Album Review: "Vie" - Doja Cat

Cheyenne Johnson
Oct 4
4 min read

Following her critically acclaimed 2023 studio album, Scarlet, Doja Cat is back and better than ever with the release of her fifth studio album, Vie. The album marks a return to pop-centric music for the artist, contrasting the heavily hip-hop sounds featured on Scarlet. Toying with '80s-inspired pop, Doja Cat leans into themes of love, sex, and romance as she explores various genres, like funk, dance-pop, R&B, and hip-hop.

TRACK LIST:

1. Cards

2. Jealous Type

3. AAAHH MEN!

4. Couples Therapy

5. Gorgeous

6. Stranger

7. All Mine

8. Take Me Dancing (feat. SZA)

9. Lipstain

10. Silly! Fun!

11. Acts of Service

12. Make it Up

13. One More Time

14. Happy

15. Come Back

Known for her work as a singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer, Doja Cat has cemented herself as a prominent figure in the music industry, proving herself to be one of the best artists of the 2020s. She has rightfully earned the nickname of being the "Queen of Pop-Rap," embracing a genre-bending career and regularly climbing the charts with her infectious hits. Among her impressive accolades are six Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, six MTV Video Music Awards, and a Grammy Award. She has been recognized by Billboard as one of the world's biggest pop stars and the 24th top woman artist of the 21st century, as well as being listed by Time as one of the world's most influential people in 2023.

An enthralling experience from start to finish, Doja Cat's Vie continues to prove how the artist has risen to the platform she's on now. The album immediately draws listeners in by establishing the genre-defying nature of Doja Cat's work, opening with "Cards," a track that embodies an old-school vibe reminiscent of Paula Abdul's R&B/dance-pop fusion that ruled the '80s. Continuing in a similar vein, the lead single from the album, "Jealous Type," comes up next and serves as a highlight from Vie with its fast-paced synth-pop sound and lush instrumentals. Much like the sounds on these first two tracks, there's a clear '80s theme running throughout the album, notably present on songs like "Couples Therapy," "Stranger," "Happy," "Come Back," and "Take Me Dancing (feat. SZA)." Giving a unique twist to this theme, the track "One More Time" adds elements of '80s pop-rock to the mix, incorporating energetic, breakneck paced beats and Journey-like guitar riffs throughout the song.

Adding to the nostalgic feel of the album, Doja Cat incorporates an essence of disco throughout Vie, creating retro-inspired soundscapes that are impossible not to dance along with. Disco's characteristic four-on-the-floor is present throughout a few of the album's tracks, serving as an energetic focal point on songs like "Stranger," "AAAHH MEN!," and "Jealous Type." With the addition of disco-inspired pop to the long list of genres the artist samples, fans of Doja Cat's Hot Pink era will be excited by these songs as she gives a tasteful nod to the hit "Say So."

Another aspect seeming to tie many of the songs together is an ever-present saxophone, sounding like some of the sultry '80s pop everyone loves to hear. If anyone has a deep love for saxophones being incorporated in modern pop, songs like "Gorgeous," "Cards," "Jealous Type," and "Stranger" are the songs for you. Each track has a unique sound and blend of genres, but the saxophone lines are a common thread connecting these distinct ideas together and forming a sense of uniformity during certain points of Vie.

Giving the album some sensuality, Doja Cat throws in a few seductive ballads to shake things up and lean into the R&B/funk sides of Vie. Included in this category of song on the album are "All Mine," "Lipstain," "Acts of Service," and "Make it Up." The first three of these tracks have a retro feel to them with "All Mine" standing out as Doja Cat seems to channel a bit of her inner-Prince. "All Mine" shows the artist pushing her vocal range as she delivers soulful lines over a funky bass and laid-back beats. Contrasting this a bit, "Make it Up" gives listeners a more modern-sounding hip-hop ballad to groove to as Doja Cat briefly breaks from the '80s-inspired sound cultivated throughout Vie.

Occasionally adding to the more modern soundscapes on Vie, Doja Cat takes a page from her previous album, Scarlet, staying true to her rap roots and proving to critics her ability to balance mainstream pop with hip-hop. Aside from "Make it Up," some other songs in this category on the album include "Silly! Fun!," "Gorgeous," and "AAAHH MEN!" These songs might still have a hint of the retro nostalgia incorporated throughout Vie, but they highlight Doja Cat's ability to return to the 21st century and provide a wide array of unique hits for every fan to enjoy.

A perfect synthesis of her previous work, Doja Cat's Vie embraces her rap roots while returning to the playful pop lightheartedness of Planet Her. The artist shows her creativity knows no bounds, taking listeners on a thrilling sonic journey through a plethora of genres, including hip-hop, dance-pop, R&B, and funk. A sampler of some of Doja Cat's best compositions, Vie shows the artist's captivating evolution over the years and is sure to capture the attention of fans new and old.

Written By Cheyenne Johnson