Charli XCX is part of a new generation of musicians who are able to dig into music's history and pull reminiscent grooves and sounds from albums long forgotten. Once a vibe is found, this new generation will go to lengths in the production phase to make a brand new style in the music which can become a signature of the artist's attempt at marking history. On "Number 1 Angel" Charli XCX keeps herself close to what is current by opening the album with familiar lyrics of achieving greatness smoothly laid over "Trap" genre basslines and melodic synths. Her voice is optimistic alongside the bright electronic leads which an unwary listener can easily confine her to the "Pop" music scene is they didnt listen longer. She subtely voices her feministic independant stance and is still able to convey a emotional soul that longs for more then materialistic supremacy.
Half way through the album the listener becomes more aware of the musicial time travel they are brought on. After already witnessing the Urban Pop feel of the beginning of the album & the rave styled New Age 90s that "Blame It On You" displays, we are again whisped to another era with an 80s houseparty anthem. The 808 toms and intimate tempo, provide the song "Babygirl" a stage to show off her wordplay with prominant upfront vocals and a few rap segments as a garnish. This song helps Charli XCX reach her original HipHop fans that can connect with its "Eric B. & Rakim"-esque smoothness and good times aura. Don't get too comfortable though, because we will be off again on this fantastic voyage. From here on out, Charli XCX no longer holds back. Almost as a contrast to the fun yet reserved opening of the album, she moves to the provacative and in your face style that can seem to reflect today's commercial radio in itself. She seems to have more fun on this side of the album but in effect loses some charm that was carried from the beginning. No doubt creative none the less Charli XCX dances on words with ease and keeps her metaphors in touch with the song's content and emotion.
In review of Charli XCX's mixtape "Number 1 Angel", it is safe to say that she has the talent and ability to take her legacy to the next level of pop stardom. Her youth and attractive vocal effects sound aligned to all that is relevant in popular music and her production quality is tight enough to hear on everyday radio. The standout songs, in my opinion, would be the high energy and catchy London Grime beats of "Blame It On You", and the power piano ballad "Emotional", where Charli XCX demonstrates her songwriting capabilities through a much cleaner vocal use. Some minor adjustments that would make the collection more balanced could help. Sometimes the tailend of songs felt as if they were dragging on with overuse of the chorus, at other times the high pitched vocal effects overpowered the beats making a cringe-worthy experience. Overall though, the album is a fun journey with each track working together teaching you how to shift different depths of feeling using familiar grooves.