In confusing times of sorrow and uncertainty, we've learned to rely on pop rebel P!nk for some clarity and reassurance.
With an astounding 15 Top 10 hits under her belt, including chart toppers "So What", "Raise Your Glass" and "Just Give Me A Reason", as well as the most recent "Just Like Fire", the fearless artist now readies her seventh studio album Beautiful Trauma with today's release of the poignant and emotive "What About Us". Seemingly written as a response to the current political climate, similar in tone to I'm Not Dead cut "Dear Mr. President", P!nk demands that her voice, and the voice of the helpless, be heard.
"What About Us" hints at the anger and frustration that has been boiling deep under P!nk’s usually calm and collective temperament and personality. However, instead of lashing out with a rowdy, sass-filled performance, we are treated to the other half of the singer’s trademark artistic approach. With the gentle tinkering of piano keys supporting a slightly fragile delivery, she questions why leaders have abandoned and continue to ignore a majority of the already forgotten.
No real need to read too far between the lines to realize that P!nk’s new single is a direct attack on discriminatory and harmful actions taken by the Trump administration thus far. Ripping families apart, refusing to acknowledge climate change, healthcare needs or the opioid crisis, the artist has taken notice. “We are problems that want to be solved, we are children that need to be loved, we were willing, we came when you called, but man, you fooled us, enough is enough,” she sings on the second verse.
In what could ultimately be categorized as a subtle call to arms, “What About Us” may initially seem like an overly-dramatic anthem to just comfort the down-trotted, but with encouragement, P!nk begins to assemble a motivated army ready to fight back. Looking back at two very different approaches in crafting an empowering pop tune, “Raise Your Glass” vs. “Fuckin’ Perfect”, the new single follows in the latter’s footsteps. No need for hate, when understanding and compassion can do the heavy lifting.
Overall, “What About Us” is not a track of perfection, the opening verses are slightly clichéd and nauseating. But, when you have a voice as bold as P!nk’s in your corner, fighting for your happily ever after, the message of validation seems that much stronger and urgent. From the raw, pointed subject matter to the subtle dance-inspired backing beats, the release is classic P!nk with a twist, pleasing fans who have waited five years for a new full length project.
Beautiful Trauma is out on October 13.
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