Saturday, June 06, 2009

Pop Confessions, Present-Day Women

(Published June 6, PDI-Super)

Three artists create inspired, relevant and chart-topping music

Text and illustrations by Oliver M. Pulumbarit

They’re cute, creative, and they’ve got confessions to share. Born in the ‘80s, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Lily Allen are among the current crop of music sensations with inescapable presences, their catchy songs steadily attracting attention through radio airplay, music video rotations, even ring tones.

Some female singers in their late teens and early ‘20s have offered a range of perspectives that different listeners related to. Former teen pop darlings Debbie Gibson and Tiffany made somewhat clean, love-themed ditties over 20 years ago, while Alanis Morissette and Fiona Apple gave gritty, edgy accounts of their lives as young women in the ‘90s. Not long after came Britney Spears and her ilk, with mostly bubblegum-flavored odes to young love and heartbreak.

Whatever the genre or style, the pervading quality is honesty. Aside from relatable lyrics, many of Swift, Perry and Allen’s songs have memorable hooks or accessible melodies.

Taylor Swift is becoming less known as Joe Jonas’ ex, thankfully, and is getting more attention for her music. The 19-year-old previously recorded a self-titled country album, which had a bunch of hits in the US, including the ballad “Tim McGraw.” It was named after her favorite male singer. Back when she was just a kid, the young singer-songwriter always dreamed of performing her own songs. She experienced rejection along the way, but won acceptance and acclaim, eventually.

Her current album, “Fearless,” further proves that the attention is well-deserved. The collection of pop-country songs traverses a gamut of emotions, revealing relevant insights and colorful imagery. Bittersweet high school life is vividly shared in “Fifteen” (“In your life you’ll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team, but I didn’t know it at fifteen.”). The title track is an upbeat, carefree tune about finding someone special, while “White Horse” is a ballad that appealingly wallows in regret. Other songs in “Fearless” are similarly well-told stories with a distinctly youthful touch.

Katy Perry, meanwhile, became popular last year thanks to the bi-curious anthem “I Kissed a Girl.” It wasn’t easy getting noticed before that; it took some time before she recorded her debut pop album “One of the Boys.” It’s hard to imagine now, but the kooky 24-year old previously sang in church, and even recorded a Christian album. Now often clad in threads spanning bygone eras, Perry unleashes a wild side through opinionated songs from her well-received album.

And “One of the Boys” is one addictive set of pop-rock curiosities. Perry’s big voice is commanding, and her fast songs sound Pat Benatar-esque. “Hot N Cold,” “Waking Up in Vegas” and “If You Can Afford Me” are playful, free-spirited, and lovingly retro, while accessing a contemporary attitude. Slower tracks such as “Thinking of You” and “Lost” culminate in power ballad crescendos.

Perry certainly is an artist who knows how to attract attention, one whose musical growth will be worth witnessing.

As for Lily Allen, she’s the English singer with uncompromising, sometimes controversial views. These translate to more adult-oriented lyrics, and the occasional deployment of f-bombs. She had a successful debut a few years ago; the single “Smile” became a chart hit in the UK, and was quite popular in different countries.

Her current album “It’s Not Me, It’s You” utilizes different music styles, and reflects the singer’s openness on a variety of topics. Her girlish, lilting voice often disarms, so it’s a little shocking when songs enter unexpected territories. She doesn’t mince words, especially in “F*** You,” where she speaks against homophobia (“So you say it’s not okay to be gay, well I think you’re just evil”). The song repeats a simple but unforgettable line (“F*** you, f*** you very, very much”). Also, Allen discloses about her disappointment over a lover who can’t satisfy her in “Not Fair,” and sings about a woman’s unhappy life--the absence of a man and a good career--in “22.”

Popular music isn’t what it used to be. These are some of the women who share parts of their lives, and their unique perception of the world.

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