This is the latest studio album from singer, songwriter, and YouTube sensation Poppy. (I’M POPPY) Thank you, Poppy. Anyway, this is her third full-length album, and it is a quick follow-up to her 2017 album “Poppy.Computer,” an album I reviewed purely out of blind curiosity and ended up falling in love with. (I’M POPPY!) Yes, Poppy, I still listen to it even now. I very much enjoy it. (I’M POPPY!) Anyway, the reason I enjoyed the album so much was because, as bizarre, confusing, and bubble-gum as it was, the bubble-gum style worked very much in its favor: beyond Poppy being a very fun, interesting performer, I loved how energetic and joyous the production was, and how layered the lyrical content was, often hiding some rather dark, socially conscious messages behind the bouncy instrumentals. (I’M POPPY!) Yes, you are, and yes, you did that. (I’M POPPY!) And after teasing this album back in November, Poppy had announced that recording was completed this January and she began to release singles. (I’M POPPY!)
Now, as much as I loved that album, I wasn’t really quite sure what to expect going into this because, while I loved “Poppy.Computer,” I didn’t listen to any of the five singles she released in the lead-up to the album. (I’M POPPY?) I know, I know, I’m sorry. These album review things are stressful sometimes, there’s so much music to listen to, I had no idea you were putting them out. (I’M POPPY) I wish I could take a break but there’s so much to review! (I’M POPPY) Thank you for understanding. (I’M POPPY!) Anyway, I didn’t really get around to listening to those singles, so I’m not entirely sure what this album will be like compared to her last. But I’m still very excited to listen to it with how much I loved “Poppy.Computer,” so let’s see if she comes through with another great album here. (I’M POPPY!) Oh, and like last time, if you haven’t noticed already, Poppy’s gonna be chiming in throughout the review. Sorry if it becomes distracting, she just gets excited. In any case, let’s go! (I’M POPPY!)
In A Minute: (I’M POPPY) Leading off the album, Poppy talks about how important she is and how hard she is working. So, uh, Poppy, I see you have a newfound braggadocio in you, huh? (I’M POPPY) I see. Anyway, this track seems to take on a bit of a darker feel in comparison to some of Poppy’s other songs, with deeper synths, a very charismatic vocal performance, and an all-around confident feel. The song is damn infectious with very sticky production and one of Poppy’s best hooks ever. (I’M POPPY?) Yes, Poppy, I really think the chorus on this one is one of your best! I love this song! (I’M POPPY!)
Fashion After All: (I’M POPPY) Keeping things very confident, Poppy assures us all on this one that she is gonna do what she wants, how she wants, because she wants to. (I’M POPPY) My reviews have gotten more specific since you were last here? Well, thank you. It has been a year now, so I’m hoping they grew just a bit. (I’M POPPY) Glad you like it. In any case, this one has a more bouncy feel with vibrant synths, and Poppy’s vocals feel darker and somewhat robotic. I love the vibe and the catchy, fast-paced instrumentals, and Poppy sounds great as always, though I’m not really all that crazy about the hook. (I’M POPPY?) Yeah, I’m sorry, Poppy, the song sounds great, but the hook just doesn’t quite stick with me as much as some of your others. (I’M POPPY) Thank you for understanding. I still like the song, though! (I’M POPPY!)
Iconic: (I’M POPPY) Yes, Poppy, you are iconic. (I’M POPPY!) And I think teaching people to be “iconic” is pretty iconic, too! (I’M POPPY!) And I also think your vocals on this track are…again, “Iconic.” (I’M POPPY!) I love that Poppy is just dripping in charisma and charm throughout this song, and she meshes well with the production here. It feels a little less bright and bubblegum compared to most of “Poppy.Computer,” and I think Poppy adjusts to this somewhat darker, more mature sound very well. Really like this one a lot, too, can’t wait to give it more repeat listens! (I’M POPPY!)
Chic Chick: (I’M POPPY) With this one, Poppy talks about just how elegant and stylish she is, and she even takes things up a few notches by saying, if we don’t like it, to suck her dick. Poppy, uh…rather strong language, huh? (I’M POPPY) That’s true, it is what sells. Well, regardless of those grown-up lyrics, the song succeeds largely thanks to the great, grooving production and, of course, Poppy’s charismatic performances. We all knew from the last album that Poppy could sing very well, but with this album, it feels like she's really digging in and adding even more charm to her vocals with even more interesting inflections. (I’M POPPY!) And can I also say that Poppy sounds so sweet telling someone to “suck [her] dick?” I’ve never heard someone sound so polite saying something like that. (I’M POPPY) I know you try. And you did well, the song’s great! (I’M POPPY!)
