In recent years, Kim Petras has experienced a meteoric rise in the world of pop music, making headlines with her bold and provocative EP, “Slut Pop.” Her groundbreaking achievements as an openly transgender artist have garnered her widespread recognition. Including a US No. 1 hit and a major category Grammy. Kim Petras: Feed the Beast Album, however, when it comes to her major label debut album, “Feed the Beast,”. The music fails to live up to the innovation and intrigue that surrounds Petras herself.
Kim Petras: Feed the Beast | A Lackluster Musical Offering:
“Feed the Beast” falls short of delivering the same level of interest and uniqueness found in Petras’ previous work. While her collaboration with Sam Smith on “Unholy” showcased a captivating gothic theatricality, the album as a whole fails to offer anything similar. Instead, it often succumbs to the familiar sounds and trends of current pop music. Songs like “Minute” borrow closely from the 80s-stimulated sound popularized by way of artists like The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, and Harry Styles. Similarly, “Alone” follows the trend of incorporating trap beats into well-known pop-trance melodies. As previously seen in Wiz Khalifa’s “Say Yeah.”
Nostalgia, But at What Cost?
There is an undeniable appeal to the nostalgia evoked by Petras’ music, reminiscent of a time when pop songs were simpler and less burdened by societal expectations. However, attempts at reviving these elements fall short due to the album’s lack of substance and a nostalgic patina. The melodies throughout “Feed the Beast” are disappointingly flimsy, easily forgotten, and lacking the robustness required to captivate listeners. Additionally, the excessive use of Auto-Tune gives Petras’ voice a brittle and nasal quality. Further detracting from the overall musical experience.
Questionable Lyrics and Songwriting:
Another element that hinders the album’s achievement is the questionable first-rate lyrics and songwriting. The once racy and edgy material that characterized Petras’ previous EP, “Slut Pop,” has been diluted. And stripped of its edge in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience. In a post-“WAP” world, it is perplexing why such an approach was deemed necessary. For instance, the song “Coconuts” features lyrics that revolve around breasts resembling coconuts, a juvenile theme that lacks depth or creativity. The fact that it took 8 human beings to write down this tune is puzzling. As it reads more just like the paintings of a 12-yr-vintage boy than a team of completed songwriters.
A Throwback to European Pop-Dance:
Tracks like the title song “Feed the Beast,” “King of Hearts,” and “Hit It From the Back” bear a striking resemblance to the pop-dance music of 90s European acts such as Real McCoy, Clock, and Capella. The fast-paced and frantic “Castle in the Sky” even shares a remarkable likeness to 2 Unlimited.
While a few may additionally argue that this nod to the past is timely, it’s miles important to note. That these songs were by no means meant to stand the test of time and feature in large part been forgotten. However, due to the particular demographic targeted by Radio 2. It is more likely to hear songs like Alex Party’s “Don’t Give Me Your Life” or Culture Beat’s “Mr. Vain” in 2023 than one might expect.
Missed Opportunities and Speculations:
Considering the caliber of songwriters and manufacturers worried about the creation of “Feed the Beast,” one might count on a better level of exceptional creativity. However, it is possible that their best efforts were reserved for more established clients, leaving Petras with a lackluster musical offering. It is difficult to envision Ian Kirkpatrick, co-author of Dua Lipa’s “New Rules,” presenting a song like “Uh Oh” to her with a straight face.
A more disheartening interpretation is that the album’s success was presumed solely on the back of Petras’ growing celebrity profile. Without sufficient emphasis on the album’s content. This is further exemplified by Petras’ recent appearance on a remix of Paris Hilton’s “Stars Are Blind,”. A song from Hilton’s 2006 debut album, which relied heavily on similar thinking.
A Risky Strategy in a Saturated Market:
In a global wherein pop track lovers are inundated with an awesome range of options, with approximately 49,000 new tracks uploaded to Spotify every day, “Feed the Beast” faces an uphill warfare in taking pictures interest. It is a missed opportunity for Kim Petras, a groundbreaking artist. Who has showcased immense talent and charisma, as witnessed by her performance with Sam Smith at the Grammys? She undoubtedly deserves a musical offering that matches her potential and resonates with her growing fan base.
Kim Petras: Feed the Beast | Conclusion:
Kim Petras’ major label debut album, “Feed the Beast,” fails to live up to the hype surrounding her as an artist. Despite her groundbreaking achievements and undeniable talent, the album falls short of delivering innovative and captivating music.
The lackluster melodies, questionable lyrics, and reliance on nostalgia for European pop-dance of the 90s contribute to a disappointing musical experience. In a saturated market with endless options, “Feed the Beast” struggles to distinguish itself and leaves listeners yearning for more. Kim Petras and her fans deserve a musical journey that truly showcases her unique artistry and resonates with a wider audience.
Also Read: Kim Petras Young: Struggles of Dating as a Transgender Woman
