Thanks to the release of her sixth studio album, “Short n’ Sweet,” singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter has made her way up the charts once again. Yet, unlike trending artists from previous years, the “Nonsense” singer captivates audiences with her lighthearted lyrics and melodies.
Regardless of her seemingly overnight success, Carpenter isn’t new to the music industry. From her acting career in shows like “Girl Meets World” to her 2014 debut single, “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying,” Carpenter’s clever humor is clearly displayed. Her award-winning tracks “Espresso,” “Feather,” and “Please, Please, Please” are full of quips and one-liners.
However, Carpenter isn’t the only artist who has incorporated carefree themes into her work. In recent months, pop has transitioned from music to an experience. Artists like Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo fill their concerts with crowd interactions and traditions. The two singer-songwriters collaborated onstage for an iconic performance of Roan’s single “HOT TO GO!” on Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour in Los Angeles, complete with the viral dance. Roan is set for her own tour, The Midwest Princess Tour, with an expected total of 87 shows, beginning Sept. 25. Her debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” shows off her impressive vocal range, bold personality, and smooth lyricism. The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sept. 11, where Roan gave a theatrical performance of her viral song “Good Luck, Babe!” that featured choreography, live vocals, and a flaming castle. She was nominated for several awards, including Song of the Summer and Best Trending Video for “HOT TO GO!,” as well as winning the Best New Artist award. Roan’s wins are just the beginning of her successful career in music.
The rise of “fun” pop has also spread worldwide, with British singer-songwriter Charli xcx gaining more popularity than ever since she released her sixth album, “BRAT,” debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Her newest release explores the art of creating an exciting, energetic record, while remaining well-spoken and honest. Charli’s distinct, edgy, electronic pop music separates her from the other rising artists of her generation.
Despite the recent trend of easy-going records, they aren’t the only way to impress fans and critics. 14-time Grammy Award winner Taylor Swift’s lyrics are poetic and filled with figurative language. Swift achieves deep, emotional lyrics, and still stays relevant year after year.
