CHARLI XCX
MUSIC FASHION FILM
CHARLI XCX
MUSIC FASHION FILM
Embedded Files
MUSIC FASHION FILM
By Alexys Hadaway
Music, Fashion, Film establishes Charli XCX as an artistic genius. Her new album is guitar heavy, with experimental vocals and vulnerable writing.
The album begins with the lead single “Rock Music,” introducing the audience to the rock influence that is apparent throughout the album. The verses are tracked with guitars that carry the melody, while clashing drums kick in by the chorus. This first track also introduces Charli’s new vocal stylings where she is almost speaking the lyrics, rather than singing them.
“Rock Music” leads straight into “SS26,” a poetic look at how art can be used to mask what is currently happening in the world. Further, the song title and chorus discuss looking good to avoid having to actually deal with what is going on, even mentioning the album’s title in the line “nothing’s gonna save us/not music, fashion, or film.”
“Card Declined” is one of the heaviest songs on the album with a moody synth and guitar creating a dark atmosphere with an intensely slowed down guitar layer. Similar to “SS26,” this song discusses using material objects as a replacement for happiness and a personality.
Throughout the album, Charli is extremely vulnerable and open about her relationship and fame. However, these feelings peak in “I’m Afraid.” In this Nirvana-esque track, Charli talks about her anxieties within her relationship with George Daniels with lyrics like “I’m nothing without him/What if I ruin it?” Her voice in this song pairs with the meaning of the lyrics incredibly well. Her voice is soft and raspy at times, making it seem as though she’s truly baring her soul.
While “I’m Afraid” discusses the negative side of a relationship, “Magic Metal Montana” is a celebration of friendship. Written about her collaborator A.G. Cook, the song is relatable to anyone that loves their best friend, while maintaining lyrics only the two would understand.
The album ends with an eerie bang on “No One Lasts Forever” featuring David Cronenberg. The song starts with a techno track where Charli is referencing a pseudo-philosophical conversation she had with a Parisian girl where she states, “and I know deep down that it's here and now/”cause nothing's gonna last forever,” and ends with a speech from filmmaker David Cronenberg. The final two minutes of the song is Cronenberg repeating “they are dead/they are gone/no one lasts forever” with distortion and echo that creates this eerie, haunting, almost psychedelic feeling. It is the perfect juxtaposition to Charli’s surface-level philosophical example, truly drilling in the meaning of the song.
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