When it comes to navigating the ever-changing landscape of American pop culture, it’s hard not to notice just how repetitive and stagnant it has become. Recently, Will Smith, a name that evokes nostalgia for those who grew up in the ’90s, decided to drop a new song at the ripe age of 57. Many were surprised, perhaps thinking he’d retired from music long ago. Unfortunately, his attempt to rekindle the magic of his earlier hits just might leave one shaking their head in disbelief, rather than dancing to a catchy beat.
Titled “Pretty Girls,” this song stands as a testament to the cultural stagnation we seem to be mired in today. Upon listening, it becomes clear that there hasn’t been much artistic evolution from the days of “Gettin’ Jiggy with It.” Will Smith, a once vibrant figure in the music and film industry, seems to have fastened himself to the same themes that he’s been pushing since his youth. While some may argue that sticking to one’s roots is commendable, there comes a time when growth and depth are needed to truly resonate with an audience that has grown and matured alongside the artist.
In a world where the bar for pop culture appears to be set somewhere near the earth’s core, one would think that even a small leap from mediocrity could garner some praise. However, this musical endeavor sounds more like a relic of a past era rather than a groundbreaking release from a seasoned artist. And while there is mild relief in the song’s adherence to traditional heterosexual themes—something seemingly radical in today’s Hollywood—it nonetheless feels out of place for a man at 57, crooning about “pretty girls.”
To compound matters, the accompanying video itself is a head-scratcher. It’s puzzling to see a 57-year-old man surrounded by women who seem more like participants of a time portal experiment from his earlier days. And yet, here we are, with no apparent growth in his artistic expression. It makes one ponder, why hasn’t he drawn from his vast and colorful life experiences to create something that feels genuine and evolved? From blockbuster stardom to controversial public incidents, there’s enough material there to craft an engaging narrative through music.
Ultimately, this new release from Will Smith stands as a curious snapshot of pop culture’s refusal to forsake the superficial for the substantial. It’s not just a reflection on one artist but a commentary on an industry that often churns out repetitive content without a hint of maturity or introspection. Perhaps it’s time to raise our artistic expectations and encourage creators to venture beyond the shallow and into the profound. Or at the very least, give us something not so obviously stuck in the past.
