Barbie and the plasticity of pop

Jul 25, 2023, 09:00 AM

This past week, the film Barbie opened nationwide to massive success – and with it came a soundtrack, executive produced by Mark Ronson.

Functioning as both a companion to the movie and a stand-alone collection of hits, the album features everyone from Dua Lipa to reggaeton star Karol G to K-Pop group FIFTY FIFTY. This episode of Switched on Pop, we take a look at the singles from the soundtrack and see how well they embody the ethos of Barbie: plastic and all. 

Check out our 2021 interview with Mark Ronson (about Ginuwine’s “Pony”) here.

We reference “vibe snatching” in this episode. Take a listen to our episode breaking down the phenomenon here.

For more on Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die,” check out our Bond episode from October 2021 here.

Songs Discussed: 

Dua Lipa – Dance The Night

Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For?

PinkPantheress – Angel

FIFTY FIFTY, Kaliii – Barbie Dreams

Janet Jackson – Together Again

FIFTY FIFTY – Cupid

The Cardigans – Lovefool

Charli XCX –...

This past week, the film Barbie opened nationwide to massive success – and with it came a soundtrack, executive produced by Mark Ronson.


Functioning as both a companion to the movie and a stand-alone collection of hits, the album features everyone from Dua Lipa to reggaeton star Karol G to K-Pop group FIFTY FIFTY. This episode of Switched on Pop, we take a look at the singles from the soundtrack and see how well they embody the ethos of Barbie: plastic and all. 


  • Check out our 2021 interview with Mark Ronson (about Ginuwine’s “Pony”) here.
  • We reference “vibe snatching” in this episode. Take a listen to our episode breaking down the phenomenon here.
  • For more on Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die,” check out our Bond episode from October 2021 here.


Songs Discussed: 

  • Dua Lipa – Dance The Night
  • Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For?
  • PinkPantheress – Angel
  • FIFTY FIFTY, Kaliii – Barbie Dreams
  • Janet Jackson – Together Again
  • FIFTY FIFTY – Cupid
  • The Cardigans – Lovefool
  • Charli XCX – Speed Drive
  • Billie Eilish – No Time To Die
  • Aqua – Barbie Girl
  • Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Aqua – Barbie World
  • Karol G, Aldo Ranks – WATATI
  • Jul – My World
  • Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih, Cashmere Cat – Party Girls
  • Ava Max – Not Your Barbie Girl
  • Ava Max – My Head & My Heart
  • A Touch Of Class – Around the World (La La La La La)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices