Introduction
Radio Song by R.E.M. featuring KRS-One is a classic song that has been celebrated by fans and critics alike since its release in 1991. It was the fourth single from their album Out of Time, and it peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is known for its catchy chorus, which features KRS-One rapping, “On the radio, whoa oh oh, on the radio, whoa oh oh.”
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The song was written by R.E.M. band members Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry. It was produced by Scott Litt, who has worked with other famous artists such as Nirvana, The Replacements, and Sonic Youth. The lyrics and the music of Radio Song have a deeper meaning than just a catchy tune. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind the song.
The Meaning Behind Radio Song
Radio Song is a critique of the music industry, specifically of the role of commercial radio stations. The song was released at a time when radio stations were becoming more corporate, and the number of independent stations was decreasing. The lyrics express frustration with radio stations that only play commercially successful music and ignore other types of music that might have more artistic merit.
The song’s chorus, “On the radio, whoa oh oh, on the radio, whoa oh oh” is ironic because it is the type of hook that radio stations would play during their jingles. However, the verses of the song are critical of this approach to music. One of the most memorable lines in the song is “This is not a rebel song, this is not a rebel song, this is the radio song.”
This line is a reference to U2’s song, “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” which Bono introduces as “This is not a rebel song” before playing it. R.E.M.’s lyrics suggest that the song they are playing is not a rebellion against the commercial music industry, but rather a part of it.
The song also features KRS-One rapping about the state of hip hop music at the time. He criticizes the trend towards shallow, commercial rap songs and calls for a return to the roots of hip hop. This is another example of the song’s criticism of the music industry.
FAQs
1. What inspired R.E.M. to write Radio Song?
R.E.M. was frustrated with the commercialization of the music industry and the increasing power of radio stations to dictate what music people listened to. They wanted to critique the system and call for a return to music that had more artistic merit.
2. Why did R.E.M. include KRS-One in the song?
KRS-One was brought in to add a hip hop element to the song and to provide a voice for the critique of the state of hip hop music.
3. What is the message of the song?
The message of the song is a critique of the commercialization of the music industry and the role of radio stations in promoting commercially successful music at the expense of other types of music that might have more artistic merit.
4. Was Radio Song successful?
Radio Song charted at number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was a hit on alternative radio stations. It also helped to raise awareness of the issues that R.E.M. and KRS-One were critiquing.
5. What does the line “This is not a rebel song” mean?
The line is a reference to U2’s song “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” which Bono introduces as “This is not a rebel song” before playing it. R.E.M.’s lyrics suggest that the song they are playing is not a rebellion against the commercial music industry, but rather a part of it.
6. Is Radio Song still relevant today?
Yes, the issues that R.E.M. and KRS-One were critiquing in Radio Song are still relevant today. The music industry is still dominated by commercial radio stations that promote commercially successful music at the expense of other types of music.
7. What impact did Radio Song have on the music industry?
Radio Song helped to raise awareness of the issues that R.E.M. and KRS-One were critiquing and brought attention to the need for more diversity in music played on radio stations.
8. Did R.E.M. work with KRS-One on any other songs?
No, Radio Song is the only song that R.E.M. and KRS-One collaborated on.
9. What was the reception to Radio Song?
Radio Song received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising it as a critique of the music industry and others criticizing it for being too simplistic.
10. Did R.E.M. play Radio Song live?
Yes, R.E.M. played Radio Song live on their tour in support of Out of Time.
11. Is there a music video for Radio Song?
Yes, there is a music video for Radio Song. It was directed by Peter Care and features footage of R.E.M. and KRS-One performing the song in a recording studio.
12. What other songs are similar to Radio Song?
Other songs that are similar to Radio Song in their critique of the music industry include “Spin the Black Circle” by Pearl Jam and “Money” by Pink Floyd.
