It can be difficult to stick to a singular music genre, especially when your purpose in listening is to feel.
At times, the best way to channel your emotions is by letting a song take you away. A beam of hope that touches your soul and brings it towards levitation. It leaves you breathless, both figuratively and literally.
Try to tell me you haven’t screamed your heart out, blaring the lyrics you feel most. I’m sure there is a preferred genre within that type of feel. A good shoegaze, indie, melancholic rock vibe will do it. But what if this self reflection can be channeled elsewhere, in a way that is a little more deceiving?
I’ve always loved the concept of “the party girl”: the one that can dance like EVERYONE is watching and isn’t afraid of a little mischief. To get there, though, means facing fears and defying odds. No one expects the real spokesperson for complex feelings this girl can be.
These newly released albums by three of the most trending pop stars are exceptional at telling you the truth, in the most literal sense ever, about their lives and personal journeys.
Charli xcx: music, fashion, film
This album opened a new door into Charli’s world. A more grungy sound. A more vulnerable side, unafraid to admit her faults, yet celebrating her own artistry, as heavy and taxing as it can be for her.
“Camera”
An upbeat guitar song breaking down Charli’s typical efforts for the media and the question of their worth, “Camera” is a heartfelt confession, one of self-expectations and public perception. Charli doesn’t know what the future holds for the rest of her journey—Hollywood Walk of Fame or not. She doesn’t know what she wishes to lose herself into, but all she knows is how it makes her feel.
“No One Lasts Forever”
As the closing song of “Music, Fashion, Film”, Charli’s intentions with the album are truly wrapped up to represent the big idea. This track turns the awareness of mortality into a hyperpop trance. Charli acknowledges that there is only so much life within her, something that will fade in an instant one day. She ultimately cannot stay in this world with her art. With the knowledge that her music will outlive her, she’s as fearless as ever.
Slayyyter: Wor$t girl in america
“Unknown Loverz”
This song exhibits a lack of self respect, as told through the lens of a toxic, unrequited love experienced by Miss Slayyyter herself. She portrays her position as an observer, perhaps even a fan, of the love interest, some unnamed guy. She has convinced herself it’s meant to be. Known to disregard her friends’ warnings, Slayyyter’s dreamy song teleports you into the heart of a stubborn hopeless romantic.
“what is it like, to be liked?”
This song is a great depiction of the hedonic treadmill. Slayyyter experiences major highs, from having fame, money, access to people, luxury and an elite life. She acknowledges she’s not everyone’s cup of tea and disregards these people as unimportant, but wishes she’d ultimately done differently. If she was more digestible, would her desire for attention be expressed accordingly? She closes the song by wondering what it’s like to be so liked, the contemplation continuing and fading out into the end.
ADÉLA: prima
In her first studio album, Adéla makes it obvious that she wants to be a star. She puts effort into her craft despite having doubt placed on her. Her struggles especially come from being an immigrant girl with a dream, leaving her home at an early age and learning the hardships that come with the persona she’s building for herself. This is heavily emphasized, to the point where the singles she released prior to her album tell her story the most.
“kgb”
Yeah, this title throws you off, doesn’t it? It’s what I love most about it. Adéla is a Slovak girl, typically grouped with other Slavic identities. Within the United States, there’s a deep rooted history in how these identities are perceived. If she’s considered a threat, a sneaky spy, so be it. She did her research, after all. This is probably the most hype song within this entire lineup. The irony is comical, but the singer turns it into a confidence anthem.
“ain’t in la”
Similarly, this song gives flowers to all the women all over the world that don’t get the credit for being outstanding in the way Hollywood women are typically discovered and hyped up. It’s the best closing song to this album.
New, rising, and experienced women are all able to portray their feelings and simply be honest, regardless of their perception. These pop girls are SCARED. Like all of us, they’re not sure of everything; there’s uncertainty. The best way to get through it, though, is be real with yourself and dance it out.