Put Your Hands Together For Charli XCX's "Boom Clap"

Youth under extreme adversity, in this case a doctor's diagnosis of the dreaded "Big C" demands a movie soundtrack that digs beneath the heart-rending situation to unearth the hope that still has a chance to grow. British 21 year-old Charli XCX does her part with her contribution to "The Fault In Our Stars", "Boom Clap". Nothing about the single hints at anything besides stand fast in the face of danger. As has been immortalized through song many other times, it is love that proves an elixir capable of reassuring that yes, dawn does appear after the darkness. The time machine is clearly set on '80s alt rock as Charli works sorcery The Cure would likely approve of. As is true for Robert Smith's fade to black fashion sense, Charli's feisty vocals make their way to where you're most vulnerable. From there even though you don't know where the artist is taking you, like with any quality action movie, you're willing to suspend disbelief until the murkiness gives way to a scenario you can make peace with. For this review I'm going to point out how many instances Charli's lyrics enable the inhibited to break free from their shells. Right off the top "picture perfect blue" is a trustworthy icebreaker. "Sunbathing on the moon" definitely shows not only how cosmic opposites attract but follow a tranquil logical progression. As eerie as the imagery can be given it is youth cancer we're talking about "stars shining as your bones illuminate" does put a positive spin on a potential cobblestone road to hell you wouldn't exactly wish on anybody. "drug" and "magic in my veins" continue the ICU inclinations but do so in a manner where you're assured a rooting section is waiting at the other end of the chemo cavalcade. You probably have heard of the slogan "Stand Up To Cancer" At Charli's chorus her attitude places that defiance head and shoulders above the young amorousness. It's one step, then another step, then another. Before we know it this trip has proven to have paid for itself in karmic wealth. "Boom clap, the sound of my heart, the beat goes on and on and on". There's fragility in spades. There's also no shortage of the real commitment true blue friends and white hot budding lovers show each other. Unplugged for a brief spell Charli's appeal only ups the ante to reach full bloom. Charli first caught the public's eye and for the matter is undoubtedly continuing to do so as co-conspirator on Iggy Azalea's Billboard chart topper "Fancy". In planning and execution that title tells the only story you'd ever need to bone up on. "Boom Clap" tells it like it is. That's the thing about youngsters of all stripes. They can be cruel, but at their best they understand loyalty before they've had a chance to figure out what the dictionary definition of the word is. There's no fault whatsoever in putting Charli on the roster of "The Fault In Our Stars". We'd be wise to put our hands together for the executive decision that led to Charli getting a phone call. Synth and drums join forces adroitly. Retreat isn't in this particular deck of cards. Charli lowers the boom on any would be cancer survivor too despondent to avoid putting his/her tail between his/her legs. Down does not equal out. You remember that when you hear this song and you'll resume embracing life at the expense of cheapening it with endless "what ifs".