One year ago, on June 7, Charli XCX released her album BRAT—a musical project that not only hit its mark but evolved into a defining cultural event of its era. The record was brutally honest, experimental, and self-aware. Musically, it broke boundaries. Visually, it set trends. Socially, it opened new conversations—particularly about what it means to be a “pop star” today. A year has passed—so what has changed? And who is now shaping pop music in a similar spirit?
BRAT’s greatest strength might have been that it never tried to please everyone—yet somehow, it reached just about everyone. With its distorted electronics, club-ready beats, emotional vulnerability, and internet humor, it perfectly captured how younger generations experience the world: overstimulated, yet still striving for authenticity.
Musically, Charli drew from underground club scenes and hyperpop, but made them accessible even to listeners unfamiliar with labels like PC Music. Visually, BRAT’s green-and-black cover, basic Arial font, and intentionally “cheap” design launched a new aesthetic wave—as if people had grown tired of the over-polished, brand-heavy look and craved something rawer. Culturally, Charli’s message—that one can be famous and “messed up,” acclaimed yet lonely, honest and ironic—resonated deeply with a generation that navigates those same contradictions every day.
Creative Review
BRAT was not just the end of an era—it was the beginning of a new chapter for Charli XCX. Her next steps remain unclear. Musically, she may veer into new territory once again—perhaps industrial, alt-rock, or a more traditional instrumental sound. Charli has always been known for her refusal to be boxed in. Beyond music, she’s increasingly active in other media, working on film scores and even planning her own film project. Charli, who once said, “I’m not a pop star, I’m an art project,” is steadily making that vision a reality.
The Legacy of BRAT: Who Are the New Voices of 2025?
Many have tried to follow in BRAT’s footsteps, but few have captured the same sense of freshness. Still, in 2025, a handful of new artists have emerged who are reshaping pop in their own ways:
At the forefront is Addison Rae, initially famous from TikTok, whose 2025 debut album (Addison) proved she’s not just an influencer but a genuinely talented performer. Her songs blend nostalgic R&B, 2000s-style electronic music, and personal storytelling—especially powerful are her lyrics tackling fame and female identity.
Then there’s Romy Mars, daughter of Sofia Coppola and Thomas Mars, who carries a rich musical and cinematic heritage. Her song “A-Lister” is a clever satire on celebrity culture, and she’s already a young voice to watch—not just for her music, but also for her social awareness.
Towa Bird brings bold guitar riffs, queer representation, and rising fame to today’s indie rock scene. Her album American Hero is fun and rebellious, and her stint on Billie Eilish’s tour only confirmed she’s headed for big things.
For younger listeners increasingly drawn to themes of self-awareness and mental health, Alessi Rose is one of the standout voices of the new wave. Her raw, fragile, and lyrical style is reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers or Gracie Abrams—yet with her own distinct and distinctly British tone.
Pop Music’s New Dimensions
BRAT was not just a symbol of its time, but an open invitation to honesty, experimentation, and multifaceted identity. It didn’t just redirect pop music—it created a new vocabulary for it. And the artists coming up in its wake are already fluent in this new language. One year later, Charli XCX’s legacy continues to grow—and if one thing is certain, it’s this: pop music may never be the same again.