Pop ‘IT’ girls are so back

I’ve been a firm believer that pop music has been dead since 2015.

Sure, we’ve had big artists here and there, but the pop scene is nothing like it was during the 2000s and early 2010s. Maybe I’m consumed by my own nostalgia, but nothing can compare to the experience of artists like Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and more in their prime — or so I thought.

This summer left me feeling hopeful for what’s to come in the pop industry. For the first time in a long time, I found myself feeling genuinely excited about mainstream music, and yes, I know how insufferable that sounds.

Billie Eilish released her third album, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” on May 17. At first, I simply dismissed the record, as I stopped heavily listening to Eilish after her debut album in 2019.

After giving in to social media hype, I finally gave the record a listen, and I was immediately hooked. I even went out and purchased the album on vinyl. This record feels different from Eilish’s previous work; it’s refreshing, and her way of storytelling and conveying emotions is immaculate.

This was just the beginning of this summer’s pop music gold rush.

On June 7, Charli xcx released her largely anticipated album, “Brat.” I’d been looking forward to this record since it was announced in February, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. It took the entire internet by storm, and this summer will now forever be known as Brat Summer.

Charli even used the album’s fame to support Kamala Harris on X (formerly known as Twitter), simply stating, “kamala IS brat.” Shortly after, Kamala HQ on the platform changed its banner to a mockup of the album’s cover, and edits of Harris set to songs from the record flooded TikTok.

Politics aside, “Brat” is a great album, and it made the perfect soundtrack for this summer. It’s fun, carefree and full of club classics (pun intended) — it’s everything that pop music should be. Artists such as Lorde and Eilish were featured on remixes, both of which are spectacular and made for truly exciting collaborations.

A few months later, on Aug. 23, Sabrina Carpenter released her sixth album, “Short n’ Sweet.” Following the success of its singles, “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” the record was met with positive feedback from critics and social media users alike.

Like “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” and “Brat,” Carpenter’s newest addition to her discography is skipless, and it was the perfect record to put a wrap on summer. Every song is catchy, cheeky and unique. Like a true pop star, Carpenter doesn’t take herself too seriously; she’s simply having fun, and it shows in her music.

Meanwhile, Chappell Roan’s career has skyrocketed this year, and it only continued to grow over the summer. After drawing in huge crowds at Boston Calling, The Governors Ball, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Outside Lands along with making an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Roan has rapidly (and rightfully) earned her title as a pop star, and, of course, “your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”

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Other artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Reneé Rapp have also been at the forefront of the scene, and while they didn’t release new music this summer, I like to consider them part of this new generation of pop girls.

Seeing so many newer and formerly underrated artists gain so much attention and putting out real, true pop music is exhilarating. Finally, we’re free from the curse of Chainsmokers-esque, EDM, Forever 21-sounding beats.

The girls at the forefront now are the perfect embodiment of pop princesses: They have big, likable personalities, they put on riveting performances and, most importantly, support each other in an industry that’s become dominated by artists who care solely about charts and money.

Don’t get me wrong, nothing can beat the pop stars and music of the 2000s and early 2010s — I’ll never change my mind on that. But right now, I’d say the pop industry is in some pretty damn good hands, and I’m eager for what’s to come.

@_chloebowie_

southacr@miamioh.edu