The Year in Pop Music: What Was Good and What Was Bad
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A look at the year in pop music, highlighting the good and the bad.
The Good
There were a lot of good things about pop music this year. Some of the best pop songs were released, and many artists experiment with new sounds and styles. There were also a number of breakout artists who had great success. Let’s take a look at some of the best aspects of pop music this year.
Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.”
Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.” was one of the best albums of 2017. It was a critical and commercial success, and it cemented Kendrick’s place as one of the best rappers in the world. The album is packed with great songs, and it features some of Kendrick’s best rapping to date. It’s a must-listen for any fan of hip hop.
Lorde’s “Melodrama”
Lorde’s “Melodrama” was one of the best pop albums of 2017. It’s a complex, beautifully written record that captures the feeling of being young and in love. Lorde’s lyrics are sharp and honest, and she delivers them with a voice that is both powerful and vulnerable. The production on the album is impressively experimental, incorporating elements of electronic music, hip-hop, and R&B. “Melodrama” is a daring and ambitious album that is sure to stand the test of time.
Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times”
Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” was one of the good things about pop music this year. It was a song that made you feel something, and it was a sign that Harry Styles is here to stay.
The Bad
It was a mixed year for pop music. While there were some bright spots, there were also a number of low points. Let’s take a look at the bad side of pop music in 2018.
Katy Perry’s “Witness”
Witness, the fourth album by Katy Perry, was released in June of 2017 to generally poor reviews. The most common criticism was that the album was “forced” and “inauthentic”, with many calling it a “mess”. Perry’s public persona at the time – that of a hard-partying, sexually liberated woman – seemed to clash with the more introspective songs on the album, and many felt that she was trying too hard to be something she wasn’t.
Taylor Swift’s “Reputation”
Reputation was supposed to be a comeback for Taylor Swift, her first album in three and a half years and her first since she publicly feuded with Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, and Katy Perry. But Reputation is a joyless record, full of petulant songs about how everyone Swift doesn’t like is stupid and wrong. It’s not a fun listen.
Ed Sheeran’s “Divide”
Ed Sheeran’s “Divide” was one of the most popular albums of the year, but it was not without its problems. The biggest issue was that many of the songs sounded too similar to each other, making it hard to tell them apart. Additionally, the use of Auto-Tune on some of the tracks was off-putting to some listeners.
