Charli XCX's 'Music, Fashion, Film' Divides Critics with Rock Shift

Charli XCX's seventh studio album 'Music, Fashion, Film' has received mixed reviews, with critics praising its ambitious collaboration but questioning its fragmented execution. Source: Euronews, La Vanguardia, Infobae

Critical Reception

The 30-minute album marks a departure from the hyperpop of Brat toward a rock-influenced sound. La Vanguardia gives it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it 'entertaining and even fun' with 'a rock flow and non-invasive electronics.' Source: La Vanguardia However, Euronews Culture delivers a harsh verdict, describing it as 'a frustrating downward slope' where ideas 'feel confused' and many tracks are 'dispensable.' Source: Euronews Infobae's review sits in the middle, noting the album presents 'no definitive answers' but showcases 'a coherent collaborative vision.' Source: Infobae

Themes and Collaborations

Lyrically, Charli XCX explores the aftermath of fame and creative identity. Tracks like 'Card Declined' and 'Camera' are highlighted across reviews: La Vanguardia calls 'Camera' 'outstanding,' while Euronews argues it 'ends before having had time to develop.' Source: La Vanguardia, Euronews The album features a star-studded cover with John Cale, Marc Jacobs, and Martin Scorsese, and the music video for 'Camera' pays homage to Vincent Cassel and the cult film La Haine. Source: Infobae

Production

Produced with A.G. Cook and Finn Keane, the album emphasizes guitar-driven arrangements. Euronews criticizes the short track lengths (many around two minutes) as leaving ideas undercooked, while La Vanguardia appreciates the raw, unfiltered lyricism. Source: Euronews, La Vanguardia