The recent single “Bad Decisions” by The Strokes has sparked considerable discussion, not least because Billy Idol is credited as a songwriter. This immediately begs the question: what’s the connection between a modern indie rock band like The Strokes and the new wave icon Billy Idol, specifically his hit song “Dancing With Myself”? Let’s delve into a musicological comparison to uncover the similarities and explore why this songwriting credit might have arisen.
To truly understand the link, listen to “Bad Decisions” by The Strokes:
The Strokes – Bad Decisions (Official Music Video) on YouTube
And then refresh your memory with Billy Idol’s quintessential “Dancing With Myself”:
Billy Idol – Dancing With Myself (Official Music Video) on YouTube
Upon listening, the similarities become apparent. But what exactly makes these songs sound alike, and how significant are these musical echoes? Let’s break down the key musical elements.
Rhythmic Motives: Guitar Intro Similarities
One of the first things listeners might notice is a rhythmic kinship. In music, a motive is a short, recurring musical idea. Think of it as a building block of a melody or rhythm. A famous example is the iconic “Dun Dun Dun DUN” from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.
The initial motive in “Bad Decisions” is introduced by the guitar riff, and it bears a striking rhythmic resemblance to the intro of “Dancing With Myself.” Both riffs utilize syncopation. Syncopation occurs when rhythmic accents are placed on unexpected beats, creating a sense of rhythmic complexity and groove. In the musical notation below, syncopations are indicated by curved lines connecting notes.
While a direct note-for-note comparison might reveal differences, the overall rhythmic feel and the use of syncopation in the guitar introductions are remarkably similar. The instrumentation further enhances this perception. Both songs feature electric guitars playing comparable roles within a rock band setting, characterized by drums, bass, and electric guitars. The “sparse” production style, devoid of excessive studio polish, common to both tracks, also contributes to their perceived sonic similarity, unlike, for example, a heavily produced pop track.
However, the connection goes beyond just rhythm.
Melodic Echoes: Pre-Chorus Vocal Lines
The melodic link between the two songs becomes even more pronounced in the pre-chorus of “Bad Decisions.” Julian Casablancas, the vocalist for The Strokes, sings the line, “I’m making bad decisions,” and here, for a sequence of at least six notes, the melody mirrors that of “Dancing With Myself.” Even without reading music, the visual representation below illustrates this melodic mirroring clearly.
In the example below, we can see the melodic lines side-by-side. Billy Idol sings: “(On the) floors of Tokyo; A-down in London town’s a go go.” Note that the transcription begins on “floors” and “Mak-ing” respectively, omitting pickup notes for simplicity.
Melody comparison between Bad Decisions and Dancing With Myself
Midway through this melodic phrase, around measure five in the notation, “Bad Decisions” repeats the melodic figure, while Billy Idol’s melody progresses to the equally recognizable line: “A-with the record selection, And the mirror’s reflection, I’m a dancin’ with myself.”
Adding another layer to the similarity, Casablancas incorporates Billy Idol-esque “oh oh oh oh’s” to fill in musical spaces. This vocal styling further strengthens the sonic connection between the two songs, making the influence of “Dancing With Myself” even more apparent.
Harmonic Divergence: Chord Progression Differences
While rhythmic and melodic elements show striking similarities, the harmonic structures of the songs diverge. “Dancing With Myself” utilizes a chord progression of I – IV – V – IV, a common and dynamic progression. In contrast, “Bad Decisions” employs a simpler, more repetitive progression of I – IV – I – IV. This progression cycles between the I chord and the IV chord throughout much of the song.
Despite this harmonic difference, the guitar in “Bad Decisions” continues to articulate one of the main rhythmic motives, the same one heard in the verses. This persistent rhythmic motive, played by the guitar, helps maintain the connection to “Dancing With Myself” even as the underlying chords differ.
Is borrowing or drawing inspiration from previous songs inherently wrong? Not necessarily. Many artists are influenced by their predecessors, and the execution is crucial. The Strokes have undeniably woven elements of “Dancing With Myself,” and perhaps even echoes of “I Melt With You,” into “Bad Decisions.” Whether intentional or subconscious, the similarities are undeniable, and the songwriting credit for Billy Idol acknowledges this musical lineage.
In conclusion, the connection between The Strokes’ “Bad Decisions” and Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself” lies in shared rhythmic and melodic motives, particularly in the guitar intro and pre-chorus vocal lines. While the chord progressions differ, these key motivic similarities are strong enough to warrant the songwriting credit and spark a fascinating musicological comparison, highlighting the enduring influence of “Dancing With Myself” on contemporary music.
