• Emerging in the 1960s with artists like David Bowie and Roxy Music, Art Pop blends the sounds of contemporary pop with influences from the visual arts. In the 2020s, this genre evolves into a dynamic cultural force through artists like Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Grimes, and FKA Twigs.
• These artists push the boundaries of pop music, enriching it with cultural references, theatrical performances, and collaborations with visual artists and designers. They explore and challenge the conventions of fame, the entertainment industry, and the media landscape, transforming Art Pop into a genre that fuses auditory and visual experiences.
• On RadioVideo.Music, 386 songs released in the 2020s are tagged “Art Pop.” Among them, 17 have over one hundred million views on YouTube, and one have over a billion.
• Overall, the 5 most popular tracks are Billie Eilish‘s “bad guy,” “everything i wanted,” “Happier Than Ever,” Lady Gaga‘s “Shallow” and Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande‘s “Rain On Me”
• We have listed the 20 “Art Pop” songs released in the 2020s, with the highest engagements over the last 60 days.
• You will find them below in descending order of engagements.

1 . Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - Die With A Smile

Released in August 2024 under Interscope Records, this soft rock duet blends pop, soul, and rock influences reminiscent of 1970s collaborations. The lyrics exude urgency and devotion in the face of uncertainty. The music video adopts a vintage aesthetic with denim and red ensembles, aligning with the song's soulful tone. A creative synergy born spontaneously in the studio, the song achieved commercial success, including topping the Billboard Global 200 and earning Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Genres : Pop,art pop, dance pop, pop

The music video is directed by Daniel Ramos & Bruno Mars

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

84.81% / 3.67%

2 . Billie Eilish - Birds Of A Feather

Written by Billie Eilish and Finneas over nearly a year, "Birds of a Feather" embodies deep emotional themes of connection and fear of loss. Its Grammy-nominated lyrics unfold within an abandoned office setting, adding haunting visuals to its heartfelt narrative.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by Aidan Zamiri

Featured on the album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

105.66% / 0.82%

3 . Lady Gaga - Shallow

"Shallow," the emotive centerpiece of A Star Is Born (2018), showcases the magnetic chemistry between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Opening with Cooper’s raspy vocals and an acoustic guitar, the track transitions to Gaga’s powerful voice in the second verse, creating a swelling country-folk ballad. The song underscores Ally’s rise to fame and the deepening emotional connection between her and Jackson Maine, culminating in an unforgettable live performance scene filmed at the Greek Theater. Shallow quickly became a global success, capturing several prestigious awards.

Genres : Pop, Easy listening,art pop, dance pop, pop, hollywood

The music video is directed by Bradley Cooper

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

1.47% / 0.27%

4 . Billie Eilish - What Was I Made For? [From The Motion Picture "Barbie"]

Set against the introspective backdrop of Barbie (2023), Billie Eilish’s melancholic ballad "What Was I Made For?" ponders existential questions, blending vulnerability and reflection. Co-written with her brother Finneas, this minimalist piece is a quiet contemplation of purpose, beautifully amplified by Eilish's soft, emotional vocals. The music video, directed by Eilish, contrasts the song’s depth with a striking visual of her in a blonde wig and yellow dress. The track accompanies a pivotal moment in the film where Barbie meets Ruth Handler, her creator.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by Greta Gerwig

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

6.84% / 0.70%

5 . Billie Eilish - Everything I Wanted

Billie Eilish’s "Everything I Wanted," released in 2019, takes listeners into the depths of a nightmare where Eilish envisions her own death going unnoticed. Supported by a minimalist downtempo bass and piano, the song weaves through themes of depression, anxiety, and the weight of external expectations. Produced by Finneas, the track’s melancholic tone is balanced by a glimpse of solace found in Eilish’s bond with her brother. This haunting piece earned multiple Grammy nominations, winning Record of the Year in 2021.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by Billie Eilish

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.75% / 0.31%

6 . Charli Xcx & Billie Eilish - Guess

Sampling Daft Punk's "Technologic," Charli XCX's "Guess," featuring Billie Eilish, explores themes of boldness and sensuality. Released in August 2024, the remix of this provocative anthem from Charli's deluxe album Brat reached UK chart-topping status. The music video, showing both artists scaling a mountain of undergarments, adds a playful visual to its daring lyrics.

Genres : Pop, Electronic,art pop, candy pop, metropopolis, pop, uk pop

The music video is directed by Aidan Zamiri

Featured on the album BRAT

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

23.74% / 2.13%

7 . Lady Gaga - Hold My Hand

Lady Gaga delivers an 80s-inspired arena rock ballad with "Hold My Hand," the emotional anchor of Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Co-written with BloodPop and Benjamin Rice, the song echoes the themes of courage and redemption, with Gaga offering a comforting hand through her soaring vocals. The cinematic anthem became the heart of the film, as acknowledged by Tom Cruise, and its themes of resilience earned the track nominations at both the Golden Globes and Oscars.

Genres : Pop,art pop, dance pop, pop

The music video is directed by Joseph Kosinski

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.58% / 0.38%

8 . Aurora - Cure For Me

Aurora’s 2021 single "Cure For Me" unapologetically denounces conversion therapy and challenges societal norms. The track’s theatrical, EDM-infused electropop beats, laced with arcade-like melodies, create a jubilant yet rebellious atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Brazilian composer Ary Barroso’s "Aquarela do Brasil," the song turns a joyful tune into an anthem of freedom, pushing back against outdated, harmful practices targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

Genres : Pop,art pop, norwegian pop

The music video is directed by Sigurd Fossen

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.42% / 0.36%

9 . Billie Eilish - Nda

In "NDA," Billie Eilish reflects on the price of fame and the need for privacy in a world eager to scrutinize her every move. Released in 2021, the track merges dark pop with elements of industrial and techno, creating a foreboding atmosphere. Eilish reveals her personal struggles, referencing stalkers and secret house purchases. The video, shot at night with cars racing dangerously around her, mirrors the anxiety and chaos that fame has brought into her life.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by Billie Eilish

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.15% / 0.35%

10 . Billie Eilish - Your Power

"Your Power," Billie Eilish’s poignant 2021 acoustic ballad, addresses the abuse of power in relationships, particularly when adults exploit younger individuals. Set against minimalistic guitar strumming, Eilish’s haunting voice delivers a quiet yet powerful rebuke to manipulative behavior. The accompanying music video features Eilish in a barren desert, slowly being constricted by a massive anaconda, a visual metaphor for the suffocating nature of control and exploitation.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by Billie Eilish

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

1.23% / 0.13%

11 . Lady Gaga - Disease

Lady Gaga's “Disease” channels a brooding, shadowy energy that's part confession, part confrontation.

The track trades her usual theatricality for pulsing dark electronic synth-pop, a genre she manipulates with sharp precision.

The production, helmed by Gaga alongside Andrew Watt and Cirkut, layers glitchy beats, foreboding basslines, and icy synths, creating an unsettling yet magnetic atmosphere.

Lyrically, Gaga wrestles with inner demons—themes of fear, self-doubt, and personal reckoning ricochet through lines that feel both raw and calculated.

The accompanying video, directed by Tanu Muino, is a surreal spectacle where Gaga battles multiple versions of herself, each iteration an exaggerated metaphor for her inner conflict.

Visually drenched in ominous hues and stark contrasts, the clip embraces chaos, straddling the line between melodrama and genuine emotional purge.

Released in late October 2024, the timing underscores a haunting vibe, with its debut tied to her performance at a prestigious Venetian film fest—because why release a song quietly when you can cloak it in grandeur.

Positioned as the lead single for her upcoming seventh album, it hints at a more introspective, experimental era while still clinging to her proclivity for theatrics.

While “Disease” might lack the immediate earworm quality of her earlier hits, its determination to unsettle rather than appease serves as a deliberate, provocative artistic statement.

Genres : Pop,art pop, dance pop, pop

The music video is directed by Tanu Muino

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

105.68% / -5.15%

12 . Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever

Starting as a soft acoustic ballad, "Happier Than Ever" transforms halfway into a raucous rock explosion. Billie Eilish uses this duality to express the emotional turbulence of a toxic relationship. Released in 2021, the title track of her second album sees Eilish moving away from her signature trap sound, opting for an experimental blend of jazz and electropop. The song explores themes of personal liberation and the joy of breaking free, solidifying its presence in major award nominations, including the 2022 Grammys.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by Billie Eilish

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

1.72% / 0.22%

13 . Billie Eilish - Lunch

"Lunch," released by Billie Eilish in 2024, dives into her exploration of same-sex attraction. With its heavy bass line, the track blends electro, synth-rock, and post-punk, creating a bold soundscape for Eilish’s candid reflection on her sexual awakening. The playful music video, directed by Eilish, juxtaposes her masculine streetwear against lyrics steeped in irony. The retro 90s aesthetic, complete with VHS filters and vibrant scenes, heightens the song’s mischievous energy.

Genres : Pop, Country,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by Billie Eilish

Featured on the album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

9.66% / 1.25%

14 . Billie Eilish - Bad Guy

Billie Eilish mocks traditional notions of toughness in "Bad Guy," an electropop sensation released in 2019. With its minimalist instrumentation, quirky production—including a sampled Australian pedestrian signal—this track challenges stereotypes while asserting Eilish as the true "bad guy." Winning both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2020 Grammys, "Bad Guy" is also notable for its abrupt shift into darker, more introspective territory in its final moments, further deepening its ironic commentary on power dynamics.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by ave Meyers

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

0.36% / 0.06%

15 . Charli Xcx - 360

Charli XCX’s hyperpop masterpiece, "360," released in 2024, fuses experimental pop and electro beats with lyrics dissecting fame, media obsession, and self-image. Produced by A. G. Cook and Cirkut, the track’s pulsating synths and sharp vocal effects create a brash but captivating sound. With references to celebrities like Julia Fox, the song questions how much of the reflected self aligns with reality. A remixed version featuring Robyn and Yung Lean adds even more layers to the exploration of identity in the digital age.

Genres : Pop, Electronic,art pop, candy pop, metropopolis, pop, uk pop

The music video is directed by Aidan Zamiri

Featured on the album Charli XCX

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

21.00% / 2.17%

16 . Lady Gaga - Rain On Me (w/ Ariana Grande)

"Rain On Me," the electrifying house-pop anthem by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, dropped in 2020, radiating themes of resilience and emotional release. Powered by disco beats and funk guitars, the song uses the metaphor of rain to represent life’s challenges and healing. A chart-topping success, it became the first female collaboration to win the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The track blends the best of both artists—Gaga’s emotional depth and Grande’s vocal agility—creating a euphoric, danceable celebration of perseverance.

Genres : Pop,art pop, dance pop, pop

The music video is directed by Robert Rodriguez

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

0.77% / 0.12%

17 . Lana Del Rey - Doin' Time

Lana Del Rey reinterprets Sublime’s "Doin’ Time" with her own dreamy, melancholic spin. Released in 2019 for her album Norman Fucking Rockwell!, the trip-hop-inspired track retains Sublime's laid-back, California-cool vibe while imbuing it with Lana’s signature sadness. The song’s imagery of toxic relationships and feeling imprisoned aligns with the carefree aesthetic of 90s Southern California. The music video, with Lana as a giantess roaming Los Angeles, adds a playful visual nod to 1958’s Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by Rich Lee

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.15% / 0.28%

18 . Lana Del Rey - Chemtrails Over The Country Club

Lana Del Rey’s wistful 2021 ballad "Chemtrails Over the Country Club" juxtaposes the carefree imagery of suburban summer with underlying melancholy. Produced by Jack Antonoff, the track evokes 70s folk-pop serenity while subtly commenting on hidden illusions behind idyllic settings. With references to her personal relationships and a longing for simplicity, Lana crafts a song that captures both the beauty and disillusionment of chasing normalcy amid a whirlwind of fame.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by BRTHR

