Melanie Martinez, Fire Drill | Track Review 🎵

Standout alternative pop singer/songwriter Melanie Martinez shines on “Fire Drill,” her second single of 2020 following “Copy Cat.”

Melanie Martinez has clearly been the most successful contestant turned artist to appear as a contestant on NBC’s The Voice.  No, she didn’t win, but she scored a platinum album with her debut, Cry Baby (2016).  Furthermore, her sophomore album, K-12, launched at no. 3 on the Billboard 200, her first top-five album and second top-10 album.  Martinez has done very well for herself, and she continues the excellence on her single, “Fire Drill.”

“Fire Drill” falls right in line with the school concept of K-12.  Lyrically, like the other songs from her sophomore album, she uses a common happening to deliver a deeper message.  Martinez tackles bullying (“Callin’ me words I’m not, paintin’ a picture that’s false”) , narrow-minded, un-cultured and/or insensitive people (“Livin’ in the fake world, full of facades, and chaotic behavior”), and spineless attention seekers (“You pull the lever for fun, yell, ‘Fire,’ then you just run”).  Where Martinez opts for more transcendence is the chorus, where she seems to suggest living this way will potentially blow up in their faces:

“Fire drill, what would happen if a nuke just hit?
Would you say, ‘Bye,’ to your family? Would you post about it?
Fire drill, if it all went up in flames one day
Would you give your mom a hug before your house burned away?”

Also, worth noting, Melanie totally separates herself from the foolishness which she’s experienced, observed, and sings about.  On the bridge, she makes it clear:

“I am not the government
I am not the fucked-up men
I am not part of anything that is hateful
Love is seepin’ out my pores, I don’t hold anger anymore
Even for people who hurt and betrayed me.”

Final Thoughts 

As usual, Melanie Martinez gives listeners plenty to unpack on “Fire Drill.” This is another great record by the alternative pop artist.  This review focused on the lyrics and themes, rightfully, but it should also be noted that Martinez sings marvelously, and she’s backed by impressive production courtesy of Keenan. Ultimately, “Fire Drill” is pretty awesome.

Melanie Martinez • “Fire Drill” • Atlantic • Release: 6.26.20

Photo Credit: Atlantic