Charli XCX – How I’m Feeling Now

By: Robert Warren

When it comes to concept and uniqueness, Charli XCX has taken the forefront. How I’m Feeling Now, recorded during self-isolation, connects all of us through topic of COVID-19 lockdown. Charli XCX has had collabs in the past with artists like Icona Pop on “I Love It” and chorus work for Iggy Azalea on “Fancy.” That led to much of her success as she later unveiled a big single “Boom Clap,” which got her on Billboard Hot 100 in 2014. Charli XCX has grown as an artist as she worked through four studio albums, most recently with How I’m Feeling Now, which transformed her into the artist she is today. She now tells the story of our current quarantine through a unique fan engagement style, in this “do-it-yourself” collaborative process with fans during a six-week span that has us listening close. This new album is something to be explored as it gets very personal in songs that really capture the emotion in this tough through her unique pop XCX style.

Received with critical acclaim and garnering universally positive reviews by both the critics and fans alike is the single “Forever,” which covers love and intimacy issues. Charli XCX uses a sexy electronic beat of notes rubbing together to build the song to clash straight into suicidal thoughts. It’s that lovestruck feeling that leaves you longing that makes “Forever” a song that hits like a dagger to the heart. It focuses on everlasting love yet there are times when a relationship may fade away that makes it hit so close to home. This album takes us deep into Charli XCX’s heart, as we explore transparent feelings through her lyrics that reflect the time we are in, making this album worth a listen. The idea of being stuck at home yet in love sounds crazy, but with an album like this we can explore, which makes this album worth a listen…for the lyrics alone.

There are some really good songs on this album.  Aside from the best song “Forever,” another banging track is “Anthems,” a song of the repetitiveness of the days of quarantine, the loop of boredom and trying to find newness in each day while reminiscing on the past, especially those days of partying. It’s a story of lost love and is a song that relives itself in lyrics like:

“I sleep, wanna wake up brand new

I sleep, wanna wake up with you (You)”

This album has a strong energy to it and that begins with “Pink Diamond,” shooting off the spark and then “Visions,” brings that power back home. The one that really captures you in is the song “Claws,” which is all about really liking someone. The chorus truly captures this idea with lyrics like, “I like, I like, I like, I like, I like everything about you,” which is to say the least about how we feel about the track. It’s a very passionate song, and you begin to truly let it envelop you as it goes on. It’s really catchy and the more time you spend away from it the more you realize you wish you were still listening to it. This song really captures the idea of how much you can like someone. If you aren’t sure how much you can, just listen to the repeat chorus and you’ll understand.

What makes “Pink Diamond,” unique is about shining in the dark. Maybe it’s wearing a “cute skirt and a bra” on video chat or being online and feeling glamorous. These are all ideas of self-love during a time of quarantine when you cannot go out. Lyrics such as, “Wish you could come ’round, pick me up in your car, yeah,” is indicative of our times as we have shifted to being only able to speak by phone, email or video chat when some people may want to go out and to do more. It’s a very interesting song and it’s a great listen. It’s a recommend, storyline alone, because it does show a reflection of our current times.

“Visions” is about thinking of a person that you miss and pulling them in with you through these fantasies. It’s about wandering to someone and getting pulled back into liking them through your fantasies. It’s about calling out at night in your mind, directing you towards a person you are crazy about and wanting to spend your time with. What can come across nice about “Visions” and “Pink Diamond” is they are both very upbeat. Those upbeat sounds and storylines connected to love are what make these two songs have value in the album and make them worth listening to.

This album has a strong energy with single “Pink Diamond.” It shoots off energy and then leads you to “Visions,” pushing that movement even farther. However, the one track that really captures you is the song “Claws,” which is all about emotion and really liking someone. The chorus captures this idea with lyrics like, “I like, I like, I like, I like, I like everything about you.” It’s something that we happen to more than like as it’s a very passionate song. You begin to realize this the more the song goes on, but it’s really catchy and the more time you spend away from it the more you want to hit play on it again.

2020 is best described as an isolated day-by-day. How I’m Feeling Now is a great exploration of self-reflection, enlightenment and a look at indoor love. It also included some cool fan interaction as Charlie XCX incorporated their input and producers in the making of the album through Zoom. She would ask fans to submit beats and use them as in the creative process. It was a very DIY project that helped create something special and indicative of the time we are in.  Songs like “Pink Diamond” and “Visions” are especially great because of the high levels of energy that pop it up and end it out. The general upbeat nature of this album really makes it shine.

When it comes to the album How I’m Feeling Now, it feels…well, impressive. It’s got awesome synth sounds and quite a lot of thought given to its creation. There were four hit singles with this album that showcase the brilliance of synth pop which entrance the listener through fluttering sounds. This album is a recommended listen as it is a true documentary about life in our current times. Charli XCX has a hit her on hands with How I’m Feeling Now.