An article for songwriters and pop fans argues that the best pop songs succeed by being brutally honest rather than simply relatable, and highlights three recent hits that exemplify this. It contends that while much of pop music aims for broad relatability, artists such as Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Ariana Grande have found success by writing candidly about personal struggles, even at the risk of alienating listeners.

The piece cites Swift's "Anti-Hero" for its unflinching look at self-image and celebrity scrutiny, Rodrigo's "The Cure" for taking personal responsibility for a relationship's breakdown, and Grande's "I Wish I Hated You" for its evenhanded, blame-free account of a break-up. In each case, the article suggests the songs' willingness to admit uncomfortable truths, rather than chase universal appeal, is what ultimately resonated with audiences.