The Rise of the Unapologetically Real Pop Stars: Vulnerable, Messy, and Honest
“It’s so confusing sometimes to be a girl,” Charli XCX croons on her latest album, “Brat.” With its vulnerable lyrics, deep existential musings, and raw exploration of womanhood’s complexities, “Brat” transcends a typical music collection, becoming a relatable anthem for millennials and Gen Z. Charli XCX describes a “brat” as someone who has a meltdown but still parties through it, embodying honesty, bluntness, and a touch of volatility. This persona has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, resonating widely.
Even Charli’s grandmother’s friend and the U.S. Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, have joined the movement. Charli’s tweet, “Kamala IS brat,” was followed by Harris’s team updating her X profile picture to match the album’s slime green background.
Charli XCX isn’t alone in abandoning the polished pop star facade. Artists like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter embrace messiness and candor, dominating the charts with their authentic and heartfelt music. This new wave of pop stars shares an honest perspective on life, making them stand out. Their music is a refreshing alternative to the slick beats and superficial anthems of yesteryears, offering depth and relatability instead.
In “Brat,” Charli delves into the challenges of transitioning into her thirties, from carefree anthems like “360” and “365” to introspective reflections on motherhood in songs like “Von Dutch.” Her lyrics explore universal questions: Should I have children? When is the right time? Will it change my life? These themes resonate deeply with millennial women facing similar crossroads.
Josee Malon, a 23-year-old from Kent, admires Charli for her insightful glimpse into her creative mindset and personality. Unlike the enigmatic Beyoncé, Charli’s openness and high energy make her feel like a friend to her fans. Spencer Caminsky, a 26-year-old political campaign manager, appreciates the raw and direct nature of “Brat,” which expands on the vulnerable aspects of Charli’s life.
Chappell Roan, a 26-year-old queer pop icon, has garnered a strong Gen Z following with her bold expressions of queer identity. Her music, influenced by personal experiences, offers a universal appeal through themes of rejection, freedom, acceptance, and self-discovery. Kamala Harris’s embrace of Roan’s lyrics, despite not being the typical fan demographic, underscores the cultural impact of this music.
Sabrina Carpenter, known for her fun and cheeky pop songs, combines Taylor Swift’s confessional style with humor. Her x-rated ad-lib outros and playful lyrics challenge traditional pop narratives, celebrating self-indulgence and attention-seeking in a totally bratty fashion.
This summer, fans crave complex, messy music as a distraction from adulting’s pressures. Content writer Olivia Cox and Rachel Humphreys, a 29-year-old Digital PR Manager, highlight the escapism and cultural reset these artists provide. This trend is a response to the overly sentimental music of recent years, seeking something more genuine and relatable.
While feminist anthems like Katy Perry’s “Woman’s World” seem outdated, the smart, forthright pop songs of today aren’t entirely new. CMAT, a country-pop singer, notes that women have long crafted humorous, tragi-comic stories in their music, though it’s only recently gained mainstream appeal. The groundwork was laid by icons like Madonna and Lady Gaga, with modern influences from artists like Lorde and Billie Eilish, who bring depth and complexity to their music.
To remain relevant, today’s brats will need to anticipate and adapt to the ever-shifting sands of pop culture.
