C harli XCX sits at the cutting edge of pop music. With her third studio album Charli , she has proven herself to be a tour-de-force in the industry. Her first full-length record in five years, Charli is packed with 50 minutes of self-empowered bangers (“1999”) and spacious melters (“I Don’t Wanna Know”). What sews the 15 tracks together is their creator’s undeniably powerful sense of self. Despite more than half of the record being filled with highprofile collaborations—nearly every Internet-famous pop icon imaginable, from Troye Sivan to Lizzo to CupcakKe to Clairo makes an appearance— Charli is more “Charli” than anything the British singer has ever released. From “Gone” (ft. Christine and the Queens) to “Thoughts,” every moment is adventurous and defiantly personal. The eponymous album is built for both dance parties and late-night contemplative walks. It is this duality which makes Charli XCX such a compelling artist: at her best, her grip on danceability ties cleanly together with a gritty honesty. And Charli is XCX at her best yet. Catch us at The Independent blasting Charli from the rooftops while scarfing down a pint of Ben and Jerry’s — it is that sort of record. Charli is streamable and downloadable everywhere. Max Zhang Photo Credit: Atlantic Records