The not-so-subtle art of satire in pop.
Examining irony in pop and electronic music and how it critiques social norms.
Satire is used to mock and critique systems of beliefs by blatantly demonstrating their absurdity. Though the earliest examples of ironic literature date back to ancient Greece, satire has evolved over time, and found its way into popular culture. At its core, it still assumes the same responsibility of comedically criticizing a social construct, like music.
When incorporating irony, writers must first identify a clear premise to satirize, then make use of humor and extreme specifics in their portrayal of that premise. This could mean utilizing a stock character, or creating a character explicitly embodying the social norm. Though satire is commonly associated with literature, it is prevalent within popular music. Take, for example, Madonna’s “Material Girl,” which satirizes excess consumption and commercialism. This criticism is not groundbreaking considering how the music industry has historically been critiqued for being superficial and hierarchical, but the satirical approach allows for a new point of view. By observing the usage of satire in popular music, listeners can sharpen our perspectives on problematic social and cultural phenomena.
Electronic musician Porter Robinson’s 2024 album SMILE! :D is drenched in witty irony that jabs at the music industry, celebrity culture, and parasocial relationships. From the hyper-processed tracks to the selection of intentionally overused chord progressions, SMILE! :D is an experiment in repurposing cliches. Before even examining lyrics, the sound of this project alludes to a degree of irony and self-referentiality. When artists are constantly criticized for creating basic, cookie-cutter work, Robinson intentionally uses pop cliches to make fun of the music industry itself, a bold and deliberate choice that infuses every track.
The opening track “Knock Yourself Out XD,” is an almost obnoxiously pop record featuring over-processed vocals, crunchy electronic drums, and high-pitched synths. The overtly satirical lyrics portray the glamorization of celebrities. “Wouldn’t know how to brush my teeth/Without asking my team,” Robinson sings in the verse, followed by “I'm a short-lived joke/As soulless as I seem.” Within this song, Robinson takes on the persona of a stereotypical celebrity, one who drives expensive cars and gets approached by fans at the airport. The hyperpop-esque production blends with the poppy lyrics to create a familiarly poppy soundscape. But the message is clear and raw: a blunt critique of the realities of celebrities with cult followings and idol status. The humorous, borderline ridiculous lyrics illuminate Robinson’s satirical intent, and make his message impossible to ignore.
“Kitsune Maison Freestyle,” off the same album, takes on a similar tone, but instead contains two back-and-forth dialogues that converse throughout the song. The verses, much like the previous track, come from the perspective of a rich and famous individual and focus on the flexing culture within popular music, with lyrics like “I'ma grow my hair, I'ma blow my cash,” “I spend my money then I get it all back.” In the pre-chorus, the lyrics pivot to self-awareness with “Didn't you see this coming?/Everything you thought you wanted/Was made out of nothing” with a repetition of “Yeah, everybody's just trying to look good/Trying not to feel bad.” This track portrays a flip-flopping interaction between the materialistic, appearance-focused culture of the music and entertainment industry and Robinson’s harsh critique and awareness.
Likewise, hyperpop musician April Grey, who performs under the moniker underscores, incorporates satire and irony in her music to critique the music industry and materialism. Her music is highly conceptual and packed with vibrant storytelling. Her 2021 album Fishmonger features the blunt and direct “Spoiled little brat.”The track’s driving refrain in the chorus speaks for itself: “Shut your mouth, listen up when I talk/I'm a spoiled little brat and I get what I want.” In the song, underscores assumes a egotistical, self-important pop star character, whose time and presence are extremely precious. In the second pre-chorus, underscores sings “If I did a little something in the bathroom could I get it past you?” in a clear reference to the prevalence of drug culture in music, and how the celebrity character underscores creates is simultaneously a face for a self-destructive life. From her 2023 album Wallsocket, “Old money bitch” tells a similar story of a generationally wealthy female character who leads a privileged and vapid life. “That girl's a student-athlete but she's never played a sport/Her parents had a seven-figure wedding and divorce/She's stolen from the CVS but her daddy's on the board” she sings in the first verse. Together, underscores’ songs combine exaggeration and specificity to paint a picture of this easily mockable lifestyle, critiquing it simply through character.
Musicians can also use satire to critique greater social narratives. Electronic musician Dorian Electra makes use of this on “My Agenda,” which blatantly mocks the unfounded belief that queer people have an ‘agenda’ to convert everyone to the LGBTQ+ community. “It's closing in now, you can't escape/On every corner, waiting' just to infiltrate” Electra sings in the opening verse. Their lyrics and intonation are unexpected, and therefore, comedic, giving the listener no choice but to laugh at the concept and in turn realize how absurd the original concept is. “My Agenda” also features the band Village People, as well as Russian performance art group Pussy Riot, the latter of whom sings a line translating to “gay propaganda.” This refers to the Russian restrictions on homosexuality, which is not permitted “as a norm in society,” while “Стали квирами все гомофобы” translates to “all homophobes become queer.” This verse elaborates on Electra’s usage of unfiltered, critical lyricism. With “My Agenda” Electra and the featured artists use irony to critique homophobic conspiracies by exposing their irrationality.
Satire in popular music is especially powerful because it is unexpected within the medium, and allows for experimentation both lyrically and sonically. Though it may be intuitive to see irony as the opposite of sincerity, irony often contains a sincere message that is simply told in a comedic or absurd manner. Through the previous examples, with artists taking on the roles of various characters to critique a social norm, one can see that within this character lies a deliberate deconstruction of a phenomenon the artist deems unreasonable.
edited by Greta Irvine.
photo by ReithHumphreys on wikimedia commons, Dorian Electra performing at the Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver.
