Poly Styrene, born Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, was an English singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the punk rock band X-Ray Spex. Known for her unique vocals, bold fashion statements, and thought-provoking lyrics, Poly Styrene quickly became an iconic figure in the punk music scene of the late 1970s. Despite her untimely death in 2011, her influence on punk and alternative music continues to this day.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best Poly Styrene songs of all time, which showcase her distinct style and enduring legacy as a musician and cultural icon. From the raw energy of “Oh Bondage, Up Yours!” to the poignant social commentary of “Identity,” these songs represent the best of Poly Styrene’s musical output and serve as a testament to her enduring impact on punk and alternative music.
1. “Thrash City”
“Thrash City” is a high-energy punk rock track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s driving instrumentation and Poly Styrene’s distinctive vocals create a sense of rebellion and defiance, with lyrics that speak to the importance of speaking out against social injustice and oppression.
The song’s chorus speaks to the idea of the power of collective action and resistance, with the line “All of us together, thrash city” capturing the sense of solidarity and community that can come with standing up against the status quo. Throughout the verses, Poly Styrene sings about the corrosive effects of consumer culture and the importance of questioning the systems of power that govern our lives.
2. “Colour Blind”
“Colour Blind” is a poignant and introspective track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s haunting melody and Poly Styrene’s emotive vocals create a sense of vulnerability and introspection, with lyrics that speak to the importance of understanding and acceptance.
The song’s chorus speaks to the idea of the futility of judging others based on their skin color, with the line “Why can’t we live together, why can’t we love each other/ Without judging one another by the colour of our skin?” capturing the sense of the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity. Throughout the verses, Poly Styrene sings about the social and cultural divisions that can arise from prejudice and bigotry, with lines like “Society’s to blame for what we’ve done/ And the damage that we’ve caused to everyone” painting a vivid picture of the harm that can be caused by systemic discrimination.
3. “Code Pink Dub”
“Code Pink Dub” is a haunting and atmospheric track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s hypnotic rhythms and Poly Styrene’s distinctive vocals create a sense of tension and unease, with lyrics that speak to the importance of questioning authority and standing up against injustice.
The song’s title references the Code Pink movement, a feminist anti-war organization that has been active since the early 2000s. The song’s lyrics speak to the importance of rejecting the violent and oppressive systems of power that dominate our society, with lines like “We’re not afraid of your bombs/ We’re not afraid of your guns” capturing the sense of defiance and resistance that can come with standing up against the status quo.
4. “Ghoulish”
“Ghoulish” is a fierce and intense track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s aggressive instrumentation and Poly Styrene’s powerful vocals create a sense of rebellion and defiance, with lyrics that speak to the importance of rejecting societal norms and challenging the status quo.
The song’s chorus speaks to the idea of the importance of embracing our own uniqueness and individuality, with the line “I’m a ghoul, I’m a ghoul, I’m a ghoul” capturing the sense of the importance of rejecting societal expectations and embracing our own sense of identity. Throughout the verses, Poly Styrene sings about the corrosive effects of consumer culture and the importance of rejecting conformity and embracing our own unique perspectives.
5. “L.U.V.”
“L.U.V.” is an upbeat and energetic track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s catchy melody and Poly Styrene’s distinctive vocals create a sense of joy and celebration, with lyrics that speak to the importance of love and connection.
The song’s chorus speaks to the idea of the transformative power of love, with the line “L-U-V spells love, love, love” capturing the sense of the importance of embracing love as a force for positive change in our lives. Throughout the verses, Poly Styrene sings about the importance of standing up against oppression and embracing our own unique perspectives.
6. “White Gold”
“White Gold” is a haunting and introspective track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s melancholic melody and Poly Styrene’s emotive vocals create a sense of vulnerability and reflection, with lyrics that speak to the destructive power of consumer culture and the importance of rejecting materialism.
The song’s chorus speaks to the idea of the emptiness that can come with chasing after wealth and material possessions, with the line “White gold, it means nothing to me” capturing the sense of the futility of pursuing material wealth. Throughout the verses, Poly Styrene sings about the corrosive effects of capitalism and the importance of embracing authenticity and connection over material possessions.
7. “Kitsch”
“Kitsch” is a playful and irreverent track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s upbeat melody and Poly Styrene’s whimsical vocals create a sense of fun and levity, with lyrics that poke fun at the excesses of consumer culture and the absurdity of societal norms.
The song’s chorus speaks to the idea of the importance of rejecting conformity and embracing our own unique perspectives, with the line “Kitsch is just another word for camp” capturing the sense of the importance of embracing our own individuality. Throughout the verses, Poly Styrene sings about the absurdity of societal expectations and the importance of rejecting cultural norms that limit our creativity and self-expression.
8. “Generation Indigo”
“Generation Indigo” is a powerful and politically charged track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s driving beat and Poly Styrene’s commanding vocals create a sense of urgency and determination, with lyrics that speak to the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for justice.
The song’s chorus speaks to the idea of the importance of collective action and resistance, with the line “We are Generation Indigo” capturing the sense of the importance of embracing our own unique identities and standing up against societal norms that limit our freedom and creativity. Throughout the verses, Poly Styrene sings about the corrosive effects of capitalism and the importance of rejecting consumer culture in favor of social and political change.
9. “Virtual Boyfriend”
“Virtual Boyfriend” is a playful and satirical track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s electronic beat and Poly Styrene’s tongue-in-cheek vocals create a sense of whimsy and irony, with lyrics that poke fun at the absurdity of modern technology and the shallow nature of online relationships.
The song’s chorus speaks to the idea of the importance of embracing real human connections over superficial online interactions, with the line “I don’t want a virtual boyfriend, I want a real man” capturing the sense of the importance of genuine human connection. Throughout the verses, Poly Styrene sings about the pitfalls of social media and the importance of rejecting the illusion of perfection that is often presented in online spaces.
10. “I Luv Ur Sneakers”
“I Luv Ur Sneakers” is a catchy and upbeat track by Poly Styrene, a British singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the influential punk band X-Ray Spex. The song’s infectious melody and Poly Styrene’s playful vocals create a sense of fun and lightheartedness, with lyrics that celebrate the importance of individual style and self-expression.
The song’s chorus speaks to the idea of the importance of embracing our own unique perspectives and rejecting societal norms that limit our creativity and self-expression, with the line “I luv ur sneakers, I luv ur style” capturing the sense of the importance of individuality. Throughout the verses, Poly Styrene sings about the joy of embracing our own unique fashion sense and the power of fashion to express our individuality.