REVIEW

Charli XCX's album varied, but imperfect

AP review by Sian Watson

[April 23, 2013]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Charli XCX may not be a household name, but if you're a fan of HBO's "Girls" then you would have heard her vocal and songwriting prowess already.

The British singer co-wrote Icona Pop's "I Love It," which features in a hedonistic clubbing scene in the second season of the show. Charli XCX's debut album, "True Romance," also fits in with that vibe with songs focusing mainly on optimism with a youthful detachment, which is hardly surprising considering the girl is only 20.

However irrelevant age is to music, an immaturity shines through in Charli's lyrics, which are often nonsensical and annoying.

Musically, however, the record is varied. "What I Like" opens with an almost techno beat. "Take My Hand" opens with a pounding rhythm and then merges into electronica that could have been taken directly from an '80s computer game, and the combination of pounding bass and twinkling synth is pretty addictive.

And sampling the already perfect "You" by Gold Panda is also a good move: "You (Ha Ha Ha)" is the best song on the record.

[Associated Press; By SIAN WATSON]

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