Madison Beer, initially recognized as Justin Bieber’s protégé in 2012, continues to be perceived through the lens of her early fame and social media presence. Despite her efforts to reclaim her narrative, her third studio album, locket, released on January 16, 2026, doesn’t seem to fulfill the ambitious promises set by her pre-release singles.

Promoting locket since early 2024, Beer released several singles prior to the album, including "Make You Mine," "Yes Baby," "Bittersweet," and "Bad Enough." These songs hinted at a sonic direction filled with darker pop elements, driving excitement among her fans. Just days before the album’s launch, she announced The Locket Tour, covering 32 shows across Europe and North America, further suggesting an era of significance.

However, upon listening to locket, the expectation of a groundbreaking shift in Beer’s career gives way to a more transitional album. The polished production may shine in private settings but doesn’t translate well to live performances.

One notable challenge throughout Beer’s music is her unclear musical identity. Much of locket draws parallels to artists like Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish, especially with tracks like "Angel Wings," which emulates Grande’s soft vocals. Despite this, "Angel Wings" stands out by showcasing Beer’s willingness to take risks, culminating in an unexpected, immersive conclusion that deviates from her usual style.

Yet, the expectation set by her pre-release singles isn’t fully realized in the album. While "Make You Mine" and "Yes Baby" display her confidence, the overall direction of the album veers away from this momentum. The absence of the strong track "15 Minutes" further hinders the album’s flow.

Outside of a couple of standout tracks like "Complexity" and "Angel Wings," which embrace creativity through structural and lyrical risks, the rest of the album remains subdued and ballad-driven.

Despite these critiques, locket reveals its depth over time, hinting at themes of emotional introspection. The true impact of Beer’s new music, and whether it evolves into something more substantial, may reveal itself during her upcoming performances on tour. For now, the intentions behind locket are enigmatically tucked away, waiting to unfold.