Charli XCX, a pop innovator for over a decade, has once again defied expectations with her latest album, Music, Fashion, Film. Following the monumental success of Brat her sixth album, Charli took a brief hiatus, exploring acting and composing film scores. However, her creative spirit couldn’t be contained for long.
The new album, recorded in a matter of weeks, is a stark departure from the dance-pop sounds that defined her previous work. Instead, it’s a collection of guitar-driven tracks that reflect on her whirlwind journey over the past two years. The result is a record that’s smart, self-referential, and full of earworms.
Beyond the rock reinvention
Despite initial interpretations, Music, Fashion, Film isn’t a rock album. While guitars take center stage, the record is far from a rejection of club music. Tracks like Rock Music blend manipulated vocals and electronic flourishes, showcasing Charli’s signature eclecticism.
Charli herself clarified this on Instagram, explaining that the song was about her artistic evolution rather than a genre shift. The album is a testament to her desire to constantly reinvent herself and avoid repetition.
A tribute to artistic icons
The album cover features a striking black-and-white photo of John Cale, Marc Jacobs, and Martin Scorsese three figures who epitomize excellence in music, fashion, and film. The photo, taken by Scottish filmmaker Aidan Zamiri, reflects the album’s overarching theme of art, excellence, and immortality.
Charli expressed her admiration for these icons, stating that they mean a great deal to her personally as an artist. The cover art serves as a visual representation of her aspirations and influences.
Exploring identity and artistic growth
The album delves into Charli’s struggle to balance her public persona with her private life. Tracks like SS26 and Wink Wink highlight the pressures faced by pop stars and the expectations placed upon them.
In SS26 Charli addresses the scrutiny she faces, using sarcasm to highlight the absurdity of holding celebrities to unattainable standards. Meanwhile, Wink Wink explores her newfound maturity, only to reveal it as a pose. The most candid lyric comes on I’m Afraid a song that offers a raw look at her fears and insecurities.
Charli’s new material, with its distorted guitars and punchy drums, sounded even better live at a secret show in London. The set was less physically demanding but retained the energy of her music, hinting at a possible shift in her live performances.
As Charli continues to explore her artistic identity, Music, Fashion, Film stands as a bold statement of her evolution. It’s a record that challenges expectations, celebrates her influences, and offers a glimpse into the mind of one of pop’s most innovative artists.
