\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<\/p>\nThe California rapper-singer born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini leans back into the pop genre on her fifth studio album, incorporating some of the most iconic music styles from the past to create something innovative and fun. And don\u2019t worry, she still includes her signature rap verses in every song.<\/p>\n
Cards<\/em> and Jealous Type<\/em> start the album off distinctly \u201980s-esque with synths and punchy snares. Lyrically, Doja Cat toys with the idea of letting herself love someone, singing in the former, \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll fall in love baby \/ Maybe we\u2019ll win some hearts \/ Gotta just play your cards.\u201d<\/p>\nThe two are album highlights, as well as Aaahh Men!<\/em>, a spirited track with intense instrumentals and varied vocals from whispers to shouts as Doja Cat expresses the sometimes-disappointing emotions that come with dating.<\/p>\nMore so than the frustration, she expresses the fun of falling in love throughout her album. She dives headfirst in Silly! Fun!,<\/em> gushing, \u201cYou\u2019re my person \/ This my first time I\u2019m in love.\u201d<\/p>\nCallbacks to the sounds of the \u201980s permeate Vie<\/em>, such as in All Mine<\/em> with falsettos and a laid-back R&B style reminiscent of Prince, as well as album closer Come<\/em> Back,<\/em> which sounds like it could be in the final scene of a John Hughes movie.<\/p>\nDoja Cat\u2019s experimentation with the nostalgic sound creates some of the most enjoyable songs on the album, as well as some of the most boring \u2014 one of the identifiers of \u201980s music is its repetitiveness.<\/p>\n
Overall, Vie<\/em> succeeds more than it fails in its \u201980s-inspired experimentation, offering catchy choruses with rap verses that add some totally tubular spice. \u2605\u2605\u2605\u00bd out of five<\/p>\nStream:<\/strong> Aaahh Men!, Jealous Type<\/em><\/p>\n\u2014 Kiana Doyle, The Associated Press<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n