Charli XCX - !Francheskaar! Single Review (2008)

When I was sent this unrequested single by Altsounds.com, as part of another CD bundle, I gave it a chance and then on hearing it, nearly sent it back. But it is infectious and catchy and more original than it first sounds. My big problem is that Charli is only fifteen and has a lot of time ahead of her. She doesn't want to let her embrassing past ruin a promising career.

The review:

We have to face up to reality: Pop stars are getting younger. With the latest participants of X-Factor typically still in school, it is no wonder that someone like Charli XCX exists - and more importantly has been noticed by a record label and 'snapped up' early. With a mixture of spurious retro fashion statements and a simplistic vocal style, this 15 year old girl from the home counties is a bit too over eager to shake off the 'posh' tag and do something different. The effect is more Lily Allen than Duffy; like Hannah Montana if she was a Grange Hill exchange student.

The appallingly titled '!Francheskaar!' opens with some neat buzzing electronica. For six seconds, the song is acceptable and then it really starts. The basic structure is to intertwine the lines of the verses with a horrible incessant repeating of the central subject. It plagues much of the arrangement to the point that an actual drill in the side of your head quickly becomes a viable alternative. After thirty seconds or so Charli dispenses with the mockney rapping and genuinely tries to sing. It almost works. And after a while the formula becomes infectious; the slightly bitter playground tale of a popular girl getting all of the attention gets under your skin.

The single is packaged with four re-mix versions, giving the whole thing an even more retro feel. The Tapedeck version simply takes elements from the original and does an awful 'cut n paste' job. The first part of the Lil'd Lucky Boy cut is very good and then we are suddenly reminded of where we are as the song title is repeated over and over ad nausem. The more toned down 'respect, the beat' remix from Mr Black is a much better attempt. It benefits from a lot more production and a slicker sound. It would probably make a more credible single than the original.

'!Francheskaar!' is a frustrating paradox, as annoying as it is compelling. If it wasn't taking itself so seriously it would fit the 'it's so bad, it's good' category. You have to believe that there is someone genuinely talented trying to do something worthwhile. Lyrically, this could not get more simple: "They all love you... They all want you... Of Course they do... Oh yes it's true". But getting a message across is not as important as making a statement. At the risk of being patronising, Charli XCX is likely to be a huge star when she grows up. The main problem here is from a credibility standpoint this is not a great start. Onward to bigger and better things.

-- CS (for Altsounds.com)