C,XOXO explained

C,XOXO
Type:	studio
Artist:	Camila Cabello
Cover:	Camila Cabello - C,XOXO.png
Alt:	A young woman with long bleached hair and make-up looks at the camera with her mouth open and tongue blue from licking a lollipop.
Border:	yes
Caption:	Standard version cover
Recorded:	2023–2024
Genre:	Pop
Length:	32:23
Label:	Geffen Interscope
Producer:	Boi-1da Daniel Aged FnZ El Guincho Jasper Harris Kid Masterpiece Aaron Shadrow Yogi
Prev Title:	Familia
Prev Year:	2022

C,XOXO is the fourth studio album by American singer Camila Cabello. It was released on June 28, 2024, through Geffen and Interscope Records. It is her first album following her departure from Epic Records.

The album was preceded by the release of the singles "I Luv It" with Playboi Carti, which peaked at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100^[1] and "He Knows" with Lil Nas X, as well as the promotional single "Chanel No. 5". Following the album's release, "Hot Uptown" featuring Drake was released as the third single, and "Godspeed" was released as the fourth single on September 6, 2024, alongside the Magic City Edition, which features 4 additional tracks. Guest vocalists include Playboi Carti, Lil Nas X, JT and Yung Miami of City Girls, BLP Kosher, Drake, and uncredited vocals from PinkPantheress, with the deluxe including a collaboration with Eem Triplin. The album was met with mixed-to-positive reviews by the music critics.

Background

In September 2022, following the release of Cabello's third album, Familia in April of the same year, it was announced she had departed from Epic Records and signed to Universal Music Group's label, Interscope Records.^[2]

Cabello appeared in an interview by Alexandra Cooper of Call Her Daddy, where she revealed her album is "really sitting in the discomfort of things and realizing there's not gonna be a neat, in-a-box answer. I feel strong in these ways, weak in these ways, and there's no real clear answer here. But the album process has been such a journey. It started out with me having that intention of going back to how it started for me, which was just sitting with myself and really getting back to that first passion of songwriting. Nerding out over references and artists and poetry—whatever—and really tapping into that."^[3]

In an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, Cabello described the album's sonic departure from her previous works, crediting Pablo "el Guincho" Díaz-Reixa and Jasper Harris with assisting her in the departure. She revealed: "I do feel like I'm a weirdo, and that's the music that I love, and that's the music that I feel the most proud of making. I think a lot of times it comes to finding people that are weirdos too, and Jasper's a weirdo, Guincho's a weirdo, and I think the three of us were able to just keep it in this bubble of like, we don't give a fuck, and we're just going to do what we think is fire."^[4]

Music and lyrics

C,XOXO is a pop record with elements of hyperpop, hip-hop, avant-pop, and alt-pop.^{[5] [6]} The album opens with the lead single "I Luv It", with rapper Playboi Carti. This track combines a hip-hop beat with hyperpop elements.^[7] "Chanel No. 5", the album's promotional single, features R&B-inspired vocals and minimalist production.^[6] "He Knows", with Lil Nas X, combines hip-hop with dance influences.^[5] "Hot Uptown", featuring Drake, has been described as having a danceable beat and infectious melody.^[8]

The album explores themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment, reflecting Cabello's personal experiences.^[9] According to Sirius XM, Cabello described the album as having "Miami baddie energy" and noted that it contains "things that you haven't heard from [her] before" and moments that are sonically and lyrically unique.^[7]

Release and promotion

"I Luv It", with Playboi Carti, was released as the album's lead single on March 27, 2024.^[10] The song debuted and peaked at number 81 on the US Billboard Hot 100.^[11] "He Knows", with Lil Nas X, was released as the album's second single on May 10,^[12] while "Chanel No. 5" was released as the album's first promotional single on June 21.^[13] "Hot Uptown", featuring Canadian rapper Drake, impacted US contemporary hit radio as the album's third single on June 28, 2024.^[14]

On August 29, 2024, Cabello announced a Magic City deluxe edition of the album, releasing on September 6, 2024, alongside the first single "Godspeed" and its music video also being released on the same day.

