Establishing the mood with astral bell tones and textured drums, tapping into a pitched-vocal, hyperpop adjacency, Energy Whores open Pretty Sparkly Things with the title of the track and a poignant commentary on society with the words, “Pretty sparkly things, watches, and rings, shiny bling, fancy bobbles made for queens, if you want them, you could never have them, you′re too poor and sleeping on the floor, if you want them, you could never have them, can’t pay your bills, can′t afford your pills…”
As with all of Energy Whores‘ productions there is sonic dimensionality at play, supported by intentional depth with the creation of the song. Pretty Sparkly Things is a sharp critique of wealth and privilege.
The prose paints images of glittering luxury, like jewels, jets, and mansions, but places them energetically out of reach. As with the current state of reality, poor people are excluded, left on the floor, struggling with bills and survival. This contrast exposes the cruelty of a system where beauty and power seem reserved for the few.
The message mocks our society’s obsession with status. Naturally, the influencers, celebrities, and royalty are portrayed by writer Carrie Schoenfeld as shallow, as cling to vanity and excess. Their world is one of filters, diamonds on cats, and absurd indulgence. Yet beneath the satire lies a question: what value do these objects have when stripped of the illusion they carry?
“This song is about how society dangles unattainable dreams in front of us while so many people are struggling just to survive,” says Carrie. “It’s satire, but it’s also deadly serious because this obsession with luxury and status is what keeps the machine grinding us down.”
The song also speaks to envy and despair. We are reminded that dreams of wealth are distractions, meant to keep people docile. The message is bitter, but also liberating, and it suggests that identity cannot be found in possessions. Finally, the refrain is philosophical. “You are your soul, the best path isn’t paved with gold.” Pretty Sparkly Things concludes that forgetting our origins and replacing spirit with things only leads to emptiness.
We are here for the depth and substance, and the cosmic way that Carrie Schoenfeld and Energy Whores convey their prophetic, informed and important message. Naturally, we have added Pretty Sparkly Things to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to stream Energy Whores‘ exquisite and consciously astute discography!