Interlude 1: (I’M POPPY) Creating an interlude in the way only Poppy could, this very bizarre-sounding, revved-up interlude simply features Poppy saying “I’m Poppy” nine times over the abrasive instrumentals. Literally, iconic. (I’M POPPY) Yes, I know you try. You did well on this one. (I’M POPPY) No, sorry, I won’t add it to my playlist, I don’t add many interludes to my playlists. But I like what you were going for! (I’M POPPY!)
Time Is Up (ft. Diplo): (I’M POPPY) You know, with a title like “Time Is Up,” I initially thought this track was gonna be about the “#TimesUp” movement, but no. Instead, Poppy talks to us about the robot uprising, pointing out that greediness and human selfishness will wipe us out, and that robots will take our place. Really motivating me to keep going, Poppy. (I’M POPPY) In any event, this is also the first Poppy track to have a feature, as it includes Diplo on it. Way to go, Poppy, first few features. Really getting out there! (I’M POPPY!) Diplo’s production is grand, moody, and punchy and Poppy does sound very good here, sticking in her lower register but still providing plenty of charisma. I do think the song could’ve benefitted from a better chorus, though. (I’M POPPY?) Yeah, sorry, this one didn’t stick to me a ton. (I’M POPPY) Don’t be sad, I still like the song! Maybe it just needs to grow on me! (I’M POPPY!)
Aristocrat (ft. Garibay): (I’M POPPY) Another song with a feature, this one in the person of Garibay, Poppy brings in a number of lyrical allusions to France’s Aristocracy prior to the French Revolution and even compares herself to an aristocrat. Fascinating. (I’M POPPY) Garibay handles the production, and I think his instrumental is very sweet, with very light, childlike, vibrant instrumentals that mesh well with Poppy’s very youthful, fun vocals and solid accent/inflection changes on the song. I like how parts of it feel a bit more spoken-word, and I dig Poppy’s typical charm and spirit on her vocals. Once again, I love this song! (I’M POPPY!)
Hard Feelings: (I’M POPPY) What appears to be a love song, this one seems to be aimed at the “Computer Boy” that Poppy talked about on her last album. I’m gonna guess that you two never worked things out, Poppy? (I’M POPPY) Sorry to hear that, I know what it’s like to struggle with love. (I’M POPPY?) Well, love is…okay, it’s complex, we’ll talk later. (I’M POPPY) In any event, this song once again takes on a more upbeat but somewhat dark feel, and while some of the production does sound a bit “same-y” compared to other songs on the project, I do like Poppy’s very eerie and somewhat subdued vocals, and there are some cool sonic twists and turns here. It’s not one of my favorites on the album, but it does have a great feel to it and I can see it growing on me with a few more listens, if only for the hook alone. (I’M POPPY!)
Girls In Bikinis: (I’M POPPY) Getting a little more steamy (I suppose), Poppy talks all about “girls in bikinis,” as the title would suggest, and she seems to indicate that too much time is spent thinking about these girls in their bikinis. I wanna say it goes against the objectification of women, but it also talks about how men would look good in bikinis, so…I don’t know, Poppy, would you like to talk a little more about this? (I’M POPPY) Right, that makes sense. Anyway, I love the groovy bassline on this one, and I think the song calls back sonically a bit to something like “Moshi Moshi” from Poppy’s last album. Poppy’s vocals remain smooth and charismatic, and there are some cool filters on her voice that keep her performance interesting all throughout. Really dig this, it sounds great! (I’M POPPY!)
The Rapture Ball: (I’M POPPY) Poppy sings here about a ball that’s “the best bang since the big one,” and indicates that it’s a type of ball where everyone is beautiful. Wish I could say I’ve been to a ball/Prom/dance where everyone was beautiful. (I’M POPPY) Well, yeah, beauty does come from the inside…so in that case, yes, I’ve been to balls/Proms/etc. with non-beautiful people. (I’M POPPY) Don’t worry, they’re gone now. No more worrying about them. (I’M POPPY) In any case, this one has some amazing synths, I absolutely love how the production as a whole feels so grand, as if it’s something you’d hear at a ball/Prom/dance. The hook is also one of the best on the album, and Poppy shows a lot of versatility as a vocalist here. Poppy, great job, I like this a lot! (I’M POPPY!)
