It’s an exciting time for pop music, and women are front and centre of the revolution. Taylor Swift has just broken all records with Midnights. I can’t stop listening to Carly Rae Jepsen’s newie, The Loneliest Time. Another artist who deserves to be in the conversation is Betty Who. The Australian-American pop trailblazer recently dropped her latest album BIG!, which is her most personal and probably her best to date.
I must admit, I came to this album a little reluctantly. I’ve been bingeing the other two big pop releases, and I expected this one to fall short. But Betty had me from the title track. It’s the perfect opener, a nostalgic pop ballad that unashamedly introduces and celebrates all 6-foot, two-inches of Betty. “WEEKEND” turns up the energy with more ‘80s vibes and fun, flirty lyrics. Betty Who is a master at crafting these feel-good pop bangers. Listening to songs like “BLOW OUT MY CANDLE” and “SHE CAN DANCE” is a pure delight. They’re great fun, but tap into those introspective lyrics and I guarantee you’ll fall a little more in love. These are songs of strength, celebrations of the human spirit and embracing all parts of yourself.
While I enjoyed the upbeat moments, the quieter songs really made me fall in love with this album. “SOMEONE ELSE” slows the beats down and reveals the vulnerability that comes with opening your heart to another human being. The closing song “GROWN UPS GROW APART” is so stripped back and raw. Its quiet power draws you in, encouraging you to listen to its poignant lyrics. It’s such a special song, and the perfect way to end this album.
Like many of you I imagine, I didn’t know much about Betty Who beyond her big covers of “I Love You Always Forever” and the Queer Eye theme. BIG! shows Betty Who is so much more than that. She’s an incredible songwriter who has really floored me with this record. I understand it’s hard to tear yourself away from the new Taylor Swift and Carly Rae records, but I promise it’s worth giving BIG! a listen.
Images used with permission from Good Intent