Charli XCX Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Figuring out the best Charli XCX albums is a favorite pastime for many fans.
Her discography is packed with innovation and iconic moments. It's a journey through the evolving landscape of pop.
Today, we're diving into Charli XCX albums ranked, looking first at what the fans themselves hold dearest. Later, we'll see how popularity data paints another picture. Let's explore her incredible music.
Ranking Charli XCX's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
Charli (2019)
This album, released in March 2022, marked Charli XCX's fifth studio project.
It represented a notable shift from her prior experimental, hyperpop sound. Instead, this work embraced a more conventional dance-pop aesthetic.
This release was also significant as her final album under her record contract with Asylum Records.
The album received generally positive reviews from music critics. It became Charli XCX's most commercially successful album until her next release, BRAT.
Key tracks:
- Shake It (feat. Big Freedia, CupcakKe, Brooke Candy and Pabllo Vittar)
- 1999
Topping our fan-driven ranking, Charli clearly holds a very special place in the hearts of the Angels.
Its blend of vulnerability and forward-thinking pop seems to be a combination that resonates profoundly with her dedicated listeners.
BRAT (2024)
BRAT is the sixth studio album from Charli XCX, released in June 2024.
This work draws heavily from the 2000s English rave music scene. It presents a more aggressive club sound compared to her previous album, CRASH (2022).
Commercially, BRAT achieved significant success. It peaked at number one in the UK, Australia, and Ireland, and reached the top ten in many other countries.
According to Metacritic, it stands as the highest-rated album of 2024 and highly rated all-time.
Key tracks:
- Von dutch
- Apple
Securing the second spot, BRAT has quickly cemented itself as a fan favorite.
Its undeniable energy and critical acclaim demonstrate a powerful connection with both longtime fans and new listeners.
Pop 2 (2017)
Charli XCX began her journey posting songs on Myspace in 2008.
She later signed with Asylum Records in 2010, releasing singles and mixtapes in the early 2010s.
Around 2015, she started collaborating with producers from PC Music. This led to a more experimental sound, evident in her 2016 EP Vroom Vroom and the 2017 mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop 2.
Pop 2 is recognized as a key project from this innovative period.
Key tracks:
- Track 10
- Unlock it (Lock It) - feat. Kim Petras and Jay Park
The enduring love for Pop 2 is clear from its high fan ranking.
This mixtape is often celebrated for its groundbreaking collaborations and futuristic pop vision, marking a beloved chapter in Charli XCX's artistic evolution.
CRASH (2022)
CRASH, stylized in all uppercase, is Charli XCX's fifth studio album. It was released on March 18, 2022.
This album was her final release under her record contract with Asylum Records.
Known for a more conventional dance-pop sound, CRASH marked a shift from Charli's previous experimental, hyperpop work. She dubbed it her "major label sell-out" record.
The album received generally positive reviews. It became Charli XCX's most commercially successful project until BRAT, topping charts in Australia, Ireland, and the UK.
Key tracks:
- Yuck
- Good Ones
CRASH lands solidly in the fan ranking, showcasing its appeal.
Its slick production and catchy hooks evidently resonated with many, even as it explored a more mainstream sound for Charli XCX.
True Romance (2013)
True Romance is the debut studio album by Charli XCX. It was released on April 12, 2013.
Originally set for an April 2012 release, the album was delayed for a full year. Its creation began in early 2010.
This early work laid the foundation for Charli XCX's distinct pop vision. It showcased her burgeoning songwriting talent and unique style.
Key tracks:
- Grins
- So Far Away
As her debut, True Romance holds a nostalgic value for many early fans.
Its placement reflects an appreciation for the raw, dark-pop beginnings that set Charli XCX apart.
Number 1 Angel (2017)
Number 1 Angel is the third mixtape by Charli XCX. It was released on March 10, 2017.
The mixtape features ten tracks. It was created in Los Angeles with producer A. G. Cook, founder of PC Music.
