Charli xcx takes intriguing left turn with new single ‘SS26’

Charli xcx is back with ‘SS26’, her latest single and our second preview of what to expect from her forthcoming (as yet unannounced) new album.

Showcasing a softer side to the pop icon than recent comeback cut ‘Rock Music’ (and a world away from the hedonistic clubland of cultural juggernaut ‘brat’) this new track is a melodic, meditative offering that sees her muse on the shallow heart of modern celebrity worship (but still has a satisfyingly hard-edged guitar rip). 

‘SS26’ has landed accompanied by a suitably high-fashion video, too: directed by Torso and shot in Paris, it sees myriad versions of Charli collide on the catwalk as she proclaims that “we’re walking on a runway that goes straight to hell”. 

No doubt there’ll be more to come from Charli very soon, but in the meantime you can watch the official video for ‘SS26’ and revisit our ranking of Charli’s ‘brat’ remixes below.