Live performances

On April 19, 2024, Cabello appeared as a surprise performer during Lana Del Rey's set at Coachella; she performed "I Luv It" with the singer.^[15] She then appeared as a speaker at the guest panel of American Express and F1 Academy's event, "A Celebration of Women with Drive", on May 1—where she performed an acoustic version of "I Luv It" and the then-unreleased album track "Twentysomethings".^{[16] [17]} Cabello performed "I Luv It" again on the June 12, 2024 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.^[18]

To promote C,XOXO, Cabello performed at multiple festivals; she revealed that the vision for her performances was "[this] magical world that [Cabello] and the XOXO girls and guys can all live in for a while". She debuted music from the album at the Rock in Rio Lisboa and Mawazine festivals on June 23 and 25, in Lisbon and Rabat.^{[19] [20]} Following the album's release, she performed at Tinderbox in Odense,^[21] on the Other Stage at Glastonbury,^[22] at Hera HSBC in Mexico City,^[23] and the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, between June and September 2024.^[24] Cabello's festival performances' production consisted of "dancers [in] Cyberdog-esque outfits",^[25] "robotic camera dog[s]",^[26] "BMX riders [on] skate ramps",^[20] "[melting] ice [pops]", and "a stage filled with popular playground games".^[27] DIY described her Rock in Rio Lisboa set as "a high-budget production" wherein Cabello "[was] determined to commit to the bit, and [did] so with aplomb",^[26] while NME stated that "there [was] occasionally method in the madness" of her Glastonbury set.^[25] Morocco World News praised Cabello's "communion with her audience".^[28]

The Rock in Rio Lisboa concert was recorded and subsequently released on September 5, 2024, as an Apple Music Live exclusive with both a film of the concert and a live album, on Apple Music and Apple TV+.^{[27] [29] [30]} On September 11, Cabello performed "Godspeed", the lead single of the album's Magic City Edition, at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards; a recording of her singing the opening of album track "June Gloom" was used as a precursor.^[31] By the end of September, she performed stripped renditions of "Godspeed", "June Gloom" and Addison Rae's "Diet Pepsi" on the Live Lounge.^[32] A series of official Vevo live performances of several songs from the album, filmed "indoors for a 90s, bubble-gum pink vibe", was released throughout October.^[33] Cabello will perform on December 21 at the Miami show of iHeartRadio's 2024 Jingle Ball Tour.^[34]

Critical reception

According to the review aggregator Metacritic, C,XOXO received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 64 out of 100 from 11 critic scores, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Commentary on the album largely focused on Cabello's shift in sound. Writing for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis opined that the album's direction compared to Cabello's earlier discography was "pretty radical to the point of being occasionally baffling". He concluded that Cabello "often sounds slightly uncomfortable" and that she "feels like a guest on her own album" due to the prominence of its featured artists.

In Rolling Stone, Maura Johnston noted that Cabello embraces a "weirdo" persona, describing the album as an experimental departure from her previous work. NME reviewer Nick Levine highlighted the album's "party girl rebrand" and described its songs as "scrappy, intriguing earworms".

Harry Tafoya of Pitchfork gave the album a 6.9 out of 10, noting its mix of genres and its sonic variety.^[35] Slant Magazine reviewer Paul Attard criticized the album for "mistaking mimicry for mastery", giving it 2 out of 5 stars.

James Mellen from Clash rated the album 7 out of 10, appreciating its boldness and the departure from Cabello's earlier pop sound. Sputnikmusic gave it 4 out of 5, praising its innovation and execution.^[36]

Commercial performance

In the United States, C,XOXO debuted at number thirteen on the US Billboard 200 earning 36,500 album-equivalent units, becoming her first album to miss the Top 10.^[37] It reached the top-ten in Portugal and Spain.

Track listing

Notes

• signifies a vocal producer
• "I Luv It" contains a sample of "Lemonade" (2009), written by Radric Davis and Shondrae Crawford, as performed by Gucci Mane; which itself contains samples and interpolations from "Keep It Warm" (1976), written by Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan, as performed by Flo & Eddie.
• "Pink XOXO" contains uncredited vocals from PinkPantheress.
• "Pink XOXO" and "He Knows" contain a sample of "Give It Up 2 Me" (2020), written by Ojerime Smith, as performed by Ojerime.
• On physical releases, "Dade County Dreaming" is listed as featuring City Girls, due to being manufactured before the duo disbanded.
• "Dream-Girls" contains a sample of "Shawty Is da Shit" (2007), written by Terius Gesteelde-Diamant and Carlos McKinney, as performed by The-Dream featuring Fabolous.
• "B.O.A.T." contains a sample of "Hotel Room Service" (2009), written by Armando Pérez and James Scheffer, as performed by Pitbull—which itself contains an interpolation of "Rapper's Delight" (1979), written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, as performed by the Sugarhill Gang; an interpolation of "One and One" (1987), written by Luther Campbell, David Hobbs, Mark Ross and Christopher Wong Won, as performed by 2 Live Crew; and a sample of "Push the Feeling On" (1992), written by Ross Campbell, John Reid, Hugh Brankin, Graham Wilson and Mark Kinchen, performed by Nightcrawlers.
• "Can Friends Kiss?" contains a sample of "Alone" (2022), written by Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, Austin Iwar, Ludwig Göransson and Peace Oredope, as performed by Burna Boy.

Personnel

Musicians

• Camila Cabello – vocals (tracks 1–6, 8–10, 12–18)
• Pablo Díaz-Reixa – programming (tracks 1–4, 6–8, 10, 12–15, 17), sampler (1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14), bass (1, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15-16), drum programming (1), drums (2, 4–6, 8, 10, 12, 14-18), synthesizer (3, 5, 8, 13, 15-16), sequencer (13), 5-string banjo (14), guitar (16)
• Jasper Harris – synthesizer (tracks 1, 3–6, 8, 10, 12–18), bass (1, 4, 14, 16-17), programming (1), piano (2, 5, 10)
• Playboi Carti – vocals (track 1)
• PinkPantheress – vocals (track 3)
• Daniel McKay – synthesizer (track 4), guitar (12, 15), bass (15)
• Lil Nas X – vocals (track 4)
• Aaron Shadow – guitar (tracks 5, 13), percussion (13)
• Owen Pallett – strings (tracks 6, 11)
• JT – vocals (track 6)
• Yung Miami – vocals (track 6)
• BLP Kosher – vocals (track 7)
• Drake – vocals (tracks 8, 9)
• Hidde Ament – vocals, keyboards (track 10)
• Eem Triplin - vocals (track 15)
• Mark Williams - synthesizer (track 18)
• Raul Cubina - synthesizer (track 18)

Technical

• Dale Becker – mastering
• Jon Castelli – mixing
• Marcus Fritz – mixing, engineering (track 1)
• Salvador "Better Call Sal" Majail – engineering (tracks 1–8, 12, 14-16)
• Bart Schoudel – engineering (tracks 1–6, 10, 12–18)
• Drew Sliger – engineering (track 4)
• Noel Cadastre – engineering (track 8)
• Pablo Díaz-Reixa – engineering (track 11)
• Brad Lauchert – mix engineering (tracks 1, 2, 4–6, 8), mixing assistance (3, 7), engineering assistance (1)
• Katie Harvey – mastering assistance (tracks 2–4, 8, 15-18)
• Noah McCorkle – mastering assistance (tracks 2–4, 8, 15-18)
• Pedro Kayat – engineering assistance (tracks 2, 12–15)
• Antonio "DJ Fuse" Olivera – engineering assistance (track 2, 18)
• Muhammad Akbar - engineering assistance (track 15)
• Andrew "Robby" Anderson - engineering assistance (track 15)

