Song Stories: Charli XCX: Apple
"Apple" features on the latest Charli XCX album "Brat" and was released in August 2024. Originally teased in September 2023 when Charli uploaded a photo of her notebook to social media. In the picture lyrics to a song then called "The Apple" were displayed.
The song tackles relationships between family and in particular Charli's relationship with her parents. Detailing themes of generational trauma, introspection, and escapism, she describes herself as an apple – hanging on her family’s tree.
Speaking on Las Culturistas she said “With this record, it’s been so lyrically led. Like I’ve been like ‘I want to write a song about my kinda sticky relationship with my mom and dad, which is ‘Apple.’”
The song manages to merge really introspective and heartfelt themes with one of the most infectious dance beats of 2024. With a different sound and feel to the rest of "Brat" it has become one of the records highlights and a real contender for the best pop song of the year.
Blending Charli's familiar hyper pop style with more retro electronic elements it nods both to the past and the future, whilst firmly remaining in 2024. It’s one of those classic songs that nods to the past but is still very contemporary and very much for the here and now. The sign of a great pop song.
Many have said "Apple" is the most underrated track on "Brat" which itself is one of the most important and significant records of the year. With songs like “360”, “Sympathy is just a Knife” and “365” which have soundtracked endless raves, club nights, work commutes and even political events.
An album that saw Charli swap her avant garde collaborators for blue-chip songwriters, mastered slick choreo and duly interpolated old dance bangers. Driven by her desire to fully embrace club music, in turn making this her most successful album to date. She’s made a record for her and dragged us along for the ride.
The album that allowed her to make an impact most pop stars can only dream off. An album that saw her make the jump into arenas, and receive Grammy nominations. She deserves it. In a time where pop music has become formulaic, she ripped up the rule book and created something spectacular.
It’s one of those musical moments that trasnscends more than just a genre and even just the music itself. Not just a record but a culture shift, a whole movement. A brat summer.
A real look at just what music can do. She’s stuck two fingers up to the industry, and the nay sayers. Creating something authentic and real to her.
I’ve wrote countless blog posts this year and if you’d told me earlier in the year, that I’d be doing a post dissecting a Charli XCX song and album.
I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are. That’s the power of a great pop record.
Thank you for reading x
Jack