Rating: 5.5/10
Doja Cat released her fifth studio album Friday, containing 15 tracks that feature playful lyrics about the nuances of relationships with others and with oneself. The collection of songs resembles iconic instrumentals from artists such as Whitney Houston and Cyndi Lauper, perfectly emulating the golden era of pop music — the ’80s.
Although the album as a whole reads as cohesive, with its lively concepts and ’80s audio aesthetics, some tracks fall flat in terms of likability. Compared to previous works, this album feels extremely corporate and lacks soul.
Doja Cat has strong opinions about the quality of her own discography. W Magazine highlighted how she described her best-performing albums, “Planet Her” and “Hot Pink,” as mediocre on social media, saying her verses were “mid” and “corny.”
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The pop star proceeded to release “Scarlet” in 2023, which ended up going platinum with three viral hits: “Agora Hills,” “Demons” and “Paint the Town Red.” This album and “Vie” do not compare to the so-called “mediocre pop” that she claims them to be.
The French title itself, “Vie,” translates to “life” in English. A few songs, such as “Happy,” “Lipstain” and “Cards,” include the language. In these pieces, short phrases are sprinkled within the hooks to acknowledge the title of the album.
Doja Cat’s usual lyrical style is apparent throughout the album. She starts every song by singing a couple of verses and a hook and inserts a rap verse toward the end while repeating her famous “yeah” ad-libs.
In terms of genre, this album danced on the line between pop, rap and R&B. Immediately within the first track, “Cards,” listeners are captivated by the essence of ’80s pop. Its funky synth bass paired with the screaming saxophone imitates an old-fashioned sequence.
Track two, “Jealous Type,” hit the Billboard Hot 100 list at No. 49 following its release. It has a catchy hook and movie-montage atmosphere. The computer-like twinkles and high notes during the climax of the song are the perfect material for a radio hit.
Track four, “Couples Therapy,” speaks to the longing for change in a rocky relationship. Her rumored breakup with “Stranger Things” actor Joseph Quinn occurred earlier this year. The two were speculated to be dating until Quinn was spotted on a date in Los Angeles with model Amelia Zerbe in July.
“Cussing you out, you the one I resent/ Cussing you out, I delete and re-send,” Doja Cat sings.
The album has one feature, with Grammy Award-winning artist SZA on track eight, titled “Take Me Dancing.” Much like the title, it beckons listeners to get up and dance with its upbeat tempo and directional lyrics. SZA’s short-lived verse adds nice harmonies that put a pretty bow on the song.
Switching up the fast tempo to a more mellow speed, “Gorgeous” speaks on the complexities of being viewed as attractive to the public. She describes altering one’s appearance, such as cosmetic surgeries, wig installs and long nails.
“I mean I only got myself to appeal to (I do),” Doja Cat sings. “They got they nose up judging me, but ain’t all of ’em real.”
Throughout the rest of the album, each song is predictable in sound. Although it is hard to imagine the album reaching iconic heights, its production and creativity are commendable.
“Vie” falls short of life but successfully captures the essence of ’80s glam pop.
