LMFAO’s infectious hit, “Party Rock Anthem,” dominated airwaves and dance floors alike. But despite its title, the song sounds distinctly like dance-pop, leaving many to question: what exactly is “party rock,” and does it have anything to do with actual rock music? While the music video’s zombie theme is a fascinating layer, let’s set that aside for now and dive into the lyrical and musical core of this anthem. Is “Party Rock Anthem” a sly commentary on the state of rock, or is it simply borrowing the “rock” label for its energetic vibe? Let’s break down what “Party Rock And” the essence of this track truly means.
Genre Deconstruction: Is “Party Rock Anthem” Really Rock?
The song boldly declares, “Party rock is in the house tonight,” right from the chorus. This immediately throws us into a debate about the very definition of “rock” as a musical genre. It’s easy to instinctively say, “This isn’t rock music,” labeling it as dance-pop instead. And you’d likely find broad agreement. But to truly understand this “party rock” concept, we need to establish some common ground on what these musical categories mean.
From the iTunes “Pop” section
Musically, a fundamental difference between “rock” and “pop” often lies in instrumentation. Traditional “rock” music leans heavily on guitars, supported by acoustic drums and electric bass. “Pop,” in contrast, frequently utilizes electronic sounds and synthesizers as its primary instruments. While rock has certainly evolved to incorporate electronic elements, guitars generally remain central to its sonic identity. A quick comparison of current iTunes charts reinforces this. Listening to previews from the iTunes top “rock” songs list reveals a guitar-driven sound. Similarly, examining the iTunes top “pop” songs list highlights a greater prevalence of synthesizers and electronic sounds, with fewer guitars. Unsurprisingly, iTunes categorizes LMFAO within the “pop” genre.
Beyond the Genre: “Rock” as an Expression of Energy
Okay, so musically, “Party Rock Anthem” doesn’t fit into the “rock” genre. But perhaps LMFAO is tapping into a different aspect of “rock”—its cultural connotations. Consider these common phrases:
- “This rocks.”
- “Let’s rock.”
- “Rock out!”
- “I’m rockin’ this new gadget.”
- “This party is rocking.”
These expressions all convey enthusiasm, energy, and power. They stem from the energetic spirit associated with rock music but are used to describe things far removed from music itself. This is where LMFAO cleverly connects to “rock” in a non-rock song. They’re not using “rock” as a genre label, but as a descriptor of a vibrant, exciting atmosphere.
However, there’s a twist. In all the examples above, “rock” functions as a verb. Something “rocks,” or someone is “rocking.” But in “Party Rock Anthem,” “rock” is primarily used as a noun—a “thing” that is “in the house.” If it’s not “rock music” in the house, then what is this “party rock” they’re referring to?
Redefining “Rock”: From Genre to State of Mind
LMFAO has essentially crafted a new definition for the noun “rock.” “Rock,” in their context, transcends being a music genre; it becomes a state of mind. They’ve taken the cultural evolution that grew around rock music and pushed it to its next stage: detaching it from its musical origins entirely.
Is this a sign that rock music is losing its cultural relevance? Perhaps. But it doesn’t seem like LMFAO intends to bury rock music, nor are they necessarily mocking it by labeling a dance-pop track “Party Rock Anthem.” Instead, they appear to be harnessing the positive associations of rock culture without relying on rock music itself. The broader musical landscape allows for this reinterpretation. “Rock” musicians no longer hold the dominant cultural position they once did, defining popular music with powerful guitar riffs and rebellious attitudes. In today’s diverse “rock” scene, encompassing everything from the intense sounds of Insane Clown Posse to the indie-pop vibes of Foster the People, there’s no single “rock” authority to challenge a non-rock “Party Rock Anthem.”
Led Zeppelin, playing rock with rock music.
Led Zeppelin
This shift is further highlighted by a lyric referencing one of rock’s giants, Led Zeppelin:
We party rock yea! That’s the crew that I’m repping
On the rise to the top
No led in our zeppelin
LMFAO clearly positions themselves as ambassadors of this new, music-less “rock,” and they embrace it (“that’s the crew that I’m repping”). They see themselves and their “party rock” movement as ascending in popularity and influence.
The “zeppelin” metaphor is key. They are still using a “zeppelin”—a symbol of rock’s grandeur—but a “led”-less one. This signifies how LMFAO has adopted the cultural essence of rock (the “zeppelin”) while shedding its musical baggage and sometimes serious, thematic elements (the “led”). They feel unburdened by rock’s traditional constraints, allowing them to create “rock-less rock music” on their own terms.
Conclusion: “Party Rock” as a Bold Musical Statement
Child’s crayon drawing of tree, sun, and flowers.
Child's Drawing
LMFAO, a dance-pop duo, boldly champions “party rock”—a musical form that discards the traditional musical elements of rock but embraces its broader cultural energy. It’s easy to dismiss this as a superficial appropriation, like comparing a child’s crayon drawing of a tree to a Monet painting simply because both depict trees.
While that comparison holds some truth, LMFAO deserves credit for challenging the conventional use of “rock” in music. Historically, rock music itself emerged from a defiance of social and musical norms. Perhaps, then, it’s fitting that as “rock” becomes an established norm, “party rock” arrives to disrupt and redefine it once again.