Other PC Music affiliated producers, including Sophie, also contributed. Musically, it's described as avant-pop and electropop.
Number 1 Angel received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its genre-bending sounds and guest features.
Key tracks:
- Lipgloss (feat. CupcakKe)
- Roll with Me
This mixtape is often seen as a pivotal moment in Charli XCX's embrace of experimental pop.
Fans who cherish her more avant-garde side frequently highlight Number 1 Angel for its bold direction.
SUCKER (2014)
SUCKER is the second studio album by Charli XCX. It was released on December 15, 2014.
The album garnered positive reviews from critics. Many praised its throwback style and rebellious energy.
SUCKER produced several notable singles. These included "Boom Clap", "Break the Rules", and "Doing It" featuring Rita Ora.
It marked a more punk-influenced pop sound for the artist at the time.
Key tracks:
- Boom Clap
- Break the Rules
SUCKER represents a distinct, punchy era in Charli XCX's career.
While not at the top of fan polls, its brash attitude and hit singles like "Boom Clap" still hold a place for many.
how i'm feeling now (2020)
how i'm feeling now, stylized in all lowercase, is Charli XCX's fourth studio album. It was released on May 15, 2020.
This album was uniquely conceived and created within six weeks during the COVID-19 lockdown. It involved a DIY, collaborative process with her fans.
The project received critical acclaim. It was noted for its fusion of pop songwriting and experimental electronic production, capturing the essence of its time.
how i'm feeling now was even shortlisted for the 2020 Mercury Prize.
Key tracks:
- party 4 u
- claws
This lockdown-era album was a unique project born from direct fan collaboration.
Its fan ranking reflects an appreciation for its raw, timely creation and the intimate connection it fostered, even if other albums inspire more frequent revisits for some.
Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat (2024)
This is the first remix album by Charli XCX. It was released on October 11, 2024.
The album features remixes of seventeen tracks from the deluxe version of her sixth studio album, BRAT. It also includes the original tracks, effectively serving as a double album.
A wide array of guest artists appear. These include Robyn, Ariana Grande, The 1975, Lorde, Billie Eilish, and many others.
Upon release, the record received acclaim. Critics often considered it an innovative companion to the original BRAT.
Key tracks:
- Guess featuring billie eilish
- Girl, so confusing featuring lorde
As a remix album, its fan ranking is naturally approached differently.
It's more of a companion piece, celebrated for its creative reinterpretations and star-studded collaborations rather than as a standalone studio statement in the same vein as her other LPs.
Chosen your favorite Charli XCX album? Explore her future-pop world. Discover Charli XCX's complete discography and chart performance on her Artist hub.
Charli XCX albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of Charli XCX's albums based on her popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BRAT | 2024 |
| 2 | how i'm feeling now | 2020 |
| 3 | Pop 2 | 2017 |
| 4 | Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat | 2024 |
| 5 | CRASH | 2022 |
| 6 | Charli | 2019 |
| 7 | Number 1 Angel | 2017 |
| 8 | SUCKER | 2015 |
| 9 | True Romance | 2013 |
Quick FAQs about Charli XCX's albums
Q: What was the concept behind Charli XCX's album CRASH?
A: For CRASH, Charli XCX embraced a persona playing on the idea of a "deal-with-the-devil." Visuals included themes of femme fatale powers and dark spells, a concept some compared to Marina and the Diamonds' Electra Heart.
Q: Were there any notable dedications on CRASH?
A: Yes, the album's liner notes dedicate CRASH to Sophie. Sophie was a close friend and collaborator of Charli XCX who passed away in early 2021.
So, that's our journey through Charli XCX albums ranked.
We've seen how fan favorites align and sometimes differ from broader popularity metrics.
The "best" Charli XCX album is truly in the ear of the beholder. Each record offers a unique window into her artistic world.
What's your personal ranking? Which Charli XCX album do you believe is her ultimate masterpiece?