Across the nation, many spent the past three months reveling in the massive cultural phenomenon that is brat summer. In the wake of Charli XCX’s album release on June 7, Brat began to take the world by storm, alongside the lime, almost chartreuse, color behind the album’s cover.
And so the question inevitably rose: what is brat? Well, the definition varies across different contexts, and even Charli XCX herself has quite a long explanation. “You’re just like that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes,” she explained in a video shared on TikTok. “Who feels like herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of like parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. A little bit volatile. Like, does dumb things. But it’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat.” The term has come to take on new meanings for all of those participating in brat summer. Many believe it to exist as the antithesis of the long lasting “clean girl aesthetic,” while others see it as its own independent trend.
In my own mind, brat means chaos in every sense: the kind of audacious fun that makes other people scowl at you in public but that bonds you together for life. Not caring about anything. Failing at not caring about anything. Not having a curated aesthetic. Undiluted and frenzied energy. Letting your uber rating continuously fall. Considering a wolf cut. Brat is fun, messy, and deranged in all of the best ways. Brat is how you justify otherwise unjustifiable actions.
Before brat was a feeling, it was just an album: 18 intoxicating hyperpop songs. USA TODAY called Brat an “embrace of a hot-mess pop star aesthetic, prioritizing club culture at its core but still offering introspective lyrics on aging, womanhood, grief and anxiety.” The album features consistent changes in rhythm while the bass is booming throughout each song. Brat embodies a fresh take on pop music, blending hyperpop elements with a self-aware critique of commercialism. Charli’s unique approach not only highlights the challenges of being a “relatable” artist in today’s fast-paced culture but also sets the stage for a potential shift in pop music dynamics. The album’s sense of exclusivity—amplified by its limited tour dates—has fostered a vibrant online community, epitomized by the “brat summer” meme that thrived post-release.
Charli’s tweet declaring “kamala IS brat” came just hours after President Biden announced he was stepping down from the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. In a recent Vulture profile, Charli explained that she didn’t intend to spark a wave of political discourse; her tweet, shared while lounging in her pool, was meant to be “positive and lighthearted,” not a serious endorsement.
Despite her original intentions, the tweet resonated, leading to Harris’s campaign adopting the “brat summer” theme. The campaign’s official X page transformed into “Kamala HQ,” complete with a Brat green header, quickly catching the attention of both media and the public. News pundits began dissecting the implications of “brat,” while supporters celebrated with merchandise and memes.
Reflecting on the unexpected impact of her words, Charli emphasized her commitment to women’s rights and democracy, stating, “to be on the right side of democracy is hugely important to me.” However, she remains clear that her music is not political; her art is influenced by personal experiences, not by political agendas. “Politics doesn’t feed my art,” she said, candidly noting that she never expected her casual remarks about being a “messy b****” to land on major news outlets.
The success of Brat has not only solidified Charli XCX’s place in the pop music scene but also demonstrated the profound influence of contemporary art on social discourse. The album captures a moment in which identity, self-expression, and cultural commentary intersect, resonating with listeners who crave authenticity and emotional depth. With its catchy tracks and relatable themes, Brat serves as a celebration of individuality, showcasing how pop music can inspire broader conversations, and foster community among fans. As the album continues to garner attention, it stands as a testament to the power of creativity in shaping cultural narratives while engaging audiences in meaningful and impactful ways. In other words, it’s brat.
