Sonically, CollXtion II is a masterclass in contrasts. It marries bright, glittering 1980s synth-pop instrumentation with deeply melancholic, sometimes sinister lyrical themes. Allie X collaborated with an elite roster of producers and writers, including Billboard, Jordan Palmer, and her frequent creative partner, Leland.
: The cover art features Allie in a dunce cap, representing shame and embarrassment, while the blocks she holds symbolise the juvenile, stuck feeling of trying to piece one's self together. Track-by-Track Breakdown
For Allie X, CollXtion II was more than just a debut; it was a definitive artistic statement. It proved she could translate the infectious energy of her early demos into a cohesive, full-length body of work. Looking back in 2024, fans and critics alike continue to appreciate the album for its tight production and emotional honesty. It stands as the essential bridge between her early indie-pop days and the darker alt-pop explorations of later albums like Cape God and Girl With No Face . Whether you are a long-time fan or a new listener discovering her music, CollXtion II is the essential cornerstone of the Allie X discography.
Culturally, CollXtion II sits at an intersection: it appeals to listeners who prize pop hooks and those who seek conceptual ambition. In an era of hyper-curated online identities, Allie X offers a mirror—one that is stylized and slightly distorted but nonetheless reflective. The EP asks what authenticity means when every gesture can be edited, filtered, and monetized. Rather than providing answers, it stages these questions as pop performances, prompting reflection through melodic allure.
The release of CollXtion II in 2017 marked a pivotal moment in the landscape of independent pop . While its predecessor, CollXtion I , introduced us to the enigmatic, avant-garde persona of Alexandra Hughes, CollXtion II was the project that solidified her status as a master of "concept pop"—a world where polished 80s-inspired synths meet a deeply introspective, often dark, narrative. allie x collxtion ii
"Vintage" serves as a tribute to timeless romance, bringing a slightly lighter, albeit still melancholic, tone to the album. It highlights her ability to craft retro-tinged pop with modern production.
Recommendation: If you enjoy artists like Grimes, Tove Lo, or Charli XCX, you'll likely appreciate Allie X's unique sound and style. Give "CollXtion II" a listen and experience the captivating world of Allie X.
CollXtion II remains a towering achievement in Allie X’s discography. It is an album that rewards repeat listens; a catchy hook on the first spin reveals a devastating lyrical truth on the fifth. By letting her fans into her "unsolved" creative process and baring her fragmented soul, Allie X created an enduring avant-pop monument. It stands as a comforting reminder to anyone listening that it is entirely okay to be broken—as long as you keep collecting the pieces to build yourself anew.
CollXtion II ends not with a bang but a sustained, decaying note. The protagonist has not escaped her cycles; she has only learned to name them. The album’s greatest achievement is its refusal of catharsis. There is no triumphant final key change, no reconciliation, no lesson learned. There is only the ongoing performance of being a person. Sonically, CollXtion II is a masterclass in contrasts
Here’s a critical review of Allie X’s CollXtion II (2017), the follow-up to her CollXtion I EP.
: A sleek, nocturnal driving track. It captures the isolation of wandering city streets at night while trying to run away from your own thoughts.
: A dark, industrial-tinged track where Allie personifies her shadow self—her anxieties, anger, and destructive impulses—as a feral dog that she keeps on a leash but occasionally unleashes.
, released on June 9, 2017. Serving as the successor to her debut EP CollXtion I , the record is a polished blend of : The cover art features Allie in a
Providing a rare moment of warmth on the album, "That's So Us" is a quirky, lo-fi pop ode to unconventional love. It celebrates a relationship built on shared eccentricities, flaws, and dark humor. It proves that even within the fractured X universe, genuine human connection is possible. 9. "Downtown"
, this album prioritised a punchier, stripped-back sound with more live elements like guitar. Collaborative Process : While produced primarily by Jordan Palmer
: The album's standout single. It pairs a cheerful, infectious whistling hook with lyrics about a toxic, fragile romance that cuts like paper.
Of the songs released during this period, only "Casanova," "That's So Us," and "Old Habits Die Hard" were remastered and ultimately included on the final release of CollXtion II . This collaborative approach not only built immense hype around the album but also cemented her reputation as an artist deeply connected with her fans.