Ava Max’s latest single ‘Who’s Laughing Now’ is a delightful, infectious tune that showcases the artist as one of the most empowering singers in her generation.

Max absolutely thrives on infusing eighties-themed disco beats that she amps up with her signature energy and catchy melodies. The singer does more of the same in her latest number and the results are just as irresistible. The tune begins with a strange, eerie hook, coupled with some alarming sounds on the bass and a freaky laugh track. But in the next couple of seconds, the same hook transforms into more of an upbeat whistle to which Max begins her first verse. Her vocals are as crisp and powerful as ever, providing the ideal delivery vehicle for the dynamic composition. 

There is an unmistakable charge of reggaeton sounding off in the backing beat. The staccato beats form the perfect foundation to the melody that’s otherwise very pop. It also hints at how Max is willing to switch up her sounds over tracks without compromising her familiar verve. In a day and age when artists are constantly turning the pop genre over the head, Max doesn’t seem to mind the old-school disco, groovy sensibilities of the genre. Particular the bridge of the harmony leans into a guitar solo rendition of the same hook, with Max’s laughs cutting in by beat for effect. While Max’s tracks are normally quite explosive, this one, courtesy of the smooth off-beat, is quite laid-back and mellow. But the meaning behind the tune is as empowering as ever. Max clearly seems to speak to someone who doubts and criticizes her at every occasion, and she’s had enough of letting that person have the final word over her. 

The messaging is firm but charming, and Max pulls it off with heaps of charisma. She even goes above and beyond with a funny music video that elaborates the point further. Speaking on the song, Ava Max said, “I mean, I don't want to say revenge. It's kind of like a revenge story in a good way. It's about rising up and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and one of the first sentences in the chorus is, "Don't you know that I'm stronger," so it's kind of like telling yourself and giving yourself a pep talk. Kind of like, "You are stronger than this. You can go on."

 pop 

Author: Shaoni Das

Shaoni Das is a writer/editor currently based in Edmonton, Canada. She remains eager to inspect how the changing culture of music impacts upon the greater world.