Chxrry Has Solidified Herself as One of Music’s Next Big Stars
Chxrry’s debut album, U, Me & My Ego, confirms what many who have been keeping up with her since she had the number 22 in front of her name already knew: she is one of music’s next big stars.
If you aren’t familiar with Chxrry yet, you should be. The first lady of The Weeknd’s XO label and a promising talent hailing from Toronto. She’s been beyond consistent with the level of music she’s delivered for some years now.
I remember when I first became aware of her. It was 2023, and she had just released the heartfelt song World’s Away. What blew me away was the subtlety of the video, but also the power you could feel resonating from the Toronto native as she penned deeply detailed sultry lyrics. Her songwriting is some of the best and unique you will find. This inspired me to go back through her catalog, where I listened to her EP The Other Side for the first time and was instantly sold. That project is a distinct dark R&B body of work and a great introduction to the brilliance of Chxrry.
For the next three years, we became witnesses to a star rising in real time. She released a really good EP, Siren, that instantly put her in the spotlight. Since, Chxrry has been on the run of a lifetime, moving into more pop-heavy production with singles like Just Like Me, Groupie, Poppin Out (Mistakes), and the breakout hit Main Character. The prime elements of R&B are still very prevalent, creating the perfect lane for her while allowing her to remain authentic in her artistry. It’s fun, It’s dynamic, It is very distinctive.
Chxrry has paired many of her songs with visuals, including visualizers for majority of the songs on this new album. This small detail has played a major part in her presentation. Her presence has commanded the attention of many and is another reason she remains at the very front of conversations about the future of music.
U, Me & My Ego is a masterclass debut. It features some of the strongest songwriting and production you will find on an album this year. Over the course of 30 minutes, you’re tuned into a star leaving it all out there. The intro track, Blockstar, and the self-titled record are bold statements that a new reign has begun.
Chxrry has become a spokesperson of sorts through her music for the empowerment of women, displaying true confidence and femininity throughout her lyrics. One thing is clear: she is showcasing that she is, in fact, the main character.
There are standout songs like Call Security, Bible, and Boring that highlight some of the defining characteristics of Chxrry’s earlier music while remaining true to who she has become today.
Another notable aspect of the album is its intentional branding. The color blue serves as the core of Chxrry’s aesthetic, symbolizing both protection and stability. The use of bold, colored veils throughout this era further emphasizes the album’s theme of the “ego,” representing the emotional armor and sense of protection that can come with being in love.
She was recently on tour with one of music’s top artists and album collaborator, Mariah The Scientist. Cash Cobain also delivers an excellent feature on the album. She recently announced her first headline tour, and we saw dates selling out so quickly that she had to add new shows and even upgrade several venues to accommodate the overwhelming demand.
If you’re just now becoming familiar with her, she has older bodies of work like Siren and The Other Side that are also worth checking out. Chxrry will be around for a very long time, and we’re excited to watch her continue to grow and evolve in her artistry. If U, Me & My Ego is any indication, this is only the beginning.
