Kim Petras' "Malibu" Is Picture-Perfect Pop Escapism

image

Photo:  Joey James

As lockdown restrictions ease yet more and more people are choosing to shelter in place, it can be difficult to remember we are on the cusp of summer. Or what day of the week it is for that matter. Time dissociation aside, Kim Petras is back with another certified bop to welcome in the start of summer.

"Malibu" is Petras at her finest. Following the release of her critically-acclaimed debut album Clarity, Petras' latest single arrives as a sun-soaked departure from the emotional turmoil of its predecessor. Yet, whatever shade Petras may find herself eclipsed in, icy blue or iridescent pink, one thing is certain. This pop star in the making never fails to deliver.

Channeling the carefree spirit of early 2000s pop with a noticeable ear for driving production, "Malibu" is a euphoric joyride from start to finish. Petras' flair for larger-than-life pop melodies and teen movie-scoring hooks are nothing short of infectious. This is the rare sort of pop with the power to move you, literally and spiritually. Petras spoke further on "Malibu," sharing,

“‘Malibu’ is a return to color, the feeling of being in love, and the escapism pop that I love the most. After Clarity, I had cried all my tears and moved on, so this is a reflection of how I’ve been feeling. I just want 'Malibu' to be a fizzy, refreshing drink that comes to you during this quarantine and makes you forget all your anxieties. I hope this can be a little vitamin shot that brightens your day.”

"Malibu" is just that. Whether you find yourself landlocked or on lockdown, Petras' trademark brand of rapturous pop is sure to hit like a shot of Vitamin D to the heart.

Listen to "Malibu" below:

Related Articles

Kevin Atwater Puts His Spin on Troye Sivan’s “My My My!”

Kevin Atwater Puts His Spin on Troye Sivan’s “My My My!”

June 13, 2025 Paying tribute to one of the iconic male queer artists that came before him, Atwater accesses a different side of this beloved song.
Author: Rebeccah Blau
pop
Dora Jar Lets Go of Feeling Lost in “The Explorer”

Dora Jar Lets Go of Feeling Lost in “The Explorer”

June 13, 2025 The track is both deeply personal and universally comforting, allowing Dora to effortlessly pull listeners into her ethereal universe of quiet introspection.
Author: Chancey Stefanos
pop
Rising Pop Icon Rose Gray Makes Her US Debut and Teases “Louder, Please” Deluxe [Q&A]

Rising Pop Icon Rose Gray Makes Her US Debut and Teases “Louder, Please” Deluxe [Q&A]

June 10, 2025 We chatted with the rising star about her American debut at Pride before her set, which attracted a crowd of excited festival-goers prepared to get “Wet & Wild” and dance the day away.
Author: Giselle Libby
pop
q&a