January was a big month in the pop music world. We received three new albums from empowering female artists! On Jan. 10, Selena Gomez gave us the gift that is her album Rare. A week later, on Jan. 17, Halsey blessed us with her album Manic. On Jan. 31, Meghan Trainor released her bop Treat Myself. Here’s a glimpse at the vibe these powerhouses are giving us for 2020 and the new decade.
- Selena Gomez’s “Rare”
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Rare is Gomez’s first album in five years, and she produced it for both herself and her fans. In the title song “Rare,” she reflects on a past relationship: “I don’t have it all, I’m not claiming to / But I know that I’m special.” This is a break-up song different from those Gomez has put out in the past – she’s realized she deserves better and has recognized her worth.
My personal favorite song from this album is “Let Me Get Me,” a break-up song about her anxiety and stress. The chorus rings, “Don’t get me down, I won’t get me down / I’m good right now, I won’t let me get me,” with a bubbly beat that gets you dancing.
- Halsey’s “Manic”
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This highly anticipated album did not disappoint. It doesn’t have a title song, but the single “Graveyard” has flooded radios all around. “You should be sad” is another single from the album that deserves attention. It gives off a country-influenced vibe, and Halsey pulls it off beautifully. When the song starts, “So there’s some things I gotta say / Gonna jot it down and then get it out / And then I’ll be on my way,” you can tell this is a break up song that isn’t going to leave you depressed. The song finishes with the title, Halsey telling her ex “you should be sad.”
My personal favorite song is “Still Learning,” where Halsey gracefully reflects on learning self-love. It’s difficult to pick out one line that hits hardest, as every time I hear it a new line stands out. But the line, “I try, and I try to remember sometimes / If I breathe it’s alright / Some things don’t change,” deeply resonates with me. To admit that you love someone but are struggling to love yourself is so powerful to me. Every time I hear it, I can’t help but sing along.
- Meghan Trainor’s “Treat Myself”
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Her first album in four years, Meghan Trainor has brought her fans a mix of undeniable bops to dance to and beautiful slow songs perfect for relaxation. The lead single of this album, “Nice to Meet Ya” (featuring Nicki Minaj) is her way of giving haters a piece of her mind. Throughout the whole song, she belts, “I don’t know you but I’m just what I wanna be.” She owns who she is and encourages others to do the same.
My favorite song is “Lie To Me,” a song where Trainor writes to someone she loves and simply wants to love her back. It’s a ballad with stunning lyrics, rhythm, and harmonization of her voice. She vulnerably admits, “I don’t want the truth, I want you.”
The next time you need an empowering break-up song or music to remind you to love yourself, consider turning to these goddesses. These amazing albums make me excited about what the rest of 2020 has to offer. Imagine what more this decade has in store for us!