Join pop music critics Jon Pareles, Lindsay Zoladz, and Jon Caramanica as they explore the defining moments of 2024 in music. They discuss the rise of women in pop, highlighting Charlie XCX and Chapel Roan's impact. The discussion delves into the intense feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, analyzing its cultural significance. Additionally, they examine the genre crossover of country music in pop, with a spotlight on Beyoncé's bold ‘Cowboy Carter,’ and the evolving landscape of artistry and identity in the music industry.
The rise of artists like Chapel Roan exemplifies a generational shift in pop music, emphasizing authenticity and emotional connection with audiences.
The trend of blending country and pop genres, highlighted by artists like Beyoncé, reflects a cultural evolution towards cross-genre collaboration and representation.
Deep dives
The Cultural Impact of Charlie XCX's Album 'Brat'
Charlie XCX's album 'Brat' stands out not only for its upbeat electronic sound but also for its rich narrative that reflects an identity crisis and explores themes like motherhood and the party lifestyle. Critics noted that the album became a cultural phenomenon, largely due to its clever marketing strategy and its viral appeal on social media, which allowed it to resonate beyond just music. The discussion reveals that while some critics appreciate the artistry and attitude of the work, others see it more as a meme-driven cultural artifact rather than a musical masterpiece. This highlights a divide in how audiences perceive pop music's evolution and its intersection with internet culture.
Chapel Roan: A Breakthrough Artist
Chapel Roan emerged as a significant figure in pop music, moving from obscurity to prominence through her sophisticated songwriting and captivating visual presentation. Having previously experienced setbacks in her career, Roan's breakthrough is attributed to her strong traditional songwriting that resonates both with online listeners and the broader pop audience. Critics noted her bold and unapologetic exploration of queer themes, which aligns with a generational shift in the perception of pop music, appealing to a diverse audience. This connection with fans emphasizes the importance of authenticity and emotional resonance in contemporary music.
The Rise of Genre-Blending in Music
The blending of country and pop genres became a prominent trend in 2024, as evidenced by artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone who successfully integrated country elements into their music. Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' showcases collaborations with black country musicians and addresses the historical marginalization of black artists in the genre, framing the album as a statement on race and representation. Meanwhile, Shaboozy's hit 'Tipsy' challenged genre boundaries, indicating a generational acceptance of cross-genre influences in popular music. This ongoing evolution reflects a broader cultural shift where genre distinctions are increasingly blurred, allowing for innovative collaborations and diverse musical expressions.
As 2024 comes to a close, critics, reporters and editors at The New York Times are reflecting on the year in arts and culture, including music.
Today, The Times’s pop music critics Jon Pareles, Lindsay Zoladz and Jon Caramanica talk with Melissa Kirsch, the deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle, about a new generation of women in pop, how the rapper Kendrick Lamar beat Drake in their feud, and why so many pop stars went country.
Guest:
Melissa Kirsch, the deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle for The New York Times.
Jon Pareles,the chief pop music critic for The New York Times.
Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic and host of the “Popcast” podcast for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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