Charli XCX, a trailblazer in the pop world, has always been known for her unique approach to music and self-expression. Her 2026 album Brat catapulted her to A-list status, but with fame came the risk of being typecast. Charli, however, has never been one to conform. Her latest album, Music, Fashion, Film is a testament to her fearless approach to art and identity.
The album’s title reflects Charli’s recent ventures into acting and fashion collaborations. However, the music itself is a departure from her previous club-centric sound. The first single, Rock Music with its buzzing guitars and cheeky lyrics, seemed to suggest a shift towards rock. But Charli’s artistry is never that straightforward. The song is more of an affirmation to take creative leaps, inviting listeners to join her on this journey.
The Essence of Identity and Self-Definition
Music, Fashion, Film is a deeply introspective album that explores the instability of identity. Charli delves into the complexities of self-definition, from the defiant cultural reset of Rock Music to the celebrity scoundrel persona in SS26. She understands that self-commodification is a part of modern life, offering both an escape and a way to accelerate one’s journey.
The album also touches on the idea of authenticity. Charli’s use of guitars and the stripping away of her usual AutoTune effects play with the notion of what it means to be genuine. Alongside co-producers AG Cook and Easyfun, she remakes guitar music at an intimate, pocket-sized scale, but with outsized hookiness.
Exploring Relationships and Trust
Charli’s fearlessness extends to her exploration of relationships. The song Magic Metal Montana is a dreamy love letter to her long-term producer AG Cook. In contrast, Persona teases a friend who talks endlessly but never says anything real. These songs raise the question: who do you trust with your true, faltering self?
For Charli, the answer lies with her audience. The song Camera confronts her anxieties about pursuing acting, but the way it softens into a heavenly rhapsody makes it clear how liberating this new path is. Charli reframes the idea of pop star-actors, suggesting that a sudden change can make you feel terrifyingly reborn.
The Pain and Pleasure of Artistic Pursuit
The album also delves into the personal struggles that fuel Charli’s artistry. I’m Afraid explores her insecurities stemming from her father’s absence at her birth and her fears of failing as a wife. She admits that her pain makes her believe she’s a better artist, a complicated but honest confession.
Charli’s willingness to lay it all out for us—her ego, self-hate, defensiveness, and chagrin—makes her one of the most consistently bracing pop stars. Her artistry is a journey of self-discovery, and Music, Fashion, Film is a bold step in that journey.
