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LOS ANGELES: In the recent unveiling of the 2024 Grammy nominations, a notable trend emerged: Women have taken center stage in the major categories, surpassing their male counterparts.
Esteemed artists such as SZA, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo, representing diverse skills, showcase acclaimed albums that delve into various facets of the human experience. One such facet explored is the theme of divorce.
A wave of new releases from Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, and Kelsea Ballerini redefines the concept of the divorce album in all its intricacies. Despite the music industry’s historical obsession with youth, there’s significance in the fact that these musicians, all women in their 30s and 40s, exude a self-assuredness and emotional maturity. In a culture where relatability holds immense value, narratives imbued with the weight and wisdom of age resonate as fresh. The depth of a breakup ballad may be felt more profoundly when a public split unfolds in tabloid headlines, carrying higher stakes.
Cyrus’ versatile pop track “Flowers,” recognized as one of AP’s best songs of 2023, transforms from a pep talk to an empowerment anthem—a testament to a woman rediscovering herself after a decade-long relationship ended in divorce. Earning five nominations, including album of the year for “Endless Summer Vacation,” Cyrus captures the essence of personal growth.
Clarkson’s powerful release, “Chemistry,” described as a “relationship album,” competes for the best pop vocal album, showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional depth.
In the realm of country music, known for its tradition of women singing about divorce and domesticity, Ballerini’s “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat” contends for the genre’s best album. While diverse in style, these albums share a common emotional core—they were crafted amidst the turmoil of crumbling marriages.
The divorces of Cyrus, Clarkson, and Ballerini in 2020 and 2022 became musical catalysts, paving the way for new creative expressions. Clarkson embraced courageous ballads, showcasing her elastic vocal range, Ballerini experimented with pop production, and Cyrus wielded her weathered voice as a powerful instrument. These albums emerged from painful periods where each artist redefined themselves.
Ballerini contributes to a legacy of women in country music addressing divorce and heartbreak. Her album, especially the song “Penthouse,” challenges traditional domestic roles, highlighting financial independence. Despite achieving autonomy and reshaping conventional marital roles, the album suggests that freedom within these confines remains elusive.
The shift in how divorce is articulated on these records reflects modern perspectives. Ballerini’s album, particularly “Penthouse,” challenges gender norms and underscores financial empowerment. The recognition that divorce albums are no longer taboo reinforces a sense of validation for women, giving a voice to their experiences in a traditionally restrictive genre.
While men have historically written about failed marriages, the current musical landscape sees women leading the charge. Artists like Adele, Kacey Musgraves, and Carly Pearce, also 2024 Grammy nominees, contribute to this evolving narrative.
Ballerini acknowledges the relatability of her songs about divorce, breaking the taboo surrounding the topic, especially from a woman’s perspective. The albums from Ballerini, Clarkson, and Cyrus not only express grief but also convey gratitude, blending sadness and empowerment—a duality that resonates with listeners seeking validation.
In a 2023 study, Yale professor Joshua Knobe found that listeners are drawn to melancholic music for its ability to express shared emotions. Divorce albums become a medium for listeners to connect with the artists’ experiences of love and pain, offering a profound connection beyond mere success.
Whether these emotionally complex albums are deemed noteworthy or even award-worthy, they undoubtedly mark a significant evolution in the portrayal of divorce in music.
