I could listen to Zach talk about legitimately anything for an hour and end up feeling better about the day. The education, comedy and brutality is chefs kiss
Finally someone saying this… the main conversation around this record has been about her trying too hard to be something that she’s not but has anyone stopped to wonder that maybe what she had going on before was due to the success of Havana and this is closer to what she actually is like irl. At the end of the day we don’t know these artists and even then people can change over the years. This album felt most authentic to herself and not trying to cater to general audiences imo
i think that’s definitely true, and i love seeing an artist do what they want to do (hence why im such an indiehead haha). but the execution is just so terrible-the production is so lifeless and the lyrics are just awful. what makes music amazing for me is how human it is. thats why brat is so good and c,xoxo is garbage. it’s so predictable it almost feels like ai. even her attempts at being “vulnerable” fall flat and sound generic. i hope this is a stepping stone into something much better
@@leftistsoup given your stance on this I see why the album didn’t connect with you… if u go in with a “this is just a copy of brat” mindset (which it isn’t), you’re only going to hear what you want to hear. This is not hyperpop so the production is actually incredible, you were just expecting something else and expecting to hate on it, that is one sad life to live
@@awisemfsaid2845 no, that’s not what happened. i didn’t think it would be anything like brat, im just using that as an example because that’s what people have been comparing it to, which tbf is unfair but whatever. after revisiting the album i don’t entirely stand by what i said, but i still don’t like it. i do think that if camila continues down this path and refines this style she can make a great pop album. i still dont like the production or the lyrics, but its not garbage (i should not have said that lol). i think her label just didn’t want to give her the resources to execute the record very well, but she’ll hopefully be able to get more for the next one.
I think this album COULD benefit with time. Like how Lana’s album was not that well recieved, but she stuck with her artistic intuition and years later, in retrospect, born to die became iconic. I dont think c,xoxo can become ICONIC (no hate) but it could be seen as a step in the right direction for her in the future. Im honestly always rooting for artists stepping out of their comfort zone and doing something new. That my thoughts so yeah🤓
That's every Camila album except for the first. Her haters are so LOUD and obsessed with her that they will drag her down when she first releases. And then years go by, ppl listen again, and are like wait...this is actually good. Most ppl are afraid to have their own opinions online so they go with what everyone else says (which for Camila it's always ppl who hate her who talk mostly about her) and then later on admit they like the songs.
i agree, it's definetly going to benefit with time. for all the copying accusations, i think the album just encompasses a cool moment in pop music, and gives its own spin on it.
But tbf Born To Die had tumblr girlies in an absolute chokehold from the moment it dropped. It was the “highbrow” critics that didn’t like it, while much of the audience it was catered towards LOVED it. That’s not what’s happened here with C,XOXO. Critics hate it as well as those who are “supposed” to like it. This album/rollout just doesn’t work (well) in a post brat world despite it not even being too similar in sound to brat. Maybe she can use it as a stepping stone to something better, but I doubt THIS album will age well especially compared to its “contemporaries” that came out around the same time (Cowboy Carter, brat, HMHAS, etc).
If it wasn’t too late for Sabrina then it isn’t too late for Camila let’s not forget Sabrina was an artist doing like 10 years before popping off this year …
Camilas also been an artist for 10 years. she also already had her big moment, how many pop girls do you know have a resurgence after losing that momentum. Sabrina also didn’t have a racist scandal
ik you what to expand more pop girls! here are some… -how selena gomez is so popular -i am sasha fierce, Lemonade, renaissance album overview -britney spears, madonna, lady gaga, and chapell roan deepdive -super ache and the sceret of us album review -brat album review :)
Heavy on Madonna! I would love a few Madonna videos, one about her whole life deep dive, one about her 90s s e x book scandal, one about Madonna Impact on the gay community around the aids period etc
I genuinely find Zach as my comfort creator because literally all of his videos are in-depth, thoughtful and enjoyable that I could listen to him for hours without having to commit all that much. Plus when he serves with such a gorgina of a jacket, how can I say no
I remember enjoying Camila's Familia but seeing it didn't have a cohesive theme. It did have some break up songs there, one that I truly enjoyed was La buena vida which has a mariachi band incorporated (she performed it at Tiny desk). Over all, I think she chooses what the album is gonna be about based on "vibes" and not about a concrete idea.
iirc Familia was all abt family as in the vibes, the inspo, what songs were abt (pls note she did include Shawn as part of the family thing-so that explains a but) i just think the breakup happening near the end of the completion of the album i think she kinda had no choice ig?
You know what? We all were saying that she is on her Charli erq but as i am seeing clips of her performance in Glastonbury and her mv, she is trying to go for a Rosalia Motomami moment, Rosalia and Charli went through the same thing, they both dominated the mainstream with an alternative pop album and aesthetic. Rosalía has definitely had a huge impact in the hispanic music industry and i see that in camila. Also the main producer of this album "El guincho" is Rosalía's producer.
She also hired Rosalía‘s choreographer, videographer and stylist. Tbh the stylist was too much for me because it is just soooo painfully obvious Imo the hate Camila receives is way too much but copying another’s artists whole aesthetic is also crazy. I wish she would find a way to shine with her own personality
Honestly, I can see similarities, but I feel like these kinds of "she's just copying Rosalía" ideas come from people who haven't re-visited Motomami in a while. As far as working with the same people... the industry is much much smaller than we think, it's basically artists sharing producers, coreographers, art directors, dancers, songwriters. So it's a moment in pop we'll look back at someday and yes, similarities will be all over, like it's happened to any music period since forever in every genre. I just don't really see what the big deal is and I think CXOXO has enough traces of originality and is genuinely entertaining.
I agree that this is a transitional album, but it’s the first time I’ve ever listened to a Camila ALBUM and not stand alone songs, which speaks to your comment that Camila made a pretty consistent miami sound throughout. I think Camila wasn’t going for a chart topping number but just something she is really proud of. Like with the glastonbury set, she’s more interested in people finding her music than making hits everyone will hear. Totally agree on your opinions on June Gloom and Chanel No5, but this album is half vibes, half songwriting and I actually have grown to really like it. Dade county dreaming and B.O.A.T are fantastic imo.
I'm not an online person so i listened to this album without knowing about all the Drama/Lore and lemme tell you I LOVED IT. It's super unique and I find myself going back to a lot of tracks like Dade County (amazing piano rap thing) and June Gloom. I think in this case a lot has to do about perception of the artist more than actual appreciation for the art by itself
A lot of them were totally being a social media sheeps parroting the majority hate train and doesn't form their own opinions or taste. Bravo to those who has their own mind and being real! 🙌🏼👏🏼
I didn't expect it at all but the album has been on repeat (except the Drake songs) in my car. It's my album of the summer. And the theme fits my life atm 🫶🏻
6:55 this is the exact opposite of what happened. Camila scrapped those songs bc they weren't her vision and has said multiple times that her team was against putting out Havana but she went with her gut as that song was more her. She had refereed to Crying to a club as a "sia" song not a "Camila" song recently as well.
Everybody has different taste just because a song doesn’t fit your taste does not make it bad…with this album Camila tried a new style and I genuinely loved most of the songs and I think it’d be perfect without all of the random interludes…some of the songs you really just need to give it some time before it clicks then you’ll get it I really loved this era for her and nobody is ever out of moves there’s always room for one to grow
I didn’t listen to the album before this video, but as a south florida girl you’ve brought it to me attention, so now I’m listening and tbh I’m not hating it! Thanks as always Zach
I love to hear you talk about anything and everything. You’re so articulate and make biting and witty comments while also being effortlessly funny. The balance between the most valid critique and comments with absolutely UNHINGED things sprinkled in is delicious. idec don’t ever hold your opinion on anything save NOTHING for the journal I want video essays about everything under the sun from this channel ‼️🤭(while taking breaks of course we don’t want u burnt out)
C XOXO is a fun short album. I don't know why are people taking everything so seriously. She said she is happy with this record and it's all that matters. I personally like the album. It is far from excellent, but it's fun and catchy.
i'm really happy that you didnt absolutely drag camilla to filth, i personally believe that c.xoxo is an okay pop record, and i'm open for her to lean into this more on her next record. also, that blonde hair is EVERYTHING.
Fair assessment of Camila's career so far. I actually find her to be one of the most interesting and authentic artists out there today. Sadly her past romance outshined her as an artist and did her career a lot of harm imo, as was the lack of touring since her debut as a solo artist. But her music has always connected with me and I do think she is very versatile as an artist. C,XOXO is definitely her best work to date, the fact that she was the solo writer on it and only had a couple of producers speaks volumes about her commitment to her craft. I think this album needs to be heard and appreciated more. I agree with your assessment on the features and interludes on this album being largely unnecessary, but I think June Gloom deserves another listen because that song is brilliant. Also, I was at Glastonbury and saw her set. The crowd was actually huge given she was on the Other Stage, more than what some headlines had on the Main Stage (e.g. Sza). People were into Camila's new music but given the album literally came out that same week, no one knew yet the songs or the lyrics. But they still vibed to it. The work for the camera was a bit confusing, but the set, choreo and props were all stunning. Thanks for this video!
I think this album has so much potential to be a great album. Almost every song on it slaps. It’s fun, it’s catchy. Great summer album. Just enough sad in it. Shame that it flopped. Most people aren’t even aware she dropped something.
I’m so glad you made this video! I am a big Camila fan and I was so nervous for C,XOXO because I couldn’t stand I luv it. However, upon listening to the album I was so pleasantly surprised. Songs like BOAT, June Gloom and Twentysomethings feel so typically Camila but in the best way. The Drake features really bring the album down and are such a low moment. She literally said herself she just wanted to be able to say Drake is on her album, and it shows. But I really think there are some gems on this album.
Actually, i think she said that she went to Drake to ask about his opinion regarding some of the songs on her album and after he listened to them, he liked them and said he wanted to contribute to her album in any way he could, so it’s not her being able to say that Drake was on her album but him actually requesting to be on it.
I really loved this video as a die-hard camilizer. That is refreshing because I usually get so defensive when it comes to Camila, but you didn’t trigger that in me because you were so eloquent and you have some really amazing constructive criticism that does not come from a place of hate. However, it is so sad that despite knowing what you are really talking about, people here on the comments ironically do not speak about the content of your video about Camila, but other artist requests. It is ironic because of how you mentioned people are bored of her and their focus are shifted to other pop girls. I hope despite that, you really become a fan of her soon and make a video about her again once she releases something interesting again.
I love hearing you talk about artists I don't have a strong opinion on, or albums I don't particularly care for because you always offer an interesting perspective or mention something I failed to notice or appreciate.
the problem with a lot of music consumers is that they believe artists are all in it for the fame and money, you know, they're artists, sometimes they do stuff because they want to express themselves artistically, not expecting it to hit the top 1 and garner a lot of attention, camila hasn't really been that commercial for a while now, and that's not a problem
As a longtime Camila fan, I felt so confused, lost and unsure as a listener towards her overall career at this point. I absolutely loved your analysis and insight into it all, it really helped me see things differently and come to terms with how I view her artisty now
SUCH A GOOD VIDEO!! You gained a new subscriber! I am obsessed with the way you say things and how easy it is for me to follow your train of thoughts! Ps: As a former Shawn Mendes fan i remember him saying to fans that his favourite perfume to a woman was Chanel No5! So thats why Camila is using this reference as a song title.
i guess camila image was always the havana girl or the senorita girl now i think she want to be the camila cabello she is more like promoting her self and she is doing it so nicely like in 2024 she really was trending on x the whole time i think c,xoxo is just the start of the camila cabello (not the havana girl , not the senorita girl )
Honestly, this kinda emulates my reaction to the album - cautiously liking it at first, moving slowly to unashamedly blasting I luv It on repeat! Zach is in his journalist era and I love it for us!
