Summer brings nostalgia for many people. Whether it’s going on vacation with family or attending summer camps with friends, memories of this time are often cherished. Another key point to this season is the music we listen to and what we deem our soundtrack for the summer. Every year the listening vibe changes based on artists and mood. Last summer it was the song “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, and the year before that it was “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. These songs are very different from one another, but they still fall under the pop category. “Ordinary” is very emotional and is an outpouring of the singer’s feelings for his significant other, where “Espresso” is more of a fun and upbeat tune that makes people want to dance. With both of these exciting hits, what will the next Summer showstopper be?

Olivia Rodrigo’s new album “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” is set to be released on June 12, and is already showing a lot of promise. Rodrigo released a single titled “Drop Dead” from the album earlier this year and it grew in popularity quickly. With this single climbing the charts, and the success she gained from her last two albums, it is safe to assume she could have one of the leading sounds this Summer. It is also likely that the trends will stay consistent with the pop theme that has been present in previous years. 

My favorite album to listen to during the summer is Staying at Tamara’s by George Ezra. This album was released in 2018, and it has not failed me for a summer yet. The mood is slower with a more mellow feeling throughout the album. Ezra uses storytelling along with an acoustic sound to paint the listener a picture of a blissful time. My personal favorite to listen to with my windows rolled down on a nice summer outing is “Shotgun.” It talks about a simple life where the only thing the singer is worried about is riding in the front seat of a car on a beautiful day. This album is the perfect way to start a summer road trip or barbeque with friends and family. As I said before, summer brings many memories, and music holds a lot of memories as well. Therefore, instead of only playing the new hits this June, it might do us some good to hear from previous artists that have paved the way for new summer hits. All in all, when it comes time in a couple weeks, you better believe I will be riding shotgun and listening to my hit sounds for the summer.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in an Apr. 24 print edition of the Monitor.

After a four-year hiatus, the “Baby” singer is back, better than ever…with YouTube Premium. At Coachella’s grand stage, Justin Bieber became one of the highest-paid artists ever to perform at the festival, earning $10 million between two weekends. Rocking baggy jorts and a T-shirt, Justin revisited old songs and memories while sitting on a stool, laptop open, searching his old music videos and memes on YouTube, where he started it all. While some complained that the performance was “lazy,” others believed it was a night of time travel full of reminiscing about adolescent years.

Songs from his SWAG album, like “All I Can Take” and “Go Baby,” kicked off the night. The middle was dedicated to that thirteen-year-old bedroom, where you danced in front of the mirror with a hairbrush in hand, featuring some Bieber favorites: “Favorite Girl,” “Never Say Never,” “That Should Be Me” and the golden, but never forgotten, melody of “Baby.” Bieber further surprised the audience by bringing The Kid LAROI onstage—marking his first Coachella appearance—as the two performed their hit collaboration “Stay.” Alongside performing covers of songs by Chris Brown and Ne-Yo, the 32-year-old singer also invited guest artists such as Dijon, Wizkid, Tems and Mk.gee to join. Whether critics hated or loved it, Bieber returns to headline the final weekend of Coachella after he made $5.04 million in merchandise sales the weekend prior. All in all, it can be confirmed that the teenage heartthrob is back and better than ever.

While Bieber stamped his night with old YouTube clips, other performers made history in other ways. Kacey Musgraves returned with a brand-new hit, “Middle of Nowhere.” Friday night’s headliner, Sabrina Carpenter, was joined by Will Ferrell, Samuel L. Jackson and Susan Sarandon; cameos that made Variety scratch their head, but fans deemed it as “iconic.” The all-Filipina-girl group, Bini, became the first Filipino act at Coachella, bringing down the house in shiny boots, ruffled skirts, energetic vibes and fierce attitudes. While the average ticket was priced at $649, and resale costs skyrocketed to $5,000, the sold-out 2026 Coachella performance delivered three unforgettable weekends for fans and the celebrities that attended, posing the question of what will be in store for 2027.

Simone’s Playlist Suggestions (Coachella-inspired):

1. All I Can Take – Justin Bieber
2. Stay – Justin Bieber, the Kid LAROI
3. Things You Do – Justin Bieber
4. Baby – Justin Bieber
5. Beauty and a Beat – Justin Bieber
6. Confident – Justin Bieber
7. Yukon – Justin Bieber
8. Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
9. Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido – KAROL G
10. Break It Off – PinkPantheress
11. Middle of Nowhere – Casey Musgraves
12. Talk Down – Dijon
13. No Type – Swae Lee
14. Bad Dreams – Teddy Swims
15. RATHER BE – GIVĒON
16. Bad Bad Bad – Young Thug, Lil Baby
17. Lover Girl – Laufey
18. Sailor Song – Gigi Perez
19. Gabriela- KATSEYE
20. Sprinter – Central Cee, Dave

Everyone’s favorite Disney Channel icon turned pop star has released a new album, and it is blowing up the Billboard 200 charts. Sabrina Carpenter’s new album “Man’s Best Friend” has continued her pattern of irony and innuendos in songs, while mixing in her impressive vocal range. Carpenter is a world renowned pop sensation that took over the world by storm in 2022 with her first album emails i can’t send. Her song Manchild was released prior to the album as a single and fans went wild. Atwood Magazine’s writer Danielle Holian stated that the song was, “bold, theatrical, and playfully pissed off. More importantly, it feels fun.” The song is about how Carpenter tends to fall for men that act like “manchildren,” —something that almost all women can relate to.

Bold music can be seen throughout the rest of “Man’s Best Friend” as well. One of the leading songs of the album is called “Tears,” and it is one of Carpenter’s many double-meaning songs. The song centers around the idea that all a man has to do to earn a woman’s love is be responsible. She mentions examples such as doing the dishes or assembling a piece of IKEA furniture. Her words hint at a very real critique in society where women don’t always want grand gestures but would rather choose a man who listens to them.   Another song that is receiving love on this album is “When Did You Get Hot?” This song is centered around a scenario where Carpenter runs into an old friend that she didn’t find  attractive as a young girl. However, when she runs into him  later she realizes that he has “become hot all of a sudden.” This cheeky song is meant to highlight the emotions a person can feel when it comes to running into an old acquaintance with a new look. Whether it be after you have had a glow-up or the other person has, there is always some level of surprise and satisfaction for either party.

Despite the album’s success and songs landing spots in the top 3 of the Billboard 100, Carpenter has repeatedly faced criticism for the album’s cover photo. The picture is of her on all fours as a man holds her hair as a leash. Sara Delgado, a writer for Teen Vogue, stated in an article that, “Many have pointed out the image bears a strong resemblance to ‘misogynistic ads from the ’60s.’” and “others claim that the photograph is intended for the male gaze.” However, even with this criticism brought forth by fans, the album is continuing to earn a top spot on the Billboard 100, and in the hearts of listeners everywhere. This new wave of testing boundaries in music is continuing to grow in popularity, and it looks like the singing powerhouse Sabrina Carpenter is just getting started.

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.