Songs About BDSM
From older times to Depeche Mode’s synth-driven sex pop of new wavers Depeche Mode’s synth-driven sex pop of new wavers Depeche Mode’s synth sex pop music, these songs have a BDSM vibe. Some songs feature violent acts while others reflect an uncomfortable sense of satisfaction from taking pleasure from life’s more challenging aspects.
At some point, almost every alternative music band will compose a song dealing with sexual fantasies and sadomasochism – sometimes subverted! Here are a few examples of songs about bdsm.
Stone Temple Pilots – Sex Type Thing
Sex Type Thing is the first song on our list of songs about bdsm. This is a song by the American rock band Stone Temple Pilots. It was released as a single from their debut album, “Core,” in 1992. The song is known for its raw and gritty sound, as well as its controversial and provocative lyrics.
“Sex Type Thing” is often interpreted as a commentary on power dynamics and sexual objectification, with lead singer Scott Weiland’s lyrics conveying a sense of anger and frustration. The song was notable for its impact on the music scene at the time, contributing to Stone Temple Pilots’ rise to prominence in the early 1990s.
Nine Inch Nails – Closer
“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a defining track in the industrial rock genre. Released in 1994 as part of their second studio album, “The Downward Spiral,” the song is known for its dark, aggressive sound and explicit lyrics.
Trent Reznor’s haunting vocals combined with the industrial instrumentation create an unsettling atmosphere. “Closer” delves into themes of desire and self-destruction, making it both captivating and controversial.
Depeche Mode – Stripped
“Stripped” by Depeche Mode, released in 1986 as part of their album “Black Celebration,” showcases the band’s mastery of synth-pop and new wave. With its pulsating synths and David Gahan’s enigmatic vocals, the song exudes a hypnotic allure.
The lyrics paint a picture of urban decay and existentialism, making “Stripped” a quintessential track from the era that still resonates with audiences today. Depeche Mode is the most suitable music producer for songs about bdsm.
Soft Cell – Tainted Love
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell is a synth-pop classic that found widespread success when it was released in 1981. Originally composed by Ed Cobb and later reimagined by Soft Cell, the song is a perfect blend of catchy melodies and a sense of longing in its lyrics.
Marc Almond’s distinctive voice adds a unique dimension to this track, and it remains a dance floor favorite with its iconic “oh-oh” refrain. Tainted Love can be remembered among songs about bdsm.
Depeche Mode – Master and Servant
“Master and Servant” is another gem from Depeche Mode’s catalog, released in 1984 as a single from their album “Some Great Reward.” The song’s provocative title hints at themes of dominance and submission, which were central to the band’s exploration of taboo subjects.
With its distinctive, rhythmic bassline and Martin Gore’s falsetto, “Master and Servant” pushes the boundaries of synth-pop, making it a standout in songs about bdsm.
Janet Jackson – Control
Janet Jackson’s “Control” marked a significant moment in her career and the pop music landscape when it was released in 1986. The song, as well as the entire album of the same name, is a declaration of independence and self-empowerment.
Janet’s assertive vocals and the catchy, danceable rhythm make “Control” an anthem of personal strength and resilience. It is a testament to her evolution as an artist and a woman in control of her destiny.
Nine Inch Nails – Discipline
“Discipline” is a departure from Nine Inch Nails’ earlier work. Released in 2008 as part of the album “The Slip,” the song has a more upbeat and electronic sound compared to their usual industrial rock.
Trent Reznor’s vocals still retain their intensity, but the song is more accessible and danceable. “Discipline” shows the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve while maintaining their signature intensity. Discipline may be associated with songs about bdsm.
Meredith Brooks – Bitch
Meredith Brooks made waves in 1997 with her empowering anthem “Bitch.” The song’s catchy guitar riff and Brooks’s bold lyrics about female independence and the complexities of her identity struck a chord with many.
“Bitch” became an anthem for women asserting themselves and challenging societal norms, earning Brooks a place in the annals of feminist pop-rock.
Soft Cell – Sex Dwarf
Soft Cell’s “Sex Dwarf” is a striking example of the band’s exploration of taboo and provocative themes. Released in 1981 as part of their “Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret” album, the song’s title alone raises eyebrows. With its pulsating synths and Marc Almond’s sinister delivery, “Sex Dwarf” is a dark and decadent journey into the shadowy corners of desire, a thematic hallmark of Soft Cell’s work.
Skinny Puppy – Worlock
Skinny Puppy, a pioneering band in the industrial and electro-industrial genres, released “Worlock” in 1989 as part of their album “Rabies.” The song is a cacophonous and abrasive sonic assault, characterized by distorted vocals and industrial soundscapes.
It’s a relentless exploration of the darker aspects of the human psyche, a testament to Skinny Puppy’s willingness to push musical boundaries. Worlock is one of the most beloved songs about bdsm.
Rammstein – Ich Tu Dir Weh
Another original example of songs about bdsm is here. “Ich Tu Dir Weh” (translated as “I Hurt You”) is a song by the German industrial metal band Rammstein, featured on their album “Liebe ist für alle da,” released in 2009. The song’s lyrics explore themes of pleasure, pain, and dominance in a relationship. With provocative and controversial lyrics, Rammstein often uses metaphorical and intense imagery in their songs, and “Ich Tu Dir Weh” is no exception.
The song’s heavy guitar riffs, powerful vocals by Till Lindemann, and the band’s distinctive industrial sound contribute to the overall intensity and impact of the track. It’s a raw and explicit song that confronts the darker aspects of desire and control within a relationship.
Nine Inch Nails – Happiness In Slavery
“Happiness In Slavery” is a song by industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, featured on their EP “Broken,” released in 1992. The song’s lyrics and themes explore the concept of willingly submitting oneself to servitude and the contradictory emotions that come with it. It reflects on the notion of finding satisfaction or even pleasure in being subjugated or controlled.
The track’s aggressive and distorted sounds, characteristic of Nine Inch Nails’ industrial rock style, complement the dark and intense lyrical content. “Happiness In Slavery” challenges listeners to contemplate the complexities of power dynamics, self-identity, and the allure of surrendering control, showcasing Trent Reznor’s ability to create music that’s both sonically compelling and conceptually thought-provoking.