Charli XCX – “SS26”

Earlier this month, Charli XCX unveiled the polarizing anthem "Rock Music," whose controversy she addressed by saying things can be "funny, earnest, sincere, and joyful all at the same time." Since then, she's offered more commentary, tweeting, "if you get me, you get me and if you don’t, you don’t. and thats ok <3" and adding that she's "not trying to repel people away or convince people into liking me." She also released the b-side "I Keep Thinking About You Every Single Day And Night," but everyone (including Madonna) was too busy arguing about "Rock Music" to pay attention to it. Anyway, she's back with "SS26."

"SS26" was produced by A. G. Cook and Finn Keane, who both wrote the song with Charli. The British pop star shared the lyrics of "SS26" on Substack earlier this week, which mention notes app apologies, cigarettes, press strategies, and runways that go to hell. It's a somber number, especially when she gloomily concludes, "Nothing's gonna save us/ Not music, fashion, or film." It comes with a music video directed by Torso, featuring cameos from singer Abra, former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief Carine Rotfield, fashion designer Anthony Vaccarello, and more. Watch below.