A slow-burn track about following a lover home—not out of love, but out of obsession. The protagonist admits: “I’m not in love, I’m just in your neighborhood.” The production is atmospheric: distant sirens, a creeping bassline, vocals drenched in echo. “Downtown” repositions the album from romance into psychological thriller. The line “I know your schedule, I know your friends’ names” is delivered with the same breathy intimacy as “Paper Love,” blurring the line between devotion and stalking. It’s a commentary on how modern surveillance (social media, location sharing) normalizes obsessive behavior.
In the pantheon of modern synth-pop, few artists have navigated the murky waters between commercial accessibility and avant-garde weirdness quite like Allie X. Before she became a cult icon for the disenfranchised and a critical darling for her theatrical live shows, Allie X (real name Alexandra Hughes) delivered a one-two punch that defined her early career: the CollXtion project.
While CollXtion I (2015) introduced us to her glossy, heartbreaking sound, it was Allie X CollXtion II—released on June 9, 2017—that cemented her reputation as a master of melancholic hooks. This isn't just an album; it’s a concept piece about Los Angeles disillusionment, toxic relationships, and the terrifying vulnerability of fame.
In this article, we will break down the history, the sonic landscape, the lyrical themes, and the lasting legacy of CollXtion II.
Released on June 9, 2017, CollXtion II is the debut studio album by Canadian artist
. Described by Allie herself as a study of "longing and being lost," the record navigates the fragmented reclamation of identity through the lens of pain, trauma, and self-destructive habits. Thematic Core: The Fragmented Self
The album serves as a multimedia experience, originally planned as the second of five "CollXtions" that included "X Visuals" (GIFs) and an abstract autobiographical comic. Identity Reclamation
: Allie views each song as a "piece" of herself—some memories, some dreams, and some interpretations of reality. The "X" Variable
: The "X" in her name represents a tool to fill empty spaces and reclaim identity, providing "permission to be anything". Visual Symbolism
: 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
Critics and fans alike view the album as a rollercoaster of "supercharged bubblegum pop" mixed with dark, minimal synths. we plug good music "Paper Love"
: A metaphor for a fragile, toxic relationship that "rips you apart like paper". It marks her first use of a "pop drop," built around a guitar riff and whistle tone. : Co-written with Troye Sivan
, this track uses nostalgia to mask a darker history of submission and feeling "buried alive". "Need You" (feat. Valley Girl)
: A sonically minimal power ballad exploring denial and the inability to let go of a past relationship. "Casanova"
: Features vocally experimental "sing-talking" and describes an irresistible attraction to a player, where pleasure barely outweighs the pain.
: An anthem for escapism and substance use as a psychological crutch to "not touch the floor". "Simon Says"
: One of the most complex tracks, doubling as a story about a controlling lover or an imaginary friend/voice in the head that only the narrator can see. "Old Habits Die Hard"
: An exploration of addiction to abusive patterns that are "in my muscle memory and in my bones". "That's So Us"
: A rare moment of lightness celebrating the "weird" quirks shared in a long-term friendship or relationship. "Downtown"
: A raw look at wanting to be used to feel a "certain kind of high," accepting domination as a substitute for real love. "True Love Is Violent" allie x collxtion ii
: A piano-driven closer that uses water motifs (storms, capsizing) to illustrate the turbulent cycle of abusive love. Production and Style Minimalism : Unlike the "river of sounds" in her earlier work like CollXtion I
, this album prioritised a punchier, stripped-back sound with more live elements like guitar. Collaborative Process : While produced primarily by Jordan Palmer
, Allie wrote many of the core tracks alone in Canada to avoid the "LA machine" style of songwriting. Fan Involvement : The project was preceded by CollXtion II: Ʉnsolved
, where Allie released demos and voice memos to let fans help shortlist the final tracklist. in her "X Visuals" GIFs or see the tracklist differences between the era and the final release?
Allie X’s CollXtion II is more than an album. It is a bold, high-concept masterpiece that defined the indie-pop landscape of the late 2010s. Following the enigmatic success of her debut EP, CollXtion I, this 2017 full-length release solidified Allie X as a visionary architect of "avant-garde pop." The Evolution of the X Persona
In the world of Allie X, the "X" represents the unknown variable. CollXtion II serves as a sonic journey through self-discovery and the fragmentation of identity. While her first EP was clinical and cold, this record feels intimate and vulnerable, peeling back the layers of her polished synth-pop exterior. Key Tracks and Sonic Themes
The album is a masterclass in blending catchy hooks with dark, introspective lyricism.
