This Week’s New Music: Charli xcx reckons with the aftermath of "Brat"

Charli wrestles with what her success means, but she seems to have figured something out on “Music, Fashion, Film.”

Charli xcx—”Music, Fashion, Film”

“Brat” changed everything for Charli xcx. Now the follow-up is here. Can Charli meet the moment?

"Rock Music" wasn't the strongest first impression. It had us wondering if Charli was truly excited about starting another chapter or if she was just making another album because that's what comes next. Considering where she is in her career, though, she doesn't really have to chase anyone's expectations anymore. The album eventually becomes a parade of great songs.

“Music, Fashion, Film” feels a little shaky at first, like Charli is still figuring out exactly what she wants to say before it really finds its footing. "SS26" was an early favorite, name-checking the album in its lyrics and showing off one of Charli's most effortlessly catchy talk-singing performances. "Card Declined" has fantastic production, and its switch-up near the end is the moment that really cuts through the fog and wakes the album up. But just when the song really gets going, it's over. That abrupt pacing pops up a few times throughout the album, making its already brief runtime feel even shorter.

"Camera" is an introspective look at Charli's relationship with fame and the way she sees herself within that world. “It's like I'm looking down the barrel of a gun (F*cking shoot me)/I don't feel embarrassed even if I suck/I'm always craving an experience that feels dangerous,” she sings. The performance of this line is one of the record’s biggest highlights.

Much of this album finds Charli examining the inner workings of her career and what it means to live with the success she's built. "I'm Afraid" finds Charli looking inward at the way she acts with her partner and how much of that is influenced by the pressures of fame. The opening verse suggests Charli has found someone who helps ground her, yet the doubts and insecurities she struggles with are still present. No level of recognition can completely erase the anxiety and uncertainty she carries. “All this pain makes me believe I'm a better artist now/An excuse I tell myself to act selfishly,” she sings, which might be the defining line of the album.

"Magic Metal Montana" stands as the album's best song and as a dedication to Charli's longtime collaborator A. G. Cook. The melody carries so much genuine affection. "You make it easy for me," Charli sings, and it's honestly a really sweet thought, especially in a career as unpredictable as music. Maybe the record is really about finding people in different parts of art who can help each other grow and create something bigger together.

The album closes with "No One Lasts Forever," featuring David Cronenberg, the influential Canadian director behind films like "Crash" and "The Fly.” The track includes a clip from a conversation between him and Charli, where he talks about a near-death experience. “As I was lying there on the sidewalk, I did not think about art at all,” he says. It's an unexpected feature, but it fits the album's themes surprisingly well.

The closing line, "they are dead, they are gone, no one lasts forever," hits hard. Having Cronenberg repeat it for over a minute makes it feel less like a lyric and more like a final thought hanging over the entire album. Charli wrestles with what her success means, but she seems to have figured something out: the only thing that truly stays with her is the art.

Tyla—”THAT GIRL,” “KISS”

Tyla also released her new album today. "A*POP" is a laid-back but fun album that fits right into the last stretch of summer. The song getting the biggest push right now, "That Girl," stands out with great production and a strong outro. “KISS” also has a great chorus and might be the album's real standout. If you're looking for another "Water," this is probably the track you should be paying attention to. The chorus drops into a slower pace, creating this feeling of being caught in a euphoric moment that doesn't want to end.

KATSEYE—”Animal”

The Grammy-nominated girl group are back with a new song, which is a really fun preview of their upcoming EP “WILD” out August 14th.

"Animal" has Ed Sheeran as a co-writer, which feels fitting considering how catchy the song is. Sheeran has always had a good ear for a big pop hook, and that skill definitely shows here. What sets this apart for KATSEYE is the focus on their vocals. The second verse is the strongest part of the song, giving the group a chance to show off their charm and delivery. We finally get a song that brings together all of their best qualities.

This is the moment where Jennie starts to find what works for her.

JENNIE—”Less than a Lover”

Jennie's newest endeavor is a much slower and more relaxed attempt, taking a different approach from her previous album "Ruby." Maybe this is the moment where Jennie starts to find what works for her.

“And all I want this summer/ Is a little bit less than a lover,” she sings. The simplicity of the delivery is what makes this moment work so well. She’s not trying to make this into something bigger than it needs to be. She just wants to enjoy it while it’s here.

Lizzy McAlpine—”The Light in the Painting”

The singer announced her new album "Angel" earlier this week, with the project set to arrive on September 18.

McAlpine has always had a calm approach to her music. "Ceilings" is still her biggest standout, but she finds another strong moment here. The intro runs a little long, but it builds nicely into a great piano break. One of the best things about McAlpine's music is how naturally comforting her voice feels. It feels like listening to a friend give you advice. You don't have to follow it, but the sincerity behind it is what makes it work.

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—Dawson Therre

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