that reflects on Charli’s family photos and memories; “New Shapes”, a groovy and funky song that features a collaboration with Caroline Polachek and Christine and the Queens; “Beg for You”, a tender and emotional ballad that features a duet with Rina Sawayama; “Baby”, a catchy and upbeat song that talks about escaping from the troubles of the world; and “Used to Know Me”, a melancholic and introspective song that deals with the themes of death and grief.
Crash is a commercial and critical success, reaching number one on the charts in several countries, including the UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. It also became her first top ten album in the US. The album was nominated for four Grammy Awards in 2023: Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (“New Shapes”), Best Pop Solo Performance (“Baby”), and Album of the Year. It has also appeared on many retrospective “best albums” lists, such as Rolling Stone 1, Pitchfork , The Quietus , and Genius . It has also influenced many artists across genres, such as Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Lorde.