Pop music is known for its focus on romance in its lyrics. All members of Gen Z can recall hearing tunes that offer a window into the writer’s romantic life from at a young age. At all stages of our lives, from Taylor Swift to Olivia Rodrigo, musical artists have shaped the way that we think about love and relationships. With romance being such a popular topic in music, the most successful artists find ways to examine this part of our lives in ways that other artists have not. While we know breakup songs that leave the subject of the song to blame all too well, a new trope in romance songs is climbing to fame. It seems that self-reflection and emotional accountability are the newest trends in romantic pop music.
I’m the Problem, It’s Me
At teatime, everyone agrees that Taylor Swift is the queen of the “Breakup Song.” From “You’re Not Sorry”, to “All Too Well”, to “Death By a Thousand Cuts,” Swift really knows how to tug at her listers’ heartstrings with songs that not only convey a sense of pain, but expose supposed ex-lovers as cold and self-serving. Even so, there is a sense of variety to her vast musical library, including tracks like “Shake it Off” for when her fans aren’t looking to travel down an emotional sinkhole.
Perhaps this sense of variety is what continues to fuel her career. Recently, even Swift’s trademark heartbreak songs are powered by a new identity, with “Antihero” exploring the shocking idea that the problem might be…her. Unbelievable.
The “Lavender Haze” lyricist can take anything and make it aesthetically pleasing, and her latest hit does this with the idea of emotional accountability. Perhaps her influence will inspire fans to liberate themselves through self-examination.
Keep Your Dolls Inside Their Boxes
Swift’s revelation was not the first time in recent years that introspection has topped the charts. Lady Gaga’s “911” inspires reflection by chanting the phrase “my biggest enemy is me.”
Ever since day one, Lady Gaga has occupied the spotlight for many reasons, from advocating for LGBTQ+ rights to wearing raw meat. Her 2020 album featured “911,” a song about her experience with anti-psychotic medication. While this number has much less to do with love, it follows the same trope as Swift’s “Antihero.” It reminds us that sometimes, our biggest problems are within.
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