2025 Marks Pop Music’s Gilded Age
Embracing craft alongside vulnerability in the 2020s, pop music reaches the apex of its powers in 2025 by reveling in its own glamorous facade.
Matthew Dwyer
Matthew Dwyer, a graduate of American University's School of International Service in Washington, D.C currently works in education and writes about pop culture, music, TV, and film on a freelance basis. He is a traveler, writer, and creative thinker. You can find him on Twitter @md_writing
Louis Tomlinson Takes a Sunny New Direction
On his third solo album, the 1970s-inspired How Did I Get Here?, Louis Tomlinson executes a clear creative vision, but relies heavily on his boy band roots.
‘Bugonia’ Is an Apolitical Fever Dream
Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia blends modernity and absurdity to create a sharp satire with a thriller’s pacing.
Fame Is the New Muse of 5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer add a new dimension to their reliable pop-punk formula by analyzing their own fame on Everyone’s a Star.
Ruel Creates Sunny, Self-Assured Pop Creates Happiness
Australian singer-songwriter Ruel opts for an optimistic tone on his sophomore album Kicking My Feet, mixing soft rock, funk, and pop.
Demi Lovato Finds the Right Frequency on New Album
Demi Lovato stops overthinking her craft on It’s Not That Deep, a slick collection of club-ready tracks. The record strikes a new balance between work and play.
Twinless’ Takes a Taste of Life’s Toxic Cocktail
James Sweeney’s Twinless argues that the loneliness of contemporary, late-stage capitalism life is perpetuated by the very things that attempt to remedy it.
Doja Cat’s 1980s Extravagance Is Remarkable on ‘Vie’
On Vie, Doja Cat references the 1980s to prove that pop is one of many genres in her wheelhouse. Doja remains an elusive, genre-bending savant.
Taylor Swift Brilliantly Captures the Zeitgeist on New LP
Taylor Swift and Max Martin reunite for The Life of a Showgirl, a scattershot collection of pop bangers and meditations on fame that captures the zeitgeist.
Buckingham Nicks Remain Ageless on Remastered Debut
Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks’ debut album, Buckingham Nicks, is a relic of 1970s Laurel Canyon folk-rock that hinted at superstardom to come.
The Title of Ava Max’s New LP Is a Warning
Ava Max’s third album, Don’t Click Play, is a predictable disco-pop rehash, but comes with an intriguing media narrative
Sombr Bares His Soul on Outstanding Rock-Inspired Debut
On his debut album I Barely Know Her, Sombr is a new version of a familiar pop phenomenon: sad, charismatic, and a rock star at heart.