Brat Summer: The Resurgence of the Pop Girlies

Photo by Gustavo Spindula via Uplash.

Redesigning Pop 

At the core of this resurgence is how pop stars have fundamentally redesigned the genre, blending sounds and aesthetics from various subcultures and expanding its reach. Charli XCX, often regarded as a pioneer in this modern iteration of pop, has embraced chaotic, experimental elements to produce songs that are simultaneously mainstream and subversive. Her 2022 mixtape CRASH, often labeled “bratty pop,” challenged the polished image of female pop stars. Charli XCX’s blend of rebellion, humor and irony in her work offers a counter-narrative to the notion that female pop artists must conform to a certain image to succeed.

The concept of “brat summer” tied to Charli XCX’s work has become emblematic of a new kind of feminism in pop culture: one that embraces imperfection, loudness and a certain unapologetic messiness. Interestingly, the aesthetic and themes surrounding “brat summer” have also made their way into political campaigns. Politicians, especially women, have adopted elements of this rebellious, punk-like pop persona to stand out and challenge patriarchal norms in the political sphere. 

The Queer Pop Renaissance

The rise of openly queer pop artists has been another significant aspect of this pop resurgence. Singers like Renee Rapp and Chappell Roan are not only making waves in the industry but also creating spaces for queer identities to flourish in mainstream music. These artists embody a growing acceptance of fluidity in both gender and sexuality, pushing the boundaries of traditional pop narratives.

Renee Rapp, who started in musical theater, brings an emotionally charged authenticity to her pop music, blending personal stories of queerness with universal themes of love and heartbreak. Her music resonates with young listeners who are navigating their own identities, offering a sense of solidarity and empowerment. Similarly, Chappell Roan, known for her flamboyant performances and unapologetic queerness, brings joy and celebration to her music, making queer identity not just something to fight for but something to celebrate on grand stages.

These queer pop stars are flipping the script on how women, especially queer women, are perceived in the music industry. Historically, female pop stars have been hypersexualized and scrutinized under a misogynistic lens, but these artists reclaim their narratives, pushing against harmful stereotypes and asserting autonomy over their music, image and message.

Taylor Swift: A Global Force of Change

One cannot talk about the modern pop landscape without mentioning Taylor Swift, whose world tour in 2023 became more than just a musical event; it was a cultural phenomenon. What makes Swift’s resurgence so powerful is how she has managed to wield her platform to speak against misogyny and double standards in the industry. From reclaiming her master recordings to writing songs that address the public’s obsession with her dating life, Swift’s career has been a testament to perseverance in an industry that often seeks to tear women down. Her Eras Tour in 2023 became a symbol of empowerment, showcasing the various phases of her career. 

Swift’s influence also sparked conversations about gender disparity in the music industry. The fact that her tour became the highest-grossing by a female artist in history was not just a commercial success, it was a significant cultural moment that pushed back against the narrative that women in pop are disposable or merely trend-chasers.

Rising Voices, Challenging Norms

Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter represent another facet of pop music’s resurgence. Rodrigo’s debut album SOUR was a massive success, largely because of its raw, unfiltered portrayal of teenage angst, heartbreak, and identity. Rodrigo’s songwriting taps into the universal experiences of young women, amplifying voices that are often dismissed as “hormonal” or overly emotional. By doing so, she challenges the industry’s tendency to devalue the voices and stories of young women.

Sabrina Carpenter, often caught in the media whirlwind surrounding Rodrigo, turned the attention into an opportunity to showcase her own talents and complexities. Carpenter’s music has evolved from her Disney roots to something more mature, reflecting the struggles young women face when trying to carve out their own identities in a world that seeks to define them.

Both Rodrigo and Carpenter navigate the complexities of modern femininity and womanhood, using their music as a platform to confront misogynistic tropes. Their success underscores a broader trend in pop music where young female artists no longer feel the need to adhere to industry expectations. Instead, they are shaping their own paths, with full control over their voices and images.

Pop Music in Economic Uncertainty  

Another aspect that has pushed forward this pop resurgence is the idea of pop as “recession music.” Pop music, compared to other forms of entertainment, is relatively affordable and accessible. Even in difficult financial times, people can listen to music on the radio, through streaming services or via social media. This low-cost access to music makes pop a go-to form of entertainment during recession.

In times of economic uncertainty, people often turn to accessible forms of entertainment to escape the stresses of daily life. Pop music, with its infectious hooks, glittering production and uplifting energy, offers an immediate sense of relief.

Conclusion

The resurgence of pop stars and the redesign of pop music during the current economic recession reflects both cultural and economic realities. Pop stars like Charli XCX, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and queer artists like Renee Rapp and Chappell Roan are not just dominating the charts—they are redefining what pop music can be in a time of crisis. Their ability to blend themes of empowerment, escapism and rebellion with accessible, emotionally resonant music has made pop the perfect soundtrack for a generation grappling with economic uncertainty, societal shifts and personal challenges.