Image Courtesy of Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama

Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama’s “Beg For You” is Pure Pop Perfection

Alyssa Yung CO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (SHE/HER)

The undeniable queens of pop music have combined forces to save us all. After years of fans begging for a collaboration between the two, Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama have delivered a slice of pop heaven. Sawayama’s experimental dance pop blends effortlessly with XCX’s distinct brand of earworm catchiness to create the masterpiece that is “Beg For You.” Veering closer to mainstream, accessible pop than either artist has touched in a long time, this track is quickly on its way to becoming the first big hit of the year. 

I can already picture it. A dark, sweaty club, limbs flailing all around me, lights flashing, and an indescribable euphoric feeling as “Beg For You” bursts through my eardrums. With an expertly reimagined version of September’s 2007 dance-hit “Cry For You,” this pop duo ushers in an era of desperation and longing that will have us all crying in the club. The two reminisce on the unforgettable moments in a relationship, while longing for just one more moment of intimacy, through two minutes and 48 seconds of infectious europop excellence. This song leaves listeners with that same urgency XCX and Sawayama feel, except we are just desperately begging for more music from these two pop geniuses. Luckily, we just have to go and click the back button to endlessly relive the musical prowess of Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama. 

“Beg For You” is the third single ahead of Charli XCX’s upcoming album Crash set to release on March 18, 2022. Notably, this is her fifth and final album on her record deal with Atlantic Records. With an impressive list of features and producers on Crash, as listed below, I am more than ready to reenter the XCX World of larger-than-life melodic pop. 

Can’t get enough of Charli XCX? Check out her new documentary on Hulu, Charli XCX: Alone Together. Closely following the creation of her quarantine album How I’m Feeling Now, XCX completely opens the door to her deeply intimate creative process. 

Also, don’t miss Charli XCX on tour! Dates can be found below: