Background

Released on May 2024 as an official single, “360” is the opening track of Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, Brat. The song was written by Charli, A.G. Cook, Cirkut, EASYFUN, Blake Slatkin, and Omer Fedi. Cook and Cirkut produced the single.

This song review of Charli XCX’s 360 delves into her attitude towards criticism, A.G.’s production that makes the listener jump, and the virality that the song was inspired by and subsequently caused.

I Don’t F****** Care What You Think

Charli XCX could not be more explicit. “If you love it, if you hate it / I don’t f****** care what you think” were the words out of her own mouth. She tells her haters that their opinions do not matter. She asks no one for permission.

While brushing off criticism is easier said than done, Charli might actually be above it all. Most of us believe we are immune. But we act and react differently. But Charli lets the rest of the lyrics do the talking.

She’s owning insults and wielding them as power. Her descriptions of herself are scathing and messy. She’s a “city sewer slut” and a “666 with a princess streak”. Popstars often depict the other party as the culprit. Charli doesn’t shy away from any of the demonisations, and she wears them as a badge of honour if she has to.

You Gon’ Jump if A. G. Made It

Most pop songs on the radio have many layers of instruments and loud drums. A.G. Cook kept it to a minimum. It uses a steady, bouncing beat that acts as the primary background sound to Charli’s vocals. There isn’t much noise. The song feels very modern and clean, almost futuristic and ahead of our times.

Charli sings the track in a deadpan style. There isn’t much emotion. She sounds effortless and confident. There’s nothing dramatic or grand about her vocals. She’s chic and stylish. She’s ready to party or attend a fashion show.

I may not relate to the bratty energy of “360”. But I dig the nonchalant attitude.

I’m Everywhere, I’m so Julia

Brat summer was everywhere. And I think “360” helped catapult the era into virality.

Music discovery has changed drastically in the last two decades. Internet culture has taken over traditional ascents to superstardom. Nowadays, being cool means being the reference, and Charli proclaims herself as one. She’s able to pivot her marketing and songwriting to modern times and adjust as necessary.

Her music video is filled with “It Girls” that Gen Z follows on Instagram and TikTok. She employs Julia Fox, who I’ve never heard of before “360”. She’s keeping up with the trend, if not, creating them altogether.

Her coolness factor became so prominent that the song crossed over to Kamala Harris’ campaign. Her music and style were used to attract the young voters.

In today’s times, being messy, honest, and real are sought after. Many consumers of pop music are tired of filtered and manufactured. And the song’s connection to modern authenticity made it a huge success.

Conclusion

Even if Charli XCX listened to her critics, it would not have mattered. She wouldn’t have many for “360”. A.G. Cook’s production on the song captured the essence of Brat. It drew inspiration from today’s virality and caused another one in the process.