On Sept. 26, Doja Cat released her fifth studio album, “Vie”. Vie, French for “life”, is a word that emulates her newest album. Often remarked as “Queen of Pop-Rap,” this record heavily lays into retro-pop textures and deliberate production choices. With her 15-song album, she gives a new sound and style with songs about love and limerence. Across her four previous albums, Doja has continued to shift personas, from the internet-famous meme song “Mooo!” to the festival-ready pop-rap of “Hot Pink” and the glamour of “Planet Her.” Vie shifts into a new gear: an album Doja herself described as a return of what she loves rather than compromising to get hits.
“I actually like it more than I expected,” said sophomore Mena Lamberti. “[It] shows off more of the pop, chill, and at times ‘cute’ feel.”
The album has a very shiny pop sound, thanks to producer Jack Antonoff, known for working with artists like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar. The first tracks start with upbeat songs featuring high energy hooks that feel like they would be blasted from a car stereo. For example, “Jealous Type” focuses more on a funky, 80’s inspired beat, with a bouncy bassline, bright claps and crisp drums that keep the beat moving. Even with the lyrics about jealousy and insecurity, the groove feels playful, not heavy, thanks to the increasing tempo. Similarly, “Take me Dancing” featuring SZA, is another danceable disco-pop song. SZA’s harmonies and confidence bring the song to life.
In contrast, later songs slow it down a bit, showing a gentle, personal side with ballad-style bridges. In “All Mine” Doja reflects and slows down the tempo with gentle snaps and bass pulses instead of crisp hi-hats or kicks. The production is warmer and more comforting. Additionally, her vocals sound softer and breathier, while her phrasing slows down the song even more. The sounds move effortlessly between a dance floor bop to a slower song that sounds more emotive and relatable.
As opposed to previous albums, which highlighted Doja’s fusion of multiple genres and gave listeners big, radio-friendly hits, “Vie” still has that commercial appeal but with a twist. Instead of that previous wild energy in her music, this album focuses on smooth, romantic energy with a retro vibe. Compared to her previous album, “Scarlet”, the contrast is even clearer. Scarlet was bold, edgy and even abrasive at times, but Vie is soft and sentimental. It is less about trolling and shock value and more about introspection.
With “Vie,” Doja shows off her eye for production. The songs transition smoothly from one to the next, creating a unified and well planned project overall. The album represents concepts like trust, growth and healing — all of which are recurring themes in the songs as she navigates feelings and self-improvement.
“I think it’s really good and I definitely prefer it compared to her last album,” said sophomore Lia Finn. “It has hints of her older music which I love and it portrays more of her personality.”
A lot of the tracks are catchy enough to get stuck in one’s head and sound like singles. But because this album goes for this sleek type of aesthetic, sometimes it misses out on the surprise that made her previous songs so unique.
Ultimately, Vie is a slick, pop-leaning album where Doja chooses finesse over the wild, anything-goes spirit that she used to depend on, exciting old fans from years ago. It is what she produced — sharp and a great string about life and love — that runs through the tracks, earning “Vie” a score of three and a half out of five stars.