English is my second language and at the beginning I was a bit struggling with understanding but my oh my I was determined 😂❤I watched so many of your videos, some even twice and now lemme tell you queen I can even understand you at 1.75 speed 🤣 xoxo, you’re not only entertaining but also teaching
I have to be honest, I've had a fallout with Camila. Hopefully, this video helps me figure that out. Her first album was the soundtrack of my 2018, especially "She Loves Control" all-time favorite, which should've been a single! After that, very few songs have clicked, whether singles or not singles. She is definitely transitioning/exploring more and taking more risks, which I think is great for her. I truly feel the world of C,XOXO she has presented pretty much describes her thought process, pure chaos. I think chaotic concepts are what suit her best. Cohesive energy is what's missing from her projects, meaning every song flows with each other and the aesthetic of the album. The so called questions as she describes. She just seems to avoid getting too personal, which she is in the right to but when you're an artist, that is not something you choose. Life imitates art but either she's not letting it happen or it's just not happening for her. Personally "OMG" the song she co-released with Havana and allegedly she hates, is one of my favorites, and I'm sure a lot of people agree. If she ever wants to go back to that, which I'm hoping she does, I'll be so grateful! ❤😅 It's a great "get ready with the girls" vibes 👌🏻😌 In my opinion her aesthetic should be: OMG + Bad Things + Bam Bam, CAMILA MAKE THE FAUX FUR COAT YOUR STAPLE, JUST DO IT!! She has worn it so many times and it looks so good on her. THESE ARE THE VIBES: MESSY, SEXY, FUN, BUT DARK WITH A TOUCH OF GLAM. 😍
You get it! That sleek, darker glam aesthetic and sound she had on her debut was perfect. Never Be the Same and In the Dark encompass that so well, which is why they're still some of her best. I think the blonde hair more "trashy" vibe doesn't feel as authentic
I love I luv it since the first listen. Honestly, yeah classic pop is good but we needed a palate cleanse and that's exactly what she gave us. Also the "slow doooown baaaabyyyyy" is heavenly inspired ❤❤
THANK U omg. they way everyone on twitter is clowning this album is so unwarranted. it’s def not perfect but i feel like we haven’t seen a mainstream popstar having such a realized vision of something in so long
I started watching you to learn more TS lore to have more to say to my Swiftie daughter other then Oh she sounds so good. I have learned about that and so much more. I have such a greater appreciation for the artistry of pop girls in general. Ty from a Swiftie mom! You help me sound so cool and that’s not an easy feat. lol ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Zach, I really appreciate that you allow yourself and recognize that you have changed your opinions. Especially with the I luv it music video and song. I respect you for this
I don’t think you quite understood the BOAT lyrics… she’s saying she wishes he would say those things to her (she’s not saying them to him). I missed it the first time, too!
I feel the problem with Camila is that she's so perfectly suited to being a cute and inoffensive IT girl with an edge (kinda like Olivia Rodrigo or Taylor Swift) but in reality she enjoys a more risky pop image. She likely would've made it big had she continued on that Olivia Rodrigo route, but then Havana blew up and she started to pidgeonhole herself into a 3rd category, which I'd say is "latin." Camila clearly loves taking risks and being an edgy pop princess, but her natural fit into that Olivia Rodrigo image, as well as the unexpected success of Havana, seems to have taken her off course for years. I agree with you that she seems to be starting to do what she always wanted to do. Wish she'd continue with more stuff like Bam Bam, but again, she seems to enjoy stuff that's more edgy than that.
This was a very thoughtful and informative video Zach! Love how you never really go down a hater path, can critically think and see the world in shades instead of black and white!
I used to be such a big fan of Camila during 5H and her solo debut era. I lost interest during the Romance era and tbh I think the music was still good but her relationship with Shawn Mendes was so overexposed that it didn’t help her career at all. All their social media posts together became cringe and super annoying to most people that weren’t die hard fans. I even had to unfollow her when she posted Shawn kissing her freaking feet !!!! Then, during the Familia era I thought we would get the tea about the breakup but nope, most of the songs were pretty generic & stayed on surface level, whereas singers like Taylor or Ariana truly know how to capitalize a famous breakup to get people to actually care about the storytelling of their songs and generate buzz. Now I tried listening to her most recent project but I just can’t bring myself to like it even though I still think she’s super talented. All I see is an artist without a clear vision that somewhat lost herself trying to be a mix of other pop girlies. That being said, your analysis is spot on and so in depth. I love how much context and nuance you add to your opinions. I usually don’t like to listen to long videos due to my very small attention span but it’s different with you. I could listen to this all day!
i would consider myself a camilaologist and i was very intrigued by this album. this video was a LOVELY surprise. THANK YOU 🙏 I consider BOAT to be such a highlight. the pitbull sample eats so hard. i agree that camilla needs to lean into her life more bc her cooking Shawn mendes on this album was pure gold. she def needs to lean into the spanglish fs and just be honest with herself. she is not a boring person a la gracie abrams, and i just wish she'd be vulnerable in the music.
I love what you said about Miami. Miami truly is so diverse and crazy. Love it there. There is so much inspo there can we stop hearing about cali and nyc 😅
you're right abt the familia era. LA BUENA VIDA WAS TOTALLY THE BEST CHOICE FOR LEAD SINGLE. The sound totally represents the album and then the content would totally catch attention of everyone since at the time shawmila was a buzz.
