Life's (Still) So Fun: Three Years of MUNA

Written by Claire Hookstra

Image courtesy of Spotify

Deemed rightfully so as “the greatest band in the world,” MUNA released its self-titled third studio album, MUNA, three years ago today on June 24, 2022. The trio, consisting of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, solidified their rightful spot as pop powerhouses through the release of the genre-bending record that radiates freedom, synthesizers, and pure queer joy. 

The first record the group released after being signed by Phoebe Bridgers to Saddest Factory Records, the album ranges from country-inspired ballads like “Kind of Girl” to electric-pop dance tracks like “What I Want.” A differnt aesthetci and sound thant he trio's previous records, the group's fresh start with Saddest Factory seems to be just what they needed. Only expanding their devoted fanbase and space within the LGBTQIA+ community, MUNA rightfully led the way to MUNA’s secured spot as a supergroup. 

From yearning to dancing to… horses (that’s the queer experience), MUNA takes listeners from wanting to go out on the town to what feels like reading a page out of lead vocalist Katie Gavin’s diary. The beauty of this record lies in its ability to jump genres, ideas, and feelings all within a concise 40-minutes. MUNA may be a "pop band," but this album substantially pushes them away from the mainstream typical pop sound.

The lead single and opening track, “Silk Chiffon” is an ode to queer joy. Featuring Phoebe Bridgers, the song is accompanied by a music video inspired by “But I’m A Cheerleader,” a fitting film to bring listeners into the world of MUNA. The song became one of the band’s most famous, with fans and non-fans alike singing along to “Life’s so fun / Life’s so fun / Got my miniskirt and my rollerblades on.” 

“What I Want” and “No Idea” explore the ownership of queer desires, accepting who you are. Both tracks are about knowing what you want and chasing after it, whether that be the euphoria of the dance floor or the person you desire. The strong electronic pop sound that MUNA is known for shines through these songs, synthesizers and electric guitar being prominent in the production.

A quick turnaround in emotion, “Kind of Girl” is emotional and self-reflective, exploring self-doubt and reminding yourself that things can always get better. Unlike the production of the album thus far, the acoustic guitar steers the track with Gavin’s folksy vocals accentuating the lyrics. Similar in theme, “Loose Garment” navigates feelings of sadness and accepting that it’s an emotion you have to feel to move on. Rather than suppress unwanted sorrow, Gavin explains the acceptance of sadness in the chorus, "Used to wear my sadness like a choker / Yeah, it had me by the throat / Tonight I feel I'm draped in it like a loose garment / I just let it flow."

Continuing the wide range of musical styles found throughout the album, remember I mentioned horses? Fan-favorite “Anything But Me” is upbeat and country-inspired, gaining special attention in the fanbase due to “Stacy,” an inflatable horse thrown into the air by the crowd as MUNA plays this song live. In all seriousness, the track stands out among the rest of the album with heavy percussion and, yet again, unique country vocals by Gavin. 

I can't end this MUNA birthday party without discussing my personal favorite off the album, “Home By Now,” which consists of those pondering, nagging questions after a breakup, where you are left wondering what could’ve happened if you had stayed together. Gavin’s vocals and McPherson’s production only grow more intense until the breaking climax of the song is reached during the bridge. “What is love supposed to feel like anyway?” Gavin yearns, “Why is it so hot in L.A.?” 

MUNA is nothing short of a masterpiece. The fluidity of genres and topic matter found throughout the track list is unique and stands out among the monotonous pop records that seem to be released every month lately. It’s been three years and fans are still loyal, supporting MUNA in its charitable efforts and streaming Live at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Now, all we can do is remember that "Life's so fun" and wait patiently for MUN4 (what fans and the band themself has decided to refer to the trio’s fourth album as).