Perfect Pitch: "Vie"

Belmont Vision Multimedia, Zach Watkins

Welcome back to another edition of “Perfect Pitch,” a series where members of the Belmont Vision review the latest releases in music and look for the next big thing.   

This week, we’ll be discussing “Vie,” the fifth studio album from Los Angeles-based rapper and singer-songwriter, Doja Cat.  

Doja Cat emerged in the music industry in 2014 with her debut EP “Purrr!” before launching into popularity across social media with hit songs from her 2019 album “Amala,” like “Juicy," "MOOO!” and “Tia Tamera (feat Rico Nasty).” She only continued gaining popularity through her next two consecutive albums “Hot Pink” and “Planet Her.” Contrary to her previous predominantly pop-leaning albums, her 2023 album “Scarlet” leaned more into R&B and hip-hip, with experimental visuals to match the albums tone. 

Following the single “Jealous Type,” “Vie” was released on Sept. 26, and it returns to a more pop-centric sound, with influences from ‘80s hits and a more playful synth-funk sound. She explores themes of love, romance and sex through the lens of self discovery while reflecting on how her fame has influenced her relationships. Her world tour, “Tour Ma Vie,” will kick off later this year and continue through 2026. 

Ria Skyer - Senior Writer

Overall Rating: 5/10

General thoughts: In her continued effort to do whatever she wants, Doja Cat’s newest album is a blend of her signature crassness and flow with production mirroring trends of ‘80s synth pop. This is a safe space for primary producer Jack Antonoff, yet their styles don’t fuse in a cohesive way. The verbal deliveries operate separately from the music behind it, making it hard for songs to deliver a consistent feeling.

Favorite song: “Happy”

Least favorite song: “Silly! Fun!”

Favorite lyric: “So kiss me like a mirror, eye me like a queer."

Does “Vie” feel like a return to Doja Cat’s mainstream pop sound, or a continued experimentation in her music? 

I think it’s a disservice to Doja Cat’s versatility to assume this record isn’t experimental because it’s inspired by more mainstream sounds. She’s made pop records before, but I don’t think this fits in with the fusion of EDM-based rapping on “Hot Pink” or the R&B modernness on “Planet Her.” 

There’s a trap I’ve seen with artists who start in non-mainstream spaces—once they occupy a “pop” space, their future work is held to the standard of their highest commercial success. Some people can only operate at that level for so long, as it was clear that Doja Cat would not strive for that space again after “Planet Her.”

Samantha Graessle - Arts and Entertainment Editor 

Overall Rating: 7.5/10 

General thoughts: “Vie” is not what I was expecting from Doja Cat, especially after her last rap heavy album, however I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the pop-influenced sound on the album, which initially drew me to Doja’s music in high school, but I also appreciated the retro feeling this album brought, backed by strikingly ‘80s visuals in the “Jealous Type” and “Gorgeous” music videos. I also enjoyed her vulnerable lyricism, which made me laugh because of the upbeat sound. While this is not my favorite album from Doja Cat, I respect her dedication to experimenting with different sounds on her album and not confine herself to a specific genre. 

Favorite song: “Gorgeous” 

Least favorite song: “One More Time” 

Favorite lyric: “Can we both detangle our souls? This argument’s been in the oven, we can’t always be in control.” 

Does “Vie” feel like a return to Doja Cat’s mainstream pop sound, or a continued experimentation in her music? 

I believe “Vie” is the fully realized version of Doja Cat’s trend of experimenting with different decades’ signature sounds in her music. “Hot Pink” especially brushed the surface of her trying out ‘80s synth sounds and visuals, but for this album she fully committed. With that said, I think this album is a continued expansion of her repertoire as a well-rounded artist because of her willingness to experiment with new sounds. 

In what ways does Doja Cat incorporate 1980s musical and visual aesthetics into “Vie,” and how does this influence shape the album’s overall sound and identity? 

The most obvious use of the ‘80s influence to me is in the music videos, with the “Gorgeous” music video truly feeling like a retro makeup commercial and the "Jealous Type” music video possessing the quintessential prints, big hair and makeup of the ‘80s. I also just enjoyed the sound of the album that transports the listener into a disco dance room.  

Haley Ramsey - Social Media Editor

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

General thoughts: I absolutely loved “Vie.” It felt like a more elevated and natural evolution for Doja from previous albums. I initially heard “Jealous Type” before the rest of the album was released, and it reminded me of something from “Hot Pink” or “Planet Her” but with a more dialed-in sound and production style. The decision to bring in a range of producers suits this project well because it’s clear Doja was able to have more control over the creative direction. The lyrics show more vulnerability and depth than her previous work too. This album is still the same Doja Cat fans have come to know and love, but “Vie” shows the growth that Doja has experienced since she first entered the mainstream pop scene. Listeners can get to know Doja on a much deeper plane through the lyrical and stylistic intimacy she brings to “Vie.”