Found this because of your TikTok love this. Morning - loved it and thought I will not be streaming this new project, as always Zach, you bring the goods. It was fascinating to get the scope of what has brought Camilla to this moment, the stakes (seems like they couldn’t be higher 😬), and a bit more about how the pay structure of the industry plays out for artists. Brutal! Thanks again & congrats on that silver plaque!!!!!! Well-deserved & hard won!❤
I actually don't listen to a lot of Taylor Swift but know a few of her songs so i'm not extremely interested in her but I really like your personality and the way you present topics ⭐️
I have an idea for you... hear me out. What if you did a series where you pick an artist and make a video explaining their career and a guide of sorts on how to get into and understand their music. For me (and most of the people watching your videos I would think) listening to music is a hobby and right now I'm really trying to get into Lana Del Ray but I know nothing about her and because she has such a big discography its difficult for me to connect the same way I would with an artist like Taylor Swift who I know everything about.
More on the pop girlies please! Their impact, how they’re overlooked and also interestingly how male artists never perform songs written by a team of solely women songwriters but the vice versa is not true.
18:25 I really like this analysis, but there’s a tiny mistake here. The single Don’t go yet was released July 23 2021 four months before her break up with Shawn (Nov 17 2021). So it wasn’t possible for her to released a song about her break-up before it happened. I should say that I have a very different take on Familia as an album. I do think that it is a good tribute to her Latin American roots, but you have to understand and have knowledge about the culture and the musical references that she used to be able to truly get it. Maybe that’s why it didn’t connect with the general American audience.
i came across your channel a few days ago and have been binge watching your videos ever since !! i agree with a lot of your opinions and perspective on things and adore your humor !! thanks for another great video :)
DIVAS!!! Check out Rocket Money for free: RocketMoney.com/Swiftologist #rocketmoney #personalfinance
I could listen to Zach talk about legitimately anything for an hour and end up feeling better about the day. The education, comedy and brutality is chefs kiss
welcome back diva!!
this!!
Truth! Couldn't agree more, smart and sassy but honest.❤
@@archivesunset4214 if you have to search something up to learn about something new it’s called educating yourself. Crazy I know.
Well yes!
I need one of these but for Katy Perry's new era please ha.
YES!
Please!!
please!!
I think he's already working on it
I dunno it’s a flop
Finally someone saying this… the main conversation around this record has been about her trying too hard to be something that she’s not but has anyone stopped to wonder that maybe what she had going on before was due to the success of Havana and this is closer to what she actually is like irl. At the end of the day we don’t know these artists and even then people can change over the years. This album felt most authentic to herself and not trying to cater to general audiences imo
I like where she's going tbh!
i think that’s definitely true, and i love seeing an artist do what they want to do (hence why im such an indiehead haha). but the execution is just so terrible-the production is so lifeless and the lyrics are just awful. what makes music amazing for me is how human it is. thats why brat is so good and c,xoxo is garbage. it’s so predictable it almost feels like ai. even her attempts at being “vulnerable” fall flat and sound generic. i hope this is a stepping stone into something much better
@@leftistsoup given your stance on this I see why the album didn’t connect with you… if u go in with a “this is just a copy of brat” mindset (which it isn’t), you’re only going to hear what you want to hear. This is not hyperpop so the production is actually incredible, you were just expecting something else and expecting to hate on it, that is one sad life to live
@@awisemfsaid2845 no, that’s not what happened. i didn’t think it would be anything like brat, im just using that as an example because that’s what people have been comparing it to, which tbf is unfair but whatever. after revisiting the album i don’t entirely stand by what i said, but i still don’t like it. i do think that if camila continues down this path and refines this style she can make a great pop album. i still dont like the production or the lyrics, but its not garbage (i should not have said that lol). i think her label just didn’t want to give her the resources to execute the record very well, but she’ll hopefully be able to get more for the next one.
I don’t care about Camila one bit but I luv to hear Zach’s witty analysis on anything so, let’s go!
thank you!!
Precisely !!
Same
🙌🏻 👏🏼 Yes!
same here!
I think this album COULD benefit with time. Like how Lana’s album was not that well recieved, but she stuck with her artistic intuition and years later, in retrospect, born to die became iconic. I dont think c,xoxo can become ICONIC (no hate) but it could be seen as a step in the right direction for her in the future. Im honestly always rooting for artists stepping out of their comfort zone and doing something new. That my thoughts so yeah🤓
That's every Camila album except for the first. Her haters are so LOUD and obsessed with her that they will drag her down when she first releases. And then years go by, ppl listen again, and are like wait...this is actually good. Most ppl are afraid to have their own opinions online so they go with what everyone else says (which for Camila it's always ppl who hate her who talk mostly about her) and then later on admit they like the songs.
Definitely! I can’t stop listening to it??
i agree, it's definetly going to benefit with time. for all the copying accusations, i think the album just encompasses a cool moment in pop music, and gives its own spin on it.
But tbf Born To Die had tumblr girlies in an absolute chokehold from the moment it dropped. It was the “highbrow” critics that didn’t like it, while much of the audience it was catered towards LOVED it. That’s not what’s happened here with C,XOXO. Critics hate it as well as those who are “supposed” to like it. This album/rollout just doesn’t work (well) in a post brat world despite it not even being too similar in sound to brat. Maybe she can use it as a stepping stone to something better, but I doubt THIS album will age well especially compared to its “contemporaries” that came out around the same time (Cowboy Carter, brat, HMHAS, etc).