Paper Love: The breakout hit. It uses a whistling hook and a driving beat to describe an addictive, flimsy romance that’s bound to shred.
Casanova: A high-energy anthem about toxic attraction. It perfectly showcases Allie’s ability to turn self-destruction into a dance-floor filler.
Old Habits Die Hard: A shimmering, retro-inspired track that explores the difficulty of moving past one's darker impulses.
That’s So Us: A quirky, relatable love song for the "misfits," highlighting Allie's sharper, more playful songwriting style. Production and Aesthetic
CollXtion II thrived on its cohesive visual and auditory world. Allie X collaborated with top-tier producers like Billboard and Jordan Palmer to create a sound that felt both futuristic and nostalgic.
Analog Meets Digital: The record heavily features 80s-style synthesizers paired with crisp, modern percussion.
Visual Narrative: The album artwork and music videos leaned into a "suburban surrealist" aesthetic—think oversized glasses, stiff silhouettes, and a sense of structured chaos.
The Unsolved Project: The album was preceded by CollXtion II: Unsolved, a unique digital experiment where Allie shared demos and invited fans to vote on which songs should make the final cut. Why CollXtion II Still Matters
Years after its release, CollXtion II remains a blueprint for independent artists. It proved that you could make "weird" pop music that still felt accessible and polished. Allie X didn't just release a collection of songs; she built a cult-favorite universe that challenged the boundaries of what a pop star could be.
💡 Key Takeaway: CollXtion II is the definitive entry point for anyone looking to understand the intersection of experimental art and mainstream pop appeal.
If you’re working on a project about Allie X, I can help you: Analyze the lyrics of a specific track Compare this album to CollXtion I or Cape God Find interviews where she explains the "Unsolved" process
CollXtion II is the debut studio album by Canadian pop artist Allie X, released on June 9, 2017. It serves as a continuation of her "X" identity concept, moving from the more "indie-tronic" sound of her debut EP to a richer, more polished synth-pop and dark-pop landscape. The "Unsolved" Era A slow-burn track about following a lover home—not
Unique to this album was the CollXtion II: ɄNSOLVED era, a collaborative period in 2016 where Allie X released various demos and teasers to allow fans to help decide the final tracklist. Many tracks like "Alexandra" and "Misbelieving" were popular but ultimately didn't make the final cut due to production preferences. Official Tracklist
The final album consists of 10 tracks, focusing on themes of toxic love, addiction, and self-destruction.
Paper Love: The opener, exploring a "fragile and violent" relationship. Vintage: A nostalgic, upbeat synth-pop track.
Need You (feat. Valley Girl): A slower, more somber collaboration.
Casanova: A house-inspired dark-pop anthem. A remix featuring VÉRITÉ was released later that year.
Lifted: Describes the "vice" or addiction Allie X explores throughout the record.
Simon Says: Noted for its unique intro and "weird-ass" soundscapes.
Old Habits Die Hard: A reworked version of a fan favorite from the Unsolved era.
That's So Us: A love-themed track that originally appeared in the Unsolved playlist.
Downtown: Explores toxic relationships and finding comfort in bad decisions.
True Love Is Violent: A vulnerable piano ballad closer discussing the difficulties of emotional availability. Key Themes & Reception
Sonic Identity: Critics and fans often compare the album's atmosphere to Carly Rae Jepsen’s Emotion for its "underrated pop gem" status.
Lyrical Depth: The album delves into Allie's "shadow self," using catchy melodies to mask darker lyrics about addiction and "correcting her brain".
Visuals: Allie X maintained a mysterious, "R-rated" pop aesthetic, often using surrealistic masks and moth-themed imagery in her promotional materials.
For those looking to own the music, limited vinyl reissues often bundle CollXtion I and CollXtion II together. Meet Allie X, Transformation Queen & Pop Icon - Subvrt Mag
Allie X's "CollXtion II" is a captivating and eclectic collection of songs that showcases the artist's unique blend of dark pop, electronic, and experimental sounds. The album is a follow-up to her 2017 debut "CollXtion I" and features 10 tracks that are both visually and sonically stunning.
