Masculinity | 3BOPS

1. Moses Sumney, “Virile”

💿 græ • 🏷 Jagjaguwar • 📅 2020

“Cheers to the patriarchs / And the marble arch / Playin’ the part / The gatekeeper’s march.” On the clever and creative 🎵 “Virile,” a standout from the 2020 double album, 💿 Græ, 🎙 Moses Sumney explores the topic of virility. While masculinity is implied in music often, it’s not always explicitly or even poetically explored. Sumney seems to argue against society’s penchant for ‘one dimensional,’ predictable masculinity – certain societal norms if you will.

The chorus of “Virile” represents one of the best moments on this colorful blend of pop, rock, and alternative soul.  Here, Sumney sings:

“Desperate for passing grades
The virility fades
You’ve got the wrong guy
You wanna slip right in
Amp up the masculine
You’ve got the wrong idea, son.”

“Virile” provides justified skepticism over an archaic societal norm.  Sumney isn’t really cheering “The boys / And the Noise / Playin’ the part / The gatekeeper’s march” but rather, criticizing it.  People – men specifically – shouldn’t have to sweat whether they live up to society’s definition of masculinity.

2. Myylo, “Sad Boys”

💿 I’m a Nice Boy Too (EP) • 🏷 Myylo • 📅 2019 

“Hug all the sad boys / Chilling in their Gucci sweaters / Shrug off the sad boy / You won’t feel this way forever.” LGBTQ pop singer/songwriter 🎙 Myylo highlights the often-neglected topic of male sadness on the succinct but thoughtful, must-hear record, 🎵 “Sad Boys” (💿 I’m a Nice Boy Too (EP)). “Sad Boys” not only tackles depression, but explores the way that masculinity allows or doesn’t allow men to deal with sadness. Low-key regarding sound, the record places more emphasis on the lyrical content, mood, and theme.

Myylo has plenty to say, beginning with the chromosomal reference of the first verse, to expressing sadness as men, something society so often frowns upon (“But all my friends never get to say / We’re blue with grief”). He offers solutions as well as more of the mindset on the second verse, mentioning the importance of support for males going through a variety of issues that cause depression.  Adding to the characterization of “Sad Boys,” it’s also a counterpoint to dads who tell their kids to “man up” and a culture that frequently proclaims that “crying is for girls.”  Myylo offer some specific insight about the single, which makes the messaging even more potent:

‘Sad Boys’ is me trying to carve out a little space for boys to be sad or cry if they need to… Boys need to make space for themselves to feel them.”

“Sad Boys” is a deep, must-hear record that superbly tackles a topic that seems to be ‘swept under the rug.’

https://www.tiktok.com/@myylomusic/video/6945251230981639430?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6931549970541577734

Also appears on 🔽:  

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3. Years & Years, “Sanctify”

💿 Palo Santo • 🏷 Polydor • 📅 2018

British synthpop band 🎙 Years & Years brilliantly fuses sexuality and spirituality on 🎵 “Sanctify”, which appears on their 2018 sophomore album 💿 Palo Santo. The production is bright, despite being set in a minor key (with major moments). The backdrop sets up Y&Y for a surefire bop.  Adding to the glory, front man 🎙 Olly Alexander delivers exuberant, expressive vocals, filled with authenticity.

The chorus is the centerpiece, but there are numerous notable lyrics, including the following excerpt with a double meaning:

“You don’t have to be straight with me
I see what’s underneath your mask
I’m a man like you, I breathe the rituals of the dancer’s dance...”

The “straight” lyric is key, as Alexander, who is gay, was inspired with experiences with straight guys.  In the linked article from Attitude, Olly asserts said straight guys were “struggling with their sexuality.” He touches upon issues of masculinity regarding sexuality.

Also appears on 🔽:

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