Pop or Rock?

The music video for Pat Benatar’s 1985 “Sex as a Weapon”

“Sex as a Weapon” is a musical melting pop of rock, pop, and New Wave elements. Set in the key of E minor, the strong introduction of drums and electric guitar riffs immediately establish the track as deserving to be in the rock genre. However, since women during the 1980s were not “allowed” to occupy the rock genre, Benatar uses other elements to diversify the sound and appeal to other audiences. The New Wave elements of heavy synth, electronic production, and layered double track vocals enhance the more pop feel of the song. The addition of higher range vocals and a danceable tempo of 126 BPM give the lighter essence of a pop track. The blend of these genre elements gives Benatar the space to embrace rock while still acknowledging the marketability of being a female pop artist. The vocals of the tract express the distinct style that she developed. The timbre of the vocals could be described as harsh and strained that give a sense of pleading to be accepted, and also resemble some of the classic “screaming” rock vocals. However, as a classically trained vocalist, she also has incredible control over the range of notes she hits during the track, and puts power behind the passion of the lyrics.

Screenshot of Verse 1

The lyrical composition of the song details the power struggles on the basis of sex and attraction. The combined lyrical genius of Pat Benatar, Tom Kelly, and Billy Steinberg paint not only the dynamic of personal relationships, but also convey the tension that capitalism expresses in terms of using physicality as advertisement. By referring to the body as a “centerfold,” there is implication of the appeal of sexual fantasy, as a centerfold is typically a full two-page photo of one or several nude women.

Screenshot of Verse 3

The “you” referred to throughout the song could be referring to the general embodiment of the capitalist society of 1980s America that “play[s] with desire like it was a toy” and used looks to sell products.

The musical components of the track combined with the lyrical implications were one half of the act of reclamation of Pat Benatar’s own image and identity as a musician and a woman.