New Study: Narcissistic Culture Leads to Narcissistic Lyrics

The Takeaway

Pop lyrics seem to have taken a turn towards the “me” and “I” variety, according to a new study. The  study analyzed three decades of songs, and concluded that song lyrics have become more narcissistic in recent years, reflecting current youth culture. Is that really true?  Maura Johnston, music editor for The Village Voice, lends her thoughts on this topic.
We want to know: Do you believe you are narcissistic? Take this test and find out. We asked listeners to help us come up with a playlist of today’s narcissistic songs.
Monica Rodriguez wrote to us via Facebook:  “It might be because music (mostly pop and hip hop) now is marketed to mostly teenagers … and teens are very self-centered! Adult contemporary, country, alternative and even electronic music doesn’t seem really narcissistic. My favorite song that’s ‘all about me’ is ‘Brass in Pocket’ by The Pretenders”

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