Doja Cat ‘Vie’ Review: Sensual, Shapeshifting Groove That Keeps You Hooked

Dive into Doja Cat’s ‘Vie,’ a seductive, shapeshifting album filled with funk, texture, and irresistible groove.

An Intimate, Sensual Journey Beyond ‘Planet Her’

If you remember 2021’s Planet Her as a glossy pop fantasia sprinkled with alien charm, then Vie, Doja Cat’s fifth album, lands as its intimate and sensual “masculine” sibling. But don’t get it twisted — this isn’t masculinity by the usual loud-and-proud standards. Instead, Vie thrives on a rich tapestry of zappy synths, deep funk bass, and fluid vocals that morph effortlessly from fluttery falsettos to playful rap scratchings. It’s like Doja’s voice is a turntablist, spinning and looping across the beats, captivating you with every twist.

The album’s vibe is more about texture and groove than the typical assertive swagger, inviting you into a world that feels both seductive and wildly fun.

First Impressions and Early Stumbles

No masterpiece is without its quirks, and Vie’s opening moments do show some tension between idea and delivery. Doja dips into ’80s-inspired sounds here, but the lead single “Jealous Type” lands as a bit of a cliché — shimmery and upbeat but paired with a sentimental romantic despair that feels like an underwhelming intro to the journey ahead.

Tracks like “Couples Therapy” and “Stranger” slow the momentum, offering quality production but lacking that spark that makes you want to move or press repeat right away. But don’t let these few bumps fool you — the album quickly finds its groove.

When ‘Gorgeous’ Hits, You Can’t Help But Sway

As soon as “Gorgeous” hits your speakers, the album’s playful sensuality and slick grooves come alive in full force. It oozes that kind of debonair confidence that makes you want to strut around like Jessica Rabbit in a neon-lit nightclub. The track is a masterclass in charm and subtle swagger.

“All Mine” is a standout, showcasing Doja’s vocal prowess as she effortlessly floats between jazzy highs and bluesy lows, cutting back into the beat like a DJ spinning vinyl at a packed dancefloor.

Then there’s “Take Me Dancing,” where SZA’s cameo is just the right touch — a sprinkle of multigenerational joy reminiscent of funk classics like Cameo’s “Candy” and “Word Up!” without ever stealing the spotlight from Doja’s magnetic presence.

Across these tracks, Doja proves that her voice isn’t just an instrument; it’s its own performer — seductive, playful, and always inventive.

Feminine Power and Playful Dominance

Doja Cat doesn’t lean on traditional masculine dominance here. Instead, she rules through distinctly feminine-coded moves like jealousy, seduction, and emotional playfulness. It’s dominance cloaked in softness, a refreshing take that feels genuinely powerful.

“Every girl’s a queen, but I’m the boss / We gotta mark our territory for them dogs, girl.”

When she cheekily flirts with casual misandry on “AAAHH MEN!”, it’s not just a diss track — it’s a spirited tug-of-war between attraction and repulsion that feels raw and real.

The Soundtrack of a Modern ’80s Coming-of-Age

The production is a delicious blend of ’80s synth power, slapping basslines, and modern 808s, keeping the album fresh and dynamic throughout. Tracks like “Acts of Service,” “Make It Up,” and “Silly! Fun!” layer luscious bluesy chords over warped synths, crafting grooves that pull you into a sexy, bodily experience.

By the time you reach the cinematic closer “Come Back,” it feels like the credits rolling on an ’80s coming-of-age movie — reflective, shimmering, and wrapped up with a sense of closure after a wild, vivid ride through love and desire.

The Ultimate Pop Shapeshifter

Vie cements Doja Cat’s status as pop’s ultimate shapeshifter. This album moves with you, seduces you, and entertains on its own wonderfully weird terms. Using nostalgic power-pop as her vehicle, Doja’s voice morphs, scratches, flutters, and croons with relentless energy. It’s intimate, playful, and seriously fun — once it gets its hooks in, it’s not letting go.

Vie Album Details

• Record label: HYBE / UMG
• Release date: August 12, 2024

FAQ

• What genre does ’Vie’ mainly explore?
  ‘Vie’ blends ‘80s-inspired synth-pop, funk, and modern R&B, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
• Who features on the album?
  SZA makes a notable cameo on “Take Me Dancing,” adding a multigenerational vibe without overshadowing Doja.
• How does ’Vie’ compare to ’Planet Her’?
  While Planet Her dazzled with glossy, alien pop, Vie opts for a more intimate, sensual vibe rooted in groove and vocal fluidity.
• What themes does Doja Cat tackle on the album?
  She explores dominance through feminine power, jealousy, seduction, and emotional complexity rather than traditional masculinity.
• Is ’Vie’ a cohesive album?
  Yes, despite a few slower moments early on, the album flows like a cinematic journey, especially with its sultry grooves and inventive vocal performances.

If you love the vibe of Vie, why not bring it home? Shop your favorite Doja Cat album cover poster at our store for a stylish reminder of this shapeshifting, sensual masterpiece.

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