The landscape of popular music, often characterized by its cyclical nature and the continuous reinterpretation of past sounds, has once again become the stage for a compelling discussion regarding influence, homage, and originality. This time, the spotlight falls on two prominent bands from different eras: the British new wave pioneers Modern English and the New York indie rock titans The Strokes. The focal point of this renewed conversation is the striking similarity between The Strokes’ 2020 track "Bad Decisions" and Modern English’s enduring 1982 hit, "I Melt With You," a resemblance that Modern English recently acknowledged with a blend of humor and directness.
The Spark: A Playful Accusation from Modern English
The catalyst for the latest wave of discussion emerged when Modern English, through a video posted on social media, playfully but firmly addressed the perceived musical parallel. The video, captioned "We have beef with the Strokes," featured band members Mick Conroy and Robbie Grey. In the clip, Conroy recounted an interaction with another band, Mom Jeans, where one member inquired if he had ever heard of The Strokes. Grey humorously interjected, "Yeah, about 30 years ago." Conroy then added with a laugh, "They actually ripped off ‘I Melt With You.’" The video concluded with overlaid text that softened the statement, declaring, "just kidding we still love them," indicating a lighthearted approach to what could otherwise be a contentious issue in the music industry. This public, yet amicable, acknowledgment by the original artists brought a long-standing fan observation into mainstream discourse.
Chronology of a Musical Echo: From 1980s New Wave to 21st Century Indie Rock
To fully appreciate the context of this unfolding narrative, a chronological review of the involved tracks and artists is essential.
- 1981: Billy Idol’s "Dancing With Myself": Written by Billy Idol and Tony James, this post-punk anthem from Idol’s debut solo album Don’t Stop quickly became a staple, known for its driving rhythm and distinctive guitar riff. It would later gain renewed prominence through various covers and samples.
- 1982: Modern English’s "I Melt With You": Released as part of their album After the Snow, "I Melt With You" became Modern English’s signature song and a quintessential new wave track. Its ethereal synthesizers, poignant lyrics, and memorable guitar melody resonated widely, especially in the US, cementing its place in popular culture. The song has since been featured in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, testifying to its enduring appeal.
- 2001: The Strokes’ Debut and Rise: The Strokes emerged from New York City’s indie rock scene with their seminal album Is This It, defining a generation’s sound with their garage rock revival aesthetic and distinctive guitar work. Their influence on subsequent bands was immediate and profound.
- 2020: The Strokes’ "Bad Decisions" and The New Abnormal: Nearly two decades into their career, The Strokes released The New Abnormal, an album that marked a critical and commercial resurgence for the band. "Bad Decisions," released as the second single, immediately drew comparisons from observant fans to "I Melt With You." Listeners quickly pointed out the strikingly similar guitar melody and rhythmic structure.
- Ongoing Fan Observations (2020-Present): Since its release, social media platforms, music forums, and comment sections have been replete with discussions comparing the two tracks, with many fans noting the undeniable sonic kinship.
- Recent: Olivia Rodrigo’s Endorsement of "I Melt With You": Adding another layer to the song’s enduring relevance, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo recently praised "I Melt With You," calling it a "perfect wedding song" in a TikTok video, further highlighting its cultural staying power and introducing it to a new generation of listeners.
- Present Day: Modern English’s Acknowledgment: The playful video from Modern English brings these long-simmering observations to the forefront, shifting the conversation from fan speculation to direct artistic commentary.
The Anatomy of a Resemblance: A Musical Analysis
The core of the debate lies in the musical elements shared between "Bad Decisions" and "I Melt With You." For many listeners and music critics, the similarities extend beyond mere influence. The most pronounced shared element is the arpeggiated guitar riff that forms the backbone of both songs. Both tracks feature a distinctive, almost melancholic, yet propulsive, guitar line played over a steady, driving drum beat. The melodic contours, chord progressions, and even the overall atmospheric feel of the two songs exhibit a significant overlap.
"I Melt With You" is characterized by its chiming, almost crystalline guitar work, layered synths, and Robbie Grey’s wistful vocals. "Bad Decisions," while maintaining The Strokes’ signature lo-fi cool, adopts a similarly shimmering guitar motif that guides the listener through the track. While The Strokes’ interpretation incorporates their distinct vocal delivery and production style, the foundational melodic idea is undeniably reminiscent of the new wave classic. This level of similarity naturally raises questions about creative borrowing and the boundaries between inspiration and imitation.
The Crediting Conundrum: "Dancing With Myself" vs. "I Melt With You"
A critical aspect of this discussion is the official songwriting credits for "Bad Decisions." The track explicitly credits Billy Idol and Tony James, the writers of "Dancing With Myself." This acknowledgment suggests that The Strokes or their production team recognized a degree of interpolation or influence from the 1981 track. Indeed, "Bad Decisions" does share a rhythmic drive and a certain punk-rock energy that could be traced back to "Dancing With Myself."
However, the absence of any credit for Modern English or the writers of "I Melt With You" (Robbie Grey, Gary McDowell, Mick Conroy, Stephen Walker, Michael Portlock) is precisely what fuels the current conversation. If The Strokes were diligent enough to credit one influential track, the omission of another, arguably more audibly similar, raises eyebrows within the industry and among discerning fans. This situation underscores the complexities of music copyright, where elements like rhythm, melody, harmony, and structure can be protected, but the precise legal threshold for infringement remains a subject of frequent dispute.
The Strokes and Modern English: A Tale of Two Eras
Understanding the artists involved provides crucial context.
Modern English, formed in Colchester, England, in 1979, were integral to the post-punk and new wave movements. Their sound evolved from more experimental, darker tones to the melodic, atmospheric style that defined After the Snow. "I Melt With You" became their enduring legacy, a song that transcended its genre to become a romantic anthem, demonstrating the power of evocative songwriting and memorable melodies. Despite achieving significant recognition with this track, they remained somewhat cult figures, admired for their artistic integrity.
The Strokes, emerging in the early 2000s from New York City, spearheaded a garage rock revival that profoundly impacted indie music globally. Comprising Julian Casablancas (vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar), Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums), they cultivated a distinctive sound blending raw energy with sophisticated melodicism. Their influence is undeniable, shaping the aesthetics and sounds of countless bands that followed. The New Abnormal, their sixth studio album, received widespread critical acclaim and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, solidifying their status as modern rock icons capable of reinvention.
The juxtaposition of these two bands – one a quintessential new wave act, the other an indie rock torchbearer – highlights how musical ideas can traverse generations and genres, sometimes resurfacing in new forms.
Legal and Ethical Implications in the Music Industry
The playful nature of Modern English’s recent video notwithstanding, the underlying issue of musical similarity without attribution touches upon significant legal and ethical considerations in the music industry. Copyright law protects original musical compositions, encompassing melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics. When a new song substantially copies or interpolates elements of an existing work, legal obligations typically require proper crediting and, often, a royalty agreement.
Numerous high-profile cases illustrate the severity of copyright infringement claims in music. Examples range from George Harrison’s "My Sweet Lord" being found to have subconsciously plagiarized The Chiffons’ "He’s So Fine," to Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams losing a lawsuit over "Blurred Lines" for its similarity to Marvin Gaye’s "Got to Give It Up." More recently, Ed Sheeran faced multiple lawsuits over alleged melodic similarities. These cases underscore the subjective nature of musical similarity and the often-complex legal battles that can ensue, even when artists claim unconscious influence or simple homage.
In the case of "Bad Decisions" and "I Melt With You," the lack of credit for Modern English, particularly given the explicit credit for "Dancing With Myself," opens a theoretical door for potential legal action. However, the tone of Modern English’s video suggests they may not pursue such a path, opting instead for public acknowledgment and lighthearted banter. This approach might be seen as a strategic move to raise awareness of their original work and the perceived similarity without engaging in costly and potentially damaging legal disputes.
Statements and Inferred Reactions
- Modern English (Official): As seen in their video, their stance is one of playful accusation, softened by an expression of continued affection for The Strokes. This approach allows them to address the issue without resorting to animosity, potentially gaining them goodwill and renewed interest in their catalog.
- The Strokes (Inferred): The Strokes and their representatives have not issued a public statement regarding Modern English’s video or the resemblance to "I Melt With You." It is common for artists to remain silent on such matters, particularly if no formal legal complaint has been filed. Any response would likely be carefully worded to avoid admitting fault or escalating the situation. Attempts to reach The Strokes’ management for comment typically yield no immediate public response in such scenarios.
- Musicologists and Legal Experts (General): Musicologists analyzing the two tracks would likely concur with the significant melodic and harmonic similarities, particularly in the core guitar riff. Legal experts, if asked hypothetically, might note that while the similarities are evident, proving "substantial similarity" and "access" (that The Strokes had heard "I Melt With You") in court can still be challenging, though "I Melt With You" is a widely known song. The intent, whether conscious or unconscious, is also a factor often debated in such cases.
Broader Impact and Implications
The playful "beef" between Modern English and The Strokes, while seemingly minor, carries several broader implications for the music industry and fan culture.
- Renewed Interest in Modern English’s Catalog: This public discussion inevitably draws new attention to "I Melt With You" and Modern English’s broader discography. Younger fans of The Strokes, previously unaware of the new wave classic, may now discover it, leading to increased streams and a potential resurgence of interest in the band’s legacy. This "discovery effect" can be a silver lining for older artists whose work finds new relevance.
- Dialogue on Originality vs. Influence: The incident reignites the perennial debate about originality in music. In an era where vast musical archives are readily accessible, lines between homage, interpolation, subconscious influence, and outright plagiarism can become blurred. This discussion prompts artists and listeners to consider what constitutes true originality and how to properly acknowledge the past.
- The Role of Social Media in Music Discourse: Modern English’s use of a lighthearted social media video demonstrates the power of digital platforms in shaping musical narratives. Artists can now directly address perceived issues, engage with fans, and control the tone of such conversations without relying solely on traditional media outlets or legal channels.
- Copyright Enforcement Challenges: Even with clear resemblances, the decision by Modern English to address the issue playfully rather than legally highlights the practical challenges and costs associated with pursuing copyright infringement cases. For many artists, the legal battle can be more detrimental than the perceived theft itself.
- Shaping Artist Legacies: How artists navigate such accusations can impact their public image and legacy. The Strokes, known for their distinctive sound, might face scrutiny regarding their creative process, while Modern English’s dignified and humorous response could enhance their image as elder statesmen of music.
In conclusion, the playful jab from Modern English regarding The Strokes’ "Bad Decisions" serves as more than just an entertaining anecdote. It is a microcosm of larger discussions within the music industry concerning inspiration, attribution, and the complex relationship between past and present musical forms. While no legal battle appears imminent, the incident has successfully brought a beloved new wave classic back into the contemporary conversation, reminding listeners that the echoes of music’s past are continually reverberating through its present.
