~~ DISCLAIMER: (kind of a) DEBBIE DOWNER POST AHEAD ~~
I just read Nick's posts in the DY thread. I was sad to hear that you're apparently not happy with the new era so far, Nick.
Idk if that also has to do with the way you feel, but: she is taking a different approach to it all this time, that's my impression. She doesn't want to be that girl that you like for some lyrics and find funny but nobody really takes seriously as an artist any more (which I understand). In the few interviews she has given so far, I have noticed that she has changed her attitude and the way she carries herself. I mean, just look at her change in style alone. The way a lot of people in the GP and even the media see her as a talentless gimmick and dependent on Autotune has really knocked her for a loop, it bothers her and she's still far from over it.
I'm confident that DY will do very well, I think it will rise and peak in the Top 10 at least imo. What I'm more worried about than the singles themselves is that wanting to be all serious and respectable as a musician might take from her charm and appeal in the long run. Her hurt ego and pride might get in her way.