Is White Female Pop Dead?

[PunkTheFunk 123,993]

I came across this interesting article from December called "Taylor & Katy may have sold millions but in 2017 their cultural power faded", and it argues that white female pop stars (Gaga, Taylor, Katy, Miley, etc.) have lost the pulse of pop culture as a result of the political climate we're in. 

http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/38085/1/2017-taylor-swift-katy-perry-miley-cyrus-fading-cultural-power

I've gathered a few interesting quotes below:

"What began with Britney, Christina, Jessica, and Mandy became Katy, Miley, Taylor, and Gaga. From them we have some of the most iconic pop of this generation. [...] But something has happened in 2017, something that was brewing since the lukewarm critical reception of Joanne in 2016, where what were once thought of as pop’s guaranteed punches have been failing to land."

"These albums aren’t commercial failures. [...] But sales don’t mean everything in pop culture, and ultimately what’s popular isn’t necessarily what’s good."

"Stans will always be stans, and when you’re as big as Katy, Taylor, or Miley, the radio will always play your song. But when it comes to the swing vote, the pop princesses that could once raise an army of screaming teens while simultaneously inspiring critics to muse at length over their artistic merits are failing. Reputation is not 1989, Witness is not Teenage Dream, Joanne is not The Fame Monster, and Younger Now is not Bangerz. Even with apparent commercial success, these new releases have failed to positively define a cultural moment the way they’ve so assuredly done in the past. If anything, despite this popularity, they’re inspiring a moment of cultural cringe."

"Donald Trump’s presidency has challenged our cultural proclivities as much as it’s changed the political landscape, and whether she likes it or not, Taylor Swift is one of pop culture’s most visible representatives of white America."

"Cardi B, as a woman of colour and former stripper, embodies a glorious antithesis to the Trump administration, her mere presence is an affront to conservative whiteness, as she raps about her wealth, her Louboutins, her persevering and fighting to take a seat at a table that no one offered to her."

"The mistake some of the biggest white female pop stars have made this year is the belief that they’re monolithic, that they exist as cultural icons to the exclusion of all other culture. But context is king. It’s not that the white pop princess is necessarily doomed in today’s climate (they’re still laughing all the way to the bank, regardless), but that this degree of self-involvement certainly is."

"Pop doesn’t need to be political, but it must speak to shared experiences – or offer that endorphin rush of jubilant celebration – if it is to survive."

______________________________________

So what do you think? Do you see any possibility for artists like Gaga, Taylor, and Katy to thrive in pop culture anymore? Or has their cultural relevancy passed its expiration date?

And is it perhaps for the better that they take a backseat to artists like Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino (in recent days), Beyonce, etc. who are at least inspiring discussions about race, gender, and politics?

[Saint Hollywood 37,363]

Pop will have her moment again soon

We're just currently going through its Great Depression

[Borislshere 52,824]

I think pop artist just need to step up. Pop music is in a coma and needs to be revived but, I'm not mad that artist like Kendrick, Donald and Beyonce are thriving. 

[ryanripley 86,575]

well they weren't going to stay on top forever, nobody does

soon cardi won't be able to gain 100s of millions of streams just by dropping a song, the mob will move on to the next hot thing

the older girls need to find ways to market their albums better (aka reputation), create something worth buying and probably spread out further than music (something gaga has a head start in) if they wish to remain famous

i'm just glad that gaga is super versatile and is pretty chill about not making another TFM with every album, it makes for a way more organic and less desperate experience

[LeJudas 6,490]

IDK, I still listen to Gaga and her new material and always will.

These new people just aren't as good as Gaga they are popular right now and are giving good messages and stuff but they just don't catch my attention the way that Gaga does.

 

[Sakrai 4,759]

I kind of agree, but if anything this just speaks very badly of America as a whole. It reveals what the American population really expect from an artist, what's valued, what's celebrated. There is no chance of pretending anymore. It's clear as day that America as a society is in a state of absolute decadence.

[GypsyBabe 22,836]

I think people are making it too deep. Music is changing and the fans of the pop icons are aging. Its a shift pop culture. I do feel like the pop girls can have impactful albums again though. Its not over for these artists. I also think that “pop music” will make a comeback at some point in the near future. A popular sound only lasts for so long...

As for Gaga, she came on the scene like a bomb. She shook things up and changed music. She will always be an icon and a legend and important to the industry because her impact is undeniable. That level of impact and success is most likely never going to happen again for her BUT she can continue to have success and influence through her music for the rest of her life.

[River 109,686]

U gave me a heart attack I thought a white female pop star is dead

[GypsyBabe 22,836]

7 minutes ago, Devyn said:

I think pop artist just need to step up. Pop music is in a coma and needs to be revived but, I'm not mad that artist like Kendrick, Donald and Beyonce are thriving. 

Exactly. They need to shake it the f*ck up! 

[dit 46,275]

Dua Lipa is a white female popstar and is currently slaying. 

[GypsyBabe 22,836]

Just now, dit said:

Dua Lipa is a white female popstar and is currently slaying. 

Who’s that? 

[edgy 6,918]

Whiteness is cancelled!

When y'all come for me:

 

[dit 46,275]

1 minute ago, GypsyBabe said:

Who’s that? 

Here she is: 

[culturalbaptism 2,557]

9 minutes ago, ryanripley said:

well they weren't going to stay on top forever, nobody does

soon cardi won't be able to gain 100s of millions of streams just by dropping a song, the mob will move on to the next hot thing

the older girls need to find ways to market their albums better (aka reputation), create something worth buying and probably spread out further than music (something gaga has a head start in) if they wish to remain famous

i'm just glad that gaga is super versatile and is pretty chill about not making another TFM with every album, it makes for a way more organic and less desperate experience

Basically. People thinking this urban era is lasting are delusional. The culture will shift and they won't be getting their cute streaming numbers anymore.

[rumours 45,521]

Sister Tony will come though to snatch weaves with her 129348th comeback.

You just watch