Two years ago, Doja Cat took a daring detour from the mainstream pop hits that made her a household name. With Scarlet, she explored playful, experimental rap, producing a body of work that was creative, bold, and occasionally chaotic. While the album earned critical praise and delivered a few standout tracks, it was a far cry from the bubbly, dance-ready pop that had propelled her into the spotlight. Now, Doja is back where she shines brightest: pop music. Her new album, Vie, is a vibrant return to form—an irresistible blend of disco-funk grooves, loopy hooks, and cinematic energy that makes it impossible not to move.
Musically, Vie recalls the high-energy, danceable spirit of 2021’s Planet Her, though Doja has assembled an entirely new team of collaborators. She’s left behind her previous partnership with Dr. Luke, who helped craft her earlier hits, while still remaining signed to his Kemosabe imprint. For this album, she worked with producers like Jack Antonoff, Y2K, and Sounwave, blending retro disco textures with modern production flair. The lush, synth-driven arrangements evoke the sweeping, cinematic pop Antonoff has become known for, while adding a playful, funk-infused edge that feels uniquely Doja.
The lead single, “Jealous Type,” immediately sets the tone for the album, combining flirtatious lyrics, sleek disco beats, and cinematic club sounds reminiscent of ’70s and ’80s grooves. Doja’s signature vocal versatility shines here: she effortlessly moves between rapped verses and melodic choruses, showing that while she’s flirting with rap, Vie is undeniably a pop album at heart. Tracks like “Aaahh Men!” even incorporate nostalgic elements, including a playful sample of the Knight Rider theme, which highlights her flair for blending humor, nostalgia, and modernity.
At 15 tracks, the album can feel a little long, and some of the slower ballads in the latter half temporarily slow the momentum. But standout moments like the emotional closer, “Come Back,” bring the energy and emotion back full force. The track, which evokes the grandeur of Michael Jackson’s “Will You Be There,” showcases Doja’s ability to balance high-octane dance tracks with heartfelt, cinematic moments. Across the album, the production, hooks, and inventive arrangements make Vie feel like a seamless roller-rink soundtrack designed for endless repeat listens.
Doja Cat’s artistry on Vie demonstrates her versatility and confidence. She’s unafraid to revisit her pop roots while incorporating experimental textures, clever samples, and genre-blurring ideas. The album proves she can command the dance floor and the airwaves, appealing to fans of her previous hits while drawing in listeners seeking something fresh, energetic, and inventive.
In tandem with the album, Doja has released a visually striking music video for her new single, “Gorgeous,” directed by Bardia Zeinali. The video’s kinetic energy mirrors the album’s sound perfectly, pairing lush, colorful visuals with the infectious rhythms of her music.
Ultimately, Vie positions Doja Cat as a pop powerhouse who knows how to merge retro influences, modern production, and her own playful personality into a cohesive, exhilarating package. With euphoric hooks, expertly crafted grooves, and a confident sense of style, the album is a triumphant return to the pop landscape. Doja Cat is back, and with Vie, she’s reminding everyone why she’s one of the most exciting voices in contemporary music.