It became Brat Summer the moment Charli XCX released her new album, Brat, in June. The album examines complex themes of friendship dynamics, relationships, insecurity, womanhood, having a good time, and more … all set to a high-energy soundtrack that’s inspired dances across social media. While the word “brat” tends to come with negative undertones, the Brat Summer movement takes the word back to a place of empowerment and strength, complete with a lime-green color scheme that matches the album. Charli XCX has even explained what brat means herself:

Brat Summer even entered the realm of politics after XCX tweeted “Kamala IS brat” in support of the presumptive presidential candidate. Harris’ campaign jumped straight into Brat Summer by reposting the endorsement and using the album’s lime-green hue and simple typeface in one of its social media profiles. 

Overall, Brat Summer is about leaving the need for perfection behind and being your complete self with absolutely no apologies. What better way to do that, than with music?

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs that embody the traits of Brat Summer or being brat would you like to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

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Songs Played

Joan Jett and The Blackhearts- Bad Reputation
X-Ray Spex- Oh Bondage, Up Yours!
The Waitresses- I Know What Boys Like
Charli XCX- Von Dutch
Neneh Cherry- Buffalo Stance
The Ting Tings- That's Not My Name
Destiny's Child- Say My Name