Upon release, CollXtion II did not break the Billboard 200 in a major way—peaking modestly. However, in the digital age of streaming, "charted" is less important than "cult status."

Critical Praise:

The album gained a second life when "Paper Love" went viral on Tumblr and Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlists. It became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and anyone feeling alienated by mainstream pop’s obsession with "perfect happiness."

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.

When CollXtion II finally dropped in June 2017, it arrived

Introducing Allie X's COLXCTION II: A Sonic Exploration of Identity and Empowerment

Canadian singer-songwriter Allie X has been making waves in the music industry with her unique blend of dark, atmospheric soundscapes and empowering lyrics. Her highly anticipated sophomore album, COLXCTION II, is a testament to her growth as an artist and her commitment to exploring themes of identity, love, and self-discovery.

COLXCTION II is the follow-up to Allie X's debut EP, COLXCTION I, which introduced fans to her distinctive style and garnered critical acclaim. The new album promises to take listeners on a journey of self-exploration, delving deeper into the complexities of the human experience. With its eclectic blend of electronic, pop, and R&B influences, COLXCTION II is an immersive listening experience that showcases Allie X's versatility and artistry.

The Evolution of Allie X

Born Alexandra Ashley Hughes, Allie X began her music career in her teenage years, performing in local bands and experimenting with songwriting. Her early work was marked by a DIY ethos, with lo-fi productions and introspective lyrics that explored themes of love, heartbreak, and growing up. As she honed her craft, Allie X began to develop a distinctive sound that blended elements of electronic music, pop, and avant-garde styles.

Her breakthrough came with the release of COLXCTION I, which gained traction on online platforms and caught the attention of music industry insiders. The EP's lead single, "Catch" (feat. Gramatik), became a viral hit, and Allie X found herself touring with prominent artists and performing at major festivals.

COLXCTION II: A Deeper Dive

COLXCTION II represents a significant artistic leap for Allie X, with a more refined production style and lyrics that tackle complex themes with greater nuance. The album's title, COLXCTION II, reflects Allie X's fascination with the concept of collection and curation. For her, the term represents the act of gathering fragments of identity, experiences, and emotions to create a cohesive sense of self.

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.

Lyrical Themes and Inspiration

At its core, COLXCTION II is an album about navigating the complexities of identity and relationships. Allie X draws inspiration from her own experiences, as well as those of the people around her, to craft lyrics that are both personal and universally relatable.

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.

Production and Collaborations

COLXCTION II features a range of collaborators, including producers and songwriters who have helped shape Allie X's distinctive sound. Notable contributors include Gramatik, Bloodshy, and Stars-2-Shit, among others.

The album's production is characterized by a blend of electronic and organic elements, with lush synthesizers, driving beats, and atmospheric textures. Allie X's vocal delivery is equally impressive, showcasing her remarkable range and expressiveness.

Reception and Impact

COLXCTION II has been eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike, with many praising Allie X's bold artistic vision and lyrical candor. Upon its release, the album has received widespread critical acclaim, with publications like Pitchfork, NME, and Rolling Stone praising its sonic innovation and emotional depth.

The album's impact extends beyond the music itself, with Allie X using her platform to promote themes of self-empowerment, inclusivity, and mental health awareness. Her commitment to these causes has earned her a devoted fan base and recognition within the music industry.

Conclusion

COLXCTION II is a triumph for Allie X, a bold and imaginative album that cements her status as a rising star in the music world. With its rich sonic landscapes, introspective lyrics, and commitment to themes of identity and empowerment, this album is sure to resonate with listeners for years to come.

As Allie X continues to evolve and push the boundaries of her art, fans can expect even more innovative and thought-provoking music from this talented young artist. With COLXCTION II, Allie X has proven herself to be a visionary and fearless creative force, one who will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the music world.

Released in 2017, CollXtion II is the debut studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter . It serves as a narrative evolution from her debut EP, CollXtion I

, shifting toward a more polished synth-pop sound that explores themes of self-sabotage and tortured romance. Review: Allie X, CollXtion II - Slant Magazine Slant Magazine Allie X - CollXtion II Lyrics and Tracklist | Genius

allie x on Instagram: “CollXtion II goes Cape God @niko.museum” Allie X Is Doing Things Her Own Way: Interview Allie X Is Doing Things Her Own Way: Interview

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"

: 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?

