Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Watching The Wildlife

Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Watching the Wildlife: An Analysis of a Powerful Statement

Musical Style

“Watching the Wildlife” is a track from the second album “Liverpool” of Frankie Goes To Hollywood , released in 1986. The song's musical style is a mixture of pop, new wave and post-punk, which is typical of the time period. The song contains unmistakable synths, and the electronic production gives it an energetic yet mysterious atmosphere. The beat is penetrating but the melody remains subdued, making the song both danceable and introspective.

Text and Theme

The text of “Watching the Wildlife” is deeply symbolic and refers to a loss of connection with nature and society. The song contains elements of social criticism, where watching 'wildlife' serves as a metaphor for observing the world that is getting further away from authentic experiences. It suggests that people are distracted by superficial things, such as media and technology, and that the real meaning of life is being missed. This idea of alienation and decline in human relationships was typical of the cultural turmoil of the 1980s, where technological progress was often linked to a loss of personal connection.

Success and Impact

While “Watching the Wildlife” did not have the same commercial success as some of their previous hits, such as “Relax” or “Two Tribes,” the song was praised for its sharp and courageous theme. It was well received by critics, who praised the band for its ability to translate the social commentary of the time into music. The song was one of the less commercially successful tracks on the “Liverpool” album, but it is now seen as one of the band's more reflective and nuanced tracks.