My Agenda Album Review

My Agenda Album Review

Chrysanthie Jumper

January 27, 2021

My Agenda, the newest album released by singer-songwriter Dorian Electra, is an unconventional mix of satire, politics, and at least fifteen different musical genres. Like Electra, the album can best be defined by its fluidity as it spans from shock rock, hyper pop, heavy metal, techno, dubstep, and trap. The title track “My Agenda”, featuring the Village People, sets the anarchic tone for the album; Electra plays the role of a queer person as seen through the eyes of an alt-right conspiracy theorist. The lyrics are heavily satirized, filled little jabs like “you can always spot us by the way we walk” or, in reference the iconic Alex Jones qoute “We're out here turning frogs homosexual.” With its references to a hostile takeover of the government (in order to further the gay agenda, of course) the song is the closest thing I’ve found to an N.W.A. style revenge fantasy for queer people. The track embodies negative stereotypes in an empowering way, while also highlighting how ridiculous they are.

My favorite songs on the album are without a doubt “Ram it Down” and “Edgelord”. The heavy metal track “Ram it Down” hinges on the idea of weaponizing the phrase “I don’t care that you’re gay, just don’t ram it down my throat.” The featured artist, Mood Killer, brings “groundbreaking” political commentary to their verse, such as “even the lucky charms leprechaun wants to turn me gay, not ok.” On the other hand, the whispery vocals and giggling on “Edgelord” really sell the character of an antagonistic internet troll blaming the world for pushing him over the edge. Rebecca Black’s feature and Electra’s references to the Joker such as “We live in a society” and “why so serious?” may actually be the best thing to come out of 2020. Another song I’m particularly fond of is “Iron Fist”. Electra’s performance on the gritty pop-punk track feels genuine, unlike the heavily satirized roles they play throughout the rest of the album.

The only songs on My Agenda I would suggest playing public are “Sorry Bro (I Love You)” and “Barbie Boy”. “Sorry Bro (I Love You)” is the track that makes it the most clear the album was produced with help from Dylan Brady of 100 Gecs; in the music video, a shirtless Electra dawns a red mullet and fake tattoos while skateboarding, lifting weights and singing about bromance. The mix of dubstep, trap, and the subversion of toxic masculinity easily makes “Sorry Bro (I Love You)'' the catchiest song on the album. A close second, “Barbie Boy” is the lightest and most classically pop song on My Agenda. “Barbie Boy” is essentially the femboy version of “Barbie Girl” by Aqua; although it’s not groundbreaking or particularly clever, it’s still an amusing and enjoyable song.

Overall, I would give My Agenda an eight out ten. Being produced at home in quarantine, the production value of the album is the only major flaw. However, it can be argued that Electra’s attempt to combine medieval flute synth with a track reminiscent of “Careless Whisper” in “Gentleman” is significantly more grievous of an error. Still, Electra’s willingness to take risks, such as creating a chorus from the sound of heavy breathing, makes the album the most interesting thing I’ve listened to all year. Dorian Electra is not only a much needed figure in the music industry, but also one of the most interesting; I’m thrilled to see what Electra will do next, and with their range, it could be just about anything.