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.

CollXtion II (stylized as ) is the debut studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter

, released on June 9, 2017. Serving as the successor to her debut EP CollXtion I , the record is a polished blend of

that explores themes of self-identity, toxic relationships, and the "unknown" represented by the "X" in her name. Conceptual Background: The Ʉnsolved Project

The album’s development was unique for its interactive approach. In 2016, Allie X launched CollXtion II: Ʉnsolved

, a multimedia project where she released demos and voice memos on and asked fans to help curate the final tracklist.

She described the central theme of the project as "longing and being lost". Self-Discovery:

Allie X has stated the album is a study of how much of her identity is "pure" versus shaped by "pain and trauma". Multimedia:

The release was accompanied by visual elements including GIFs, song snippets, and even an autobiographical comic book. Out Magazine Key Tracks & Musical Style Produced by collaborators like

, the album features sharp synth progressions and dramatic pop melodies. Atwood Magazine

Allie X - CollXtion II review by Silver_Castle - Album of The Year

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.

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.

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

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

A sarcastic, bubblegum pop explosion. "That’s So Us" sounds happy until you realize she is mocking the performative nature of a dysfunctional couple. The music video emphasized this duality, setting a picnic on fire while she smiles.

The thesis statement. Allie X has stated this is her favorite song on the record. It asks the question: In a world of dating apps and fleeting fame, is anything real? The robotic chorus—"Just a little bit of casual satisfaction"—is intentionally hollow, critiquing how we’ve commodified intimacy.

Producer credits include Leland, SOPHIE (on “Vintage”), and Billboard, among others. The sonic palette of CollXtion II is a deliberate throwback to 1980s synth-pop (Eurythmics, early Madonna) filtered through hypermodern production techniques—overdriven 808s, glitchy vocal chops, cavernous reverb.

Key sonic motifs:

The album’s sequencing follows a classic emotional arc: obsession → euphoria → paranoia → dissolution → cold resolve. Yet each track subverts its own surface mood.

Allie X’s CollXtion II is more than a sophomore EP; it is a refined statement of identity, a bridge between an underground alt-pop auteur and a pop auteur primed for mainstream collision. Released in 2017 as the follow-up to her conceptual CollXtion I, CollXtion II translates the theatrical persona Allie X cultivated into tighter songwriting, lustrous production, and sharper thematic focus. Across its concise runtime, the EP interrogates fame, technology, intimacy, and self-fashioning with a glossy melancholy that feels both futuristic and intimately human.

Stylistically, CollXtion II preserves the cold neon sheen that defines much of Allie X’s catalog while embracing a warmer melodic accessibility. Producer collaborations yield an electronic palette that ranges from shimmering synth-pop to dark electro and polished alt-pop balladry. The EP’s soundscape is characterized by crystalline arpeggios, punchy drum programming, and layers of harmonies that elevate hooks into haunting refrains. The production serves Allie X’s principal strength: her ability to meld pop craftiness with conceptual depth.

Lyrically, CollXtion II explores modern anxieties through the language of celebrity and constructed identity. Tracks often read as diary-entries translated into performative monologues—statements that simultaneously confess and strategize. There is an acute awareness of surveillance and curation: relationships are mediated by screens, emotions are commodified, and the self is something to be assembled. Yet the EP resists cynicism by allowing vulnerability to coexist with calculated performance. The result is a portrait of a persona who recognizes the artifice around her but still longs for connection that feels authentic.

A standout trait of CollXtion II is its economy. Each song feels deliberately placed; motifs recur in different emotional registers so the EP holds together as a compact narrative cycle. Hooks land without sacrificing nuance; choruses are immediate but layered with lyrical double meanings. This balance of immediacy and intricacy is emblematic of Allie X’s songwriting—she writes for the ear while inviting analysis for the mind.