The album kicks off with "Prime", a haunting and atmospheric track that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Allie X's vocals are distinctive and emotive, conveying a sense of vulnerability and intensity.
One of the standout tracks is "Catch", a catchy and upbeat song with a memorable chorus and a dash of '80s-inspired synths. The song's music video, featuring Allie X as a futuristic pop star, is equally impressive.
Other highlights include "Sanctuary", a moody and introspective ballad that showcases Allie X's vocal range, and "Old Habits Die Hard", a dark and pulsing track with a driving beat. Rating: 4
Throughout the album, Allie X explores themes of technology, identity, and human connection, often with a sense of irony and wit. Her lyrics are clever and insightful, and her vocal delivery is always compelling.
Overall, "CollXtion II" is a fascinating and engaging album that showcases Allie X's innovative approach to pop music. If you're a fan of experimental pop, electronic music, or just great songwriting, this album is definitely worth checking out.
Some notable tracks from the album include:
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
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.
The year was 2017, and the pop landscape was a glittering, chaotic mess of bangers and ballads. But in a small, dimly lit studio in Los Angeles, Allie X was building a labyrinth.
She called it CollXtion II.
It wasn’t just an album; it was a forensic investigation. While her debut, CollXtion I, had been the bright, synthetic awakening of her persona, the sequel was darker, weirder, and unapologetically human. The story of this record isn't just about the release; it’s about a woman trapped in a glass house of her own making, trying to break out without cutting herself on the shards.
By 2017, Allie X had already established her aesthetic lexicon: bleached-blonde coifs, severe tailoring, surgical masks, and a stage persona that oscillated between ice queen and panic attack. Her debut EP, CollXtion I (2015), introduced her “dark-pop” template—gothic synthscapes, breathy verses, explosive choruses—but remained somewhat episodic. CollXtion II expands that world into a full-length narrative, one where the central tension is not love vs. hate, but control vs. collapse.
The album’s title itself is significant. The archaic spelling “CollXtion” (with a Roman numeral X) suggests a curated museum display—specimens pinned under glass. Allie X acts as both curator and specimen, examining her own emotional states with clinical detachment. This meta-awareness runs throughout the album: she is singing about breakdowns while meticulously constructing the perfect pop song.
A collaboration with the late SOPHIE (her only co-production credit on a non-PC Music release), “Vintage” is about performing desirability. The lyric “I’m vintage, baby / You can’t afford me” is both a flex and a lament. The track’s metallic percussion and warped bass suggest a luxury object that is also a trap. The protagonist knows she is being fetishized for her “old soul” aesthetics, but she leans into the role because it grants temporary power. The bridge (“You want a woman who’s a lady / And a lover who’s a freak”) exposes the impossible dual demand placed on women’s sexuality.
Score: 8/10
CollXtion II isn’t a reinvention—it’s an amplification. Allie X takes everything that made her debut intriguing and pushes it into sharper, stranger territory. It loses a little of the vulnerable sweetness of CollXtion I, but gains in confidence, cohesion, and sheer theatrical power. If you love synth-pop with bite, lyrical obsession, and a heroine who’s fully in control of her own unraveling, this album is essential.
Best for: Fans of Lorde’s Melodrama (but darker), Charli XCX’s Pop 2, or anyone who’s ever danced while crying.
Released on June 9, 2017, CollXtion II is the debut studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Allie X. It serves as a narrative and sonic expansion of her 2015 EP, CollXtion I , and explores dark, futuristic electropop themes. Core Project Information Release Date: June 9, 2017. Twin Music and Sugar Music. Electropop, Synth-pop, and Electronic. Thematic Focus:
Allie X described the album's primary themes as "longing and being lost," often focusing on toxic relationships and self-destructive tendencies. Production and Development
A deceptively bright track about dissociative euphoria. The protagonist takes a lover not for intimacy but for “lifting” her out of her body. The production lifts literally: ascending chord progressions, key changes, swirling background vocals. But lines like “I don’t know who I am when I’m with you” and “Get so high I don’t feel the floor” suggest substance abuse as a metaphor for dependency. The track’s climax is pure sonic dopamine, but the final verse drops back to a whisper—the comedown.
One of the album’s most underrated deep cuts. "Vintage" compares a lover to aging, decaying material. The production here is groovier, almost funky, but the lyrics are devastating. She sings about being replaced by a "newer model"—a direct jab at the transient nature of L.A. relationships.
