Meagher, a producer, songwriter, and engineer, returns with an indie-pop sparkle of his new single, "Popular." Fresh off a previous Top 4 hit on the charts, Meagher changes things up once more with the accompaniment of a new female vocal, which makes for a clean, emotionally stirring juxtaposition with the squeaky-clean production.
"Popular" is a vibe, a mirror, a commentary. With glistening synth textures and a buoyant beat that wraps around the ear like a summer breeze, the song is upbeat but thematically layered. The decision to be performed by a female character provides an extra layer to the song and captures the openness and disparity of seeking adoration and acceptance.
Meagher knows how to balance feel-good production and storytelling, which can leave you questioning everything. His polished soundscape, informed by a producer's ear and a songwriter's intuition, is sleek, appealing, and fully radio-worthy but also grounded in an independent spirit that has come to define contemporary indie-pop.
The lyrics, sung with an understated charm that's as emotionally wise as they come, make the message clear without belaboring the point. They aim to surf the groove, with you taking time to peel back the layers between the lines. It's a subtle, effective anthem for anyone who's ever wondered if pursuing fame is worth the price of being themselves.
In "Popular," Meagher is inarguably on his way to solidifying himself as a behind-the-scenes creator and a storyteller, able to create moments that sound out through headphones, speakers, and heartstrings. As indie-pop grows out of its feel, artists like Meagher are at the forefront, bringing sleek production to intimate, aching, and true stories. If this track indicates what's coming next, Meagher is not just trying to be popular but timeless.