Charts

Chart (2024)! scope="col"

Peak position
Japanese Digital Albums (Oricon)^[38]	43
Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan)^[39]	84

Notes and References

1. Horowitz . Steven J. . Camila Cabello Announces Release Date for New Album C, XOXO . . . May 6, 2024 . https://archive.today/20240508155919/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/camila-cabello-c-xoxo-release-date-1235993107/ . May 8, 2024 . United States . 0042-2738 . 60626328 . May 6, 2024 . live.
2. Garcia . Thania . Camila Cabello Signs with Interscope Records (EXCLUSIVE) . . . May 8, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220921214953/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/camila-cabello-record-deal-interscope-epic-1235379455/ . September 21, 2022 . United States . 0042-2738 . 60626328 . September 21, 2022 . live.
3. Paul . Larisha . Camila Cabello Details New Album C, XOXO . . . May 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240506170110/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/camila-cabello-announces-album-cxoxo-1235015783/ . May 6, 2024 . United States . 0035-791X . 969027590 . May 6, 2024 . live.
4. Irvin . Jack . Camila Cabello Unveils Title, Cover Artwork and Release Date for Upcoming Fourth Album C, XOXO . . . May 6, 2024 . https://archive.today/20240508155144/https://people.com/camila-cabello-cxoxo-fourth-album-cover-release-date-8644095 . May 8, 2024 . United States . 0093-7673 . 794712888 . en . May 6, 2024 . live.
5. Web site: Staff . Camila Cabello: C,XOXO Album Review . AllMusic . June 28, 2024.
6. Web site: Murray . Robin . Camila Cabello Announces New Album 'C, XOXO' . Clash . May 7, 2024 . June 28, 2024.
7. Web site: Kolgraf . Jackie . Camila Cabello Describes 'C,XOXO' as Miami Baddie Energy . SiriusXM . May 13, 2024 . June 28, 2024.
8. Web site: Thomas . Sarah . Camila Cabello and Drake Heat Up the Charts with 'Hot Uptown' . Variety . June 28, 2024.
9. Web site: Singh Sisodia . Upendra . Camila Cabello Discloses Details of Upcoming New Album 'C, XOXO' . Siachen Studios . May 6, 2024 . June 28, 2024.
10. Mier . Tomás . 2024-03-27 . Camila Cabello Drops Long-Teased Single 'I Luv It' Featuring Playboi Carti . 2024-06-27 . . en-US.
11. Camila Cabello Chart History (Hot 100) . 2024-06-27 . . en-US.
12. Aniftos . Rania . 2024-05-10 . Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X Team Up for High-Energy Collaboration 'He Knows': Stream It Now . 2024-06-27 . . en-US.
13. Mier . Tomás . 2024-06-21 . Camila Cabello Shares 'Sensual' Taste of 'C, XOXO' With 'Chanel No. 5' . 2024-06-27 . . en-US.
14. June 28, 2024 . Hot New Releases . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240628181325/https://hitsdailydouble.com/pop_mart&id=341754&title=HOT-NEW-RELEASES . June 28, 2024 . June 28, 2024 . Hits Daily Double.
15. Garcia . Thania . April 20, 2024 . Camila Cabello and Lana Del Rey Sing 'I Luv It' During Coachella Weekend 2 . June 18, 2024 . Variety.
16. News: Costa . Rachel . May 3, 2024 . Caja Caliente Reveals Miami Grand Prix Car for F1 Academy Alongside Camila Cabello . June 18, 2024 . Miami New Times.
17. Web site: Vasquez . Tamara . May 7, 2024 . American Express Hosted "A Celebration of Women with Drive" with F1 ACADEMY in Miami . June 18, 2024 . The Knockturnal.
