DOJA CAT ‘SCARLET’ Album Review
Source: Rolling Stone
“Paint The Town Red” positioned Doja’s album ever so intentionally. Setting a precedent for the song, the singer’s VMA performance in September gained the attention of fans globally. With a production compiling a variety of her previously released works, she came to paint the stage proudly. Additionally, featuring “Attention” off the album Planet Her infused with “Demons” off Scarlet. Out of the question this album came to deliver a message, she is onto bigger things…
Scarlet proclaims Doja’s sultry and seductive sound. Her ability to avert scrutiny through her alluring direct tone is declared among the LP of 17 songs. She is obviously addressing the music industry as a whole when her music suggests that she believes society's perception of her has misinterpreted or misguided her.
Source: Doja Cat
The album’s second track genuinely reminds me of a lot of Baby Keem’s track “vent.” I can’t put my finger on what exactly is causing this similarity in my brain. However, Doja Cat’s tone compared to Keem’s sounds ever so similar to me. ‘Lots of people that were sleeping say I rap now.’ She, one of the many on the list female Hip-Hop artists, is often overlooked in her genre. I don't think people see her ability to balance her roles as a rapper and singer. People often associate Doja Cat with upbeat, pop-synth beats. On this album, the beats did not disappoint. Her flow, nevertheless, is really impressive and worth recognition.
Source: NY Times
“Agora Hills” is definitely going to be the next big single. With over 80 million streams & counting on Spotify, it comes in as a close second to PTTR for me. The soft riffs and percussive pattern make it very easy to tune into and vibe out. After listening to this song, it made me reflect on how far Doja Cat come as an artist. As an LA native, now she’s singing about how ‘lonely she is in her mansion.’ Sounds like a full circle moment to me.
It's evident that Doja is actively involved in her creative pursuits. The music video has a futuristic, Y2K feel to it. Scarlet reveals her satirical, demonic alter ego while flaunting her delicate angelic identity.
Lil Mama GO OFF! One thing we can all agree on, Doja’s artistic direction is always exceptional. Scarlet’s themes place her in the ranks of the rest among greats like Nicki Minaj, Meg The Stallion, etc. It's pure genius how dark, seductive, and sinister features mesh with the dainty, charming elements.
A song I’d argue doesn’t fit the theme of the album is “F*ck The Girls FTG”. The lyrics are relayed in a very fast-paced, slightly triggered melody. The song’s energy also alludes to the fact that “the girls were never with her '' which translates to maybe, the lack of support from women within the industry. While I feel her delivery is intentional, I don’t resonate with how calling out these “trolling girls'' promotes her art. I’d say Doja is one of the most influential female creatives in the industry at this moment. But, this song just feels like a flop.
“Love Life” is an addtional track that stood out above the rest. She notes in the first verse, ‘They love when I embrace my flaws
I love it when they doin' the same, I love it when my fans' love change, that's how we change the game’
Gratitude is written all throughout this song. At work, this song is manifestation. I adore Doja's ability to purposefully and honestly convey all of her raw emotions. Her persona is perfectly complemented by her clever & poetic rhythm. And she always comes back to her fans. Showing love for those who outpour positive energy and appreciation for her artistry.
The placement of “Skull and Bones” towards the end of the album feels purposeful as well. ‘Talent and I’m driven like you ain’t never seen’, Doja reiterates her motivation to push her talents to the forefront of the public eye. You’re in full focus girl, and I have no doubt that more people will be paying close ‘Attention’ to her free-flowing style.