Pop 2 cover

Pop 2

Charli XCX · 2017

40 min · 10 tracks · hyperpop

An exhilarating blend of experimental pop and electronic beats, merging catchy hooks with avant-garde production techniques.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Backseat Start here — This track features a lush soundscape that juxtaposes vulnerability with confident delivery, showcasing Charli's ability to blend personal storytelling with infectious pop melodies.
  • →
    Unlock It — With its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, this song exemplifies the mixtape's experimental nature while highlighting Charli's knack for creating memorable hooks.
  • →
    Femmebot — This track stands out for its futuristic production and feminist themes, reflecting Charli's commitment to empowering narratives within the hyperpop genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Pop 2 showcases innovative production and strong songwriting, solidifying Charli XCX's role in hyperpop.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature rapid tempo changes and layered vocal harmonies, creating a sense of urgency.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and unexpected instrumental breaks.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a departure into avant-garde pop, showcasing innovative production techniques.
Themes
futuristic femininity· underground pop collaboration· vulnerable storytelling
Career context
Released in December 2017, Pop 2 served as Charli XCX's follow-up to her 2016 mixtape Number 1 Angel. At this point in her career, she was establishing herself as a pioneer in the hyperpop genre, embracing collaboration with underground producers and pushing the boundaries of mainstream pop music.
Stylistic neighbors
Sophie· Dorian Electra· Kim Petras

Tracklist

  • 1 Backseat Start here 3:58
  • 2 Out of My Head 3:55
  • 3 Lucky 3:35
  • 4 Tears 4:13
  • 5 I Got It 3:51
  • 6 Femmebot 3:38
  • 7 Delicious 4:32
  • 8 Unlock It 3:52
  • 9 Porsche 3:26
  • 10 Track 10 5:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata