Molly Nilsson's "Un-American Activities": A Political Pop Gem of 2024

As the summer of 2024 draws to a close, the pop music landscape has been dominated by various artists. However, one album has emerged as an underrated gem: Molly Nilsson's "Un-American Activities." This Swedish outsider's latest work stands apart from the polished productions topping the Billboard Hot 100, offering a grounded perspective on contemporary issues.

Nilsson's 11th self-released album in 16 years marks a departure from her usual Berlin bedroom productions. "Un-American Activities" was crafted in the former Los Angeles residence of writer-activist Lion Feuchtwanger and his wife Marta, who fled Nazi Germany only to face persecution during Joseph McCarthy's Second Red Scare in the United States. This historical backdrop infuses the album with a unique blend of past and present political themes.

The album's approach combines weighty concepts with light melodies, a contrast Nilsson has mastered over her career. Her previous works have tackled subjects ranging from prehistoric grief to apocalypse paranoia, showcasing her ability to address serious topics through catchy pop tunes.

"Un-American Activities" draws inspiration from 1980s political pop, reminiscent of artists like the Pet Shop Boys, Nena, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. These acts used popular music as a platform for unpopular ideas, addressing topics such as police states, nuclear war, and Cold War tensions. Nilsson continues this tradition, focusing on outcomes rather than income in her artistic pursuits.

One standout track, "The Communist Party," cleverly samples an anti-communist pamphlet while musically nodding to Madonna's 1990 hit "Vogue." Another, "Palestine (Somewhere Over the Rainbow)," explores geopolitical boundaries with flat melodic phrases. "Jackboots Return" warns of fascism's resurgence using deliberately tacky synthesizer presets.

"Try not to worry about income. Focus on the outcome."

The album concludes with "Point Doom," a power ballad that critiques inequality in Los Angeles and, by extension, American cities at large. As Nilsson walks through wealthy neighborhoods, she observes:

"I curse you all until your doom."

This final statement encapsulates the album's unflinching look at societal issues, delivered through the lens of pop music. Molly Nilsson's "Un-American Activities" stands as a testament to the enduring power of political pop, offering a unique voice in today's music landscape.