Charli xcx’s 2016 EP, Vroom Vroom, is being revisited a decade after its release, with critics and fans alike recognizing its prescience in shaping contemporary pop music. The EP, a collaboration with producer SOPHIE, arrived after xcx had already achieved mainstream success with features on Icona Pop’s “I Love It” and Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” and tracks like “Boom Clap” and “Break the Rules.”
The Fader, in a review published February 24, 2026, described Vroom Vroom as a “sudden supernova” that expanded on the “squelching industrial sounds” xcx and SOPHIE had been developing. The publication argues the EP was “prophetic in the way it pushed club aesthetics into the mainstream,” paving the way for the hyperpop genre and a shift in how artists approach releases and aesthetics.
The collaborative project, the only official full-length release from xcx and SOPHIE, emerged from a period where xcx was exploring a more experimental sound. A previously unreleased album, XCX World, featuring further collaborations with SOPHIE, was reportedly scrapped, leaving “Taxi” as a frequently shared track on platforms like SoundCloud.
The influence of Vroom Vroom extends beyond sonic aesthetics, according to the review. It challenged traditional album structures and release schedules, allowing artists greater creative control and reducing scrutiny from record labels. This shift is seen as a precursor to the more fluid and independent approach many artists now seize with their music.
Charli xcx has embarked on seven headlining tours and eleven supporting tours throughout her career, beginning with performances in warehouse raves and parties during her teenage years. Following the release of her third studio album, Charli (2019), she staged the Charli Live Tour. Her most recent album, Brat, has received “universal acclaim” with a Metacritic score of 95/100, praised for its “rave-influenced sound” and emotional vulnerability. A customized “Album of the Year” trophy, colored green to match the Brat aesthetic, was displayed at the 2024 BRIT Awards in Brooklyn.
The artist’s willingness to embrace “fretting, nervous envy, and messy girl antics” has resonated with listeners, marking a departure from the polished perfection often expected of pop stars. This shift reflects a broader cultural preference for artists who embody a sense of recklessness and authenticity, drawing comparisons to figures like Lindsay Lohan, Lily Allen, and Britney Spears.
