Charli XCX is back with the release of her gritty new single, “Rock Music.” The mega pop artist has been riding the massive wave of her 2024 album Brat, and the pressure to follow up that magic was palpable. Charli XCX is no stranger to genre shifts, exploring hyper pop, electronic dance music, synth-pop, electroclash, and more over the course of her career. However, rock would undeniably be a new adventure for her.
“Rock Music” is being met with an interesting take from fans. Some love it, and some hate it. Several fans have taken to TikTok to say that the new track is a “fandom cleanse,” getting back to the roots of those who truly understand Charli XCX’s artistry—not just those that joined in during the monumental Brat era.
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The track itself isn’t necessarily a rock song. Though the production certainly includes some distorted guitars, it’s more the satirical nature of the lyrics that coined the title. “I think the dancefloor is dead, so now we’re making rock music,” the chorus says. Charli XCX has always explored humor and satire in her lyricism, and this track is no different.
“I’m really banging my head, I’m really hurting my neck.” If you’ve ever been to a rock show, you get it. Charli XCX is being Charli XCX. The video is full of nods to classic “rock star” ethos. Throwing TVs out of windows, moshing, head-banging, and loads of cigarettes. Goodbye “Brat Summer”, hello “Rock Music Summer.” Watch the video below.
