Charli xcx, Rock Music | Song Review

Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Charli xcx ‘rocks out’ on her short but utterly sweet and entertaining single, “Rock Music.”

Huh, that’s interesting. I’m not sure the dance floor is dead, Charli XCX. But, given how successful BRAT was, if you want to do an about-face and make rock music, have at it! The Grammy-winner keeps it short and sweet on her single, “Rock Music”.  She wrote and produced it with A. G. Cook and Finn Keane.

“Rock Music” begins with an intriguing, harsh, rhythmic synth riff.  This riff recurs, with assertive guitars beefing up the sound from the first verse onward. Backed by an assertive, rock-leaning backdrop, Charli eats and leaves no crumbs.  She doesn’t become Joan Jett – she’s true to herself – but it works in the context of this rock music.  Like many xcx songs, there are vocal effects that keep things engaging and, dare I say, still hyperpop-ish. Throughout its sub-two-minute run-time, the listener is treated to tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics. “Wow / I’m really banging my head / I’m really hurting my neck,” she sings in the second verse, and continues, “The nerve damage is real / But it’s the only way to feel something.” Wow, indeed! Lyrically and thematically, there’s nothing too complex; it’s easy on the ears.  Does Charli xcx change the complexion of pop or rock with “Rock Music”? No, but she does deliver a bite-sized, highly entertaining bop with just the right amount of edge.  I’m onboard!

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Charli xcx » “Rock Music” » Charli XCX, Inc. / Atlantic Recording Corporation » 5.8.26 [📷: Charli XCX, Inc. / Atlantic Recording Corporation]

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