The summer of 2024 marked a life-changing shift for Charli XCX, bringing mainstream electropop to the forefront of the music industry with the production of her hit album, Brat.
With a minimalistic album cover and the political marketing attached to Brat, it attracted a cultural phenomenon that the internet would remember as ‘Brat summer.’
Now, two years later, Charli XCX returns with a direction that differs from what was arguably her dazzling and most chaotic era.
Against her one-hit wonder allegations, the 34-year-old singer brings a different edge to her latest project, Music, Film, Fashion, released on July 24.
The album itself is one of her most distinct works to date, as she invites listeners to explore the intersections of creativity that exist across different mediums.
While leaning into an experimental pop and electronic rock sound, Charli XCX maintains her usual sound thanks to her long-time producers A.G Cook and Finn Keane, known for their contributions in shaping the hyperpop genre.
The airy melody of track two, ‘SS26,’ with guitar backing, makes for the perfect combination of soft rock and her lyricism: “Nothing’s gonna save us, not music, fashion or film.”
Marking her shift from the energy of messy nights out and dance music, Charli embraces the 2000s indie sleaze sound this time.
With minimal lyrics, the song’s repetitive and conversational tone is carried by its heavy electronic beat in track seven, ‘Yeah.’ The balance shows the contrast between the song’s simplicity and the intensity of the production.
Track 10, ‘Magic Metal Montana,’ carries a moody, rock atmosphere that is dedicated to Cook: “I think you taught me, I think I taught you.” Aside from their musical collaborations, the song gives insight to their friendship: “I’d be nothing without you.”
The British singer even leans away from her typical album covers that have centered around her own party girl image. She is absent from the cover, instead shining the spotlight on the conceptual pillars of the album.
Taken in black and white by photographer Aidan Zamiri, the cover features American filmmaker Martin Scorsese, fashion designer Marc Jacobs and the founding member of rock band The Velvet Underground, John Cale.
Polarizing music site, Pitchfork, gave Music, Fashion, Film a score of 8.2 stars out of 10 and included it on its best albums of 2026 list. It also debuted at No. 3 in the U.S. Billboard 200.
Music, Fashion, Film, is an album that is easy to get lost in among the post-rock and pop sound of Charli XCX. Though different from her other previous work, it suggests a more personal side, which allows her authenticity to shine.
Though Charli XCX has solidified her place in the music industry, her latest album shows she is not done.
