Charlotte Emma Aitchison — better known by her stage name, Charli XCX — is a new England-based artist based that is a perfect blend of alternative and electro pop. She has done songs with Marina and the Diamonds, and was featured in the “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea. Charli XCX’s musical influences include Weezer, the Ramones, Spice Girls, and Brooke Candy. Her popularity is slowly growing, and her next album is expected to be released this June. Her most recent album, True Romance, was released about a year ago.

The first song is “Nuclear Seasons, “which is definitely a pop-influenced, electro song with it’s low, humming lyrics and synth-filled beat. “You (Ha Ha Ha)” has a definite edgier beat, with a killer rhythm and a clear message — “you messed up and I’m moving on.” It has a sort of grunge or indie feel with a tinge of electro pop, and it is definitely not as “down low” as “Nuclear Seasons.”

“Take My Hand” is more electronically influenced than either of the first two songs, and is very upbeat (almost cheerful). “Stay Away” is of the sound, but has the same low vocals as “Nuclear Seasons” and a sadder tone to it than “Take My Hand.”  “Set Me Free” and “Grins” are both very electro-pop, with synths and brilliant drumbeats pounding in the back. “Set Me Free” is somewhat eerie, while “Grins” is somewhat airy.

“So Far Away” sounds a bit more alternative, or even R&B-based, with high, light vocals, and a deliberate tone. “Cloud Aura,” featuring Brooke Candy, starts off okay, with a slow beat and Charli XCX’s exceptional vocals, but is immediately ruined by Brooke Candy’s rap about drugs and “living life in the trap.” She references Jay-Z, Chris Brown, and other topics that have nothing to do with the song. Even so, it is really clear when Charli XCX tries to do some sort of half-speaking/half-singing thing herself.  Overall — it is a really bad track.

Since “Cloud Aura” was such a disaster, Charli XCX had to bring back the electro-grunge class with better tracks, and that she did. “What I Like” is one of the best songs on the album (just as good as “You (Ha Ha Ha)” or “Nuclear Seasons”). Although there is some autotune in part of the song, the lyrics and the beat bring it back. “Black Roses” is yet another good track, with a very strong electro-pop sound backed by synths, which is not unlike Charli XCX’s other songs.  Even though the song restricts some of her vocal talent, the beat makes up for it.

“You’re the One” was Charli XCX’s breakthrough song, and it is certainly worth the listen. It’s a bit dark, a bit creepy, and really awesome. You can really hear all of her ranges as she goes from being slightly dark and ominous to being airy and innocent.  “How Can I” is the second last track to the album, and although it doesn’t quite live up to the rest of the album, it is not as much as a disappointment as “Cloud Aura” was. “Lock You Up” is the last track on the album, and is definitely a strong finish.  It demonstrates her electro themes, “broken hearted” sound, and also a hint of creepiness with the lyrics “I want to lock you up inside my heart.

The album is wrapped up, and overall Charli XCX is one of the better artists out there, with an electro-pop or goth-pop meets alternative feel-good that great for when you have had your heart broken, or have just found love and are searching for a good song to describe how you feel. (Or even if you just need something interesting to entertain your ears.) Charli XCX is definitely for you if you like Marina and the Diamonds, Lana del Rey, or Sky Ferreira.