Released: 2020

Genres: Hyperpop, Electropop

The Musiquarium’s how i’m feeling now Review Score: 10 out of 10

Recorded in a matter of weeks during COVID lockdown, how i’m feeling now is a reflection of the times we were living in during the pandemic. The album was made with input from both fans and producers, providing Charli with some contact with the outside world during the lonesome writing and recording sessions.

pink diamond and its industrial synths start off the album in a surprisingly heavy fashion, but then again, Charli is known for experimenting and pushing boundaries more than most pop stars are willing to, as she embraces abrasion here. forever is a romantic ear-worm that burrows itself deep into your brain, just as claws digs into your head.

enemy sounds like it belongs in a John Hughes film from the eighties. i finally understand is one of Charli’s best songs yet, with its bouncy synth riff. c2.0 is a remake of Click, from Charli’s 2019 self-titled album and is superior to that version. anthem is ripe for raves, which was where Charli got her wings. The final track, visions, starts off innocuously enough, but then it ends with chaotic synths, reminiscent of the first track, and could be mistaken for something by an Aphex Twin or Daft Punk.

how i’m feeling now is pop music with an experimental edge and goes to show that Charli xcx can blend pop and experimentalism better than any of her contemporaries. If only all pop girls were this exciting.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Charli xcx on Discogs.

Back to the 2020 Album Reviews Guide or the Charli xcx Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard