Late Night Games

Alison Wonderland “No”

This is what Alison Wonderland said about this song when she debuted it on Twitter a few weeks ago: “NO IS ABOUT FAKE PEOPLE WHO ENABLE, TELLING U YES ALL THE TIME BUT I WILL ALWAYS BE REAL W U”

It’s just funny to me to think about how there’s a whole generation of people for whom a major running theme of popular music is dealing with “fake friends.” And like, hey, this is a real thing, especially when you’re young and attractive and people want a piece of you. But it’s also a narrative that’s very appealing to narcissists, and a sentiment that feels petty and defensive even when it’s straining for sincerity – or as Wonderland put it there “I WILL ALWAYS BE REAL W U.” But hey, I grew up with a disproportionate number of popular songs about washing pain away and I doubt anyone my age has unrealistic expectations of showers today.

At least in terms of composition and sound, “No” is very much of its moment, and clearly designed for maximum radio play. But that’s fine, as it’s a particularly strong specimen of post-EDM pop, right on down to its quasi tropical vibe and chopped up wordless vocal hook. And as much as I goofed on the lyrical premise of this song, Alison Wonderland sounds sincere and genuinely wounded by people who’ve betrayed her trust. There’s a solemnity to this chorus, the sort of intense oath you make when you’re extremely young and earnest, and there’s a beauty in that even if someone my age can’t help but be cynical about it.

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