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The 10 Best Songs About Robots

In the ever-evolving world of music, there is no shortage of inspiration drawn from the realms of science fiction and technology. One of the most enduring and fascinating subjects that musicians have explored in song is the concept of robots. These artificial beings have captured our collective imagination, as they challenge our understanding of humanity, emotion, and our relationship with technology.

For this article, we’ll delve into a diverse array of songs that celebrate, critique, or simply explore the world of robots. From electronic pioneers to rock legends, these tracks offer a unique perspective on our fascination with these mechanical marvels and their impact on our lives.

Join us as we journey through some of the best, most iconic songs about robots of all time.

10. Tokyo Police Club – “Citizens of Tomorrow” (2006)

We begin with the least-known track on the list, “Citizens of Tomorrow” by Tokyo Police Club. The indie rock track was released in 2006 as part of their debut EP A Lesson in Crime. With lyrics that paint a dystopian picture of the future, where humans live under the control of robots and machines, the song tells a story about robots in an entertaining and energetic way.

The protagonist describes a bleak world where technology has taken over and memories of the past are fading away. The song’s narrative is a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of relying too heavily on technology and losing touch with our humanity.

Tokyo Police Club’s punk-tinged sound gives “Citizens of Tomorrow” a sense of urgency that underscores the dystopian themes. Catchy hooks and driving rhythms make it an engaging listen, while its thought-provoking lyrics offer a critical perspective on the ever-increasing role of technology in our lives.

9. Flight of the Conchords – “Robots” (2008)

“Robots” by Flight of the Conchords is a comedic song released in 2008 as part of their eponymous debut album. The New Zealand duo, known for their witty humor and clever songwriting, envisions a future where robots have taken over the world and eliminated humans.

The lyrics are delivered in a deadpan, robotic voice, while the music features electronic elements that add to the futuristic atmosphere.

Despite its humorous approach, “Robots” touches on themes of artificial intelligence, human extinction, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The song’s playful and satirical take on the subject of robots makes it an entertaining and thought-provoking addition to the list.

8. Marina and the Diamonds – “I Am Not A Robot” (2009)

“I Am Not A Robot” by Marina and the Diamonds is a heartfelt pop anthem released in 2009 on the debut album The Family Jewels. The song explores themes of vulnerability, authenticity, and the importance of embracing one’s emotions and humanity.

The lyrics convey a message of self-acceptance and self-discovery, as the protagonist asserts their individuality and rejects the idea of being a robot—implying a life devoid of emotion or personal growth. Marina’s emotive vocals and the song’s catchy melody contribute to its powerful impact, while the lyrics resonate with anyone who has struggled with societal expectations, conformity, or self-doubt.

Although “I Am Not A Robot” does not directly discuss robots in the traditional sense, it uses the concept as a metaphor for the emotional distance and detachment that can be felt in modern society.

7. Kraftwerk – “The Robots” (1978)

“The Robots” by Kraftwerk is a pioneering electronic track from their 1978 album “The Man-Machine.” The German band is known for their innovative use of synthesizers and vocoders, which helped shape the sound of electronic music for decades to come.

In “The Robots,” Kraftwerk embraces the theme of robotics both sonically and lyrically, with robotic vocal effects and a repetitive, hypnotic melody. The song’s lyrics explore the idea of robots as an extension of humanity, capable of performing tasks and functioning autonomously.

The track showcases Kraftwerk’s ability to blend human and machine elements, and it has become an iconic representation of the emergence of electronic music and its relationship with technology.

6. Judas Priest – “Electric Eye” (1982)

“Electric Eye” by Judas Priest is a heavy metal classic released in 1982 on their album “Screaming for Vengeance.” The song’s lyrics revolve around the concept of a powerful, all-seeing robotic eye that constantly observes humanity from above.

This theme embodies the fears of surveillance, loss of privacy, and the potential for technology to invade our lives. The song’s driving guitar riffs and powerful vocals create an intense and energetic atmosphere that captures the essence of a dystopian society under constant watch.

