Charli xcx, SS26 | Song Review

Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Charli XCX delivers a catchy but reflective and thought-provoking pop/rock single in “SS26.”

Well, that is pessimistic, Charli xcx.  The thing is, is she wrong on “SS26”? She continues in the chorus of the pop/rock single, “Yeah, we’re walkin’ on a runway that goes straight to hell / Nothing’s gonna save us, not music, fashion, or film.” Hmm, sounds like we are screwed! What’s not screwed is “SS26,” which gives the Grammy-winning English singer-songwriter another intriguing record. Charli xcx, A. G. Cook, and Finn Keane wrote and produced the compelling track.

There is a lot to like about “SS26.”  It begins with the sound groove, a great anchor. The song features well-rounded production. Fittingly, the backdrop has a familiar pop-rock vibe.  With her pivot to “Rock Music”, we expect no less than distorted guitar and a robust bass that holds the low end down.  Beyond the instrumental, Charli xcx brings the heat with her pleasant vocals.  Notably, the melodies are sweet throughout. Likewise, the lyrics are memorable, including the chorus, excerpted earlier. In many instances, the lyrics are reflective, whether it’s stopping smoking (“Cigarettes, put ‘em out / Can’t believe the things I’ve done, I don’t do ‘em now”) or reflecting on politics and heritage (“Think my politics could work as a press strategy / And my heritage could give me quite the USP”). In short, “SS26” is another enjoyable Charli XCX song.  Is it the second coming? No, but I fancy it over the single that preceded it, “Rock Music”.  I also find the song at hand to be deeper and more thought-provoking.

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Charli xcx » “SS26” » Charli XCX, Inc. / Atlantic Recording Corporation » 5.21.26 [📷: Charli XCX, Inc. / Atlantic Recording Corporation]

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