If it wasn’t too late for Sabrina then it isn’t too late for Camila let’s not forget Sabrina was an artist doing like 10 years before popping off this year …
Camilas also been an artist for 10 years. she also already had her big moment, how many pop girls do you know have a resurgence after losing that momentum. Sabrina also didn’t have a racist scandal
I don't understand why people act like camila hasn't had success already, she has. It's hard to stay on top only some artists have done it.
i think sabrina has more personality and clear creative vision than camila though
Sabrina 25 and its most people’s first time hearing of her… this isn’t a resurgence like what camilas trying to do
I remember Zack' s reaction of I luv it with a short and was like " the aliens have taken over her body " 😂
AJKLDNASLJFDNSLJKDLNFDK AND THEY DID.....THEY STILL HAVEN'T GIVEN HER BACK!!!
down bad abduction?! 🤣 Remember Zach said in 5th Harmony analysis video about Camila going into electric pop terrorism 🤣
Independence Day vibes 👽
FINALLY someone who doesn’t hate cxoxo without even giving it a chance ✨ it’s genuinely a pretty good album
Yes finally 🎉🎉
how so?
ik you what to expand more pop girls! here are some…
-how selena gomez is so popular
-i am sasha fierce, Lemonade, renaissance album overview
-britney spears, madonna, lady gaga, and chapell roan deepdive
-super ache and the sceret of us album review
-brat album review
:)
Heavy on Madonna! I would love a few Madonna videos, one about her whole life deep dive, one about her 90s s e x book scandal, one about Madonna Impact on the gay community around the aids period etc
I genuinely find Zach as my comfort creator because literally all of his videos are in-depth, thoughtful and enjoyable that I could listen to him for hours without having to commit all that much. Plus when he serves with such a gorgina of a jacket, how can I say no
Same and I don’t even like Taylor
Thank you so much!!
The way I’ve been checking this channel regularly for the past few days for a new video is concerning 😭
perfect timing then!
He usually posts on Sundays 😉 unless there is an emergency video
I’ve been an I LUV IT truther from the beginning, I have to say. I was in California when it came out and it clicked.
I remember enjoying Camila's Familia but seeing it didn't have a cohesive theme. It did have some break up songs there, one that I truly enjoyed was La buena vida which has a mariachi band incorporated (she performed it at Tiny desk). Over all, I think she chooses what the album is gonna be about based on "vibes" and not about a concrete idea.
period!
iirc Familia was all abt family as in the vibes, the inspo, what songs were abt (pls note she did include Shawn as part of the family thing-so that explains a but) i just think the breakup happening near the end of the completion of the album i think she kinda had no choice ig?
omg, i was refreshing youtube zack is hereeeeeeee BELLISIMO
BRAVAAAAA
You know what? We all were saying that she is on her Charli erq but as i am seeing clips of her performance in Glastonbury and her mv, she is trying to go for a Rosalia Motomami moment, Rosalia and Charli went through the same thing, they both dominated the mainstream with an alternative pop album and aesthetic. Rosalía has definitely had a huge impact in the hispanic music industry and i see that in camila. Also the main producer of this album "El guincho" is Rosalía's producer.
totalllyyyyyy
She also hired Rosalía‘s choreographer, videographer and stylist. Tbh the stylist was too much for me because it is just soooo painfully obvious
Imo the hate Camila receives is way too much but copying another’s artists whole aesthetic is also crazy. I wish she would find a way to shine with her own personality
Honestly, I can see similarities, but I feel like these kinds of "she's just copying Rosalía" ideas come from people who haven't re-visited Motomami in a while. As far as working with the same people... the industry is much much smaller than we think, it's basically artists sharing producers, coreographers, art directors, dancers, songwriters. So it's a moment in pop we'll look back at someday and yes, similarities will be all over, like it's happened to any music period since forever in every genre. I just don't really see what the big deal is and I think CXOXO has enough traces of originality and is genuinely entertaining.
I agree that this is a transitional album, but it’s the first time I’ve ever listened to a Camila ALBUM and not stand alone songs, which speaks to your comment that Camila made a pretty consistent miami sound throughout. I think Camila wasn’t going for a chart topping number but just something she is really proud of. Like with the glastonbury set, she’s more interested in people finding her music than making hits everyone will hear. Totally agree on your opinions on June Gloom and Chanel No5, but this album is half vibes, half songwriting and I actually have grown to really like it. Dade county dreaming and B.O.A.T are fantastic imo.
I'm not an online person so i listened to this album without knowing about all the Drama/Lore and lemme tell you I LOVED IT. It's super unique and I find myself going back to a lot of tracks like Dade County (amazing piano rap thing) and June Gloom. I think in this case a lot has to do about perception of the artist more than actual appreciation for the art by itself
I'm with you on this, I didn't know anything about the drama, I just saw some songs in my feed and gave them a listen, and I enjoyed them a lot
I agree with you. The album is actually good
A lot of them were totally being a social media sheeps parroting the majority hate train and doesn't form their own opinions or taste. Bravo to those who has their own mind and being real! 🙌🏼👏🏼
looove dade county dreaming
I didn't expect it at all but the album has been on repeat (except the Drake songs) in my car. It's my album of the summer. And the theme fits my life atm 🫶🏻
6:55 this is the exact opposite of what happened. Camila scrapped those songs bc they weren't her vision and has said multiple times that her team was against putting out Havana but she went with her gut as that song was more her. She had refereed to Crying to a club as a "sia" song not a "Camila" song recently as well.
