Madison Beer released her third studio album, Locket, on January 16, 2026. The genres most associated with her music are dance-pop, R&B, and electropop. This album comes after her previous ones, Silence Between Songs and Life Support.
What Beer was known for before her albums and EPs was covers. She was first discovered by Justin Bieber on YouTube with her cover of “At Last” by Etta James. In her personal evolution, she transitioned from a teen who did covers to a self-assured artist. When she was 14–15, she had a nude leak by her boyfriend at the time; moreover, she then had a verbally abusive relationship. She had a “Lolita” book controversy, allegations of performative activism, she complained about being pretty, she had a period-shaming incident in 2017, and she was diagnosed with mental health issues.
The album aims to act as a captivating time capsule for personal memories, serving as a safe, intimate space to process heartbreak, self-doubt, and complex emotions. The album does succeed; it shows vulnerability through the lyrics and melodies. The overall message of the album revolves around introspection, deep vulnerability, and bittersweet emotions.
In the Locket album, she uses synths, programming and electronic beats, keyboards and pianos, bass, strings and cellos, drums and percussion instruments, guitar, and lap steel guitar. Her vocals are increased by maturity and emotional vulnerability; she has technical control, and she also shifts from true power to nuanced, delicate delivery. The lyrics go over an intense breakup and how she shifts from heartbreak to newfound confidence, as well as self-reflection. The songs flow into one another very well; there isn’t a weird pause between songs.
The most popular songs on the album are “Make You Mine” and “Bad Enough, Bittersweet.” These songs are popular due to their high energy, relatable lyrics, and infectious synth-pop sound. This album has themes of heartbreak, self-growth, healing, and bittersweet realism. The songs on the album switch back and forth between wanting to get over her ex and not wanting to be alone.
The Locket album has a more confident and mature vibe, as Silence Between Songs has more of a dark, feminine mystique (meaning she was embracing the shadowy, repressed, and untamed aspects of femininity that are often suppressed due to social expectations). Other artists that would be compared to Madison Beer are Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Camila Cabello, Nessa Barrett, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, and Selena Gomez.
Fans of pop and R&B would probably like the album, as well as fans of 2010s R&B/pop, listeners of atmospheric or chill pop, and TikTok users because people sometimes use her songs in the background of lip-syncs, merch videos, or aesthetic content. People who search for relatable or emotional songs, and those who enjoy her previous albums, will likely enjoy this album as well. Long-time fans will most likely appreciate the emotional depth and artistic growth.
The album is seen as confident, intimate, and vocally strong, exploring heartbreak and memories. While it’s praised for that, others say it lacks artistic identity and sometimes has a derivative sound. The album is considered memorable. It is well written, flows well, and the meanings of the songs are relatable, making it a strong overall project.
