Have you ever wondered what’s running through the head of a Kardashian, or Jersey Shore starlet, when they reflect on the blinding lights and pandemonium of reality TV? Norwegian daze-pop trio Great News have provided some insight with their excellent new single, “Reality Show.”
According to the band’s front-man and lyricist, Evan Kjelby, “The song combines Disney, Elton John, and trash-TV entertainment.” Certainly, it bounces off the walls and exudes trademark pop cheeriness. Even so, under the choruses of “oohs and aahs,” and the throwback 80s production, is something a lot more troubling.
What do give up of ourselves, when we give all of ourselves to the spotlight? Great News spin a narrative about someone with every available prospect, ending up having “sex on TV.” Heart-wrenching lyrics like, “I’m sorry mama/that you had to see/I’m special, I’m special/just like you said to me,” are paired with the blatant absurdity of the situation and dreams of being a dancer.
The result is a three minute whirlwind of fun and flashing lights. In the midst of it all, it makes us question who it is we’re performing for, and whether the social media bubble we’ve blown is about to pop back in our face.
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Photo Credit: Jonathan Vivaas Kise
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