Allie X Collxtion Ii ((better)) -
The album opens and closes with bookends of vulnerability and pain, with explosive pop moments sandwiched in between.
By baring her soul through a polished pop lens, Allie X proved that pop music does not need to be shallow to be catchy, nor does it need to be underground to be profoundly artistic. CollXtion II stands as a timeless, brilliant puzzle—an invitation for listeners to look into their own shadows, dance through their anxieties, and piece together their own missing parts.
The album's lead single, "Beau", is a prime example of this approach. The song's lyrics explore the fragility of relationships and the masks we wear to conceal our true selves. With its pulsing beat and haunting vocal delivery, "Beau" sets the tone for an album that is both sonically adventurous and emotionally intense. allie x collxtion ii
The album functions as a sonic scrapbook of a fractured identity. Each track explores a different piece of a shattered self trying to put itself back together.
Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine noted that while the album lacks an anthemic standout like her earlier single "Sanctuary," "the hooks come fast and furious". NOW Magazine hailed the project as "as clean and tight a pop record as they come". Over time, the album has been celebrated for its vulnerability and consistent quality, with one 2025 fan review asserting that "nothing better than a good pop record from an artist that knows her target audience and feels authentic to it". The album opens and closes with bookends of
: A sparkling, upbeat anthem that looks back at a past relationship through a heavily romanticized, retro lens. It captures the universal human tendency to edit out the bad memories in favor of a stylized, nostalgic narrative.
Throughout the album, Allie X explores the tensions between vulnerability and empowerment, often using her lyrics to confront and subvert societal expectations. Tracks like "Bones" and "Prime" showcase her ability to craft infectious, dance-oriented pop songs with a darker edge, while "Old Habits" and "Penumbra" demonstrate her skill at crafting atmospheric, introspective ballads. The album's lead single, "Beau", is a prime
This aesthetic extended into the music videos. The Paper Love video saw her being suffocated by paper copies of herself. The Vintage video is a nightmare-pop spectacle featuring mannequins and rot. Allie X successfully bridged the gap between Heathers (1988) and Black Mirror —nostalgic but terrifying.
: A sleek, nocturnal driving track. It captures the isolation of wandering city streets at night while trying to run away from your own thoughts.