PinkPantheress has been a beacon of Gen Z music ever since her first-ever songs went viral on TikTok in 2021. With the release of her latest mixtape, Fancy That, she cements her status as a Gen Z cultural icon.
Since her first viral hit four years ago, I’ve watched PinkPantheress’s rapid growth as both an artist and public figure. From releasing demos of songs on Soundcloud to her first full-length album in 2023, Fancy That puts PinkPantheresses‘s evolution as an artist on display. After listening to the record, it’s clear that she’s grown into her role as a modern pop star with grace and confidence.
Introduction
PinkPantheress teased the mixtape in the months leading up to its release on her TikTok account. The social media app is where her career began. Since she started posting her music in 2021, she’s amassed 4.1 million followers. She found early success after going viral with songs, “Passion”, “Pain”, and “Break It Off.”
She didn’t lose touch with her TikTok fan base as her career skyrocketed. They helped build up a lot of the hype for the album. PinkPantheress would post snippets and clips of new songs, and her fans would share their excitement in response. Their hype for the new album was infectious, leading to some snippets going viral before the official songs’ release.
“Fancy That”: Influences, References, and Style
Internet culture influenced a lot of PinkPantheress’s early music. But on this record, the biggest reference was Y2K British culture. Born in Bath, United Kingdom, and raised in Kent, PinkPantheress’s musical identity is heavily shaped by her upbringing.
PinkPantheress has made many songs sampling British underground and drum and bass music. But on this project, her British roots are front and center, from the albums aesthetic to its sound.
The mixtape is adorned with high-energy pop beats that sound like they belong in the club. She even samples iconic British hits from the early 2000s. Though the mixtape has been enjoyed by all of her fan base, her British fans specifically sang their praises of the record.
PinkPantheress proves her growth and talent on Fancy That. She mixes old songs with her signature fast-paced sounds. The result is music that is fun, bold, and full of personality.
Song Lengths: A Never Ending Controversy
PinkPantheress is best known for two things: Her use of samples and her short song lengths.
Most of PinkPantheress’s songs come in at just over two minutes long. Compared to the average pop song—which is usually about three-and-a-half minutes long—her songs are much shorter. She’s explained in interviews that she keeps her songs short because she doesn’t always think it’s necessary to have a bridge at the end of every record.
Fancy That sticks to that formula, with most of the songs sitting between two to three minutes in length. The entire project comes in at just 21 minutes long.
The short length works very well for this project. Despite the fact that each time I finish listening to the mixtape in it’s entirety, I wish there was more. The music is extremely bold and might even be described as complicated. There are a variety of sounds, voices, effects, and mixes happening all at once. The shorter lengths allow the songs to come at you with full force, without making you feel overwhelmed. It also keeps you coming back again and again for more.
“Fancy That” Samples and Mixes
PinkPantheress’ use of samples in her songs is another staple in her work. Her impressive knowledge of music history and production is on full display throughout this project. She manipulates multiple songs—new and old—to sound completely different.
One of the most notable samples is in her song “Tonight”, the first single off the album. In it, PinkPantheress samples “Do You Know What I’m Seeing?” by Panic! At The Disco (2008). PinkPantheress has spoken about her love for early 2000s rock bands such as Panic! At The Disco and My Chemical Romance.
Sonically, “Tonight” is worlds away from the music her favorite artists have made. Yet she’s still able to subtly nod to her influences by blending the rock track with her unique sound.
Twice Sampled
On her song “Stars”, she samples “Starz In Her Eyes” by Just Jack (2006). The song was popular in the UK in 2007, reaching second on the UK singles chart. Though American listeners might not be able to feel the nostalgia of the sample, it still makes for a fun, throwback song.
The beat of the song bounces along like the popular club hits of the early 2000s. It reminds me of the song “Low” by FloRida, released in 2008. Both songs have a strong bass line that makes the listener want to dance. And clever, catchy lyrics that are sure to be stuck in your head.
PinkPantheress has sampled “Starz In Their Eyes” before, in one of her very first releases, “Attracted To You.” This song uses the sample in a completely different way. “Attracted to You” is a slightly slower and groovier song. The beat grooves alongside the electric guitar chords of the sample.
“Stars” is much more upbeat and fit for the dance floor. PinkPantheress uses the chorus of “Starz In Their Eyes” as the adlibs to her singing.
Both songs interpolate the original song in very different ways. Comparing the two, we see both her creativity and growth as an artist. She’s able to take one song and make two completely different records out of it. It also highlights her love for her British culture.
Past vs. Present
Though PinkPantheress has evolved as an artist, many things about her music have stayed the same. Just like her very first songs, her personality shines through all of her work.
Her first record, to hell with it, released in 2021, feels more moody and emotional compared to this one. Her teenage angst is present in each song and lyric. The beats on that project vary from mellow and sometimes even stripped back, to high energy and fast-paced.
Themes of love, heartbreak, and lonliness take center stage on to hell with it. Though sonically, Fancy That is more upbeat and lively, similar themes remain. In the song “Nice To Know You”, she sings about losing a lover over an intense, echoing beat.
She continues this on songs like “Tonight” and “Stateside”, where she details the intensity of a crush. The production of the songs mirrors the excitement and intensity of the feeling, with loud crescendos and charming hooks.
The difference between the two projects is that the production is much more assured on Fancy That. She doesn’t hold back in showing off her musical talents, and she isn’t afraid to take risks.
Conclusion: “Fancy That” is Progressive Pop Perfection
From its aesthetic to its sound, Fancy That exceeded the expectations of many PinkPantheress fans, including myself. It’s a fresh take on old sounds, and it creates one-of-a-kind and daring music.
The mixtape feels more cohesive than her first project. Each song blends into the next seamlessly, and they tell a story of a girl seeking love and fun.
While to hell with it revolves around similar themes and topics, it’s evident she hasn’t yet found her groove as an artist. As a result, it feels like a combination of different sounds and influences that PinkPantheress is trying out.
Fancy That feels much more cohesive and intentional. It establishes PinkPantheresses’ sound while also giving her space to further experiment in the lane she’s created for herself.
PinkPantheress’ growth is nothing short of impressive. On this record, she proves her success is not a fluke or a TikTok trend. She is constantly evolving and letting her music speak for itself.
