Album Review: The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Soundtrack Celebrates Fierce Female Voices
It’s hard to think of a soundtrack released in recent memory that boasts a tracklist quite as stacked as Charlie’s Angels. From top to bottom, the collection features an incredible lineup of talented female voices. At the center of it all is Ariana Grande who acted as co-executive producer and lends her voice to five of the 11 songs. That includes the Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey-assisted lead single “Don’t Call Me Angel.” Their bouncy bop rocketed into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and serves as a fitting introduction with its fierce celebration of powerful women. Out today (November 1), the rest of the LP deserves just as much attention.
Let’s start by diving into Ari’s four other contributions. First up is the scene-stealing “Bad To You.” The ferocious banger brings Nicki Minaj and Normani into the fold and emerges as an instant standout. Although it’s the first time the threesome appear on a track together, they find an easy chemistry while singing about engaging in romantic warfare with their partners. Expect this to soundtrack a major moment onscreen when the film premieres. The Thank U, Next diva has two more collabs: “Nobody” with Chaka Khan and “Got Her Own” with frequent writing parter Victoria Monét.
“Nobody” is a rollicking anthem that highlights their soaring vocals over a fun production. However, it could have been a little bigger for such a high-powered duet. Meanwhile the latter boasts a decidedly slinkier soundscape and one hell of a chorus. It’s certainly a better realized collab than Ari and Victoria’s previously released “Monopoly.” Consider it a reminder of what the twosome is capable of at their peak powers. That leaves us with the pop princess’s solo track: “How I Look On You.” Lush with her now-iconic yuh’s, it could find plenty of success at radio if it were to get a full release. As it stands, the bop’s another solid addition to her rapidly ballooning discography.
What’s left is a handful of equally compelling tracks from an assortment of mega-talented hitmakers. Kim Petras, ALMA, Kash Doll and Stefflon Don open the soundtrack with their supersized banger “How It’s Done.” The unlikely quartet brings plenty of heat to the mix, and it is impossible to listen without losing yourself in the beat. Arlissa and Kiana Ledé take the lead over a mesmerizing production courtesy of M-22 on “Eyes Off You.” The shimmery floor-filler is a personal favorite and boasts plenty of replay factor.
I’d say the same about Anitta’s dangerously sexy “Pantera.” The Brazilian Pop Goddess never misses, and this is no exception. On an album of wall-to-wall bangers, Danielle Bradbery’s “Blackout” is a breath of fresh air. She takes the lead on the sole ballad. And it’s a moment that builds in power as it unwinds. With one listen it’s clear why she won season four of The Voice. Danielle’s voice is breathtakingly powerful. The album also houses two high-octane remixes. First up is an update on Donna Summer’s classic “Bad Girls.” Reimagined by Gigamesh, it’s a certified floor-filler. Finally, Black Caviar puts a fresh spin on the Charlie’s Angels theme.
Lush with hits from rising talents, pop royalty and living legends, the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack hits all the right notes. Give it a listen below and let us know what you think.
Score: 4/5
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