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.89% / 0.58%

19 . Billie Eilish - All The Good Girls Go To Hell

Billie Eilish infuses dark humor and biting commentary on climate change in "All the Good Girls Go to Hell," a track from her debut album. The 2018 song fuses electropop with alternative sounds while using religious symbolism to critique moral corruption and environmental destruction. The striking music video, where Eilish emerges from a pool of oil to walk through a city on fire, evokes imagery of environmental disasters and serves as a stark reminder of humanity’s responsibility to the Earth.

Genres : Pop,art pop, pop

The music video is directed by Rich Lee

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

0.60% / 0.09%

20 . Charli Xcx - Von Dutch

Charli XCX’s "Von Dutch," released in 2024, is a glittering throwback to Y2K pop culture. The song’s title references the iconic fashion brand, popularized by early 2000s celebs like Paris Hilton. With a playful electropop beat and cheeky lyrics poking fun at fame and jealousy, Charli embodies the "it girl" persona. A remix featuring Addison Rae heightens the song’s nostalgic vibe, bringing in even more Y2K flair with its updated production by A. G. Cook.

Genres : Pop, Electronic,art pop, candy pop, metropopolis, pop, uk pop

The music video is directed by TORSO

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

13.68% / 1.75%

ABOUT ART POP

The Music of Art Pop

The musical essence of 2020s Art Pop is built on catchy melodies and sophisticated arrangements, combining electronic instruments, synths, and futuristic sound textures. This sonic aesthetic is meticulously crafted by innovative producers who shape the genre’s identity.

• SOPHIE
  A trailblazer in electronic production, SOPHIE brings futuristic, minimalist sounds, and bold, percussive textures to the forefront, evident in collaborations with Charli XCX. SOPHIE redefines pop by incorporating audacious, sometimes dissonant sonic elements, creating a new sound
• A.G. Cook
  Founder of PC Music, A.G. Cook is at the heart of both hyperpop and Art Pop. His productions for artists like Charli XCX and Caroline Polachek often feature exaggerated vocal effects, vibrant synths, and complex electronic arrangements, blurring the line between experimental and accessible pop.
• Finneas
  As Billie Eilish’s primary collaborator, Finneas crafts intimate and introspective atmospheres through subtle vocal textures and discreet electronic sounds. His minimalist yet experimental approach allows for a deep emotional resonance while maintaining a pop sensibility.
• Arca
  Arca, the Venezuelan producer, deconstructs pop and electronic music, creating abstract soundscapes that blur the boundary between experimental electronica and pop. Collaborating with artists like Björk and FKA Twigs, Arca’s sound is complex, layered, and intentionally challenging.
• BloodPop
  Working with artists such as Lady Gaga (on *Chromatica*) and Grimes, BloodPop fuses energetic synths and electro-dance beats, retaining a pop accessibility while injecting innovative, electronic-driven production.
• Jack Antonoff
  Frequently working with alternative pop figures like Lorde (*Melodrama*) and Taylor Swift (*Folklore*), Jack Antonoff bridges mainstream pop with orchestral arrangements and sophisticated acoustic textures, offering a refined yet commercially viable sound.

The Words of Art Pop

Lyrics in Art Pop often explore contemporary themes like identity, celebrity, technology, and consumer culture, sometimes with cryptic references to pop culture or abstract concepts.

• Billie Eilish in *”bury a friend”* digs into themes of fear, alienation, and existential questions, frequent subjects in Art Pop
  

  “What do you want from me?
  Why don’t you run from me?
  What are you wondering?
  What do you know?
  Why aren’t you scared of me?
  Why do you care for me?
  When we all fall asleep, where do we go?”

• In FKA Twigs’ “Cellophane”, the lyrics reflect the fragility of fame and relationships:
  

  “Didn’t I do it for you? Why don’t I do it for you? Why won’t you do it for me, when all I do is for you?”

• Charli XCX in *”Gone”* addresses the tension between individuality and social pressure:
  

  “I feel so unstable, fucking hate these people. How they’re making me feel lately.”

• Grimes in *”We Appreciate Power”* explores futuristic and transhumanist themes, with a direct nod to the rise of artificial intelligence:
  

  “What will it take to make you capitulate? We appreciate power.”

2020s Art Pop: Fashion Endorsers & Endorsees

Art Pop’s fusion of music and visual arts is intimately tied to fashion, with artists frequently collaborating with fashion houses and designers to push the boundaries of style, creating looks that amplify their musical and artistic personas.

• Gucci

  Under Alessandro Michele, Gucci has cultivated avant-garde collaborations with Art Pop artists. Billie Eilish has worked with Gucci for numerous events, including the 2020 Grammy Awards, where she donned a striking neon green ensemble, aligning her aesthetic with Gucci’s bold, maximalist vision.

• Nike

  Nike has paired innovation in fashion with Art Pop’s creative flair. In 2021, Eilish designes her own Nike Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 15, entirely vegan and minimalistic, reflecting her personal style and the broader values of Art Pop’s intersection with sustainability.

• Balenciaga

  Under Demna, Balenciaga has cultivated a reputation for avant-garde designs that resonate within the Art Pop sphere. Charli XCX frequently collaborates with Balenciaga for her performances and videos, embodying the futuristic, experimental ethos of both the brand and the Art Pop genre.

• Versace

  Lady Gaga maintains a long-standing relationship with Versace, where bold, sensual aesthetics align with Gaga’s Art Pop identity. Lady Gaga wears exclusive Versace pieces during her tours and in music videos, notably embodying the daring, theatrical aspects of both the brand.

• Thierry Mugler

  Known for architectural, futuristic fashion, Thierry Mugler designes iconic looks for Lady Gaga, including for her *”Bad Romance”* video and performances, aligning perfectly with her transgressive, avant-garde style.

• Uniqlo

  Known for accessible, minimalist designs, Uniqlo has ventured into the Art Pop space through collaborations. In 2020, Billie Eilish collaborates with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami on a collection that merged her distinctive style with Murakami’s playful, pop-art sensibilities.

• Iris van Herpen

  Celebrated for her futuristic, tech-driven designs, Iris van Herpen is a frequent collaborator with Art Pop artists. Her sculptural, futuristic creations have been worn by Grimes in videos and performances, complementing her sci-fi-inspired musical aesthetic.

Further Reading and Viewing

Several platforms focus on the intersection of music and visual artistry that defines Art Pop, offering in-depth analysis and coverage of this evolving genre.

• Pitchfork
  Pitchfork provides comprehensive reviews of alternative, electronic, and experimental pop, closely following Art Pop artists and offering nuanced insights into their albums and performances.
• The Fader
  Known for spotlighting emerging trends in music and culture, The Fader focuses on pop disruptors like Billie Eilish and Arca, highlighting their innovative approaches to sound and visuals.
• Dazed
  Dazed is a British magazine dedicated to fashion, art, and music. Regular features include Art Pop figures like Lady Gaga, Grimes, and Billie Eilish, with deep dives into their music videos and public personas.
• i-D
  Focusing on cutting-edge trends in visual culture, fashion, and music, i-D frequently explores the influence of Art Pop on both music and visual artistry.

ADJACENT GENRES

• indie rock
• indietronica
• chamber pop
• escape room
• experimental pop
• indie pop
• neo-synthpop
• metropopolis
• alternative r&b
• noise pop
• singer-songwriter
• shimmer pop
• dream pop
• electra
• trip hop
• alternative dance
• electronica
• indie soul
• alternative rock
• experimental r&b
• electropop
• etherpop
• melancholia
• spectra