Switched On Pop

View Original

Barbie and the plasticity of pop

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

Barbie and the plasticity of pop The biggest cultural moment this summer belongs to Barbie. How does the film's soundtrack stack up?

EPISODE 324

This past week, the film Barbie opened nationwide to massive success – and with it came a soundtrack, executive produced by Mark Ronson. 

Functioning as both a companion to the movie and a stand-alone collection of hits, the album features everyone from Dua Lipa to reggaeton star Karol G to K-Pop group FIFTY FIFTY. This episode of Switched on Pop, we take a look at the singles from the soundtrack and see how well they embody the ethos of Barbie: plastic and all. 

MORE

  • Check out our 2021 interview with Mark Ronson (about Ginuwine’s “Pony”) here.

  • We reference “vibe snatching” in this episode. Take a listen to our episode breaking down the phenomenon here.

  • For more on Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die,” check out our Bond episode from October 2021 here.

Songs Discussed

Dua Lipa – Dance The Night

Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For?

PinkPantheress – Angel

FIFTY FIFTY, Kaliii – Barbie Dreams

Janet Jackson – Together Again

FIFTY FIFTY – Cupid

The Cardigans – Lovefool

Charli XCX – Speed Drive

Billie Eilish – No Time To Die

Aqua – Barbie Girl

Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Aqua – Barbie World

Karol G, Aldo Ranks – WATATI

Jul – My World

Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih, Cashmere Cat – Party Girls

Ava Max – Not Your Barbie Girl

Ava Max – My Head & My Heart

A Touch Of Class – Around the World (La La La La La)