18. Zemler . Emily . June 13, 2024 . Watch Camila Cabello Enlist Robot Dogs for 'I Luv It' Performance on 'Fallon' . June 18, 2024 . Rolling Stone.
19. Paul . Larisha . June 24, 2024 . Camila Cabello Previews New Album 'C, XOXO' With Live Song Debuts at Rock in Rio . subscription . September 6, 2024 . Rolling Stone.
20. News: Davidson . Clara . June 29, 2024 . Mawazine: A Musical Moroccan Experience . September 6, 2024 . Morocco World News.
21. Web site: Iahn . Buddy . June 21, 2024 . Camila Cabello shares 'Chanel No 5' . September 6, 2024 . The Music Universe.
22. Firth . Abigail . June 29, 2024 . Camila Cabello is at Glastonbury 2024 to have fun . September 6, 2024 . Dork.
23. News: Barba . Mariana Martínez . August 26, 2024 . At Mexico's Hera music festival, women were both at the forefront and behind the scenes . September 6, 2024 . Associated Press.
24. Atkinson . Katie . September 23, 2024 . Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block & More Photos From 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival . October 5, 2024 . Billboard.
25. Web site: Williams . Sophie . June 29, 2024 . Camila Cabello live at Glastonbury 2024: head-spinning chaos delivered with conviction . September 6, 2024 . NME.
26. Rigotti . Alex . June 26, 2024 . A brand new venue, stunning views and zipwire antics make for a jubilant 20th anniversary of Rock in Rio Lisboa . September 6, 2024 . DIY.
27. Vasquez . Ingrid . September 4, 2024 . Watch Camila Cabello Electrify the Stage with 'I Luv It' Performance for Apple Music Live (Exclusive) . September 6, 2024 . People.
28. News: Faouzi . Adil . July 7, 2024 . Mawazine 2024: A Record-Breaking Attendance of 2.5 Million, Resounding Success . September 6, 2024 . Morocoo World News.
29. Web site: Cabello . Camila . September 5, 2024 . Apple Music Live: Camila Cabello . September 6, 2024 . Apple Music (US) . Pop star Camila Cabello brings her new album to life live from the Rock in Rio stage in Lisbon. Hear songs from C, XOXO along with hits from her entire catalog, all performed in front of a live audience and in Spatial Audio..
30. Web site: 2024-09-05 . Ver Apple Music Live: Camila Cabello - Apple TV+ (PT) . 2024-09-05 . Apple TV . pt-PT.
31. Saponara . Michael . September 11, 2024 . Camila Cabello Bids Farewell to Her Ex With Liberating 'Godspeed' Performance at 2024 VMAs . September 15, 2024 . Billboard.
32. Mier . Tomás . September 30, 2024 . Camila Cabello Covers Addison Rae's 'Diet Pepsi': I 'Wish This Was on My Album' . subscription . October 4, 2024 . Rolling Stone.
33. Kelly . Tyler Damara . October 10, 2024 . Camila Cabello presents Vevo live performance of "Godspeed" . October 11, 2024 . The Line of Best Fit.
34. Horowitz . Steven J. . September 27, 2024 . Katy Perry, Tate McRae, Jack Harlow Lead iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024 Tour Lineups . October 11, 2024 . Variety.
35. Web site: Tafoya. Harry. June 28, 2024. Camila Cabello: C,XOXO Album Review. Pitchfork. June 28, 2024.
36. Web site: Sowing . 2024-06-29 . Review: Camila Cabello - C, XOXO . 2024-06-29 . . en-US.
37. Web site: McIntyre . Hugh . Camila Cabello Reaches A Disappointing New Low . 2024-07-22 . Forbes . en.
38. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Digital Albums: July 8, 2024. Oricon. ja. July 3, 2024.
39. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot Albums – Week of July 3, 2024. Billboard Japan. ja. July 3, 2024.