Vocally, Allie X navigates the material with a compelling aloofness that often melts into intimacy. Her delivery can be icily detached—amplifying themes of performance and control—or it can crack just enough to reveal human fragility beneath the glamour. This dynamic approach ensures the persona never becomes a caricature; instead, it reads as a deliberate, multi-faceted identity under construction.

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.

In sum, CollXtion II demonstrates Allie X’s maturation as an artist who can fuse meticulous pop songwriting with performative critique. It is an agile, stylish work that rewards both casual listening—thanks to its earworm melodies—and close attention to its thematic architecture. For fans and newcomers alike, CollXtion II offers an evocative snapshot of an artist who treats pop music not simply as entertainment but as a tool for self-examination and reinvention.

’s debut studio album, CollXtion II , released on June 9, 2017, marked a definitive shift from her "enigmatic puppet" persona into a more polished and confident pop force. Following her 2015 EP CollXtion I

, this full-length project was the culmination of a unique collaborative process where fans helped shape the tracklist through the CollXtion II: Unsolved Core Themes and Sound The album explores themes of

identity loss, self-destruction, and the reclamation of self

. Musically, it is rooted in dark, 80s-inspired synth-pop, blending "liquid gold" vocals with gritty, theatrical production. "Paper Love"

: The album's breakout single, described by Allie X as a "fragile and violent" romantic situation that "hurts so good". "Casanova"

: A high-energy "bop" that has become a staple of her discography. "True Love Is Violent"

: A haunting, lullaby-adjacent closer that emphasizes the album’s darker emotional undercurrents. Critical Reception

Released on June 9, 2017, CollXtion II serves as the debut full-length studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Allie X

. Following the 2015 EP CollXtion I, this record marked a transition from experimental "indie-tronic" sounds toward a more refined, dark-pop aesthetic. Core Themes and Narrative

The album is defined by a "longing and being lost" theme, contrasting with the "addiction and self-destruction" focus of its predecessor. Allie X describes the project as an exploration of identity fragmentation and the psychological "shadow self".

Allie X - CollXtion II review by Silver_Castle - Album of The Year

Title: The Collector’s Daughter

Part One: The Girl in the Gilded Cage

Allie had always been a project. Not a person, not a daughter, not even a ghost in her own house—but a project. Her father, Dr. August X, was a collector of rare antiquities, but his most prized specimen was his only child. He called her his "CollXtion."

She lived in a glass conservatory attached to their sprawling, decaying manor. It was beautiful, of course. Vines with impossible white blossoms curled up marble pillars. A grand piano stood in the center, its keys always cool to the touch. Sunlight filtered through prisms, casting rainbows that looked like bruises on her skin. But the door had a lock on the outside.

Her father’s voice echoed through a brass speaking tube. “Number Fourteen. Sing.”

And she would sing. Not because she wanted to, but because the electroshock node implanted at the base of her skull would hum to life if she refused. A gentle reminder. A vibration. A warning.

She had no name for herself. Only the numbers he assigned. Allie was a designation. X was his brand.

Part Two: The Need You Tonight Incident

The night of her eighteenth birthday, a strange frequency bled through the old radio in her conservatory. It wasn’t her father’s usual classical programming. It was raw, distorted, desperate. A voice howled through static: “I don’t need a future—I need you tonight.”

Allie pressed her hand to the cold glass. Her reflection stared back—hollow cheeks, dark-ringed eyes, and a mouth that had forgotten how to smile.

She whispered to the radio. “Who are you?”

No answer. But the node behind her ear flickered. Not with pain. With curiosity.

That night, she dreamed of a woman with scissors for fingers and a crown of thorns made of cassette tape. The woman cut a hole in the conservatory roof. “Run,” she whispered. “Before he archives you.”

Allie woke up with dirt under her fingernails. She hadn't left her room. Had she?

Part Three: Casanova in Ruins

The next day, a stranger arrived. His name was Casanova—but not the lover of legend. This one was all sharp angles and dead eyes, wearing a leather jacket and carrying a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist. Her father greeted him like an old friend.

