Quick Read
- Madison Beer’s third studio album ‘Locket’ is set for release on January 16, 2025.
- The single ‘Bittersweet’ was inspired by a personal emotional experience and fan feedback.
- Fans participated in a unique tracklist reveal by receiving heart-shaped lockets with song titles.
- The ‘Bittersweet’ music video features Sean Kaufman and has surpassed 8.9 million views on YouTube.
- Producer Tim Sommers (One Love) contributed to the album’s experimental sound.
Madison Beer’s ‘Bittersweet’: A Song Born From Real Emotion
Madison Beer is no stranger to opening up through her music. In late 2025, she found herself at a creative crossroads, compelled to write about a raw emotional experience. The result was “Bittersweet,” the lead single from her upcoming third studio album ‘Locket,’ set for release on January 16. Beer describes the process as a turning point: “I was going through something very emotional and real and I was like, ‘I need to write about this. It feels insane not to,’” she told Variety.
While the track is rooted in heartbreak, it signals more than just sorrow. Beer sees “Bittersweet” as an evolution, both musically and personally. “I can be bitter over things, but I’m choosing to be bittersweet,” she reflected, suggesting a conscious move toward acceptance and growth. The song’s bridge, with its confrontational lyric shift, captures the moment of reckoning before Beer returns to a final note of closure: “At the end of the day, you’ll know I tried my best with you.”
Fan Feedback Shapes the Sound
If there’s one thing that sets Beer apart, it’s her relationship with her fans. She doesn’t just perform for them—she listens to them. Touring gives her real-time insight into what resonates: “I can see what people are reacting to; the moments of the show they post the most,” Beer explained. Fans even influenced the musical direction of ‘Bittersweet,’ encouraging her to revive the playful ad-libs she used early in her career. “My fans are always like, ‘Girl, you do so much fun stuff on stage — do it in your songs,’” she said. Their encouragement led Beer to include subtle ad-libs, helping her reconnect with a piece of herself she’d left behind.
This fan-centric approach didn’t stop with the music. Ahead of the album’s release, Beer orchestrated an interactive tracklist reveal that went far beyond a simple Instagram post. Her team invited fans to fill out a Google form, and selected participants received heart-shaped lockets containing the names of songs from the album. Social media buzzed with photos of these unique keepsakes, turning the reveal into a shared celebration.
Collaboration and Nostalgia: Crafting ‘Bittersweet’
Behind the scenes, Beer’s partnership with producer Tim Sommers (One Love) remains a cornerstone of her sound. Working together since 2016, their creative shorthand allows for experimentation. “We have a language,” Beer said. “I can say, ‘Make that weirder,’ and he knows exactly what I mean.”
For “Bittersweet,” the duo leaned into unusual textures and nostalgic tones, including synths reminiscent of early-2000s video games like ‘Super Mario Galaxy.’ Beer’s love for distorted, quirky sounds shines through, giving the song a unique emotional palette. The result is a track that feels both fresh and familiar, echoing the complexities of moving through pain toward acceptance.
Music Video Spotlight: Sean Kaufman Joins the Story
The “Bittersweet” music video quickly became a viral sensation, racking up over 8.9 million views on YouTube. Cast in the lead role is Sean Kaufman, known for his part as Steven Conklin in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty.’ Interestingly, Beer confessed she hadn’t seen the show prior to casting him. “If I’m a fan of yours, I can’t even look you in the eye,” she joked, admitting her unfamiliarity made their collaboration easier. The chemistry was instant, and now Beer has promised to catch up on the series—declaring herself “team Steven.”
The video’s success points to Beer’s ability to create visual narratives that resonate, turning a personal story into something universally relatable. The casting of Kaufman added an extra layer of fan intrigue, blurring the lines between music, television, and internet culture.
‘Locket’: Tracklist and Themes
As the January 16 release date approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating ‘Locket.’ The album’s tracklist, unveiled through the heart-shaped locket initiative, includes:
- Locket Theme
- Yes Baby
- Angel Wings
- For the Night
- Bad Enough
- Healthy Habit
- You’re Still Everything
- Bittersweet
- Complexity
- Make You Mine
- Nothing At All
Beer’s gratitude for her fanbase is evident: “Their opinions definitely mean a lot to me.” This sense of community is woven into the fabric of ‘Locket,’ which, judging by Beer’s reflections, promises to be her most honest work yet.
Looking Ahead: Madison Beer’s Evolving Artistry
Beer’s journey—from viral beginnings to Grammy nominations—has always been defined by her willingness to evolve. ‘Locket’ is not just a new chapter; it’s a testament to the power of vulnerability, collaboration, and fan engagement. As she prepares to launch her third album, Beer stands at a crossroads, inviting listeners to join her in exploring the bittersweet complexities of life and love.
For ongoing updates, fans can follow Madison Beer on Instagram and TikTok, where she continues to share behind-the-scenes glimpses and connect directly with her audience. The release of ‘Locket’ is set to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of growth, connection, and creative authenticity.
Madison Beer’s approach to ‘Locket’—from the emotionally charged songwriting of “Bittersweet” to the innovative fan-powered tracklist reveal—demonstrates a rare blend of vulnerability and strategic engagement. By listening to her fans and trusting her instincts, Beer crafts not only a deeply personal album but also a communal experience. This balance of authenticity and audience connection is what sets her apart in today’s crowded pop landscape.
