SOURCE: GOOGLEBy RANI CHOR
STAFF WRITER
Are you loving Ava Max’s new single? So am I!
Following her 2018 platinum hit “Sweet But Psycho,” 2019’s rising pop sensation, Ava Max, smashes societal norms with her newest single entitled “So Am I.”
Max released her newest single on March 7, and after listening to its catchy beat and watching the eccentric music video five times, I have fallen head over heels for this three minute video about inclusivity and acceptance. Despite a few corny lyrics, the song epitomizes Max and the pop industry in an intriguing and catchy way.
Currently nominated as a “Rising Star” by the UK’s Global Awards, Ava Max arrived last April with “My Way,” instantly establishing her as one of modern pop’s most intriguing new songstresses. Max began hyping the song’s message through a #SoAmI movement on Twitter, gaining viewership and an outpour of fan love.
Max says “So Am I” is about “loving yourself, being different, being an outcast and not fitting in the format that society wants to put us in – just celebrating what really makes you different.”
The accompanying music video premiered on March 7th and much to the delight of its 5 million viewers, was filled with high schoolers and Max’s distinctly ecstatic style. As viewers, we are immediately met with a close up of Max singing in a locker room mirror and later, surrounded by high school students that serve to represent that we are all special in our own way.
The chorus, “Do you ever feel like a misfit? Everything inside you is dark and twisted. Oh, but it’s okay to be different—’Cause baby, so am I (So am I, so am I, so am I),” carries the infectious tune that rings throughout the song.
Max’s lyrics highlight the wild freedom that comes with being an “outcast” in today’s modern day world. However, it is worthy to note that many of the rhymes employed throughout the song such as “Oh so, dressed so fancy like Sid and Nancy (yeah),” seem cheap and disconnected from the song’s overall message. Nonetheless, Max makes it to where her message on societal acceptance, if a bit corny and overused, is tasteful enough to craft an enjoyable pop song.
Additionally, the lyrics “Can you hear the whispers all across the room?” is similarly soul baring as it relates to Max’s past experience with being a “misfit” and finding her musical voice. Specifically, “You’re beautiful, but misunderstood,” which rings true to the real comparison of Max to singer Lady Gaga with her blonde hair and blaring personality. However, Max is determined to step into her own spotlight, a feat she has accomplished with her signature Max Cut — half cut, half long — which has been called unusual and interesting.
Moreover, the premiere of “So Am I” also brought the topic of song copyright into the light. I can not help but notice that the tune of “So Am I” sounds eerily similar to Anastacia’s song “Left Outside Alone” which was released in 2004. In fact, the melodies sounded so similar that Max was accused of copyrighting Anastacia’s music. Unfortunately, Max is not the only artist in today’s pop industry that does this.
If you have ever turned your radio to the pop station and wondered why every song sounded alike, you’re not wrong. Today’s pop artists are slowly creating a new generic format of pop music and Max is no exception.
However, because Ava Max is just a rising star it is unfortunate to see her succumbing to the standards set in today’s pool of generic lyrics and pop vocals. “So Am I” makes it crystal clear that Max’s strong voice has so much more potential than what is shown in this song.
Ultimately, “So Am I” is Max’s solo debut to the many (hopefully less generic) songs that are to come. Ava Max is definitely someone to keep an eye on, and with her hard hitting vocals and expressive hairstyle, she is not someone you can forget.