In her latest album, C,XOXO, Camila Cabello embraces a new chapter of her career with an unapologetic, bleach-blonde transformation. The album marks a departure from her previous Latin-inspired pop, diving headfirst into a hyperpop sound characterized by heavy synths, crisp trap beats, and Auto-Tuned vocals. The opening track, “I Luv It,” sets the tone with its bass-heavy empowerment anthem, merging a sample from Gucci Mane’s “Lemonade” with a guest feature from mumble rapper Playboi Carti, showcasing Cabello’s knack for blending influences into a cohesive vision.
The track “Chanel No. 5” introduces the album’s aesthetic with a minimalist R&B vibe, underpinned by a warped piano riff that evokes a nostalgic, 2000s-era feel. Produced by Pablo Díaz-Reixa (El Guincho), Jasper Harris, and Daniel Aged, C,XOXO channels a vibrant Miami party scene through its sleazy, pulsating beats. Cabello’s collaborations are highlights, including Lil Nas X on the disco-house track “I Think He Knows” and JT and Yung Miami of City Girls on the energetic “Dade County Dreaming.” Drake’s appearance on the sultry electro-dancehall track “Hot Uptown” stands out, though his solo spot on “Uuugly” feels out of place on an otherwise Cabello-focused album.
Several mood-setting interludes, including a spoken confessional by rapper BPL Kosher, feel somewhat superfluous given the album’s brisk 30-minute runtime. Despite this, C,XOXO is never dull. It captures Cabello’s vibrant personality and creative evolution, with moments of introspection found in the synth-driven “DREAM-GIRLS” and the acoustic ballad “Twentysomethings,” which reflect on personal growth amid the chaos of club life. At its core, C,XOXO is a sonic celebration of Cabello’s dynamic range, offering a spritz of her “meteor shower” pop flair.
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