Speed Drive

Album: Barbie: The Album (2023)
Charted: 9 73
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Songfacts®:

  • "Speed Drive" is an electro-pop anthem that captures the exhilaration of cruising through the city in a flashy car with your best friends. Charli XCX recorded the high-energy track specifically for the Barbie movie soundtrack. She wanted it to exude a rebellious, bratty attitude while embodying the essence of being effortlessly attractive.
  • The synth line that kicks off "Speed Drive" interpolates the riff from Robyn's "Cobrastyle," a track from the Swedish pop star's self-titled 2005 album.
  • Charli XCX has a picture-perfect companion, someone straight out of a Pinterest board, dressed in the most adorable attire.

    She's my best friend in the whole world
    On the mood board, she's the inspo
    And she's dressed in really cute clothes


    This friend possesses a radiant smile reminiscent of Devon Lee Carlson, a model, influencer, and designer of trendy phone cases.

    Devon Lee smile, teeth a white row
  • On the kinetic hook, Charli XCX pays homage to Toni Basil's 1981 hit single, "Mickey." She playfully sings, "Oh, Barbie, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind." Then, she invites listeners to join her in the driver's seat, accelerating into a thrilling speed drive. The chorus unfolds at such a rapid pace it virtually gives us whiplash.
  • Charli's exhilarating joyride draws some envious glances in the second verse, but she remains unbothered. With the top down and tires ablaze, she is living life to the fullest.
  • Producer Easyfun hits the gas hard on this frantic electro-pop song. Other tracks Easyfun has produced for Charli XCX include "Femmebot," "Official" and "Backseat."
  • "Speed Drive" adds to Charli XCX's growing collection of songs about driving, which also includes "Vroom Vroom," "White Mercedes" and "Crash."

    "I've always really liked singing about cars," Charli explained in an interview with Rolling Stone. "For me, there is this intrinsic link between driving and music and feeling like you're a star when you're in a car."
  • Mark Ronson, who oversaw the Barbie soundtrack album, said Charli was the first artist he thought of when he was tasked with curating the LP.
  • The music video for "Speed Drive" is relatively simple, with Charli XCX and social media personality Devon Lee Carlson appearing alongside each other in a pink convertible.

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