Kiiara returns with underwhelming new single “Whippin,” which doesn’t sound starkly different from her breakthrough single, “Gold.”

Kiiara is experiencing her moment in pop music.  The pop singer earned a breakout single with “Gold” – for better or worse.  By our estimations, “Gold” was NOT GOOD, once more quoting Anthony Fantano aka theneedledrop. “Gold” earned a spot on our 20 Worst Songs of 2016 playlist.  Ouch.  What made “Gold” offensive?  Here’s the case against it:

The best way to describe “Gold?” All production, no substance.  For whatever reason, “Gold” shot up the charts.  As to how and why, we still don’t know.  Being frank, this sounds like a minimalist piece of… fill in the ellipsis. There is no need for deep analysis.  There is nothing deep about “Gold.” WTF is she even saying? Kiiara, back to the drawing board dear.

Harsh? Nah, just the truth.  Since “Gold,” Kiiara has earned some momentum with a new single with Linkin Park, “Heavy.” “Heavy” lacked the gimmickry of “Gold” (thank goodness), but arguably, doesn’t sound like a Linkin Park single.  Call “Heavy” what it is – STRIKE TWO.  Now, she’s back with her new single, “Whippin.” Is “Whippin” hit or miss?

Like “Gold,” there is no need for deep analysis.  “Whippin” is truly lite on substance.  It’s profane, which goes with the territory of pop music these days, but unnecessarily so. The first verse proves that depth isn’t the M.O., with Kiiara dabbling in double entendre, innuendo, and using pop’s favorite bomb that rhymes with duck.  She follows up with a truly dumb, repetitive chorus, not unlike the gimmickry that characterized “Gold.”

“Whippin’ in the car with you, you, you…”

The second verse in particular sounds forced, as Kiiara amplifies the feistiness.  She decides to focus on the latest flavor, f*ckboys.  One minute she’s against them, the next minute she desires them.  Why? Everybody loves a bad boy, or in her case, f*ckboys.

“Phone lit, past three, see you say what’s up / F*ckboy, thought I told you not to hit me up / I got a problem and it sucks boy / O.T., I’m in love with the f*ckboys.”

https://youtu.be/MNl3SpuQMqE

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, those who enjoyed “Gold” will likely enjoy “Whippin.” Those who don’t like “Gold” won’t be on board for “Whippin.” Honestly, at best, this is mediocre.  Why? Kiiara hasn’t really showcased true artistry.  Anyone could’ve recorded “Whippin” – “Gold” for that matter.

Kiiara • Whippin – single • Atlantic • Release: 4.14.17

Photo Credit: Atlantic