The Resurgence of Unapologetic Femininity in Pop Music

This summer's hit songs have embraced a bold, unabashed femininity, treating it as a playful, self-aware commentary on the complexities of modern womanhood. From Sabrina Carpenter's infectious "Espresso" to Charli XCX's genre-bending "BRAT," the current pop landscape is marked by a refreshing, self-assured celebration of girlhood and all its multifaceted expressions.

Reclaiming the Feminine Mystique in Pop

The Shift from Excess to Understated Authenticity

The early 2000s saw a wave of exuberant, hedonistic pop music led by the likes of Katy Perry and Kesha, who embraced a larger-than-life, unapologetically feminine persona. Their music was a riot of color, spectacle, and unrestrained joy, reflecting the zeitgeist of the Obama era. However, this era was followed by a backlash, as artists like Lorde and Lana Del Rey ushered in a more introspective, anti-pop sensibility, critiquing the excesses of their predecessors.

The Emergence of a New Feminine Narrative

In the years that followed, the pop landscape continued to evolve, with artists like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo bringing a more moody, punk-inflected sound that resonated with a new generation. These artists challenged the traditional emotional and stylistic tropes of pop, often eschewing the club-ready anthems of the past in favor of a more intimate, bedroom-bound aesthetic.

The Summer of Girly Pop

However, this summer has seen a resurgence of a more exuberant, unapologetically feminine pop sound. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Tinashe, and Charli XCX have embraced a playful, self-aware approach to femininity, treating it as a kind of inside joke or meta-commentary on the complexities of modern womanhood. Their music is marked by a canny blend of infectious hooks, irreverent lyrics, and a knowing nod to the tropes of past pop eras.

Charli XCX and the Art of Subversive Pop

Charli XCX, in particular, has emerged as a key figure in this summer's pop landscape. Her album "BRAT" is a frenetic, off-kilter exploration of electronic club beats and heavily filtered, high-pitched vocals, with lyrics that revel in the language of celebrity and social media. Tracks like "360" and "Girl, so confusing" (featuring a guest appearance from Lorde) showcase Charli's ability to take the internet's temperature and curate references accordingly, creating a pop music that is both instantly catchy and subtly subversive.

Katy Perry's Comeback and the Complexities of Femininity in Pop

Katy Perry's return to the pop scene with "Woman's World" has been a more complicated affair. The song's direct, platitudinal lyrics and conventional production feel like a step back from the more nuanced, self-aware approach of her peers. The music video, with its slapstick visual gags, seems to be an attempt to address the song's shortcomings, but the overall result is a tonal failure that leaves the listener unsure of whether Perry is in on the joke.

Kesha's Comeback and the Enduring Spirit of Defiance

Kesha's "Joyride," on the other hand, marks a more compelling return to form. The track revives the insouciant attitude and club-ready sounds of her early career, while also reflecting a seasoned weariness with the music industry. Kesha's jeers are no longer expressions of youthful defiance, but rather a clear-eyed acknowledgment of the challenges she has faced, including her high-profile legal battle with producer Dr. Luke. "Joyride" serves as a reminder of Kesha's enduring spirit and her ability to channel her experiences into music that is both cathartic and dance-floor ready.

The Evolving Landscape of Feminine Expression in Pop

The current pop landscape is a testament to the evolving nature of feminine expression in music. Where once girlhood and femininity were seen as a double-edged sword, a necessary part of building a persona but also a source of derision, today's pop stars are approaching these themes with a cool remove, treating them as meta-commentary on the complexities of modern womanhood. The result is a summer filled with exuberant, canny pop moments that celebrate the multifaceted nature of femininity, from the infectious silliness of "Espresso" to the genre-bending experimentation of "BRAT."