Dove Cameron Takes Control of Her Story on Final Girl

After 3 years of writing and rewriting, Dove Cameron released her debut full-length album, Final Girl, through Columbia Records and Disruptor Records, on November 6th. The 11 tracks bring together romantic and vulnerable themes.

For many listeners, Dove Cameron will always be associated with Disney Channel, and her roles in Liv and Maddie or Descendants. However, her music shows a different side of her. Her 2022 single “Boyfriend” introduced a darker, more confident pop sound that helped her reach a wider audience. I really found it interesting that she manages to move beyond the expectations of her early work. Instead, she is trying to erase her past by experimenting with different versions of her art. She is willing to evolve, and that is one of the most important things an artist can have.

Final Girl features 11 songs: “silver screen baby,” “emerald,” “when in rome,” “ good on you,” “do the math,” “hot girl,” “skin over bone,” “hands of man,” “breaks open,” “immortalized,” and “maybe heaven is a jazz club.”

The album’s title got very interesting once I realized what it meant. In horror films, the final girl is traditionally the woman who survives the events that happened in the story. I really love the idea of using that concept for a pop album because it represents more than just survival. It can also symbolize growing up, facing difficult experiences and learning from everything that gets thrown in your way.

The singles leading up to the release also helped introduce her new era. “when in rome,” released in September, gave listeners their first introduction to the project. Meanwhile, “do the math” arrived in October, presenting a new approach with minimal piano accompaniment and Cameron’s vocals taking center stage. I particularly love this contrast because it gives listeners different ways to experience her art.

If you have only heard “Boyfriend,” I recommend listening to “when in rome” and “do the math” to understand how her sound has evolved.

One of the things I appreciate about Dove Cameron is her theatrical approach to music. As someone who loves film and storytelling, I am naturally drawn to artists who create a world around their projects instead of just releasing singles. The title Final Girl, the visual identity, and the different track names make me curious about the story connecting the album together.

I also think that her background as an actress gives her a different perspective as a musician. Both acting and music involve good communication skills to make an audience connect with an experience. Cameron has the opportunity to bring those two sides together, using her voice, visuals and storytelling to create something that feels personal.

I see “Final Girl” as Dove Cameron entering a new chapter with clear artistic direction and a concept that invites listeners to look beyond the surface. Whether you have followed her since Disney Channel or discovered her through “Boyfriend,” this album is worth giving a chance.

So, if you are looking for something new to add to your playlist, give “Final Girl” a listen from beginning to end. After all, every final girl has a story, and this is Dove Cameron’s version.

Keep up with Dove Cameron: Instagram // X // TikTok // Website