‘Break The Rules’ is the second single from Charli XCX’s upcoming album, Sucker. The song takes inspiration from old-school punk rock, and the video’s attempts to modernise a Joan Jett & The Blackhearts vibe is clear. Sadly it is left a little lacking. Repetitive verses try to build without resolution, and though they make a decent rhythm the instrumentals assumedly left to encourage manic jumping elicit a rousing sway at best. XCX has tried to make a song that beckons teenage rebellion, which simply leaves us feeling a little old.
A single regarding secondary school education does admittedly seem forced for the 22-year-old. Arguably aimed too strongly at one audience, I am sure that most students will sympathise with the sentiment, what with October seemingly so far removed from Freshers festivites.
The lyrics are non-remarkable and without a grabbing rhythm to carry them, ‘Break The Rules’ is a disappointing follow up to Charli XCX’s previous successes. That said, it is a fun enough song that will appeal to its target audience and, of course, the rest of us that will be living vicariously through it.
‘Break The Rules’ will be released October 12th 2014 through Atlantic Records.
