As technology has rapidly advanced over the last several decades, it has become an increasingly frequent and important topic in popular music. One aspect of this technological revolution that has received particular attention in music is the rise of computers and the digital age. Musicians across genres have explored the impact of computers on our lives and society, ranging from the wonder and excitement of new technology to the isolation and alienation it can sometimes bring. These songs not only reflect the times in which they were written, but also provide insight into the complex relationship we have with technology and its pervasive influence on our daily lives. The best songs about computers often feature a combination of live and electronic instrumentation, with lyrics that speak to the ways that machines are changing our world and our sense of identity. From classics like Kraftwerk’s “Computer Love” to modern hits like Gucci Mane’s “Love Thru The Computer,” these songs showcase the unique perspectives and sounds of a wide range of artists. Whether they inspire us to dance or to reflect, these songs offer a window into the ongoing dialogue between humans and machines.
1.Computer Love – Kraftwerk
“Computer Love” by Kraftwerk is a classic electronic pop song that was released in 1981. It features Kraftwerk’s signature sound of pulsing synthesizers and robotic vocals, with lyrics that speak to the rise of computer technology and its impact on human relationships. The song’s catchy melody and futuristic sound have made it a favorite among fans of electronic music and it has been covered and sampled by many artists over the years.
2.Algorithm – Muse
“Algorithm” by Muse is a modern rock song that was released in 2018. The song features a blend of electronic and traditional rock instrumentation, with a driving beat and soaring vocals from lead singer Matt Bellamy. The lyrics of the song speak to the power of technology and the way it shapes our lives, with references to artificial intelligence and algorithms that control our online experiences. “Algorithm” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that showcases Muse’s unique sound and style.
3.Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot Pt. 1 – The Flaming Lips
“Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot Pt. 1” by The Flaming Lips is an alternative rock song released in 2002. The song tells the story of a character named Yoshimi who battles against a pink robot in a futuristic world. The song features a combination of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, with ethereal vocals and a driving beat that builds to an epic climax. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery and metaphors that paint a picture of a dystopian future, and the song’s title is a nod to the classic Japanese anime series. “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot Pt. 1” is a unique and creative song that showcases The Flaming Lips’ experimental and boundary-pushing style.
4.Deeper Understanding – Kate Bush
“Deeper Understanding” by Kate Bush is a synthpop song released in 1989. The song features Bush’s signature ethereal vocals and a driving beat, with lyrics that explore the relationship between humans and technology. The song tells the story of a character who becomes addicted to a computer program that provides a deeper understanding of life, but ultimately leads to isolation and detachment from the real world. The song’s themes of technology, isolation, and human connection are still relevant today, and the song has been covered by several artists over the years. “Deeper Understanding” is a thought-provoking and haunting song that showcases Kate Bush’s unique style and lyrical depth.
5.Jed the Humanoid – Grandaddy
“Jed the Humanoid” by Grandaddy is an indie rock song released in 1998. The song tells the story of a robotic character named Jed who becomes self-aware and longs for a more human-like existence. The song features a combination of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, with a driving beat and catchy melody. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery and metaphors that speak to the human desire for connection and belonging. “Jed the Humanoid” is a unique and creative song that showcases Grandaddy’s indie rock sound and storytelling abilities. The song has become a fan favorite and is considered a classic of the indie rock genre.
6.Digital Love – Daft Punk
“Digital Love” by Daft Punk is a dance and electronic pop song released in 2001. The song features a combination of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, with a catchy beat and an infectious melody. The lyrics tell the story of a character who falls in love with someone they met online, and the song’s title references the digital nature of their relationship. The song’s uplifting and joyful tone, combined with its futuristic sound, make it a favorite among fans of electronic and dance music. “Digital Love” is a classic song that showcases Daft Punk’s unique sound and production skills, and it has been covered and remixed by many artists over the years.
7.Digital Witness – St. Vincent
“Digital Witness” by St. Vincent is an art rock and electropop song released in 2014. The song features a combination of electronic and live instrumentation, with a driving beat and catchy melody. The lyrics of the song speak to the impact of technology on modern society, and the way it can both liberate and enslave us. The song’s title references the idea of being a “digital witness” to the world around us, and the need to balance our online lives with our real-world experiences. “Digital Witness” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that showcases St. Vincent’s unique sound and lyrical depth, and it has become a fan favorite and a critical darling.
8.Automaton – Jamiroquai
“Automaton” by Jamiroquai is a funk and electronic pop song released in 2017. The song features a combination of electronic and live instrumentation, with a driving beat and a catchy melody. The lyrics of the song speak to the rise of technology and the way it can both enhance and diminish our human experience. The song’s title references the idea of becoming like a machine, and losing touch with our emotions and desires. “Automaton” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that showcases Jamiroquai’s unique sound and social commentary.
9.Bad Decisions – Two Door Cinema Club
“Bad Decisions” by Two Door Cinema Club is an indie rock and new wave song released in 2019. The song features a combination of live and electronic instrumentation, with a driving beat and a catchy melody. The lyrics of the song speak to the human tendency to make bad decisions, and the way that our past experiences can shape our future choices. The song’s upbeat and energetic tone, combined with its relatable lyrics, make it a favorite among fans of indie rock and new wave music. “Bad Decisions” is a fun and catchy song that showcases Two Door Cinema Club’s unique sound and songwriting abilities.
10.Love Thru The Computer – Gucci Mane
“Love Thru The Computer” by Gucci Mane is a hip hop and trap song released in 2019. The song features a combination of electronic and hip hop instrumentation, with a driving beat and a catchy chorus. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of finding love through technology, and the way that our online lives can sometimes feel more real than our real-world experiences. The song’s title references the way that our relationships are increasingly mediated by technology, and the way that this can both connect and disconnect us. “Love Thru The Computer” is a fun and catchy song that showcases Gucci Mane’s unique sound and lyrical style.
11.Computer Age – Neil Young
“Computer Age” by Neil Young is a rock and electronic song released in 1982. The song features a combination of live and electronic instrumentation, with a driving beat and a catchy melody. The lyrics of the song speak to the impact of technology on modern society, and the way that it can both liberate and enslave us. The song’s title references the rise of computers and the digital age, and the way that these technologies are transforming the world around us. “Computer Age” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that showcases Neil Young’s unique sound and social commentary.
12.Mr. Roboto – Styx
“Mr. Roboto” by Styx is a progressive rock and synth-pop song released in 1983. The song features a combination of electronic and live instrumentation, with a driving beat and a catchy chorus. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a man who is a “modern-day warrior” fighting against a world controlled by machines, and his alter-ego, the robot Mr. Roboto. The song’s title references the iconic Japanese word for robot, and the way that machines are increasingly replacing human labor and decision-making. “Mr. Roboto” is a classic song that showcases Styx’s unique sound and storytelling abilities.
13.Alone In The Dark – Sheryl Crow
“Alone In The Dark” by Sheryl Crow is a rock and alternative song released in 2008. The song features a combination of live and electronic instrumentation, with a haunting melody and powerful vocals. The lyrics of the song speak to the way that technology and the modern world can sometimes leave us feeling isolated and disconnected from each other. The song’s title references the feeling of being alone in the dark, and the way that our fears and insecurities can sometimes consume us. “Alone In The Dark” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that showcases Sheryl Crow’s unique sound and lyrical depth.
14.A Machine Spiritual (In the People’s Key) – Bright Eyes
“A Machine Spiritual (In the People’s Key)” by Bright Eyes is an indie rock song released in 2011. The song features a combination of live and electronic instrumentation, with a dreamy and introspective sound. The lyrics of the song touch on themes of spirituality, technology, and the human experience. The song’s title references the idea that even machines and technology can have a spiritual element, and that our relationship with these things can be deeply meaningful. “A Machine Spiritual (In the People’s Key)” is a reflective and thought-provoking song that showcases Bright Eyes’ unique sound and poetic style. The song encourages listeners to consider the ways in which technology is changing our world, and how we can maintain a sense of connection and meaning in an increasingly digital age.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
