Charli xcx, known for her prolific output and restless creativity, has once again surprised fans with her latest album, Music, Fashion, Film. This seventh studio album, released in 2026, is a stark departure from the sparkling pop of her previous work, Brat and its remix album. Instead, Charli has embraced heavily distorted guitars, simple beats, and staticky electronic embellishments, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
The album’s cover art, featuring icons like John Cale, Marc Jacobs, and Martin Scorsese, sets the tone for Charli’s exploration of the intersections between music, fashion, and film. This isn’t just a musical project; it’s a multimedia statement that reflects Charli’s evolving artistic vision.
The sound of reinvention
Music, Fashion, Film is a sonic palette cleanser, marking the beginning of Charli’s post-Brat era. The album’s 11 tracks, clocking in at just under half an hour, are characterized by their brevity and intensity. Charli’s vocals, often untreated and delivered in a blasé talk-singing tone, contrast sharply with the distorted guitars and electronic embellishments.
Tracks like Yeah and Card Declined showcase Charli’s ability to blend genres, with the former recalling the riff of Blur’s Song 2 and the latter evoking the minimalist punk group Wire. The album’s standout moment, however, is the deadpan, sarcastic Wow. on Rock Music which offers a humorous take on the album’s rock-oriented palette.
Lyrical depth and introspection
While the musical direction may be new, Charli’s lyrical themes remain familiar. She continues to explore the combination of swagger and vulnerability that has defined her work. On Camera she questions her artistic path, while Wink Wink sees her declaring an end to her bad girl era, albeit with a knowing wink.
The album’s closing track, Nothing Lasts Forever is the most similar to Charli’s past work, with a lilting melody and a lyrical passage that reflects on the transient nature of fame and artistic success. This introspective tone is a recurring theme throughout the album, as Charli grapples with the cost of pursuing artistic greatness and the depersonalization of fame.
A multimedia statement
Music, Fashion, Film is more than just an album; it’s a multimedia statement that reflects Charli’s exploration of the intersections between music, fashion, and film. The album’s rollout has been a masterclass in meta-commentary, with Charli releasing a new project or moment every couple of weeks this year.
From appearing in films and videos to hosting album-listening sessions in independent movie theaters, Charli has used every platform at her disposal to create a cohesive artistic statement. The album’s unsettling monologue from iconic filmmaker David Cronenberg at its end is a testament to Charli’s ability to blur the lines between different artistic mediums.
It’s an album that challenges expectations and redefines what it means to be a pop star in 2026.
