Charli XCX has had a phenomenal year, and she’s ready to round it out with her new album, Sucker. But first, a new single that shows us what we’re in for.

After a hit song with Iggy Azalea, numerous covers, and last year’s successful album, True Romance, British artist Charli XCX is ready to release Sucker on October 21. “Break The Rules” is the first single off the upcoming album.

With in-your-face lyrics, classically pop style and a catchy beat, “Break The Rules” is what you’d expect from a song with that title. The rhymes are simple, the lyrics are a teenage rebellion- talking about “getting high and getting wrecked,” and “I don’t wanna go to school, I just wanna break the rules.” It’s upbeat, it’s snarky, and it fits nicely into Charli XCX’s portfolio and persona.

While it’s definitely similar to the pop hits we’ve seen this summer, there are punk rock influences that are clear from the beginning guitar riffs. Charli herself described the song as the product of translating the other side of a punk phase into something more pop. And that means? “Obviously, it’s about not giving a fuck.”

In the face of all the sugary pop out there, Charli holds stubbornly true to moody pop that’s influenced by everyone from the Spice Girls to Quentin Tarantino. She’s a “neon goth,” a creative firecracker who’s someone to watch.

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat