Album Review: Charli XCX, Number 1 Angel mixtape

Amidst some good old-fashioned artist/label squabbling over the release date of her next album, UK underground dance minx Charli XCX has only gone and released a sneaky mixtape. Though the 24-year-old already has two albums, an EP, plus a host of chart-friendly hits under her belt, this ten-tracker has allowed her to vent some of that frustrated creative energy while the pesky paperwork for LP number three gets sorted. All in all, it’s an entertaining listen. Opener ‘Dreamer’ sets the tone: dark, bass-heavy rap with guest vocals from cooler-than-cool Starrah and Raye. ‘3AM’ is the catchiest electropop you ever did hear, while album highlight ‘Babygirl’ is summery, tropical gold. There’s a definite lull midway through. ‘Roll With Me’, ‘ILY2’ and ‘White Roses’ don’t quite pack the same punch or energy as those first few tunes. She bounces back, though, with veritable filth-fest ‘Lipgloss’. No, not those lips, as you’ll find out during Chicago rapper CupcakKe’s verse: “Call again when you need somethin’ to eat/ So I could open my legs, bon appétit.” Hear, hear!