Barbie The Album＜Neon Pink Vinyl＞

As over-the-top and stuffed with star power as its namesake film, Barbie: The Album is a pop extravaganza that matches the 2023 global cinema phenomenon. Produced and curated by pop maestro Mark Ronson, the set features the talents of all your favorite early-2020s pop stars. Dua Lipa (starring as Mermaid Barbie in the movie) contributes an appropriately dancefloor-friendly disco throwback bop, "Dance the Night," which topped charts across the planet, while Charli XCX injects her hyperpop energy into "Speed Drive," which interpolates Toni Basils cheerleader chant from "Mickey." Ava Max and Sam Smith add cheekiness and drama to the set with tracks that sound very much like Ava Max and Sam Smith (in the best way possible). Fans who have seen the movie will recognize Lizzos "Pink," Ryan Goslings showcase ballad "Im Just Ken," and Billie Eilishs heartbreaking, self-aware "What Was I Made For?" And although Aqua themselves are not present here, "Barbie World" samples that 90s classic with tough verses traded between Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice. Theres a genre for everyone as Karol G, Tame Impala, Dominic Fike, HAIM, the Kid LAROI, Khalid, PinkPantheress, and many more join forces to represent Barbies and Kens of all types. Barbie: The Album is a celebration as colorful and uplifting as the movie itself, and both are highly recommended. [For fans in search of Goslings beachside acoustic take on "Push" and Brandi Carliles cover of Indigo Girls "Closer to Fine," the deluxe "Best Weekend Ever Edition" is the place to go.] ~ Neil Z. Yeung