When the Pop Girlies Never Leave Your Side
Comforting, nostalgic, and unapologetically pop, Renn's picks reflect a listener whose favorite artists continue to soundtrack both the ordinary and emotional moments of life.
Renn (@rensvinyls) approaches the June 13 to 15 prompts through pop girlies whose music has remained part of his life long after the first listen. There's something familiar about all three answers. Not because the artists themselves are familiar, but because of the way Renn talks about them. The focus rarely stays on the music for very long. Before long, the conversation drifts toward comfort, memory, admiration, or whatever was happening in life when those songs mattered most.
The prompts offer a closer look at the different reasons those artists continue to matter. The first prompt asks Renn to choose an artist from a singing competition show that he still listens to, leading to a reflection on the qualities he considers important for a performer to build a lasting career. The second focuses on a song with the word "heart" and his answer explores how a Disney classic can take on new meaning through a favorite artist's rendition and his own interpretation. The final prompt turns toward an album by a childhood idol, which reveals a more personal side of Renn and how this album helped him cope with sadness and heartbreak.
Which artist from a singing competition show do you still listen to?
As much as I want to be the one picking an artist with a niche fanbase, it is not hard for me to say that Kelly Clarkson is my favorite artist to come from a singing competition. Well, because she represents everything that makes a great performer: talent, authenticity, and versatility. After winning American Idol in 2002, she proved that success from a reality competition could lead to a lasting and respected music career. Unlike many artists who become known for just one style, Kelly has excelled in pop, rock, soul, country, and adult contemporary music, showing remarkable range and adaptability.
What stands out most is her powerful voice. She can deliver emotional ballads with incredible feeling while also performing energetic, upbeat songs with confidence and strength. Hits like “Since U Been Gone,” “Because of You,” “Stronger,” “Darkside,” and “Mr. Know It All” showcase her ability to connect with listeners through both vocal skill and genuine emotion.
Beyond her music, Kelly is admired for her relatable personality and positive attitude. She has remained humble despite her success and is known for being honest, funny, and supportive of other artists and the LGBTQIA+ community. Her longevity in the entertainment industry demonstrates her dedication and talent. For these reasons, Kelly Clarkson remains my favorite artist to emerge from a singing competition.
Which song with the word "heart" do you love?
We all know this Disney classic. We’ve heard it covered by so many artists; rendered into so many different styles. Phil Collins’ original version is great on its own—I mean, clearly, it is timeless. This song is definitely in everyone’s Disney playlist. It even has become a karaoke staple for so many; me included.
As mentioned, “You’ll Be In My Heart” has been covered numerous times by so many great artists. However, my favorite rendition is probably Niki [Zefanya]’s cover. Niki (with 88Rising), back in 2022, released a stripped-down acoustic cover of “You’ll Be In My Heart.” Originally a Spotify exclusive, I was not aware she put out this cover (alongside an acoustic version of her song “Before”). I love Niki for her songwriting and her ability to make everything sound like yearning and reminiscing. And thats exactly what she did to “You’ll Be In My Heart.” Give this cover a listen and you’ll understand what I am talking about. She just does it differently and it is great.
“Don’t listen to them, ‘cause what do they know?” is one of my favorite lines off of this song.
“Don’t listen to them, ‘cause what do they know?” is one of my favorite lines off of this song. I know, this song is about parent-child relationships, but I interpret this song completely differently. To me, a lot of this song’s words imply a struggle of being understood but also assures being loved. And sometimes, that’s all I need to hear from anything. Moreover, with it being Pride month, I think that message is needed.
Niki did such a great job recreating “You’ll Be In My Heart.” I’m in love with this version and I need more acoustic sessions from her.
Which album by your childhood idol means the most to you?
I was introduced to so many different artists as a child. However, the ones that truly stuck were Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Miley Cyrus. But for this entry, I think I’d go for a Taylor Swift album.
Taylor Swift was introduced to me fairly early. I was only eight-years-old when Taylor Swift made her big debut with Tim McGraw. When her debut self-titled album dropped, I was instantly in love. Especially with “Teardrops On My Guitar.” That song made waves back home, which was huge for a country song in the Philippines. I think it is safe to say, she is my childhood idol.
But which of her twelve albums mean the most to me? Realistically, Red (Taylor’s Version). I could go on and on about why I love The Tortured Poets Department the most, but when it comes to connecting and relatability, Red (OG) and Red (Taylor’s Version) takes the crown. There are so many song I love to go back to from this era. There’s “State of Grace,” “The Last Time,” “Begin Again,” “All Too Well,” “Better Man,” “Nothing New,” and so much more! Red, aside from it being one of the best sad-girl-autumn album, it just has that built-in nostalgic sense into it.
The Red era really helped me cope with a lot of sadness and heartbreak. Taylor’s songs are always comforting; like a big warm hug. And that’s what Red is like to me.
One thing that becomes clear while reading Renn's answers is that music isn't something he visits occasionally. It's woven into the rhythm of his day. There's music in the shower, music while getting ready, music waiting for him after work, and music spinning in the living room while he unwinds. An album on the turntable. An ice-cold Coca-Cola in his hand. The day's stress slowly disappearing into the couch. It tells you more about his relationship with music than any list of favorite artists probably could.
Renn listens to plenty of music beyond mainstream pop. But every time he starts to branch out, there's a sense that the pop girlies are never too far away. Eventually, they always seem to find their way back into the rotation.
An unapologetic pop fan and vinyl collector whose days are soundtracked by the pop girlies, favorite records, and the occasional ice-cold Coca-Cola.
