Charli XCX: The Definition of a Hit Record

Charli XCX, 2024 - By Henry Redcliffe (Instagram)

March 1967,
The Velvet Underground
Released their album:
The Velvet Underground and Nico.

It debuted on the Billboard 200
At number 199.

A few weeks later,
It rose to its peak position 195.

Later in life,
Lou Reed told Brian Eno
That it had only sold
Around 30,000 copies
Over its first 5 years.

This record is the definition of a hit.
This record is arguably one of the most influential
And groundbreaking records of our time.

This album is the apex of fine art
And DIY culture—
Colliding.

It’s high and low.
It’s poetry meets drugs.
It’s earnest meets arrogance.

Even if you have never heard a single song,
You will undoubtedly recognize its cover,
Either from the walls of a modern art gallery
Or from the shop floor of an Urban Outfitters.

Let’s be real.
What’s a hit
If you’re not conquering
Both of those places?

My album cover has not yet appeared
At the Guggenheim
Or the Whitney
Or the Tate.

However, some of my merch is available
To purchase right now in Urban Outfitters.

So I guess that means
I’m halfway there.

—Charli XCX
Variety’s Hitmaker of the Year Acceptance Speech (2024)