GIRLI - “I Really Fucked It Up”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Charli XCX, Tove Lo, Carly Rae Jepsen

Huge pop hooks pattern GIRLI’s music, dance pop with splurges of punk-pop and hip hop accessibly delivered by the English artist. While every note sounds exactly in the right place, GIRLI’s lyrics divert expectations and jump between fully confident and empty vulnerability. There are themes of someone pushing themself past self doubt however, a string of hope that matches the affirming nature of her music. While not quite hyperpop, that influence holds true in GIRLI’s throw-it-all-at-the-wall sound. It’s unabashedly over-the-top in the best of ways, pulling the artist and listener in while GIRLI kisses off others or even herself. Going back to her debut singles in 2015 and 2016 and moving through chronologically shows clear growth leading to most recent single “I Really Fucked It Up”. 80s synth grooves intermingle with indie pop melodies and an alt-rock chorus, a track that feels like a real culmination of where this impressive artist has arrived. (Kevin McStravick)