Critics at Large | The New Yorker

Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and the Unstable Hierarchy of Pop

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Aug 15, 2024
Charli XCX, a pop sensation whose album electrified a presidential campaign, teams up with the rising star Chappell Roan. They discuss the harsh realities of the pop music world, where success can be fleeting and fans dictate trends. Insights into Charli’s mainstream flirtation and Chappell's meteoric rise highlight the genre's cutthroat nature. The duo also reflects on the cultural impact of songs like ‘Espresso’ and the challenges faced by artists like Katy Perry. Their conversation navigates the evolving landscape of pop culture and the unique connections artists have with their fans.
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INSIGHT

Pop's Meta Popularity and Cruelty

  • Pop music thrives on a meta popularity where fans enjoy being part of a shared moment.
  • This creates a parasocial experience but also makes the genre brutally cutthroat when popularity wanes.
INSIGHT

Katy Perry's Flop Explained

  • Katy Perry's single “Woman’s World” flopped harshly due to its heavy-handed, outdated feminist tone.
  • The attempt at satire felt clumsy, resembling a commercial jingle more than impactful pop music.
INSIGHT

Mean Girls’ Complex Feminism

  • Charli XCX’s “Mean Girls” reflects ambivalence and complexity about femininity.
  • It mixes tribute, mockery, and indictment, contrasting Katy Perry’s earnest feminist messaging.
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