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).
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
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 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?
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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)
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.
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!
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.
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 ❤❤
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.
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 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 )
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 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 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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 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 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
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 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 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 😅
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!
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
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.
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 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 actually liked romance a lot. I thought it was good. And there were a couple songs on familia where I was like ok these are alright. Maybe I’m just biased because I used “First man” as my father daughter dance at my wedding!
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 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 ⭐️
