Ah, pop music and streaming platforms are driving me crazy. On one hand, I want references for smaller artists; on the other, I’m reluctant to pay for subscriptions and stay constantly online. Yep—nothing in this world is truly free. There’s always something sacrificed to gain something else. So I subscribed to Apple Music just to clean up some long-abandoned review drafts, even though there are cheaper alternatives.
This time, I picked female pop artists to balance out Lana Del Rey from my older notes. Here’s the list:
Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman (2016)
Ah—I grabbed the wrong album! I should’ve revisited Ariana Grande's My Everything first since I had the full album back around 2014–2016. That’s probably why only “Side to Side” instantly sticks in my head.
So… what now? I’m a bit lost. Listening to this after Taylor Swift actually feels good. It sounds simple, sometimes relaxed with R&B touches or leaning into electropop beats. Still, I can’t really pinpoint a definitive standout. A revisit? Maybe—but probably not.
Highlight: Into You, Side to Side, Greedy, Thinking Bout You
IRyS – Yabai EP (2025)
Clairo was originally on the list, but the album felt too long and too mellow for nighttime listening, so I swapped in one of Hololive English’s Vtuber talents instead, IRyS.
With energetic dance/synth-pop, “Carbonated Love” immediately reminds me of Folder 5’s “Believe” (the old One Piece opening). The second track carries a similar vibe, while “Bite” and “Diamond Girlfriend” lean slightly toward an Aqua-like Eurodance feel.
Honestly, it’s surprising to see a Vtuber actively producing music rather than just streaming games. Fans of Japanese-flavored pop, otaku culture, or Vtuber followers should definitely check this out.
Highlight: Carbonated Love, Bite
Lana Del Rey – Born to Die (2012)
If I remember correctly, I first saw the Born to Die cover on AZLyrics around 2015—that’s why I started here.
Lana Del Rey’s voice in the opener “Born to Die” sounds thick and dramatic, almost evoking a doom/gothic atmosphere. But as the album continues, it shifts into her signature sensual, laid-back pop style. Overall, she adjusts her vocal character to create distinct moods for each track.
Musically, it does feel somewhat different from mainstream top pop—thanks to its alternative/indie influence. The beats are light but still catchy.
Which tracks stand out? Honestly, most of them are good, though perhaps not ideal for fans of purely upbeat pop. The weaker spots might be “Carmen” and “Million Dollar Man.” My personal favorites? “Born to Die” and “Dark Paradise.”
Taylor Swift – Fearless (2008)
I actually miss this country-pop era, but listening to it again after trying Courtney Marie Andrews somehow dulls that nostalgia. I only really connect with “Love Story” and “Breathe,” plus the more energetic pop-rock-leaning tracks “Forever & Always” and “Change.”
There’s not much more to say—it’s already a massive, canonical album. My opinion won’t change anything at this point.
Highlight: Love Story, Breathe, Forever & Always, The Best Day, Change
Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl (2025)
Why two Taylor Swift releases in one batch? Why not? We’re talking about pop giants anyway.
Imagine listening to Taylor Swift but having Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness” pop into your head during “The Fate of Ophelia.” Then “Opalite” hums like Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl,” while the drum beat in “Father Figure” reminds me of Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do.” Some tracks even feel recycled from Taylor’s own earlier catalog—like “Elder Daughter” and “Ruin the Friendship”—though I can’t pinpoint exactly which ones.
Even after becoming the third Taylor album I’ve fully heard, The Life of a Showgirl ends up feeling flat—both musically and vocally. It might’ve been more interesting if it leaned fully into hard bass, electro, or even hyperpop territory… though that could damage her established image.
Highlight: –
Yui Sakurai & Fruits Zipper – Unfairly KawaYui (2024)
To close things out, I picked a member from Japanese idol group Fruits Zipper, Yui Sakurai.
The EP contains three tracks filled with bright, colorful, cute J-pop idol energy. The piano intro in “Unfairly KawaYui” reminds me of 7 Oops’s “Orange,” while the chorus ending of “You, You, You” carries a hint of Kana Hanazawa’s “Renai Circulation.” That’s about it—everything feels a bit too happy for me right now.
If you’re into idol J-pop or anime-style moe/romance vibes like ClariS or TrySail, this might suit you well.
Highlight: Unfairly KawaYui
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