White Riot Analysis

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1. The songs “White Riot” and “Anarchy in the U.K.” were written in very rebellious time eras. The message they are both portraying sounds like a regime against the British government. Personally, I believe the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the U.K.” has the more rebellious sound, however it sounds like “White Riot” has a deeper message behind the lyrics and isn’t as “up front.” Compared to other music we have listened too, this seems to be some of the first to take attacks at the government versus attacking individuals and their personal characteristics. The sound of the song also contains an aggressive tone, loud drums beats, guitar riffs that sound like they have only a handful of chords played in a repetitive manner mixed with lyrics that sounds like the words were not fully formed, which could easily lead young British punk audiences to misinterpret the songs …show more content…

In “Roxanne” the features that are musical and lyrical that seem obviously connected to the characteristics of punk are that The Police emulate the bare music structure including an electric guitar, drum kit and vocalist. The song frequently talks about social issues such as falling in love (with a prostitute) as in the line “Roxanne you don’t have to put on the red light.” What makes The Police more professional and polished than their punk counterparts is they sang more and don’t sound as nasally and aggressive tone, they do not play as long of guitar solos as some other songs do. These things making them sound and look more polished and professional. The other types of music that might be an influence on the band is the Caribbean immigrants and the music they brought to London with them. This is because this brought around a more reggae vibe. Other artists that influenced the Police is the Beatles, Bob Marley (reggae), David Bowie, The Clash, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, The Sex Pistols, Stevie Wonder. Other types of music that influenced them are British punk rock, Jamaican reggae, Jazz and so

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