The scent of vocal genius

because, that voice. Oh, that voice. Be still my tiny ticker.

Charli XCX hit big with the club pop dazzler Charli late last year. In a normal world, she would still be touring those songs, but lockdown changed her plans. A renowned workaholic, she’s made How I’m Feeling Now in isolation over the past six weeks. Impressive just for existing, the fact that it’s a pitchperfect solo party record is incredible.

A popstar for the online generation, she chose to make the album an open source, collaborative process, with fans helping with lyrics and choosing singles. She’s working at pace, making it less polished than her studio efforts, but no less effective. These are her songs for our time, and they work a treat.

On Anthems, she is our boredom, our anxiety and our inability to concentrate. But mostly, she’s in love, and it’s obviously putting some pep in her step. Being cut off from your object of desire has always been a great premise for story and song, and Charli XCX is celebrating her enforced separation.

Revelling in longing, desire and pent-up energy, she’s created a fast and furious testament to the moment, proving her to be one of the most industrious and focused in her field. Outstanding.