“The final piece,” Dr. X said, gesturing to Allie. “The perfect artifact. Immortalized in platinum resin. No hunger. No tantrums. No escape.”

Casanova circled her. She smelled gasoline and regret on him. “She’s still breathing,” he noted.

“Not for long. The procedure is tomorrow at midnight. CollXtion II will be complete.”

That night, Allie did something she had never done. She sang without being told. Not a classical aria. Not a lullaby. A scream set to a synth beat. The glass walls vibrated. The white blossoms turned black. And the node behind her ear shorted out—sparks flying, blood trickling down her neck.

She was free. For now.

Part Four: Downtown

She climbed the wall of thorns her father had planted around the estate. Each vine cut her, drew a line, wrote a story on her skin. By the time she reached the highway, she was bleeding in 12/8 time. A trucker with a holographic eye picked her up.

“Where to, little ghost?”

“Downtown,” she said. She didn’t know what that meant, but the radio voice had said it once. Downtown is where the broken frequencies go to heal.

Downtown was a graveyard of malls and motels. Neon signs flickered in dead tongues. And there, in a basement club called The Old Me, she found them: the other X’s. Girls with nodes behind their ears. Boys with glass eyes. Non-binary beings made of static and desire. They had all escaped other collectors. Other fathers. Other gods.

The woman from her dream was real. Her name was Lana. She had scissors for fingers because she had cut herself out of a museum exhibit.

“You’re the last one,” Lana said. “He’s been hunting us. But you—you’re his masterpiece. He’ll tear this city apart to get you back.”

Part Five: Paper Love

They hid in an abandoned cinema. The only film left was a single reel on loop: a home movie of Allie as a child, laughing, playing piano, before the node. Before the glass cage.

“That girl is dead,” Allie whispered.

“No,” Lana said, holding up a mirror. “She’s just in the vault. And vaults can be cracked.”

That night, Casanova found them. He wasn’t a man. He was a drone—a puppet of Dr. X. His jaw unhinged, and a recording of her father’s voice boomed out:

“CollXtion II requires its centerpiece. Return, or I will erase every frequency you love.”

The lights went out. When they came back, three of the other X’s were gone. Archived.

Part Six: Old Habits Die Screaming

Allie realized the truth. The node wasn’t just a shock collar. It was a transmitter. Every time she felt fear, her father could triangulate her position. Every time she cried, he could see through her eyes.

So she stopped crying.

She found a broken piece of glass from the cinema screen. She didn’t cut her wrists. She cut her hair. She carved a symbol into her palm—a circle with an X through it. Not his X. Hers.

Then she walked into the street. Alone. Facing the direction of the manor.

“You want a collection?” she screamed at the sky. “Come collect me, you coward.”

Part Seven: The Final CollXtion

She returned not as the daughter, but as the destroyer. The glass conservatory was waiting. Her father stood inside, wearing a white lab coat, holding a platinum canister labeled COLLXTON II – PERMANENT PRESERVATION.

“You came back,” he said, almost proud.

“I never left,” she replied. “You just never saw me.”

She sat at the piano. The same one from her childhood. And she played a chord that wasn’t a chord—it was a frequency. A raw, dissonant, beautiful noise that made the glass walls sing and then shatter. The white blossoms caught fire. The rainbows turned to ash.

Dr. X screamed. Not because he was hurt. But because his collection was incomplete. Imperfect. Ruined.

As the manor burned, Allie walked through the flames. The node behind her ear melted out of her skin and fell to the ground like a dead insect.

Epilogue: The X That Marks No Spot

She stands now at the edge of a highway at dawn. Lana is beside her. A few other X’s, too. They have no father. No collector. No archive.

Allie opens her mouth. For the first time, she sings not because she is told, not because she is afraid, but because the sound belongs to her.

A truck pulls up. The driver has a holographic eye.

“Where to, little ghost?”

She smiles. It’s small. It’s real.

“Somewhere I’ve never been.”

And as the engine roars and the dust rises, the radio in the cab crackles to life. A song she’s never heard before spills out—her voice, her words, her war.

She doesn’t know it yet, but CollXtion III will not be a prison.

It will be a revolution.

THE END

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