Kim Petras' "Malibu" Is Picture-Perfect Pop Escapism

image

Photo:  Joey James

As lockdown restrictions ease yet more and more people are choosing to shelter in place, it can be difficult to remember we are on the cusp of summer. Or what day of the week it is for that matter. Time dissociation aside, Kim Petras is back with another certified bop to welcome in the start of summer.

"Malibu" is Petras at her finest. Following the release of her critically-acclaimed debut album Clarity, Petras' latest single arrives as a sun-soaked departure from the emotional turmoil of its predecessor. Yet, whatever shade Petras may find herself eclipsed in, icy blue or iridescent pink, one thing is certain. This pop star in the making never fails to deliver.

Channeling the carefree spirit of early 2000s pop with a noticeable ear for driving production, "Malibu" is a euphoric joyride from start to finish. Petras' flair for larger-than-life pop melodies and teen movie-scoring hooks are nothing short of infectious. This is the rare sort of pop with the power to move you, literally and spiritually. Petras spoke further on "Malibu," sharing,

“‘Malibu’ is a return to color, the feeling of being in love, and the escapism pop that I love the most. After Clarity, I had cried all my tears and moved on, so this is a reflection of how I’ve been feeling. I just want 'Malibu' to be a fizzy, refreshing drink that comes to you during this quarantine and makes you forget all your anxieties. I hope this can be a little vitamin shot that brightens your day.”

"Malibu" is just that. Whether you find yourself landlocked or on lockdown, Petras' trademark brand of rapturous pop is sure to hit like a shot of Vitamin D to the heart.

Listen to "Malibu" below:

Related Articles

Revenge Wife Wonders If She’s The Problem On Single “What If It *Is* Me?!”

Revenge Wife Wonders If She’s The Problem On Single “What If It *Is* Me?!”

August 19, 2026 It can be hard to face the fact that you might be the problem, but Revenge Wife’s “What If It *Is* Me?” can help soften the blow.
Author: India McCarty
pop
Lawrence Get Real About Heartbreak on "Feel Like That (ft. JP Saxe)"

Lawrence Get Real About Heartbreak on "Feel Like That (ft. JP Saxe)"

August 17, 2026 Breakup songs don’t always have to be about the other person; sometimes they can be about the version of yourself that got to feel something and the fear that feeling might not come back around.
Author: Ariana Tibi
pop
Can Confirm: Getdown Services Are Massive Champions [Q&A]

Can Confirm: Getdown Services Are Massive Champions [Q&A]

August 17, 2026 Wanting to dive into this band, what makes the band be so championship caliber and more, we hung out in a chat room to get the deets.
Author: DJ Connor
pop