MOONLIGHT (Album)

MOONLIGHT (stylized in all uppercase) is a studio album by Doja Cat. The album was released on April 5th, 2024 with the deluxe version being released on April 7th, 2023, featuring four bonus tracks.
==Background==
=== 2023 ===
In a Zoom meeting on December 23rd, 2022, Doja announced her plan to dedicate the entirety of 2023 and 2024 to working on her upcoming album without any breaks. She expressed her confidence that the album would be a pop record. She later clarified during an Instagram Live session that the album would not be a pop record, but rather a blend of R&B with some pop elements, as she personally favored R&B over pop.
In January 2023, Doja engaged with her fans on Instagram Live, collaborating with multiple producers while also working on her third studio album, which she described as an all-trap record. 
Throughout February 2023, She again engaged with her fans on Instagram Live and also worked on her third studio album. 
On March 3rd, 2023, during an interview, Doja shared her excitement about the album, stating that she loved it so much that she believed her fans would love it too. 
Throughout April and May 2023, Doja continued to work on the album, providing updates on Twitter and revealing the album cover, initially in pink but later changing it to a dark purple color, as she felt that pink symbolized pop music, which did not align with the album's direction. 
In June and July 2023, Doja began teasing the album by sharing snippets of various tracks across her social media platforms. 
On August 1st, 2023, Every post on Doja's Instagram was deleted presumably signaling the start of her new era. 
On August 9th, 2023, Doja announced that she would not be releasing any more singles until after the album's release, as she believed the album was too exceptional to be released as individual singles. She also teased that the music video she was working on was the best one she had ever made. 
On August 11th, 2023, the lead single for the album, "Fantasy" was released, accompanied by a music video.
On October 7th, 2023, fans noticed that a link for her merch was linked to all her social media. If you clicked the link, it would take you to her merch website and if you scroll down to the end of the page, you would see a text saying "MOONLIGHT". This became the speculated title.
On October 8th, 2023, Doja would confirm and reveal the album title, release date, and cover on social media.
On October 11, 2023, a fan asked Doja if she was going to release the tracklist for the album to which she responded, "no"
Two days later, on October 13th, 2023, Doja stated that she wanted to do a countdown a day before the album's release. 
On October 16th, 2023, a fan noticed that the album's release date on streaming platforms had changed to "March 8th, 2024." Doja then claimed on Twitter that she was "hacked."
On October 19th, 2023, Doja announced that she would be releasing another single, despite having previously stated that she wasn't planning to do so.
On November 2nd, 2023, Doja Cat went on an interview and in that interview, she expressed her dislike for pop and her preference for punk rock led some fans to believe that her upcoming album might be in the punk rock genre. This statement left some fans feeling skeptical and disappointed.
Subsequently, on November 10th, 2023, Doja Cat revealed to a fan that there would be a few collaborations on the album, assuring them that the fans would enjoy them. She later confirmed that Lourdiz, a Mexican-American singer, would be featured on the album.
Later, on November 14th, 2023, when asked about the genre of her next album, Doja Cat disclosed that it would be in the trap genre, expressing her longstanding love for trap music. This announcement caused some fans to express their disappointment, suggesting that she should focus more on pop and R&B. In response, Doja Cat took to Twitter to address these concerns, questioning whether fans tire of hearing the same genre from their favorite artists and defending her exploration of different genres such as rock, trap, hip-hop, and hyperpop.
On November 21st, 2023, Doja shared more snippets of various tracks across her social media platforms. 
On December 3rd, 2023, Apple and Amazon Music uploaded the album. The album will be 14 tracks long, with 'Fantasy' being Track 9, and 'Anything ft. Lourdiz' being Track 5. The album has 11 tracks marked as explicit.
On December 6, 2023, an individual leaked several unreleased songs on social media by sharing a link to a Google Drive folder containing the tracks. The songs, titled "Electric Love," "Sapphire," "Past Life," "Game," and "Feather," were exposed along with their respective files. When a fan inquired on Twitter about her awareness of the leaks, Doja Cat responded, acknowledging her knowledge of the situation and expressing her dislike for the leaked songs. 
On December 31st, 2023, Doja confirmed that American singer-songwriter SZA would be featured on the album.
===2024===
On January 1st, 2024, "GRAVITY" was confirmed as the second track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On January 2nd, 2024, "Lunar" was confirmed as the thirteenth track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On January 4th, 2024, "Solace" featuring SZA was confirmed as the fourteenth track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On January 6th, 2024, Doja Cat unveiled a deluxe edition of her album "MOONLIGHT," featuring the new tracks "Escapism," "All the Stars," "Lie Down," and "Comfortable." 
Three days later, January 15th, 2024, Doja mentioned that she was still recording new songs for the album. However, after snippets of her unreleased music surfaced online, she expressed frustration on Twitter and stated that she was done working on the album. 
On January 15th, 2024, when a fan publicly asked if she was still working on the album, Doja confirmed that she was and expressed her frustration with the unauthorized leaks of her hard work. She reaffirmed her commitment to releasing the album, emphasizing the time and effort she had invested in it. 
On January 25th, 2024, Doja confirmed that Kehlani would be featured on the album and revealed the title ("Queen Bed") and track number (11) for their collaboration.
On January 27th, 2024, "Magic in the Moonlight" was confirmed as the seventh track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On January 28th, 2024, "MOONLIGHT" was confirmed as the first track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On February 3rd, 2024, "Moonlit Mosaic" was confirmed as the sixth track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On February 5th, 2024, "You & Me" featuring Wizkid was confirmed as the eighth track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On February 13th, 2024, "NASA" was confirmed as the third track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On February 16th, 2024, "Centauri" was confirmed as the fourth track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On February 24th, 2024, "Eclipse" was confirmed as the twelfth track on Apple Music and Amazon.
On February 29th, 2024, Doja announced the release date for the deluxe version of the album, set for April 7th, 2024.
On March 1st, 2024, MOONLIGHT was added to Spotify, but you were unable to stream the songs.
On March 3rd, 2024, MOONLIGHT was unexpectedly removed from Apple Music. However, it was subsequently restored to the platform.
On April 19th, 2024, Doja Cat took to her Instagram story to announce that she was already working on her next album, following the recent release of "MOONLIGHT." She mentioned that the title of the new album would be revealed in the coming weeks.
On April 24th, 2024, Doja expressed her dissatisfaction with her album "MOONLIGHT" in an interview with Elle, stating that she had made it for fun and couldn't take it seriously. She also revealed her decision to cancel the "MOONLIGHT" tour due to feeling tired of the songs on the album. Additionally, she shared her intention to focus on trap and hip-hop for her next album, which disappointed some fans who preferred her in genres like pop and R&B.
== Release & promotion ==
A surprise midnight announcement was made on Doja Cat's official website, unveiling the album title and release date. This was accompanied by an exclusive pre-order link for a limited edition deluxe box set, featuring a holographic vinyl record, an art book, and a custom moon phase pendant.
In the weeks leading up to the release, a series of interactive fan experiences were launched, including a virtual "MOONLIGHT" escape room and an augmented reality app that allowed fans to unlock exclusive behind-the-scenes content by scanning moon symbols hidden in various locations.
To further engage her audience, Doja Cat hosted a special "MOONLIGHT" listening party on a virtual reality platform, where fans could join her in a digital moonlit garden to preview the album and participate in a Q&A session.
The promotional campaign culminated in a global "MOONLIGHT" release event, featuring a live performance by Doja Cat at an iconic lunar-themed venue, which was live-streamed to millions of viewers worldwide. The event also included an interactive moonlight projection show in major cities, creating a visually stunning spectacle that captured the album's ethereal aesthetic.
Throughout the release period, Doja Cat maintained an active presence on social media, sharing personal insights into the creative process behind "MOONLIGHT" and expressing her gratitude for the unwavering support of her fans. This fanon release and promotion strategy was designed to immerse audiences in an enchanting world of music and art, fostering a deep emotional connection to the album and its celestial themes.
== Commercial, chart performance & critical reception ==
=== Critical Reception ===
* MOONLIGHT has received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising Doja Cat's versatility and artistry in blending R&B and pop elements.
* Critics have lauded the album for its cohesive sound, compelling songwriting, and Doja Cat's captivating vocal performances.
* The album's production quality and innovative musical arrangements have been highlighted as key strengths, earning praise from music journalists and industry professionals.
=== Commercial Success ===
* "MOONLIGHT" has achieved remarkable commercial success, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.
* The album's lead single, "Fantasy," garnered significant attention and chart success, further boosting anticipation for the full release.
* Doja Cat's dedicated fan base, combined with her growing mainstream appeal, has contributed to the album's strong commercial performance and sustained chart presence.
=== Chart Performance ===
* "MOONLIGHT" has consistently maintained a strong presence on various music charts, including the Billboard 200, where it has remained a top-performing album since its debut.
* Several tracks from the album have achieved notable success on streaming platforms and digital music charts, reflecting the widespread appeal of Doja Cat's music.
* The album's deluxe edition, featuring additional tracks, has further bolstered its chart performance and extended its impact on the music landscape.
== Theme ==
==Track list==
No.	Title 	Writer(s) 	Producer(s) 	Length
1. 	"MOONLIGHT" 	Amala Zandile Dlamini, Aaron Bow, Mayer Hawthorne 	Bow, Hawthorne, 	3:35
2. 	"GRAVITY" 🅴 	Dlamini, Kurtis McKenzie 	McKenzie, Tizhimself 	2:59
3. 	"NASA" 🅴 	Dlamini, Sweet 	Sweet, Y2K 	4:02
4. 	"Centauri" 🅴 	Dlamini, Omer Fedi 	Fedi 	2:09
5. 	"Anything" (feat. Lourdiz) 🅴 	Dlamini, Alyssa Lourdiz Cantu, Rocco Did It Again! 	Rocco Did It Again! 	3:53
6. 	"Moonlit Mosaic" 🅴 	Dlamini, Sweet, Sounwave 	Sounwave, Sweet 	3:09
7. 	"Magic in the Moonlight" 	Dlamini, Blake Slatkin 	Slatkin 	2:46
8. 	"You & Me" (feat. Wizkid) 🅴 	Dlamini, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Cracker Mallo, Kyu Steed, Kztheproducer, Cracker Mallo	Ayodeji Olowu, Kztheproducer, Steed, Ayodeji Olowu, Emeka Emele, Legendury Beatz, Maesu, MixGiant, Onouha, P2J,	4:14
9. 	"Fantasy" 🅴 	Dlamini 	Sully, Y2K 	3:33
10.	"Celesital" 🅴 	Dlamini, Carter Lang, Rob Bisel 	Bisel, Lang 	2:07
11.	"Queen Bed" (feat. Kehlani) 🅴	Dlamini, Kehlani Ashley Parrish, Jake One, Pop Wansel 	One, Wansel, Some Randoms 	3:03
12.	"Eclipse" 	Dlamini, Mike Hermosa 	Hermosa 	2:32
13.	"Lunar" 🅴 	Dlamini, Dr. Luke 	Luke 	1:58
14.	"Solace" (feat. SZA) 🅴 	Dlamini, Solána Imani Rowe, Bisel, Lang 	Alessandro Buccellati, Bisel, Lang 	3:29
Deluxe edition
No.	Title 	Writer(s) 	Producer(s)	Length
15.	"Escapism" 	Dlamini, Mike Sabath	Sabath 	5:02
16.	"All the Stars"	Dlamini, Blaq Tuexdo	Tuexdo 	3:04
17.	"Lie Down" 	Dlamini, Sully, Y2K 	Sully, Y2K 	2:42
==Cut songs==
Between late 2021 and early 2024, Doja Cat penned and recorded multiple songs with the aim of including them on the album "MOONLIGHT." The following list comprises the known tracks that ultimately did not make it to the final track list for "MOONLIGHT."
===Key===
*Bold typing indicates that the song has been fully leaked online or officially released.
*Italic typing indicates that the song was never released and has yet to fully leak online.
===List===
#"XO"
#"Lonely"
#"Player"
#"Maybe"
#"24 Seconds"
#"GO TEAM"
#"I Don´t Minda"
#"K-POP"
#"Ridin"
#"Hurt Me"
#"Moonbeams"
#"NAKED" (released as a stand-alone single)
#"TOUCH" (released as a stand-alone single)
#"Pluto"
#"Nightfall"
#"Melancholy"
#"Worth Everything"
During the sessions of MOONLIGHT, these unreleased tracks were produced, and recorded without the intention of including them on the album.
*"Electric Love"
*"Sapphire"
*"Past Life"
*"Game"
*"Feather"
==Music videos==
No.	Title 	Release Date 	Length
1. 	"Fantasy"	August 7th, 2023 	3:46
2. 	"GRAVITY"	December 29th, 2023	3:01
==Visualizers ==
No.	Title 	Release Date 	Length
1. 	"Moonlit Mosaic"	February 2nd, 2024	3:10
==Trivia== 
*MOONLIGHT was first confirmed on October 8th, 2023, when Doja Cat revealed the album title, cover art, and release date on her social media platforms. The album is set to be released on April 5th, 2024.
*The album's cover art underwent a significant change, transitioning from an initial pink color to a dark purple hue. This change was made to better align with the album's musical direction, as Doja Cat felt that pink symbolized pop music.
*Doja Cat's decision to refrain from releasing additional singles after "Fantasy" was a deliberate choice, driven by her belief that the album as a whole is exceptional and should be experienced in its entirety.
*The album's release date briefly became the subject of confusion when it appeared to have been changed to March 8th, 2024, on streaming platforms. This led to speculation and ultimately Doja Cat's clarification that she had actually intended to release the album on that day.
*At some points, Doja stated that this project would be an EP, however this later was reaffirmed to be an album and has been described as such since.
*There are over 80-150 tracks recorded for this album.
Category:Doja Cat
Category:Albums
Category:Fanon
Category:Fanmade