Song 18 // Charli XCX - "Unlock It" (feat. Kim Petras and Jay Park)
Lock it, lock it, lock-lock it
Lock it, lock it, unlock it
Lock it, lock it, lock-lock it
(Beautiful)
Charli XCX showed us the future with her “Vroom Vroom” EP and then with her back to back mixtapes, “Number 1 Angel” and “Pop 2”. She gave us the key. And now the world has unlocked it and finally caught up to her pioneering ways.
“Unlock It” appears on the “Pop 2” mixtape that was released in December 2017. The entire mixtape is a masterclass in collaboration and Charli’s vision as a pop artist. It was also the perfect fusion of Charli working with PC Music’s A.G. Cook. Every song from this album is a sensational musical experience that will make you rethink what the definition of a pop song is.
But it’s the recent surge in popularity of “Unlock It” that has made “Pop 2” such a pleasure to revisit, put this song on repeat, and feature on this week’s newsletter.
Rollercoaster ride in the fast lane
Got the roof down, kiss me hard in the rain
You got the candy-colored eyes, pink and gold chain
Million dollar babe, whip it out like I'm propane
Two weeks ago, on March 19th, Charli played a live stream via Bandsintown. As the pandemic has shut down all live shows, artists have had to adapt. Many have put on live streams from their homes or in empty venues. However, Charli’s live stream felt different and immediately more intimate. She takes us on a journey starting in a small room full of mirrors, to a bedroom, and then to the stage. Throughout the show, it feels like we are with her even though we are isolated. Whether it’s coming along for the ride as she takes the audience with her via a camcorder or the fact that we’re all watching the live stream from our own bedrooms.
[Kim Petras]
Caught in a lip lock, when we pit stop
Cosmic kiss, tastes like cherry maraschino
Ride, passenger seat, tropical heat
Eyes so red, you could be my Valentino, yeah
If you want my heart, then don't you drop it
But no matter the venue, Charli is a pop star and like all pop stars she has a natural presence commanding a stage. As she enters the last act of her show, we enter the renaissance of “Unlock It” as her dance and entire performance sets the stage for a viral hit on TikTok and subsequently topping the charts on streaming platforms. Charli has always had a loyal and dedicated fanbase, dubbed her “angels” (myself included), but with her recent success it feels special that a song from her beloved mixtape is garnering the recognition it deserves.
The song itself carries an immediately unforgettable hook. Simple but so addicting it’ll be happily stuck in your head all day.
Lock it, lock it, lock-lock it
Lock it, lock it, unlock it
“Unlock It” is a sugar rush that you can’t help yourself to listen to one more time. It’s vulnerable and endearing at the same time. And the guest features from Kim Petras and Jay Park boost the song into overdrive. The subject of fast cars have long been hallmarks in Charli’s songs over the years but in “Unlock It” it’s more about giving in and opening up.
You're on my mind
I'm feelin' kinda nervous but I like it
Take my T-shirt off and do it right
You're on my mind
The feelin', like an astronaut
Watchin' the world all alone, just you and I (you and I)
So you’ve got the key now, can you unlock it?
// press play
View past songs here. Share this song with someone who’s got the key.