Charli xcx has dropped new single “Wink Wink,” the third taste of her forthcoming album Music, Fashion, Film. In true rockstar fashion, she teased the cheeky number and its accompanying video just hours before the release. The video is directed by Aidan Zamiri, who previously helmed Charli’s tour mockumentary The Moment as well as her previous single “Rock Music.”
On her @b.sides Instagram account, Charli revealed that she had originally planned to release “Camera” next. This would have neatly completed the three titular worlds of Music, Fashion, Film. Instead, “Wink Wink” arrives as a playful detour that will keep listeners guessing as anticipation for the record continues to build.
The video sees Charli fully embracing the song’s raunchy spirit, licking strawberries in a field, bouncing on a trampoline, and enthusiastically washing up. Occasionally, getting filthy — literally.
The lyrics are deliberately provocative, only for Charli to undercut them moments later. “Just kidding, I’m just saying that for effect,” she delivers in her signature robotic, hyperpop sound. The track is like “Guess,” with the bawdiness dialed up and the answer that she is wearing none.
“Wink Wink” hints at the shape of her next era. Beneath the playful provocation lies another reminder of her ability to blur genres with ease. Declaring “I’m not a bad girl anymore,” Charli teases a new persona that might emerge from the cultural cross-pollination of Music, Fashion, Film.
Music, Fashion, Film is out July 24 via Atlantic Records.
Keep up with Charli xcx: Instagram // Spotify // TikTok // Website
