by Charli XCX
Released May 15, 2020 via Atlantic Records / Asylum Records
Reviewed May 25, 2020
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Forever (38%), Claws (35%), Anthems (24%)
There are few albums that reflect 2020’s effect on the artist quite like how i’m feeling now. And despite the divide between artist and consumer, the problems faced are universal. Love and loneliness are expressed passionately, because passion is something that quarantine prevents many people from expressing face to face. Not only does this album exclaim a great longing for the times that felt “normal,” but also the bliss in knowing that they’ll return one day; hopeful, but mired in heartbreak. – Ben (Synth) (9.5/10)
On the British pop singer’s fourth studio album, how I’m feeling now, Charli XCX embraces the glitchy and experimental production she has flirted with in the past. The resulting 11 songs, produced entirely during the COVID-19 quarantine period, are a collection of incredibly fun and boundary pushing pop songs propped up by brilliant, emotion-packed songwriting. If her 2019 release, Charli, didn’t solidify her as the face of modern pop and someone unafraid to push the boundaries of the genre, how i’m feeling now certainly has. – Dominick (9/10)
The pop star open to risks and experimentation will always gain favour over those not willing to push the envelope. Some of the bubblegum bass variety can ultimately be pretty over the top, but how i'm feeling now balances all its characteristics to offer a shining light for the genre and a manual of how to effectively produce an experimental pop record. The melodies are still at the forefront, in true pop fashion, but the backdrop is home to some interesting production techniques and choices of instrumentation. There's quite a lot happening at any given moment. That chance of finding another sound/glitch to hook onto is relatively high, as they're scattered all over this release and easter egg-like in their secrecy. The lyrics are bare bone, yet Charli manages to keep them fresh and listenable with a fantastic delivery throughout. Releasing a project to this standard in the time that it took to make (just six weeks!) is nothing short of incredible. Charli and her team have knocked it out the park with this one! – Peter (8/10)
Ben (Synth): 9.5/10 | Dominick: 9/10 | Alan: 8.5/10 | Hadley: 8.5/10 | Cam: 8/10 Jared: 8/10 | Pax: 8/10 | Daniel: 7.8/10 | Peter: 7.5/10 | DeVán: 7/10