Favorite song: “Couples Therapy” and “Stranger”

Least favorite song: Honestly, none, there wasn't a song on “Vie” that I didn’t enjoy.

Favorite lyrics: “I wanna be the doctor and be the medication," and “With a eyelash and it’s glued on, she ain't so Christian in Louboutins." 

Does “Vie” feel like a return to Doja Cat’s mainstream pop sound, or a continued experimentation in her music? 

I think this album does both. It very much sounds like Doja Cat, but the decisions she’s making with her music now feel much more focused. I also found “Vie” to be more conceptual and well-rounded than her previous albums. 

In what ways does Doja Cat incorporate 1980s musical and visual aesthetics into “Vie,” and how does this influence shape the album’s overall sound and identity?

There are a lot of clear influences from 1980s music, specifically in the beats, synth and other backing instrumentals she uses. I really liked that she used horns in a few songs to really drive that sound home, and I think the style of production elevates and supports her vocals. In her music videos for this album, she carried the '80s style into her visuals. From her killer outfits to the very surroundings in the videos, it gives an almost authentic '80s feel, bringing in elements of camp without feeling like she's poking fun at the decade's aesthetics. 

Greer Patten - Photography Editor

Overall Rating: 5/10

General thoughts: I enjoyed “Vie” and the unexpected nature of the album. It was very unlike Doja Cat’s recent albums and it was interesting to see her do something new. This album in conjunction with her previous work really shows her versatility as a singer and performer with new sounds and work. The main thing I did not love about the album is how similar some of the songs felt. They started off more pop and very musical and then went into a small rap portion and then back to how it began. While this is not a bad thing, many of the songs did that and it honestly made them hard to differentiate. That said, it made the songs that were different really stand out.

Favorite song: “Come Back”

Least favorite song: “Silly! Fun!”

Favorite lyric: “You’re a trip to them and a vacation to me, and God knows you could be stranger than me.”

Does “Vie” feel like a return to Doja Cat’s mainstream pop sound, or a continued experimentation in her music?

“Vie” definitely feels like a continued experimentation in her music. While there are certainly pop influences, it still doesn’t sound exactly like what we tend to hear in pop music now. There is a lot of differentiation in her sound, not only from song to song, but also throughout songs. It feels like a pretty well-rounded album, having mostly fast-paced songs while also having a couple slower ones. There is also some hip-hop influence present that really adds to the combination of sounds. 

In what ways does Doja Cat incorporate 1980s musical and visual aesthetics into “Vie,” and how does this influence shape the album’s overall sound and identity?

The main musical aspect that incorporates ‘80s style is Doja Cat’s actual singing voice. The breathy style that she uses feels very reflective of 1980s pop and the style of the time. The layered music of the background is also reminiscent of the style, including the boldness of the melodies. “Vie” shows the more visual aspects of the 1980s in the music videos. They feel very retro and almost like you are watching a tape at times. The lighting techniques also feel very reflective of the time and almost transport the viewer into it.

Trinity Selman - Vision Writer

Overall Rating: 7/10

General thoughts: As a fan of Doja Cat and her previous work, I was really excited to see her going in an ‘80s direction with this album. After the release of the lead single “Jealous Type” I was happy to see we were getting exactly what I was hoping for with this album. However, I wish she had started the album rollout sooner and released the album over the summer, since I think this is the reason the album is suffering from a lack of commercial success. I loved the visuals of the album rollout, but was disappointed by the final album cover, which I feel doesn’t encapsulate the feel of the album and match the other visuals she has presented us. I loved that this album featured more of Doja Cat’s vocals, which I’ve always thought were underused in her songs, especially on her last album “Scarlet,” which was more rap-heavy. I’m also glad she kept her fun, oftentimes silly lyrics, which match the overall energy of the album.

Favorite song: “AAAHH MEN!”

Least favorite song: “Acts of Service”

Favorite lyric: “And I have too much tolerance, you ugly and fine as s—. And if I had more common sense, then I would grab my ride and dip.”

Does “Vie” feel like a return to Doja Cat’s mainstream pop sound, or a continued experimentation in her music? 

The sound on this album felt like both a return to her disco-inspired past, with her hit songs like “Say So” and “Kiss Me More,” but simultaneously introduced new sounds we haven’t heard from Doja Cat before. Overall, this album felt like a continued experiment of her sound, but included elements that she dabbled with in the past. 

In what ways does Doja Cat incorporate 1980s musical and visual aesthetics into “Vie,” and how does this influence shape the album’s overall sound and identity?

The visuals and musical style were definitely ‘80s-inspired, almost in a way that was over the top. I think with songs like “AAAHH MEN!” and “Jealous Type,” the ‘80s sound showed in the dance beats and the bass lines. I also heard a lot of Michael Jackson and Prince inspired sounds in the album, and paired with the visuals, the album really conveyed the ‘80s theme. I think this helped shape the identity of the album through the main concept of an ‘80s romance, paired with the almost kitschy feel of visuals, which helped contribute to the fun energy of the album.