Judas Priest’s exploration of the fusion of technology and authoritarian control in “Electric Eye” remains relevant today, as it echoes concerns about surveillance and the role of technology in modern society.

5. Styx – “Mr. Roboto” (1983)

“Mr. Roboto” by Styx is a rock anthem released in 1983 as the lead single from their rock opera Kilroy Was Here. The song tells the story of a man, Robert Orin Charles Kilroy (R.O.C.K), who disguises himself as a robot to escape from prison in a dystopian society where rock music is banned.

The protagonist thanks the Mr. Roboto prison guard whose role he has taken on (in Japanese) for helping him survive and escape. The track is famous for its catchy chorus, synthesizer-driven sound, and robotic vocal effects, which have made it a memorable and enduring classic. It is also known for being a song that served as many people’s first introduction to Japanese, as they looked into the lyrics.

“Mr. Roboto” is an iconic exploration of the relationship between humanity and technology, blending themes of rebellion, identity, and the desire for freedom in the face of an increasingly mechanized world.

4. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android” (1997)

“Paranoid Android” by Radiohead, released in 1997 on their critically acclaimed album OK Computer, is a song that connects with the theme of robots through its title and lyrics.

The song’s title is a direct reference to Marvin the Paranoid Android, a character from Douglas Adams’ science fiction series The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Marvin is a robot known for his intelligence, depressive outlook, and sardonic humor.

While the lyrics of “Paranoid Android” do not explicitly discuss robots, they explore themes like paranoia, isolation, and emotional detachment, often associated with the idea of robots or the impact of technology on human life — a major theme of the OK Computer album.

The song’s complex, layered instrumentation and innovative production techniques contribute to its futuristic, otherworldly atmosphere, bringing to mind a world where technology has gotten out of hand.

3. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Robot Stop” (2016)

“Robot Stop” by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is a fast-paced, psychedelic rock track from their 2016 album Nonagon Infinity. The Australian band is known for their prolific output and genre-defying approach to music (they released 5 unique albums in 2017).

In “Robot Stop,” they combine high-energy instrumentation with lyrics that reference robots and technological themes. The song’s frantic pace and intensity evoke the relentless nature of machines and automation, while its psychedelic elements create a surreal and futuristic soundscape.

“Robot Stop” serves as an exciting exploration of the fusion of rock music and robotic themes, demonstrating King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s ability to push the boundaries of musical genres while engaging with the subject of robots.

2. The Flaming Lips – “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1” (2002)

“Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1” by The Flaming Lips is a dreamy, psychedelic pop track from their critically acclaimed 2002 album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.

The song tells the story of Yoshimi, a young woman who must fight against a group of evil pink robots to save humanity. It blends lush, atmospheric instrumentation with whimsical storytelling and thought-provoking lyrics that explore themes of heroism, love, and the human struggle against oppressive forces.

The Flaming Lips’ unique approach to the subject of robots in “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1” showcases their ability to create a captivating narrative while addressing deeper themes within the context of a fantastical, futuristic world.

1. Daft Punk – “Robot Rock” (2005)

“Robot Rock” by Daft Punk is a driving, electronic dance track from their 2005 album Human After All. The French duo, known for their futuristic robot personas and innovative approach to electronic music, creates a powerful, guitar-driven groove that feels both mechanical and energetic.

The song features a vocoded voice repeating the phrase “Robot Rock,” which emphasizes the theme of robotics and technology. Daft Punk’s signature electronic sound and sampling techniques in “Robot Rock” result in a catchy, dance floor rager that showcases the group’s fascination with the relationship between humans, music, and machines.

As a Youtube commenter says best, “Robot Rock” by Daft Punk is number one on this list because nobody makes electronic music better than robots.

P.S. – For a modern, active band that sounds similar to this style of Daft Punk – check out Doom Flamingo and their 2023 album Peaches & Bobbi.