The new, full length project from Doja Cat is an homage to the ‘80s and a beautiful blend of sounds related to R&B, Rap and Pop. It is arguably her most consistent and focused release yet.
Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, has been on the music scene for over 10 years now. Over the course of this time, she has received numerous Billboard Hot 100 hits, multiple accolades, including a Grammy for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance from her first collaboration with SZA, “Kiss Me More” and broken numerous records. One of these records was becoming the first female rapper to headline Coachella, which she did in April 2024.
That’s not to say that this time hasn’t led to controversies that have muddled Doja Cat’s image.
She's come under fire for having her performance in Paraguay cancelled due to weather concerns, to which fans attacked her saying that she didn’t care about them.
There was also an exchange between her and “Stranger Things” actor Noah Schnapp about setting her up with his co-star, Joseph Quinn, that was leaked. This led her to lose over 250,000 followers on Instagram in 2022. And in early 2023, there was massive backlash surrounding her after she called her fans out for the fandom name “Kittenz,” and called out their parasocial relationship with her.
This all led to her rap-centric album, “Scarlet,” released in the fall 2023. On the album, she became the antithesis of the pop star that society labelled her as. She honed her rapping abilities and experimented with darker, grittier production and themes that she hadn’t played around with until then. While met with mixed reception, the album was not only a huge step forward for Doja Cat’s artistry, but also one that reignited her passion for music after becoming disillusioned with her fame and success.
Now in 2025, Doja Cat is back with testing her versatility and exploring deeper themes that haven’t materialized on her previous projects. This has led us to ‘80s inspired, R&B infused pop epic “Vie.”
The album opens with the track “Cards,” which begins with the faint sound of groovy horns before transitioning into the funky production of drums, keys and synths. Lyrically, Doja Cat cleverly compares finding love to gambling, telling the love interest to simply “play your cards.”
The lead single of the album, “Jealous Type,” digs further into the ‘80s inspired production and puts Doja Cat’s insane vocal range to the forefront. The accompanying music video incorporates visuals that highlight this intention and pays homage to films such as “Flashdance.”
What follows is “AAAHH MEN!” an aggressive track with a powerful delivery from Doja Cat, who experiments with her rap flow while still delivering creative and fun lyricism: “So I give ‘em these teeth like Keira Knightley.”
The track even samples the theme song of the beloved ‘80s show “Knight Rider” to further emphasize the era’s influence.
The following “Couples Therapy” has a light, breezy chorus that allows the rap-centric verses to stand out. Additionally, Doja Cat demonstrates a mature take on love by wishing to use communication and connection to solve the struggles she and her partner may face.
Next up is the second single from the album, “Gorgeous,” which is an examination of how beauty can be seen as a criminal offense despite how promoted it is in society. Women are constantly criticized for having plastic surgery, putting on “too much” makeup and wearing “suggestive” clothing. Though they may very well be doing it to empower themselves, not to appease others. The soul of the track, though, lies within the fact that Doja Cat doesn’t feel nearly as pretty in the eyes of the public or camera compared to the eyes of her partner.
“Stranger” is a standout track that combines crescendoing bursts of saxophone with a clean pop beat. The lyrics tell of a vital connection between two people that, for lack of a better term, match each other’s freak: “So kiss me like your mirror, eye me like a queer / Nothing you do could ever freak me out.”
“All Mine” then explores a more possessive form of love, featuring a laid back beat and unique vocal inflections and rap flow from Doja Cat. Plus, one of the greatest bars of the album: “You wanna mix? Jump in, let me assist / Best believe he’ll be cracking it before GTA VI.”
“Take Me Dancing” marks yet another collaboration between Doja Cat and SZA, the stage name of Solána Imani Rowe, who is the only feature on the album. SZA’s feature was announced within a week before the album was released, and it does not disappoint. Her vocal runs are unmatched and add a flair to the song. While not as catchy as “Kiss Me More,” it’s certainly a worthy follow-up.
From this point forward, the record takes a turn into more straightforward, fun pop. “Lipstain” is likely the raunchiest song on the record, and includes a smooth passage of Doja Cat speaking French.
“SIlly! Fun!” is pretty much what one would expect: silly and fun!
Named after one of the five love languages, “Acts of Service” is a track that reflects how confusing it can be to figure out what phase of a relationship one is in. When you get the keys to someone’s apartment, does that mean you’re official? When a dating app gets deleted, does that mean you’re committed? It’s a very relatable moment in the album that reflects how indirect relationships can be, especially in this modern era.
“Make It Up” is a song that examines how you may not feel worthy of the love you’re receiving, and it makes you feel like you have to give it back 10 times greater.
“One More Time” is an upbeat, energetic track that radiates in Doja Cat’s confidence as she tells her partner to try her one more time.
The penultimate song “Happy” has Doja Cat, once again, speak in smooth French as she ponders whether her partner is as happy as her or not.
The final track of the album, “Come Back,” ends the album on an optimistic note. Despite the desperation in the lyrics, there is a grand amount of hope present in the production. The song represents how there may be a point in a relationship where one of the partners is ready to turn their back on the other and leave, but the other isn’t willing to be left behind. No matter what the challenge may be, love will be able to push past it stronger than ever.
While “Vie” may not have reached the same highs that her other pop-centric albums, “Hot Pink” and “Planet Her” did, it is far more cohesive and layered throughout. Each song brings its own individual detail that allows the project to resemble a fully realized work of art. Additionally, Doja Cat has managed to make herself stand out in the current music landscape with this homage to the ‘80s, as many musicians aren’t focused on that era at the moment.
Many still question Doja Cat’s authenticity regarding this work, and it’s a fair critique. She started teasing this album in 2024 and moved quite fast into it, only dropping one single before its release. Furthermore, the marketing was confusing as many were unaware of the release date, cover and other details surrounding the album. In fact, there has also been a great deal of speculation with whether or not Doja Cat used autopen for the signed CD and Vinyl inserts she sold in her store.
Doja Cat is no stranger to pop and rap, success and acclaim, controversy and cancelling, roses and thorns. Though, no matter what, it can be safe to assume that she doesn’t care in the slightest what others think. She will continue to make the music she wants to, perform how she wants to, and love the way she wants to. “Vie” means “life” in French, and Doja Cat is very much living hers.
Nicholas Heck is currently in his third year at Indiana University Indianapolis. He enjoys all things related to music, film, and literature. In his free time he enjoys drinking coffee while reading or crocheting, listening to a new album while exercising, and going to concerts!
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