Album review Charli xcx - Music, Fashion, Film

She can still sound pretty flippant, amusing and frankly Brat-y, but Charli is ultimately in a deeper self reflective mode on this rock infused change of pace

11:49, 24 Jul 2026

Charli celebrates the three pillars of the art world on her album cover(Image: Atlantic Records via AP)

A subtle pivot, Charli moves away from the electronic Brat era for something equally disruptive using guitars and rock textures.

The Velvet Underground and The Strokes are influences on Music, Fashion, Film, but in Charli's hands it sounds more like Elastica (remember them?) as she chops and filters guitars with camera flashes.

The three titular pillars of the art world shape Charli's creative life - fashion particularly on SS26 where "we're walkin' on a runway that goes straight to hell".

Martin Scorsese doesn't just feature on the artwork, the spirit of his rhythmic editing methods are mirrored in Charli's beats as she playfully recalls being a "pop star in my bedroom like its 2007, then threatens to "buy a whole new life on the grungy Card Declined.

And new husband George Daniel's ears will be. burning when he hears I'm Afraid where Charli opens up about her anxieties over settling down and how he has helped her overcome them.

[Charli xcx]

From Brat to rawk for Charli(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

She sings: "Happiness came in a box. Never meant that much before, till I met someone who knew how to balance who I am....I'm afraid, I'm afraid I'm nothing without him. What if I ruin it? Take the ring."

Along the way she can still sound pretty flippant, amusing and frankly Brat-y, but Charli is ultimately in a deeper self reflective mode.

The final song, No One Lasts Forever features legendary body-horror movie director David Cronenberg who assures her oblivion is freedom, and perhaps only then will she find peace as an artist.

And fans will be delighted to know 'live shows are coming'.

DAILY STAR Rating ***

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