If 2023’s ‘Let Her Burn’ found Rebecca Black starting to cast off the long shadow cast by her proto-viral hit Friday, ‘Salvation’ is a no-holds-barred emergence as a major player in forward-thinking modern pop. In following up her debut album, she focuses on hyperpop and EDM to create a cohesive and extremely entertaining record that indicates a fearless approach to exploring what her art can be.
Lyrically, it eviscerates both the pop industry’s long-problematic approach to women, as well as those who demanded she stay in the Friday lane that had caused her so much trauma. But it also celebrates the work Black has put in. The opening title track says it best: “I don't need you to save me / I already saved myself.”
Atop a propulsive club beat, it’s a declaration of intent — she’s happy now, and duly ‘Salvation’ is the most authentic Rebecca Black we’ve seen to date.
Trust! is a thumping dance number with shades of Charli XCX’s zeitgeist-defining ‘Brat’. Black demands to know “Is my body mine or yours?” in a raucous declaration of autonomy, while Sugar Water Cyanide is seductive hyperpop with saccharine vocal hooks.
American Doll echoes the themes of Trust! while branching further into a critique of pop’s need for women to fit a mould, with Black almost snarling: “Did you like me better then / Do you wanna hate me now? / Playin’ pretty and pretend / With a pillow on my mouth.”
In only 21 minutes Black excoriates her surroundings while claiming her own space as a queer pop icon in the making. ‘Salvation’ is a bold, creative and refined view of one facet of Rebecca Black’s artistry, making it even more exciting to think where else she could go in future.
Rebecca Black Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon March 17 2025 - BRISTOL SWX
Thu March 20 2025 - LONDON HERE at Outernet
Fri March 21 2025 - MANCHESTER O2 Ritz
Sun March 23 2025 - GLASGOW SWG3 Warehouse
Tue March 25 2025 - DUBLIN Academy
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
