Barbie: The Album is Unapologetic Pop Perfection
With record store listening parties, movie theater photo-ops, special-edition toys, merch truck tours, and many vinyl album and cassette variants, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is all the rage. The soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the effervescent joy of the bubblegum pink Barbie World that Aqua first sang about in 1997.
Whether you want to add to a political conversation, support artists like Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, and Charli XCX, or simply enjoy decades of an iconic doll, Barbie: The Album produced by Mark Ronson deserves a listen.
Photo: Warner Bros.
Lizzo’s “Pink” shares similarities with The Muffs’ “Kids In America” in Clueless or Hoku’s “Perfect Day” in Legally Blonde, leading the characters through a silly opening sequence. The light, quirky bop features quick-witted lyricism and film narration to a classic disco-inspired Lizzo sound.
Perfectly set to a full-on Barbie Dream House dance sequence in the film, Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” marks the end of her ‘80s pop Future Nostalgia era. The lyrics speak to the Barbie vibe impeccably. In the words of Satweeie, Lipa’s track is something fun, something for the summertime, something for the girls to get ready and party to.
The party keeps going in full force, as Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice join with the Aqua collaboration “Barbie World.” With heavy bass and Instagram-able lines, Minaj and Ice Spice continue their viral success. The almost ringtone length minute-and-29-second rap is about self-confidence, congruent with the film’s strong feminist themes.
It’s no secret that Charli XCX knows how to write a pop song about cars, as her catalog houses fan-favorite “Vroom Vroom” and the 2022 album “Crash”. That being said, the self-proclaimed main pop girl’s “Speed Drive” is the standout track from this album. “Speed Drive” plays during a chase scene and beautifully builds suspense, keeping movie-goers on the edge of their seats. Charli XCX was met with criticism by some for the song, but as stated in a tweet, she will not apologize.
The satirical “Man I Am” by Sam Smith ironically praises Ken. The track toys with the idea of misogyny in Barbie Land. To put it simply, this song is aimed at metrosexual gym bros. Out of context, the track is confusing on the initial listen, however, it clicks perfectly within the film.
Ryan Gosling belts his heart out on “I’m Just Ken.” All of the Kens come together in a roaring self-love anthem, again, with an awe-inspiring dance number. Gosling’s hilarious power ballad is officially the song of the summer. Can you feel the Kenergy?
Aptly named, “Journey To The Real World,” whimsically depicts the characters on their trek to Los Angeles from their homeland. In true Tame Impala fashion, the psychedelic nature is out-of-this-world. Dominic Fike brings an alternative pop flare to the tracklist with his musical addition. “Hey Blondie,” is an easy-listening, cutesy tune that is reminiscent of early Aughts beach tracks. “Home” by HAIM illustrates bittersweet life choices and difficult decisions.
The film’s heartbreaking conflict resolution is chorused by none other than powerhouse Billie Eilish. Eilish questions her place in the world on this stripped-back angelic hymn. The songstress released a music video, simply reflecting on her career journey with Barbie-sized clothing pieces. Hearing this beautifully written masterclass in lyricism is imperative to experience in the context of the movie.
Ava Max, PinkPantheress, KAROL G, and FIFTY FIFTY also provide uplifting, dance songs to the mix, while GAYLE, Khalid, and The Kid LAROI add an additional alternative flare.
Barbie has exceeded expectations, already more than doubling its budget and expecting to join the $1 Billion Club at the global box office. Luckily, the record-breaking film has a phenomenal, unforgettable, and unapologetically fun soundtrack that goes hand-in-hand with its rising reputation.