FEATURED PLAYLIST ARTIST: KESHA

Kesha Artist Photo -- Credit Brendan Walter — **Kesha Artist Photo — Credit Brendan Walter**

This feature is a bit overdue as we have been playing “Joyride” by Kesha on repeat for the last few weeks.

Kesha’s rise to fame was meteoric. “Tik Tok” became a worldwide hit, topping the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles in history. Her debut album, “Animal,” released in 2010, was a commercial success, blending electro-pop with a raw, party-centric energy that resonated with a global audience. The album spawned several hit singles, including “Blah Blah Blah,” “Your Love Is My Drug,” and “Take It Off.”

After this initial success, Kesha faced some obstacles that made major headlines at the time. Despite these obstacles, she made a triumphant return with her third studio album, “Rainbow,” in 2017. The album, which marked a departure from her previous party anthems, showcased a more mature and reflective side of Kesha, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.

Kesha’s music is characterized by its catchy hooks, danceable beats, and her distinctive vocal delivery, which often includes rapping and a playful, irreverent attitude. Her lyrics frequently explore themes of partying, self-empowerment, and individuality, resonating particularly with young audiences. Beyond her music, Kesha is known for her eclectic fashion sense, often incorporating glitter, bright colors, and daring outfits that reflect her bold personality.

Kesha continues to evolve as an artist, using her platform to advocate for mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and other social issues. Her resilience and authenticity have endeared her to fans worldwide, solidifying her place as a significant figure in contemporary pop music. If you have ever had the pleasure of seeing her in concert, the mutual love between her and her fans is palpable.

We’ll go ahead and admit that we listen to a lot of Kesha around here. After listening and enjoying her more recent albums— Rainbow, High Road, and Gag Order—“Joyride” took us by pleasant surprise by just how big of a change of attitude is packed into the track. On “Joyride” Kesha is bold, her vocals are assertive, and the music takes you to unexpected places. A dance-ready dance beat, hypnotizing lyrics, and even a touch of baroque pop mixed in. Produced by the rising pop alchemist Zhone, and co-written by Kesha, Zhone, and Madison Love (Lady Gaga, Ava Max), the song serves notice that Kesha is ready to assert her dominance on the pop scene. We have been promised that “Joyride” is just the first of many tracks coming our way in what Kesha has declared on her social media to be “Kesha Summer.”

Listen to Joyride: