Looking at all her prior success, many would think that this artist would be in their prime. However, that is not the case for Bebe Rexha just yet. After all of these chart-topping hits, songwriting credits and iconic moments in her career, she still considers herself an underdog. Why? Because the world still refuses to give her the recognition she deserves. With her new self-titled album Bebe, the general public is now able to put a name to her face.
In her new body of work, a grown woman is taking her power back – with no limitations. She is in a much happier place in her life, which – according to Bebe – has been a big inspiration for this new groovy, 70s-inspired record. With the album, she has created a world inspired by 70s disco-funk with a spectrum of uptempo beats, reminiscent of dance music to uplift our souls.
Bebe starts the album with a bold yet distinctive introduction to her love life with Heart Wants What It Wants. It’s then followed by the fun and upbeat record Satellite, a legendary collaboration with Snoop Dogg. The international smash hit I’m Good (Blue) is at the heart of the record, a remake of the classic Eiffel 65’s “Blue” that went viral on TikTok last summer, five years after it was written. And of course, fans asked for it. With the hit already accumulating the project over 900 million streams before its release, Bebe recalls how it would have been crazy not to put this hit on the album.
Towards the end of the album, we see it take an evident turn, reaching a level of acceptance, as she gives listeners important insight with the female anthem I Am. Written after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, she speaks about society’s continuous mistreatment of women. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Bebe talked about how “women are treated as second-class citizens” and how, in society, “it’s all about the men”. She starts off the female empowerment track by expressing how she isn’t enough for this male dominated society while finishing it off by stating that she is, in fact, enough.
The album is a journey through the most recent years of her life, with the theme being centered around accepting change and empowerment. Thus, it concludes with another iconic collaboration with none other than country queen Dolly Parton. In the last song on the album, the two sing about the seasons of life and how we are constantly changing. It’s beautiful to listen to it from two different perspectives of women in two completely different stages of their lives.
Without a doubt, Bebe has captivated her fans yet again with this record, filling it with such powerful and honest lyrics. She’s given her listeners no choice but to ride along on the musical journey through her reinvention of herself. To her fans, it comes as no surprise hearing Bebe discuss important topics such as self-love and the acknowledgement of change in her music, as it has been a big part of her artistry over the years.
What attracts fans to Bebe the most is her honesty and ability to pour her heart and real-life struggles into her music in hopes of opening doors for conversation. Her impact on the music industry has been immense since the beginning of her career in songwriting and continues to touch many around the world as she develops her discography. This new body of work is a great addition and it has already garnered the love and support of her die hard fans as well as newcomers. Like all things Bebe tries to carry out in life, she hopes that this album will gain the recognition of her peers and continuously aid her supporters with their personal struggles.
To me, these songs are special because not a lot of artists talk about womanhood, women’s needs, and the feelings we endure so openly. In this male-dominated industry, Bebe is helping take the power back from the male creatives who often put down women in their works. This album makes me feel very seen and heard, not only as a young woman growing up but as a human being in general. She’s always been such an advocate for many things, but this time around, she’s taught me that advocating for yourself is just as important. She’s been able to show me so much awareness and light with this record while teaching me the most valuable lessons and making it fun and groovy. Without a doubt, I know I will listen to the songs on this album for many years to come.
With all that she has given to the industry in the past decade, it is evident that your favorite hits from the past 10 years wouldn’t be known today without the light and legend that is Bebe Rexha. Let’s begin to give credit where it is due and support this impeccable woman’s album in hopes of learning about the journey that led her to this point. Bebe is out now. I encourage you to give it a listen, not only for your soul’s sake but for anyone out there who feels like they deserve better. Bebe certainly does, but we are here to push for that change, aren’t we?
ROARA Magazine 