Doja Cat releases fifth album Vie with 1980s pop influence

Doja Cat released her fifth studio album, Vie, on Sept. 26, delivering a pop-driven, 1980s-inflected record while saying she has no plans to record a country album. The 15-track project foregrounds synth-heavy production, romantic themes and the artist’s characteristic blend of singing and rapping, and it arrives ahead of a world tour and a scheduled television performance in early October.

Vie leans heavily into retro pop textures, with punchy snares, layered synths and saxophone flourishes anchoring several songs. The lead single, Jealous Type, sets the tone early and was performed at this year’s awards show with saxophonist Kenny G. Production is anchored by Jack Antonoff, who produced nine tracks; Doja Cat said working with him became a personal experience, calling the collaboration part of “working with a person that’s new in my life.” The album includes one guest appearance, from SZA on the track Take Me Dancing.

In a recent morning television interview, Doja Cat laughed off the suggestion that she might record country music, responding simply, “Country,” then adding, “I think I’m a rapper that makes pop music.” That summary reflects the throughline of Vie: pop songwriting...