In “Wink Wink”, Charli XCX returns with a song about change. The new single previews the singer’s upcoming album, Music, Fashion, Film. And if you’re expecting more club-pop from Charli, at least here, “Wink Wink” offers an evolution.
So instead of a rave-up, here’s a post-punk single that presents the new Charli XCX. Or does it?
Behind the Lyrics
Few current pop stars use camp to greater effect than Charli, and in the opening verse, she defies musical expectations while addressing the public’s perception of her with a raw portrayal of the character Charli XCX.
I used to lick cream off strawberries in the summer,
And maybe I f**ked your dad.
Just kidding, I’m only saying that for effect,
But my point is, I think people can change.
I used to jump on trampolines with no underwear on,
And now I basically just wear trousers.
She promises to leave behind her epic partying, while wink-winking at the absurdity of “good” and “bad” girls.
Here’s the truth, and I gotta be honest,
I’m not a bad girl anymore, I promise.
Here’s the truth, and I gotta be honest,
I’m not a bad girl anymore,
Wink, wink, wink, wink.
Post-Punk and Charli’s New Order
“My friend Rostam told me I dressed like a sl*t, so now I shop at A.P.C.,” she sings in the second verse. She refers to ex-Vampire Weekender and current star producer Rostam Batmanglij. And A.P.C. is a French fashion house that makes plainness the point.
Next, Charli nods to Charlie’s Angels as she swears it’s all best behavior from here on out.
“I don’t know why you don’t think I could be an angel girl.”
“Wink Wink” echoes Joy Division and the acid house scene that emerged in Britain as the band’s successor, New Order, transitioned to electronic music. Many post-punk bands were inspired by the house beats of Chicago DJs. It put rock bands in dance clubs, and here we have a full-circle moment with a former London rave kid singing about her party image over a post-punk track. This is Charli, once again, defying expectations with a subdued, though no less ironic, banger.
Yeah, people can change.
Photo by Maria M. Silva, Albany Times Union/Hearst Newspapers