Emily Vaughn is Back and She’s Not Playing It Safe with “Call It What It Isn’t”

After a bit of a quiet spell (read: she was clearly cooking up something major), Emily Vaughn has burst back onto the scene with a bang—and a beat. Her latest single, “Call It What It Isn’t,” is the kind of track that makes you want to replay your last situationship just for the aesthetic. You know the vibe: sparks flying, no one admitting anything, and a healthy dose of playful chaos. Vaughn captures that exact energy and spins it into a sparkling pop gem that’s equal parts flirty and fiery.

From the very first note, Vaughn wastes no time getting us hooked. Her vocals? Smooth as ever. Her delivery? Effortless. She glides over a bright, high-octane production with the kind of confidence that makes you wonder if she’s ever taken a break from the game. Spoiler: she hasn’t. She’s just been quietly stacking wins—from scoring over 100 million streams on Spotify to snagging a Billboard Top 20 hit with Taska Black on “Easier.” This latest release is proof she’s not only still in the conversation—she’s starting new ones.

“Call It What It Isn’t” plays like a cheeky text you send at 2am, knowing exactly what it implies but pretending it’s “just a vibe.” Vaughn has a knack for turning emotional ambiguity into candy-coated anthems, and this one is no different. It’s tongue-in-cheek, dance-floor ready, and built to loop all summer long. Don’t be surprised if you hear this playing at rooftop parties and late-night drives in equal measure.

And while this might mark her return to the solo spotlight, Emily’s pen has been busy. She’s written for everyone from GOT7’s BamBam (yes, the title track on Sour & Sweet) to Jackson Wang and Afgan’s M.I.A. She’s also sprinkled her songwriting magic across tracks for Netta, Two Friends, Party Favor, and Jordy. The girl’s got range, period.

As far as comebacks go, this one feels like a warm hug from an old friend who also happens to throw the best parties. With “Call It What It Isn’t,” Emily Vaughn reminds us why she’s been a force in indie-pop—and why we’re all better off when she’s on our playlists.

So, go ahead. Call it catchy. Call it clever. Just don’t call it casual.

Follow Emily Vaughn