Everybody has different taste just because a song doesn’t fit your taste does not make it bad…with this album Camila tried a new style and I genuinely loved most of the songs and I think it’d be perfect without all of the random interludes…some of the songs you really just need to give it some time before it clicks then you’ll get it I really loved this era for her and nobody is ever out of moves there’s always room for one to grow
idk who ur talking to because this video is full of compliments towards the new record
@@theswiftologist oh no not you hunny I loved all of the points you had they were quite accurate thank you
Appreciate the love for The Florida Project. 🌴 You made me want to listen as a Miami native.
such a good movie!! you should listen
I didn’t listen to the album before this video, but as a south florida girl you’ve brought it to me attention, so now I’m listening and tbh I’m not hating it! Thanks as always Zach
omg amazing!! enjoyyy
I love to hear you talk about anything and everything. You’re so articulate and make biting and witty comments while also being effortlessly funny. The balance between the most valid critique and comments with absolutely UNHINGED things sprinkled in is delicious. idec don’t ever hold your opinion on anything save NOTHING for the journal I want video essays about everything under the sun from this channel ‼️🤭(while taking breaks of course we don’t want u burnt out)
thank you SO much!! xx
perfect timing once again now i can listen to the swiftologist preaching while doing my chores 💕💕 gotta love life
lmao OGs remembering when Bam Bam landed on your Spotify Wrapped💀
you know what it rocks....
One thing I will say about Camila is she can sing her songs live even better than her studio recordings which you cannot say about many artists today.
C XOXO is a fun short album. I don't know why are people taking everything so seriously. She said she is happy with this record and it's all that matters. I personally like the album. It is far from excellent, but it's fun and catchy.
Lol serious or not it flopped. It was uninteresting 😂😂
@@diamonddeliliah123 You flopped in life.
Love your jacket! It's giving brat. But we NEED that chappell roan video please.
i'm really happy that you didnt absolutely drag camilla to filth, i personally believe that c.xoxo is an okay pop record, and i'm open for her to lean into this more on her next record. also, that blonde hair is EVERYTHING.
Fair assessment of Camila's career so far. I actually find her to be one of the most interesting and authentic artists out there today. Sadly her past romance outshined her as an artist and did her career a lot of harm imo, as was the lack of touring since her debut as a solo artist. But her music has always connected with me and I do think she is very versatile as an artist. C,XOXO is definitely her best work to date, the fact that she was the solo writer on it and only had a couple of producers speaks volumes about her commitment to her craft. I think this album needs to be heard and appreciated more. I agree with your assessment on the features and interludes on this album being largely unnecessary, but I think June Gloom deserves another listen because that song is brilliant. Also, I was at Glastonbury and saw her set. The crowd was actually huge given she was on the Other Stage, more than what some headlines had on the Main Stage (e.g. Sza). People were into Camila's new music but given the album literally came out that same week, no one knew yet the songs or the lyrics. But they still vibed to it. The work for the camera was a bit confusing, but the set, choreo and props were all stunning. Thanks for this video!
I think this album has so much potential to be a great album. Almost every song on it slaps. It’s fun, it’s catchy. Great summer album. Just enough sad in it. Shame that it flopped. Most people aren’t even aware she dropped something.
I’m so glad you made this video! I am a big Camila fan and I was so nervous for C,XOXO because I couldn’t stand I luv it.
However, upon listening to the album I was so pleasantly surprised. Songs like BOAT, June Gloom and Twentysomethings feel so typically Camila but in the best way. The Drake features really bring the album down and are such a low moment. She literally said herself she just wanted to be able to say Drake is on her album, and it shows. But I really think there are some gems on this album.
i too expected a lot worse from it and was pleasantly surprised!
Actually, i think she said that she went to Drake to ask about his opinion regarding some of the songs on her album and after he listened to them, he liked them and said he wanted to contribute to her album in any way he could, so it’s not her being able to say that Drake was on her album but him actually requesting to be on it.
@@salmanizzadin that comment was made by her though but i assumed she meant more specifically the interlude and tbh the interlude seems to be.
C,XOXO could have been the biggest album of her carreer, but the lack of promo ruined everything, this album is a true masterpiece
This album did have promo. The music just wasn’t that good aside from some standouts.
at this point people just hate on camila and wont give her a chance so its totally going to be hard to rise from that
@@DanielHernandez-gx4kh it didn’t… she had a bunch of promo for her as an image but not for the music, no playlists, first single without radio etc
I agree
Lack of promo? The album promo was about to pop up from my toilet ! Are you being for real??
C,XOXO is soooo so good! I'm listening to it nonstop 😍🥳
This has made me think of Camila in a completely different way and I love it
thanks for watching!
I thought the Chappell video was finally here😭
soon!!
Me too 😭 who cares about this camilla FLOP
@@ruizdyChappell is so much better than Camila flop
I want Katy Perry 😂
Who tf is Chapell?
I really loved this video as a die-hard camilizer. That is refreshing because I usually get so defensive when it comes to Camila, but you didn’t trigger that in me because you were so eloquent and you have some really amazing constructive criticism that does not come from a place of hate. However, it is so sad that despite knowing what you are really talking about, people here on the comments ironically do not speak about the content of your video about Camila, but other artist requests. It is ironic because of how you mentioned people are bored of her and their focus are shifted to other pop girls. I hope despite that, you really become a fan of her soon and make a video about her again once she releases something interesting again.
thanks for listening with an open mind as a camila fan!
I love hearing you talk about artists I don't have a strong opinion on, or albums I don't particularly care for because you always offer an interesting perspective or mention something I failed to notice or appreciate.
the problem with a lot of music consumers is that they believe artists are all in it for the fame and money, you know, they're artists, sometimes they do stuff because they want to express themselves artistically, not expecting it to hit the top 1 and garner a lot of attention, camila hasn't really been that commercial for a while now, and that's not a problem
As a longtime Camila fan, I felt so confused, lost and unsure as a listener towards her overall career at this point. I absolutely loved your analysis and insight into it all, it really helped me see things differently and come to terms with how I view her artisty now
so glad it helped you!!
