Muna - Muna
Muna’s self-titled third album was a cultural reset.
Filled with synths which make even the stiffest person in the room want to dance, and lyrics which explore queer identity and relationships – it’s the Born This Way of the 2020s. Now, I am not making this comparison lightly. Growing up, Born This Way was always on rotation – and subconsciously this made me understand that queer people are ‘different’ or the ‘other’, it made me feel safe in my identity, and not afraid to come out to the people in my life. This is what I believe Muna will do for the younger generation, give them that same understanding and queer confidence at a young age that Gaga gave to us, whether we knew it or not.
The album opens with ‘Silk Chiffon’ – queer anthem of the century. In an era dominated by devices, social media, global warming, a cost-of-living crisis, mental illness is rife. So, sometimes you need to delusionally chant a mantra like “life’s so fun, life’s so fun, got my mini skirt and my rollerblades on” in your living room, in a pair of jeans, with no rollerblades in sight, crying. MUNA understands this, and they delivered.
‘What I Want’ inspires one to break loose from the aspects of their life which restrict them from reaching their full potential, whether that be friends, relationships, even mental cages of their own.
‘Handle Me’ showcases the vulnerable side of Muna, stripped back without the synths. Its raw sensuality demands to be heard – a perfect exploration of the stereotypical fragility of women and how that conflicts with the concept of femininity and sex.
‘No Idea’ is raunchy – with its flirtatious lyrics and tantalising instrumental. Muna don’t lay all their cards out on the table, they hold them close to their chest.
‘Solid’ is one of my personal favourites, an ode to feeling secure in your relationship, and understanding that your partner is as much as an individual as you are. Muna cover self-awareness, not projecting your issues onto your partner, and how they inspire you to be a better person - vice versa. A ‘solid’ love song, slay.
Alternatively, ‘Anything But Me’ explores the aftermath of a breakup – wishing the best for that person but refusing to stick around for the outcome of their positive character development. Its witty lyrics and blunt delivery make it a top tier breakup anthem, and “sure, it's not all so black and white, sure, I'm gonna cry, for the love we couldn't keep, but I would rather lose you, than who I'm meant to be, so you can have anything but me”, screaming, crying, throwing up. If they ain’t lifting you up, they’re dragging you down – cut ‘em loose.
