Go backstage with The Music and receive FREE:

  • Exclusive members-only editorial, charts
  • Our subscriber-only newsletter
  • Members only competitions to win tickets, experiences and more
  • Access to our street press archives
  • First access to our exclusive limited edition vinyl variants

Thank you for being a part of our community! Enter your email address as verification and you'll be taken backstage right away.

Please ensure that you provide a valid email address.

Album Review: Charli XCX - Sucker

James d'Apice
StarStarStar

"Infectious but disposable."

More Charli XCX Charli XCX Profile

Sucker’s lead single Boom Clap is an exhausting affair; infectious but disposable – the reason some shun pop music.

There’s lots of fun to be had here, though. Body Of My Own swings and sways. Famous, with its pinballing verses and chanting hook, is engaging. Break The Rules is unsophisticated fun. XCX’s vocal production recalls that of Melbourne’s noughties superhero Muscles. Numerous, varied vocal takes are layered on top of each other causing a woozy, euphoric final effect. XCX clearly still has something to offer. Sometimes it’s well hidden, though.