Camila Cabello’s new album “C,XOXO” is the pop star’s fourth studio album, following her 2022 LP “Familia.” Cabello deviates from her full pop glamour to dabble in sub-genres of pop such as hyper-pop and alt-pop, while exploring hip-hop and rap in singles such as “I Luv It” featuring Playboi Carti.

 In contrast to her previous albums about romance, she attempts to tackle her recent heartbreak with Shawn Mendes in a more youthful and less solemn light, while also enjoying her newfound freedom. The album cut “Dade County Dreaming” featuring City Girls perfectly embodies this concept of liberty. Cabello depicts a timeframe in Miami where she and her friends would live life to the fullest extent. The track’s disco feel and use of synths further amplifies the feeling of freedom that Cabello desires.

To perfectly craft the world of “C,XOXO,” Cabello meticulously selected a handful of collaborators, such as Lil Nas X on the second single “He Knows,” as well as BLP Kosher and PinkPantheress on interludes “koshi xoxo” and “pink xoxo.” The album includes two features with rapper Drake on tracks “HOT UPTOWN” and “Uuugly,” the latter being labeled as solely a Drake track. “HOT UPTOWN” is told from Cabello’s perspective, where she acknowledges her self-worth although she is tempted to reconcile with her past lover, played by Drake. Meanwhile, “Uuugly,” told from Drake’s point of view, is Drake’s attempt to win Cabello’s heart as he tries to convince her that he knows more than her new lover.

However, towards the end of the album,  Cabello finds herself pondering on what once was. Track 12, “B.O.A.T.,” an acronym for “best of all time,” shows Cabello pining over her past relationship and their once beautiful connection, regardless of the many flaws she and her lover had. Interestingly, the track samples “Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull, a rather upbeat track that juxtaposes the rather somber lyrics and emotion in Cabello’s voice.

Overall, “C,XOXO” is a career highlight for Cabello. The album dips into numerous genres and brings them all together in one record, a feat many artists cannot achieve. Album track gems like “DADE COUNTY DREAMING,” “Chanel No. 5,” “B.O.A.T.” and “June Gloom” are outstanding songs that reflect Cabello’s ability as a songwriter and singer. The risks she took on the album definitely blossomed into rewards.

Grade: 4.5/5