Is Scarlet a good place to start with Doja Cat?

Yes, Scarlet is recommended as a starting point for new Doja Cat listeners. A bold fusion of pop, hip-hop, and R&B that channels confidence and vulnerability through provocative lyrics and infectious beats. Released on September 22, 2023, 'Scarlet' marks Doja Cat's fourth studio album, following her commercial success with 'Planet Her' in 2021. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a versatile artist capable of blending genres and pushing boundaries while navigating the complexities of fame and artistic expression.

Scarlet works well if you're into steady mid-tempo empowerment anthems, bold exploration of self-expression and party-ready tracks for confidence.

How many songs are on Scarlet?

Scarlet has 15 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Scarlet

Doja Cat · 2023

51 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B

A bold fusion of pop, hip-hop, and R&B that channels confidence and vulnerability through provocative lyrics and infectious beats.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Paint the Town Red Start here — This track serves as the album's lead single and showcases Doja Cat's unique blend of catchy hooks and sharp lyricism. Its confident tone sets the stage for the themes explored throughout 'Scarlet.'
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Demons — Here, Doja Cat delves into darker emotional territory, reflecting on inner struggles while maintaining an engaging rhythm that contrasts with its weighty subject matter. It exemplifies her ability to balance vulnerability with a danceable beat.
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Fuck the Girls (FTG) — This track stands out for its raw energy and assertive lyrics, challenging societal expectations and celebrating self-empowerment. It's a bold statement that encapsulates the album's overarching themes of autonomy and defiance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Scarlet showcases strong songwriting and production while exploring personal themes, making it a notable entry in Doja Cat's discography.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong lead single that sets a confident tone, followed by tracks that alternate between upbeat anthems and introspective moments.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and contrasting production styles, blending elements of pop, hip-hop, and R&B seamlessly.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo empowerment anthems
bold exploration of self-expression
party-ready tracks for confidence
provocative themes for open minds

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, introspective soundscapes
seek simplistic, straightforward lyrics

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents an artistic high point, showcasing her evolution and depth.
Themes: celebrity scrutiny· inner demons· self-empowerment anthems
Career context: Released on September 22, 2023, 'Scarlet' marks Doja Cat's fourth studio album, following her commercial success with 'Planet Her' in 2021. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a versatile artist capable of blending genres and pushing boundaries while navigating the complexities of fame and artistic expression.
Stylistic neighbors: SZA· Rico Nasty· Tinashe