Charli XCX's Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat boldly reimagines her summer-dominating Brat album, pushing these tracks further into experimental, club-ready territory. This remix project invites an eclectic roster of collaborators, from close musical allies like A.G. Cook and Troye Sivan to unexpected additions like Bon Iver and Julian Casablancas, showcasing Charli's impressive range and openness to explore across genres. Yet it's hard to review this remix album without drawing direct comparisons to Brat, which can make it challenging to fully appreciate the album on its own.

The album's remix approach leans into a late-night, rave-inspired vibe, bringing a darker, more intense energy to Charli's original tracks. Billie Eilish's contribution to "Guess" is an interesting addition, blending her hushed vocal style with Charli's high-energy production to explore themes of identity and allure with lines like, "Charli likes boys, but she knows I'd hit it." The chemistry between Eilish and Charli adds an edge to the album, making "Guess" a captivating moment and a fresh take on the original. Similarly, Shygirl's intense rework of "365" amplifies the track's darker undertones, filling it with raw energy that makes it ideal for a packed dancefloor.

Meanwhile, Bon Iver's feature on "I Think About It All the Time" takes a haunting, reflective turn, with ambient harmonies that add depth to Charli's introspective musings on fame and personal sacrifice. This unexpected collaboration brings a new layer of complexity to the album and shows Charli's versatility in weaving together disparate styles.

After a summer filled with Brat, it's easy to feel fatigued with certain tracks that have become pop culture staples. The Japanese Breakfast remix of "Apple" is a stunning reimagining, bringing fresh, emotional nuance, yet it's hard to revisit the song with the same enthusiasm after its omnipresence. "Everything is romantic," a personal favourite from the original album, feels slightly less compelling with Caroline Polachek's additional vocal trills, which, while ambitious, detract from the simplicity that made Brat so enjoyable. Polachek, who seemed like a perfect fit given her creative closeness to Charli, doesn't quite capture the minimalistic charm that made the original track so memorable. This is a running theme throughout — the sheer number of collaborators can sometimes overwhelm the album, occasionally diverting attention from Charli's core vision on Brat.

Ultimately, Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat is a bold remix album that extends Brat's impact by taking its pop foundations into daring new territory. The unavoidable comparisons to the original album may influence the experience, making it hard to approach this remix as a standalone work. Yet Charli's boundary-pushing approach and willingness to explore new sounds confirm her place as one of pop's most inventive artists today.