Number 1 Angel

lilleaolion

3e album de Charli xcx

Ryan1Nunez

As a Charli fan, Number 1 Angel will hold a special place in my heart. This mixtape feels like the moment she really started stepping into the chaotic, experimental pop queen we now know and love. It’s bold, bratty, and full of bangers—but it’s also a little uneven, which is why I’m giving it three stars (with love!). There are moments of absolute greatness here. “3AM (Pull Up)” is still one of Charli’s catchiest tracks ever, and the collabs on this tape are so fun—MØ, Uffie, CupcakKe, Abra? ICONIC. The whole project has this rebellious energy, like Charli saying, “I’m doing things my way now,” and honestly, that’s thrilling to hear. The PC Music influence is strong, and it laid the groundwork for what would become Pop 2, aka legendary status. That said, some songs do blur together a bit, and there are a few moments that feel more like a vibe than a fully fleshed-out song. It’s a mixtape, so the looseness kind of makes sense, but compared to what came after, it doesn’t always hit as hard. Still, even with the bumps, Number 1 Angel is a fun, fearless snapshot of Charli’s evolution. You can feel her taking risks and pushing boundaries, and as a fan, it’s super exciting to revisit that moment in her journey. Not perfect, but definitely powerful—and undeniably Charli.

pitchfork

Produced by PC Music and affiliates, this collection from Charli XCX is presented as a “project” rather than an album or mixtape. It’s largely stolen by its guests, like Uffie and CupcakKe.

fantano

Charli XCX continues to turn pop on its head with PC Music's best producers.

thelineofbestfit

Charli XCX still has a coolness her peers would kill for