Sometimes, you just need something good, fun, and poppy. Sometimes, you want something more than just a pop song. On this edition of The Library--the essential guide to songs that should be in your music library--we'll look at a song that accomplishes both of those wants. The Gossip is a dance-rock/punk trio. They make music that is just plain fun to listen to. Combined with lead singer Beth Ditto's provocative stage performances and powerful soprano voice (this girl can sing), the band has slowly built up an international following that seems to know no boundaries. They're at home at a tiny nightclub, a huge indoor dance concert, or an outdoor punk/rock festival.
"Pop Goes the World" is one of their more instantly accessible dance tracks. It's a throwback 80's party anthem with a message. The synth is as dirty as it gets and the drum loop uses a lot of Latin percussion sounds that crossed over into mainstream some thirty years ago.
The anthem style is a combination of the melody and the lyrical content. The song starts off very simply in a lower register, eventually building to a high belting crescendo at the chorus. It's an invitation to sing along to a song about breaking out.
For once We'll do what come naturally We'll approach it casually With no apology For once We will have the final say Goodbye to yesterday 'Cause we know we're here to stay
There are a few different ways to look at the song. One view is an anthem of self-discovery and development of character. Another is an anthem of rising above the conflict of the world for a greater benefit. Still another is a form of sexual release, doing whatever it takes to feel good in the moment. There are many other ways to look at it as well. It's a song that can mean many different things for many different people. It's precise in its emotional content and nonspecific in its context. That's what stops it from being too heavy for a pop song.
It's just a great dance pop track that rises above most contemporary music with its style and succinctness. It's in and out in about three minutes and worth every second of listening time.
"Pop Goes the World" by The Gossip is available to download at all major music services. Will you be adding it to your music library? Sound off.