• Artist: Charli xcx
  • Title: Talk talk
  • Release Type: Single
  • Release: 07/06/24
  • Rating: ★★★★☆

“Talk Talk,” by Charli xcx, the fifth track on her new album “BRAT”, is a cocktail of electrifying production and emotional power. I am hooked to the infectious clapping overture that ushers in Charli’s vocal performance. Also, this track, though relatively short, is an adrenaline boost that will take you to the club.

Musically, “Talk Talk” is a fusion of pop sensibilities and an edgy, electronic sound. The song opens with rhythmic claps. This clap leads the way to a compelling beat, courtesy of producers Hudson Mohawke and A. G. Cook. As the dance groove emerges, it creates a kinetic energy that I could not resist. Charli’s vocal delivery is commanding, making the listener feel the intensity of the moment she describes.

Lyrically, “Talk Talk” dives into the anxiety and thrill of a budding romantic connection that’s been simmering just below the surface. Charli sings about the tension of wanting to approach someone but being held back by the fear of exposing the secret that has been shared only through glances and messages. I found myself resonating deeply with the lyrics, especially lines like, “We’ve been talking for months / But never in the same room.” It captures that peculiar mix of excitement and apprehension that defines early-stage romantic intrigue.

Desire for Directness

The chorus, “I wish you’d talk, talk / Wish you’d just talk to me,” is a plea for clarity and connection. It’s something we’ve all felt in those moments where communication falters, and we’re left to read between the lines. The repetition in the chorus amplifies the urgency and desire for directness. It is a sentiment that struck a chord with me as I navigated similar experiences in my own life.

One of the song’s most poignant moments comes in the second verse where Charli confesses, “I followed you to the bathroom / But then I felt crazy.” This line perfectly encapsulates the internal conflict of wanting to make a bold move but retreating out of fear of seeming too forward or desperate. It’s a slice of vulnerability that adds a layer of relatability to the track.

By the time the outro rolls in, with Charli inviting her crush to “talk to me in French / Talk to me in Spanish / Talk to me in your own made-up language,” the song crescendos into a universal yearning for genuine, unfiltered communication. The specificity of the lyrics combined with the universal theme of longing makes “Talk Talk” both personal and broadly relatable.

Overall, “Talk Talk” is a standout track on “BRAT”. Its infectious beat, coupled with Charli’s emotive storytelling, creates a compelling narrative of love and longing that resonates deeply. It’s a song that makes you want to dance. It also reflects on those tender moments of connection we all crave.

So, wait no longer! You can take a listen to “Talk talk” by Charli xcx here.

Lastly, to read more single and album reviews similar to this one, click here.

Becky Anderson