Pump Up the Volume

Released in 1987, 'Pump Up the Volume' by MARRS is a seminal track in the history of electronic dance music. The song is a vibrant celebration of the dance culture that was burgeoning in the late 80s, particularly in urban areas like the Bronx. The repetitive and commanding lyrics, 'Pump up the volume,' serve as a call to action, urging listeners to turn up the music and lose themselves in the rhythm. This phrase encapsulates the essence of the dance floor experience, where the volume and energy are continuously elevated to create an immersive and euphoric atmosphere.

The song's lyrics also emphasize unity and collective experience, as seen in the repeated address to 'Brothers and sisters.' This inclusive language fosters a sense of community among listeners, encouraging them to come together and share in the joy of music and dance. The lines 'Rythmatic, systematic, world control / Magnetic, genetic to match your soul' suggest a deeper connection between the music and the listener, implying that the rhythm and beats are almost a universal language that resonates on a fundamental, perhaps even genetic, level.

MARRS's use of sampling and electronic beats was groundbreaking at the time, and 'Pump Up the Volume' is often credited with helping to popularize the use of sampling in mainstream music. The repeated phrase 'Put the needle on the record' is a nod to the DJ culture that was integral to the dance music scene. DJs would 'pump up the volume' by manipulating records and creating new sounds, thus driving the dance floor into a frenzy. The song's structure, with its repetitive beats and minimalistic lyrics, mirrors the hypnotic and continuous nature of a DJ set, making it a timeless anthem for dance music enthusiasts.