The Populist Pop of Twenty One Pilots

EPISODE #33

Out of nowhere, Twenty One Pilots has rocketed to the top of the charts with their surprise hit “Stressed Out.” Charlie and Nate pull this millennial anthem apart to discover a deep political resonance, the kind that rarely hits the Hot 100. Tracing their sound back in time reveals further connections, to Compton, Motown, and the alternate universe of Parliament/Funkadelic. And, a trip further down the chart suggests that political pop still has no party affiliation.

You can also listen to our Spotify playlist of songs on class struggle and check out our band website made on Wix.com.

SONGS DISCUSSED

Twenty One Pilots – Stressed Out

Mark Snow – The X Files Theme Song

NWA – Alwayz Into Somethin’

Snoop Dogg ft. Dr Dre. – Nuthin’ But A G-Thang

Parliament – Aqua Boogie

Stevie Wonder – Living For The City

G-Eazy – My, Myself and I

Iggy Azalea – Team