Summer’s Pop Revival

Well, darlings, summer’s throwing us back into the glorious depths of pure pop perfection. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” is leading the charge with its frothy, funky charm. Imagine a bubble bath of pop with a side of cheeky fun—Carpenter delivers lines like, “I’m working late ’cause I’m a singer,” with a voice dripping in playful irreverence. It’s like she’s winking at you through a glittery haze, reviving that old-school sparkle and shimmy that makes pop music feel fresh and exciting again.

Then there’s Tinashe, who’s making a grand entrance with “Nasty”—an anthem that’s both provocative and electrifying. This track is a high-voltage declaration of unapologetic confidence. Tinashe demands the world to keep up with her unapologetic swagger and match her freakiness. It’s not just a song; it’s a full-on invitation to revel in your wild side, wrapped in beats that won’t let you stay still.

And let’s not forget Charli XCX, who’s serving us a full-course meal of pop extravaganza with her latest album, “brat.” Charli is the queen of frenetic energy and offbeat fabulousness. “brat” is a kaleidoscopic whirlwind of glitchy beats and high-pitched vocals, designed to make your head spin with delight. It’s an anti-pop manifesto wrapped in glitter, challenging the norms with a cheeky grin. Charli’s “brat” is not just an album; it’s a rebellion against the mundane, offering up a sparkling, frenetic ride through the pop landscape.

Katys flop.

Oh, darlings, let’s rewind to 2008 when Katy Perry unleashed “I Kissed a Girl” on the world. It was like a glitter bomb went off—subtlety be damned! The track was a cheeky frolic through some light “oops, I did it again” experimentation. With lines like, “I kissed a girl just to try it / I hope my boyfriend don’t mind it,” Perry was practically daring us to gasp. And then came “Teenage Dream” in 2010—an effervescent tribute to eternal youth. It promised us the illusion of dancing until we drop, all while living in the pop wonderland of early Obama’s vibrant era.

Fast forward to today, and Perry’s attempt to revive her pop glory with “Woman’s World” feels more like a hot mess of gimmickry than a triumphant return. The song’s bland, platitudinal lyrics, like “It’s a woman’s world / And you’re lucky to be living in it,” are matched by a music video that’s a confusing mishmash of symbolism. After the backlash, Perry tried to brush it off as satire, but darling, if only it were that simple.

Kesha’s Glittery Comeback

Kesha stormed onto the scene in 2009 with “TiK ToK,” a neon-soaked anthem that screamed “I’m too fabulous to care.” With her unwashed hair, nose piercing, and Auto-Tuned voice, she embodied every club rat’s messy dream. Critics might have scoffed, but “Animal” was a pop jewel that glittered through the chaos. Kesha’s knack for creating earworms made “TiK ToK” a ubiquitous presence—like glitter that never quite comes off.

Fast forward to her triumphant return with “Joyride,” and Kesha has recaptured the magic of her early days. Free from her previous label’s drama, she’s embraced a new, seasoned vibe. With lines like, “This party sucks, I’m ’bout to ditch,” Kesha delivers a track that showcases her evolution while staying true to her cheeky, club anthem roots.alliance with Le Pen, in case she wins the second round.

The Anti-Pop Revolution Fast forward to 2013, and Lorde arrived with “Royals,” serving up a sassy, cool critique of pop excess. It was the perfect accompaniment to artisanal lattes and existential musings. Meanwhile, Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish brought their gothic, moody vibes to the forefront, proving that pop could be more than just sequins and sparkle. Enter Olivia Rodrigo, bringing punk attitude and bratty flair into the mix. Streaming had everyone remixing pop, tossing genres together like a mad DJ at a wild college party.

Charli XCX has been sprinkling her quirky magic for over a decade, but with “brat,” she’s truly hit her stride. The album is a frenetic celebration of pop’s weird and wonderful side. “360” is a fever dream of glamour and celebrities, complete with a music video starring a parade of young Hollywood stars. Charli’s genius lies in her ability to capture the zeitgeist and transform it into pop gold. In the realm of pop, old-school queens often faced the double bind of femininity—essential to their persona but also ripe for ridicule. Today’s pop stars, like Charli XCX, are embracing femininity with a knowing wink. Her remix of “Girl, So Confusing” features a confessional duet with Lorde, exploring modern womanhood with both introspection and satire. It’s pop with a side of self-awareness and a splash of cheeky commentary.