When then 21-year-old Meghan Trainor popped up on the music scene with tsunami-of-a-debut-single "All About the Bass" in 2014, everyone immediately took notice. The song sold over 11 million copies worldwide, became the fourth best-selling song of the year, and helped earn Trainor the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, in addition to nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Despite the massive success, this blogger still had their reservations about the animated artist. Slightly problematic follow-up singles such as "Lips Are Movin" and "Dear Future Husband" did not help to shake those feelings.
But then, promotion for Trainor's sophomore studio album Thank You began. The project's lead single "NO" sounded to interpolate "Hit 'Em Up Style" by Blu Cantrell mixed in with early Destiny's Child. The single removed the artist's doo-wop influences in exchange for some straightforward dance and R&B inspiration. The recipe worked. "NO" peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and received positive reviews from critics.
Second single "Me Too" did not receive as much love from critics, with some dinging the braggadocious nature and jazz instrumentals, but its infectious electro beats and lyrics of self-empowerment were inescapable. The song eventually became another Top 20 hit for Trainor.
It was the ball of momentum Trainor should have been able to capitalize on when she announced plans for third album Treat Myself. However, though initially set for an August 2018 release date, the album still has yet to hit shelves. While the supposed lead single "No Excuses" was an artistic step back, baring annoying similarities to "All About the Bass", all releases between then and now have elevated Trainor to that of a chameleon-like artist.
Case in point: the dual release of "Let You Be Right" and "Can't Dance" in May 2018. While the former was a disco-tinged, midtempo number addressing a couple looking past the unimportant bickering to instead focus on their bond's strength and future, the latter incorporated a 90s pop/R&B beat as Trainor flirted with a potential suitor on the dancefloor. Both signaled a promising direction for the then-upcoming album.
However, instead of further promotion for Treat Myself, Trainor jumped on a string of diverse, standout collaborations. "Just Got Paid" alongside Sigala, Elle Eyre and French Montana was a bombastic, brass-driven dance anthem. "More Than Friends" with Jason Mraz was a bubbly, acoustic duet that highlighted Trainor's ever-improving vocals. She even jumped on the Latin music trend with "Hey DJ" with CNCO and Sean Paul.
To tide fans over, inspired by her marriage to Daryl Sabana, Trainor then made the questionable PR decision to release The Love Train extended play. "All the Ways", which was originally shared as a promotional single in June 2018, was serviced to radio as the EP's official lead single just in time for Valentine's Day 2019. The bright and endearing effort showcased Trainor's ability to craft a killer chorus, without sounding forced or contrived.
Before continuing her own solo trajectory, Trainor collaborated with Kaskade for "With You" as she puts a good-for-nothing boyfriend in his place. The accompanying music video was a welcomed surprise as the artist simply gazes into the camera as a synth rhythm encompasses gorgeous vocals. Dancehall vibes blended with electropop production made for a winning combination for both artists.
"Genetics" then peered its head, a promotional track three years in the making where Trainor proudly boasts of her physical appearance. “How you get that bod? Is it from God? Did you work real hard?," she sings on the hook. After "writing too many love songs", the uptempo, dancefloor number finds the artist returning to her fun, carefree artistic roots with positive end results.
Which finally brings us to the latest "Wave" release featuring rapper Mike Sabath. Presumed to be a hint at a new direction for Treat Myself, the effort is one of Trainor's strongest yet simplest release since 2018. The artist sings with sorrow in her voice of an unhealthy relationship she cannot seem to escape. Over bouncy electropop beats and a backing choir, Trainor rises up and reignites interest for any future career plans.
Currently, "Wave" is unfortunately following its predecessors footsteps, failing to make any chart impact. Why? Is Trainor problematic on a personal level? Has her likability faded? Was postponing her third album's release a career-ending move? Are her recent song releases just not as good as I presume them to be? Sound off.
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