Interlude 2: (I’M POPPY) Another very glitchy interlude, this one only suffers from a severe lack of “I’m Poppy” sayings in it. (I’M POPPY) I get it, they’re not a tape recording to rewind and play over and over, they’re special. Patrick said it first, but still, would’ve been kinda cool. (I’M POPPY) Yeah, that’s true. It wouldn’t really fit. After all, the instrumentals are more grandiose and quirky, I can’t really see how an “I’m Poppy” would’ve fit in them. (I’M POPPY) But, I do like the way it sounds. Even if I don’t really go back to it that much, I do think it’s a good interlude, Poppy! (I’M POPPY!)
Am I A Girl?: (I’M POPPY) Poppy questions her gender on this one, and while she admits at points that she is thankful she is not a boy and seems to take a shot at toxic masculinity (which I appreciate), she also questions just what it is that she identifies as. Poppy, just know you are valid and I’m here for you every step of the way. (I’M POPPY!) Of course! Anyway, this is another more bright-sounding song. I don’t know why but when it started, I got some “Sonic Heroes” vibes. (I’M POPPY) I don’t know, either, Poppy. Either way, I like the harder, rocking instrumentals here, highlighted by some great guitar riffs. Poppy also sticks a lot in her lower register and the results are great, as her charisma feels so natural. Poppy’s crafted yet another bop with this one, I really love it. (I’M POPPY!)
Play Destroy (ft. Grimes): (I’M POPPY) Keeping with the big features, Poppy actually recruits Grimes for this track! How did you get Grimes on the album, Poppy? (I’M POPPY) Interesting, great stuff. And again, this song has a much harder, more rocking feel to it with heavy guitars and a pumping drum beat, but I also like how the song changes feels all throughout, occasionally mixing in more poppy, light moments amidst the thumping rock vibes. Poppy’s vocals are more delicate, which is an interesting juxtaposition against the dark lyrics about death and burning down Wal-Marts. I also like her interplay with Grimes as well. I think the two bring out the best in each other, and they make a cut that’s abrasive and straight-up evil, but also infectious and fantastic. (I’M POPPY!)
X: (I’M POPPY) The closer to the album is one of Poppy’s most mature, adult, darker songs, where she wishes for world peace, but at the same time wishes for dark things such as sex, drugs, violence, poetry, and so on. That’s a lot to wish for, Poppy. (I’M POPPY) Yes, you’re right, you do earn it. (I’M POPPY!) Regardless, this is another heavy, rocking song, which Poppy so graciously points out at the beginning by saying “ooh, heavy” in the kindest way possible. Bless your innocence, Poppy. (I’M POPPY) And much like “Play Destroy,” this song mixes a somewhat harder, metal instrumental with very sweet, shining production, and I like the juxtaposition between the two. Poppy’s light vocals in the sweet moments are beautiful, and her chants in the harder rocking moments are just plain exciting. I’m not even a big fan of “screamo,” but the screams here are actually pretty great! Wow, what a crazy good ending to the album! (I’M POPPY!)
Overall, I don’t know how she did it, but Poppy somehow managed to top her already excellent “Poppy.Computer” with an even better album here! (I’M POPPY!) I think it’s crazy how, in such a short time, Poppy shows us that her sound has matured and been refined so much, and her experimentation greatly pays off. She’s out here taking more risks, handling more different styles of music, some heavier and some darker, and what’s more, she’s sticking the landing each and every time! (I’M POPPY!) And not only that but her vocal performances…wow. Poppy’s shown us several times before that she could sing, we all knew that, but she took things to the next level here, with even more charm, even more charisma, and even more exciting, varied performances than before. Poppy could’ve sold this album on her vocals alone, that’s how great she sounded! (I’M POPPY!) Yep, you deserve to celebrate, Poppy, because you put out another amazing album. To everyone reading, go listen to it, you will not regret it. Oh, don’t worry, Poppy, much like last time, I’ll finish this off for you. Ahem…
I’M POPPY!!!
Favorite tracks: In A Minute, Iconic, Chic Chick, Aristocrat, Girls In Bikinis, The Rapture Ball, Am I A Girl?, Play Destroy, X (I’M POPPY!)
Least favorite tracks: Uhh…none of them. (I’M POPPY?) Nope, I don’t have one, Poppy. There was no one song I disliked more than any other, they were all good! (I’M POPPY!)
Rating: Excellent (I’M POPPY!!!)
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