As hyperpop celebrates the 10th anniversary of SOPHIE’s PRODUCT, music critics are revisiting earlier songs that carried the same energy and experimental style long before the genre had a name.
Released in 2015, PRODUCT helped bring the internet-born subculture into the mainstream. But the building blocks of hyperpop—glitchy beats, distorted vocals, and genre-mixing—can be found in much older tracks.
Here are 10 songs that reflect hyperpop’s style and attitude, even though they were released before the term was widely used:
1. “Temporary Secretary” – Paul McCartney (1980)
This track blends robotic vocals with quirky synthesizer loops. McCartney experiments with electronic textures in a way that feels surprisingly close to modern hyperpop.
2. “Let Your Body Learn” – Nitzer Ebb (1987)
With its sharp industrial sound and aggressive rhythm, this song captures the raw, intense side of hyperpop. It combines punk and techno in a stripped-down but powerful way.
3. “Pluto” – Björk (1997)
A loud and chaotic song about transformation, “Pluto” mirrors the emotional intensity and experimental nature of SOPHIE’s work. Its harsh electronics and layered soundscapes are early examples of hyperpop’s bold style.
4. “We Like to Party!” – Vengaboys (1998)
This fun, over-the-top Eurodance hit is full of sugary energy and cartoonish charm. It reflects the ironic, maximalist attitude often found in hyperpop.
5. “Volcano” – Swans (2001)
Not all hyperpop is cheerful. This haunting track features metallic sounds and a ghostly atmosphere, echoing the darker edge of SOPHIE’s more abrasive productions.
6. “What If” – Aaliyah (2001)
Produced by Timbaland, this song mixes smooth vocals with distorted guitars and rubbery beats. It offers a futuristic take on R&B that resembles hyperpop’s sound design.
7. “Grindin’” – Clipse (2002)
Praised by SOPHIE herself, this minimalist hip-hop track by The Neptunes features sharp, crisp beats and a unique structure that breaks away from mainstream norms.
8. “Tokyo Drift” – Teriyaki Boyz (2006)
Used in the Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift film, this song blends global styles and digital effects. Its high speed and bright sounds reflect hyperpop’s fascination with internet culture and excess.
9. “Bubble Pop Electric” – Gwen Stefani (2004)
Playful and packed with sound effects, this track uses theatrical pop elements and flirtatious lyrics in a way that foreshadows hyperpop’s love of character and drama.
10. “XXXO” – M.I.A. (2010)
Glossy and glitchy, “XXXO” was ahead of its time. Its mix of distorted pop and electronic noise feels like a clear precursor to the sounds SOPHIE would popularize a few years later.
These songs show that while hyperpop may be a modern label, its foundations were laid long ago by artists who experimented with sound, structure, and identity. SOPHIE’s PRODUCT remains a turning point, but the journey started much earlier.
Source: npr.org