SUCH A GOOD VIDEO!! You gained a new subscriber! I am obsessed with the way you say things and how easy it is for me to follow your train of thoughts!
Ps: As a former Shawn Mendes fan i remember him saying to fans that his favourite perfume to a woman was Chanel No5! So thats why Camila is using this reference as a song title.
i guess camila image was always the havana girl or the senorita girl
now i think she want to be the camila cabello she is more like promoting her self and she is doing it so nicely like in 2024 she really was trending on x the whole time
i think c,xoxo is just the start of the camila cabello (not the havana girl , not the senorita girl )
Honestly, this kinda emulates my reaction to the album - cautiously liking it at first, moving slowly to unashamedly blasting I luv It on repeat! Zach is in his journalist era and I love it for us!
OMG, i literally was just watching another video about Camila and her new era, a short about her and saw this been published 4 min ago hahaha
the algorithm doing her thanggggg
@@theswiftologist i guess but more like a coincidence bc i already followed you and i love your content 💕
Another swiftologist vid, we are so well fed 🔥❤
English is my second language and at the beginning I was a bit struggling with understanding but my oh my I was determined 😂❤I watched so many of your videos, some even twice and now lemme tell you queen I can even understand you at 1.75 speed 🤣 xoxo, you’re not only entertaining but also teaching
loving your non-taylor swift videos so much lately!!!
happy to hear that!!
I'm Still Obsessed with her Album " Romance "❤
I have to be honest, I've had a fallout with Camila. Hopefully, this video helps me figure that out. Her first album was the soundtrack of my 2018, especially "She Loves Control" all-time favorite, which should've been a single! After that, very few songs have clicked, whether singles or not singles. She is definitely transitioning/exploring more and taking more risks, which I think is great for her. I truly feel the world of C,XOXO she has presented pretty much describes her thought process, pure chaos. I think chaotic concepts are what suit her best. Cohesive energy is what's missing from her projects, meaning every song flows with each other and the aesthetic of the album. The so called questions as she describes. She just seems to avoid getting too personal, which she is in the right to but when you're an artist, that is not something you choose. Life imitates art but either she's not letting it happen or it's just not happening for her. Personally "OMG" the song she co-released with Havana and allegedly she hates, is one of my favorites, and I'm sure a lot of people agree. If she ever wants to go back to that, which I'm hoping she does, I'll be so grateful! ❤😅 It's a great "get ready with the girls" vibes 👌🏻😌
In my opinion her aesthetic should be: OMG + Bad Things + Bam Bam, CAMILA MAKE THE FAUX FUR COAT YOUR STAPLE, JUST DO IT!! She has worn it so many times and it looks so good on her. THESE ARE THE VIBES: MESSY, SEXY, FUN, BUT DARK WITH A TOUCH OF GLAM. 😍
You get it! That sleek, darker glam aesthetic and sound she had on her debut was perfect. Never Be the Same and In the Dark encompass that so well, which is why they're still some of her best. I think the blonde hair more "trashy" vibe doesn't feel as authentic
I love I luv it since the first listen. Honestly, yeah classic pop is good but we needed a palate cleanse and that's exactly what she gave us. Also the "slow doooown baaaabyyyyy" is heavenly inspired ❤❤
So happy to see you back here! I go through withdrawal between Swiftologist videos! Also that jacket is stunninggggg 💚
I'm here for Camila but you gained a new subscriber. I hope more people find out about you.
She definitely wears Chanel no 5, there’s a fifth harmony interview where she says that’s all she wears and that was in 2015-16
THANK U omg. they way everyone on twitter is clowning this album is so unwarranted. it’s def not perfect but i feel like we haven’t seen a mainstream popstar having such a realized vision of something in so long
now i don't think the vision is realized and that's why she's getting clowned on ... but there's a kernel of something really interesting there
I started watching you to learn more TS lore to have more to say to my Swiftie daughter other then Oh she sounds so good. I have learned about that and so much more. I have such a greater appreciation for the artistry of pop girls in general. Ty from a Swiftie mom! You help me sound so cool and that’s not an easy feat. lol ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Zach, I really appreciate that you allow yourself and recognize that you have changed your opinions. Especially with the I luv it music video and song. I respect you for this
I don’t think you quite understood the BOAT lyrics… she’s saying she wishes he would say those things to her (she’s not saying them to him). I missed it the first time, too!
Everyday I am more and more thankful for your work!! Your channel is so good, you never miss, truly.
never been interested in Camila before but ive been obsessed since I luv it came out. hoping she'll release more songs like it in the future
He must be dropping Reputation (Zach's Version) with that fire outfit 💚🐍
I feel the problem with Camila is that she's so perfectly suited to being a cute and inoffensive IT girl with an edge (kinda like Olivia Rodrigo or Taylor Swift) but in reality she enjoys a more risky pop image. She likely would've made it big had she continued on that Olivia Rodrigo route, but then Havana blew up and she started to pidgeonhole herself into a 3rd category, which I'd say is "latin."
Camila clearly loves taking risks and being an edgy pop princess, but her natural fit into that Olivia Rodrigo image, as well as the unexpected success of Havana, seems to have taken her off course for years. I agree with you that she seems to be starting to do what she always wanted to do. Wish she'd continue with more stuff like Bam Bam, but again, she seems to enjoy stuff that's more edgy than that.
This was a very thoughtful and informative video Zach! Love how you never really go down a hater path, can critically think and see the world in shades instead of black and white!
wow, you're so articulated and you know what you're talking about! new subscriber :)
Very impressed with this video, great job!!
Great Video and weird thing to add but you talk at just the perfect speed absolute perfection. I’m sat for the video from you like this!!
hahah thank you
*see swiftologist new video*
Well yes!
