Charli XCX releases introspective album Music, Fashion, Film after Brat
Charli XCX's new album Music, Fashion, Film marks a shift toward guitar-driven songs and explores themes of identity and self-definition, following the success of her 2024 record Brat.
British pop artist Charli XCX has issued her latest album, Music, Fashion, Film, a departure from the club-oriented sound of her 2024 release Brat. The new record incorporates guitar-based arrangements and addresses questions of personal and artistic identity. Tracks such as "Rock Music" and "SS26" feature stripped-back production, while songs like "Card Declined" examine the construction of persona through consumer culture. Collaborators include longtime producer AG Cook and electronic musician Easyfun, who help blend pop hooks with a more intimate, pocket-sized rock aesthetic.
The album also contains several personal narratives. "Magic Metal Montana" is described as a tribute to Cook, and "Persona" reflects on the dynamics of friendship and authenticity. On "Camera," Charli XCX discusses anxieties about pursuing acting, and "I'm Afraid" touches on family relationships and marital concerns. Critics note that the record moves away from heavy Auto-Tune use, opting for a rawer vocal approach.
Charli XCX, who married drummer George Daniel in 2023, said the project represents a "defiant cultural reset" and an attempt to confront the instability of self-definition in contemporary celebrity culture. The album arrives amid ongoing discussions about her evolving artistic direction and the broader pop landscape.