Romy Mars' "A-Lister" Is a Tongue-in-Cheek Indie Pop Earworm
Romy Mars opens up about the realities of nepotism and the irony of being connected in her latest single, "A-Lister." The pouty pop single, co-written by Claud, sees the rising singer-songwriter embrace her nepo-baby image, turning it into an ironic, candy-coated eye-roll at the hollowness of fame.
From the first line, Mars lets listeners into her world, crooning, "I could reach for the stars, but once I get it, I want more." In a pre-chorus amid pop-infused percussion and dreamy guitar riffs, Mars contends that the flashy life she loves comes at a price of authenticity, or, at least, the perception of authenticity. She muses, "I love this golden sunny West Coast / Scenе-y plastic world / I miss being a real girl, sure / But I'm not a rеal girl anymore."
At the song's core, Mars undergoes an enthralling, whirlwind romance that's equal parts euphoric and fleeting. She describes being swept up by a spotlight-hating actor who makes her "feel like a star." This actor, who is "Heartless, tasteless, nameless, famous," is "Never, ever on my wait list," and together they're "judgy and bitter." Enamored, she narrates, "I kiss her and whisper, 'Look at my A-lister,'" representing her descent into the hollow but addictive life of luxury.
Despite residing in this opulent, gold-plated world, this actor, a symbol of the hollow yet captivating life of luxury, pulls her into a tailspin. Mars realizes she'll "be miserable after chasing what I don't want" and constantly questioning if "he's the real thing." This stark dichotomy between the alluring facade and the concealed void is a compelling theme that Mars masterfully dissects in her music.
The new track is Mars's third release, following the success of her first two songs, "Stuck Up" and "From a Distance," last year. With a fresh, summery sound and bright-eyed stories of life and love, Mars continues to excite and bloom as an artist to watch.
Listen to "A-Lister" below:
