After the Chainsmokers’ initial rise to fame in 2014, the EDM-pop duo has certainly kept busy. Following the release of their studio album “Memories…Do Not Open,” they have managed to create a single rich with unique flair in a generation of music that often sounds the same.

“Sick Boy” touches on the self-doubt that societal pressures can cause through its use of meaningful lyrics and haunting melodies. The worth of one’s self is also discussed through the use of repetitively ironic lyrics asking “How many likes is my life worth?” This conveys lead singer Andrew Taggart’s thoughts about the judgement of others, and while it has an ironic undertone, there is a ring of truth to it as well. This reflects how easily others’ comments can affect our generation’s view of themselves, no matter how hard we try to ignore them.

“Sick Boy” has an edge to it that is reminiscent of an outsider looking in on society. The song opens with the singer’s thoughts on regional differences in America and how it affects people’s behavior as though he has has risen above them after being trapped in such societal boundaries. His judgement towards society in general creates an image of someone who has broken free from its confines and now strives to tell others to do the same.

The music video for “Sick Boy” is full of destruction, with fire and broken wood floating in the air before narrowing in on the Chainsmokers themselves, and for a while, everything is peaceful. Then, beams of light pass over the musicians, transforming them wherever the light touches. Initially, it passes over the piano, where the musician’s bare hands are suddenly in black gloves and the piano itself seems almost broken. It next touches Taggart’s face, creating a rainbow-like pattern before he reaches out to it and his fingertips turn into black spikes. These transformations continue throughout the video as a strange dark figure is often seen, and objects such as the microphone appear the be melting. Eventually, the singers themselves become distorted, stretching to the beat in melting patterns with occasional pops of outlined color. The video ends with a close-up of Taggart’s face. Everything appears to be normal, but he still seems haunted. I believe all of this is related to the impact society can have. It bends and distorts who you are, leaving you with nothing genuine.

“Sick Boy” truly is a worthy song for our generation. With its great vocals, haunting melody and commentary on modern society, it is a song that everyone growing up in the 21st century should listen to. It urges listeners to dare to be the outsider in a time when fitting in is what is desired. This song will definitely be on my playlist for months to come.