Doja Cat has flipped the script once again. By dropping snippets of her newest album on social media, she signaled the start of a daring new era. Her music continues to resonate with fans through her blend of ingenious raps and melodic singing, leading to her new album already landing in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart.
After the release of the first single, “Jealous Type” on Aug. 21, anticipation for Doja Cat’s newest project reached new heights. On Sept. 27, 2025, Doja Cat released her fifth studio album Vie. The R&B album is similar to her previous albums in genre but moves away from the heavy hip-hop influence, taking inspiration instead from 1980s pop in its beats and production. Vie takes the listener through the emotions felt during a relationship, from flirtation and jealousy, to loneliness and eventually, closure. Overall, the album succeeded in portraying emotional depth despite the energetic cadence.
The album opens with the song “Cards,” a reflection of the calculated nature of modern-day dating. Using heavy electronic synthesizers, strong instrumentals, and upbeat rhythms in the song, Doja Cat dissects the reality of early romantic exchanges. The song showcases her lyrical insight, making the song a captivating and thought-provoking listen.
Doja Cat sings, “A little more catch and throw baby / The more we can clear this smoke / A little further I’ll go.” These lyrics convey the need for clarity before committing to a relationship, using “clearing the smoke” to symbolize uncovering her partner’s true intentions. It is an emotional track that stands out due to its honesty and lyrical depth. Overall, “Cards” is a clever and captivating song that effectively sets the tone of the album by capturing the thrill of new romantic connections.
The second track and the lead single of the album is “Jealous Type.” This song was an exceptional way for Doja Cat to capture the shift to 1980s pop while also preserving the essence of the album and its message of relationships and insecurities.
“Jealous Type” covers the feelings of jealousy and possessiveness, along with the need for loyalty within a relationship. Doja Cat sings, “Boy let me know if this is careless I / Could be torn between two roads that I just can’t decide.” The lyrics in the chorus speak to the ambivalence between wanting to remain with a partner despite seeing signs of disloyalty. Regardless of the somewhat straightforward lyrics, Doja Cat is able to create a breathtaking balance between toxic and uncertain emotions, perfectly capturing the constant push and pull of a conflicted relationship.
The eighth track on the album, “Take Me Dancing (feat. SZA),” displays how Doja Cat continues to have a lingering sense of isolation, despite her success. She raps, “In the hills cooped up, boy, can you take me dancing?” Doja Cat’s life feels less isolated with someone else, portraying the feeling of relying on a partner to feel more lively. Although the lyrics are somewhat peculiar, they create a perfect symphony that conveys a multitude of feelings using few words.
The final track of the LP, “Come Back,” functions as a resolution for the relationship Doja Cat has been describing throughout the album. It touches on her realistic emotional exhaustion and her growth as the track comes to an end. Doja Cat sings, “I won’t play this game anymore,” revealing how she has finally grown tired of the toxicity in the relationship.
The title, “Come Back” signifies how, despite the negativity, she still longs for the honeymoon stage the couple had during the early stages of dating. At the end of the track, Doja Cat sings, “Don’t you come back.” She has accepted the ending and has a bittersweet moment of growth, where she is moving forward in her life instead of being stuck in the past of the relationship. The song’s underlying sensitive lyrics create an impactful message to the listener.
Vie goes through the troubles of living and loving. Despite being from her point of view, Doja Cat was able to create imagery that is relatable to many listeners. Although some lyrics were rather straightforward and repetitive, for the most part, the tracks were individually unique and allowed for her creativity and life experiences to shine through.
If you enjoyed Doja Cat’s last album, Scarlet 2 CLAUDE, or Renaissance by Beyonce, listen to Vie for its quick-witted rap and memorable rhythms.
9/10
