Recalling Youth and Reveling in ‘Brat‘: A Tale of Charli XCX and a 62-Year-Old Fan
Springer 62-year-old Tracey Thorn, known for her work with Everything But The Girl, took her teenage son to Charli XCX’s recent performance at London’s O2 Arena. While the 32-year-old pop star is known for her catchy synth-pop hits and Gen Z social media savvy, Thorn’s review of the night, albeit personal, hinted at a profound connection between generations united by the raw power of music.
Thorn confessed in her review that she grappled with whether it was “predatory” for someone her age to be so drawn to younger artists. She acknowledged a yearning for music reflecting her current chapter in life, yet confessed, “I also love music that makes me feel young, or reminds me what it felt like to be young.”
It’s this longing for a youthful exuberance that has endeared her to Charli XCX’s new album, Brat. Thorn likened parts of it to her own diary entries from her 30s:
She’s worried already that younger girls are having more fun, “Yeah, she’s in her mid-twenties, real intelligent/ And we hate the fact she’s New York City’s darling.” Then meeting a friend’s new baby makes her worry about the future, “’cause my career feels so small in the existential scheme of it all.” On the way home she has a conversation with her partner: “Should I stop my birth control?” These lyrics are basically my diary from when I was 32. The fact that she sets all these thoughts to spectacularly catchy, hooky, punky dance music is what made me fall fully in love with *Brat*.
The concert itself seemed to solidify this connection for Thorn. She enthused about surprise appearances from artists like Caroline Polachek and Robyn, and witnessed an amusing yet heartwarming moment when her balding fiancé, George Daniel, finally attempted the viral “Apple” dance.
It was clear that Thorn’s enjoyment of the concert went far beyond simply appreciating the music. It tapped into a deeper well of emotions – a nostalgic yearning for youth intertwined with a celebration of the present moment.
Charli XCX’s ability to resonate with such a wide range of listeners, from social media savvy Zoomers to seasoned music lovers like Thorn, speaks volumes about her artistic versatility and appeal. Her music seems to transcend generational boundaries, reminding everyone that the desire for connection, self-expression, and a good dance beat is truly timeless.
Thorn’s review wasn’t just a testament to Charli XCX’s talent, but a powerful reminder that music’s ability to connect us across generations remains as potent as ever.
How does Tracey Thorn use Charli XCX’s music and album *Brat* as examples of music’s ability to connect people across generations?
## Bridging the Generation Gap Through Music: An Interview with Tracey Thorn
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today we’re discussing a fascinating story about how music can transcend age barriers. Joining us is Tracey Thorn, a renowned musician known for her work with Everything But The Girl. Tracey, welcome to the show.
**Tracey Thorn:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Your recent review of Charli XCX’s concert at the O2 Arena sparked quite a conversation. You mentioned feeling drawn to Charli’s music even questioning if it was “predatory” for a 62-year-old like yourself to be so enthralled by a 32-year-old artist. Can you elaborate on that?
**Tracey Thorn:** Absolutely. As we get older, we naturally yearn for music that resonates with our current stage in life. But there’s also a part of me that craves that feeling of youthful exuberance, that reminder of what it felt like to be young and carefree. Charli’s music embodies that energy, and it’s incredibly powerful. [[1](https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-songs-2023/)]
**Host:** That’s a beautiful way to put it.
You also mentioned that Charli’s new album, *Brat*, has resonated with you. What is it about that album in particular that speaks to you?
**Tracey Thorn:** I think *Brat* is a fantastic representation of Charli’s artistic evolution. It’s bold, it’s experimental, and it doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. It reminds me that music can be both intensely personal and universally relatable, regardless of age.
**Host:** That’s a great point. Music truly has a unique ability to connect us across generations.
**Tracey Thorn:** Absolutely. It’s a reminder that the power of music isn’t bound by demographics. It’s a shared human experience.
**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Tracey. It’s clear that for you, music is more than just sound; it’s a conduit for emotion, connection, and even a touch of time travel.
**Tracey Thorn:** My pleasure.