*clicks*
Literally everytime.
as you shoulddddd
@@theswiftologist as i doooooo 💖
The way I clicked so fast
Omg you did a video on Camila!!!!! Yayyy 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I used to be such a big fan of Camila during 5H and her solo debut era. I lost interest during the Romance era and tbh I think the music was still good but her relationship with Shawn Mendes was so overexposed that it didn’t help her career at all. All their social media posts together became cringe and super annoying to most people that weren’t die hard fans. I even had to unfollow her when she posted Shawn kissing her freaking feet !!!! Then, during the Familia era I thought we would get the tea about the breakup but nope, most of the songs were pretty generic & stayed on surface level, whereas singers like Taylor or Ariana truly know how to capitalize a famous breakup to get people to actually care about the storytelling of their songs and generate buzz. Now I tried listening to her most recent project but I just can’t bring myself to like it even though I still think she’s super talented. All I see is an artist without a clear vision that somewhat lost herself trying to be a mix of other pop girlies. That being said, your analysis is spot on and so in depth. I love how much context and nuance you add to your opinions. I usually don’t like to listen to long videos due to my very small attention span but it’s different with you. I could listen to this all day!
I'm such a swiftologist-ologist . Keep up the good work Zach❤
thank you for watching!
@@theswiftologist swiftologist notice I can die now 😂❤️
really well made video and loved how you gave C,XOXO a fair review!
Small correction, Camila did headline her own tour following her debut album in 2018! The Never Be The Same Tour.
daklfnlsjnf i dont consider it a headlining tour since it was theaters lkdsafjlsndlfjn but yes
FINALLY! a decent critique that actually has thought behind it. 👏🏽
i would consider myself a camilaologist and i was very intrigued by this album. this video was a LOVELY surprise. THANK YOU 🙏 I consider BOAT to be such a highlight. the pitbull sample eats so hard. i agree that camilla needs to lean into her life more bc her cooking Shawn mendes on this album was pure gold. she def needs to lean into the spanglish fs and just be honest with herself. she is not a boring person a la gracie abrams, and i just wish she'd be vulnerable in the music.
I’m loving the length of your hair, Zach! Especially on top
I love what you said about Miami. Miami truly is so diverse and crazy. Love it there. There is so much inspo there can we stop hearing about cali and nyc 😅
love your green jacket!!💚
I'd LOVE a Chappell Roan deep dive from the Swiftologist pleaaaase
i could watch 20 hours of videos like this
luckily there is def 20 hours of videos like this on my channel :)
been obsessed with understanding her obvious rebrand and shift from her og style. It’s interesting and i think you covered every point.
This album was a reset for her and after listening a few times it is my album of the summer she really gets it and will find her own in time I love it
you're right abt the familia era. LA BUENA VIDA WAS TOTALLY THE BEST CHOICE FOR LEAD SINGLE. The sound totally represents the album and then the content would totally catch attention of everyone since at the time shawmila was a buzz.
i think that album was DOA regardless of single lol
“I am deeply invested in pop girls” and this is why we love you!
Where did you people get that it was a hyper pop? I never thought anything about this era was hyper pop, much less anywhere near brat or Charli
I guess you didn’t hear I luv it
Your videos are amazing Zack!!❤
thanks nikki
Found this because of your TikTok love this. Morning - loved it and thought I will not be streaming this new project, as always Zach, you bring the goods. It was fascinating to get the scope of what has brought Camilla to this moment, the stakes (seems like they couldn’t be higher 😬), and a bit more about how the pay structure of the industry plays out for artists. Brutal! Thanks again & congrats on that silver plaque!!!!!! Well-deserved & hard won!❤
thank you so much!!
I actually don't listen to a lot of Taylor Swift but know a few of her songs so i'm not extremely interested in her but I really like your personality and the way you present topics ⭐️
thank you so much! I'm planning to make a lot more pop culture content this year :)
Zach should be a pop culture lecturer! well researched, well spoken, nobody would skip his class- seated!! 😊
I think Camila always lives in a hate train era, always see so much hate around her, so ppl never give her a chance
I have an idea for you... hear me out. What if you did a series where you pick an artist and make a video explaining their career and a guide of sorts on how to get into and understand their music. For me (and most of the people watching your videos I would think) listening to music is a hobby and right now I'm really trying to get into Lana Del Ray but I know nothing about her and because she has such a big discography its difficult for me to connect the same way I would with an artist like Taylor Swift who I know everything about.
The bleach blonde hair is gorgeous on her
I LOVED this take. I completely agree with all of this.
Wow early and that jacket is fabulous 🤩
the pistachio green jacket is sooooooo cute babes
ty!
More on the pop girlies please!
Their impact, how they’re overlooked and also interestingly how male artists never perform songs written by a team of solely women songwriters but the vice versa is not true.
I'm so seated and ready !!
18:25 I really like this analysis, but there’s a tiny mistake here. The single Don’t go yet was released July 23 2021 four months before her break up with Shawn (Nov 17 2021). So it wasn’t possible for her to released a song about her break-up before it happened. I should say that I have a very different take on Familia as an album. I do think that it is a good tribute to her Latin American roots, but you have to understand and have knowledge about the culture and the musical references that she used to be able to truly get it. Maybe that’s why it didn’t connect with the general American audience.
i came across your channel a few days ago and have been binge watching your videos ever since !! i agree with a lot of your opinions and perspective on things and adore your humor !! thanks for another great video :)
Thank you so much!!
Your scripts ‼️ The quality of the writing. The analysis. The delivery. You need to be in journalism. Such well made content.
He is a journalist I think
Quite possibly, BUT June Gloom is still a bop! And her live performance of that is top tier! It honestly should've been a single in June.
Great video. Camila fan here. Agree with everything you said tbh