"Call It What You Want" by Tesla is more than just a song; it's an anthem that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. From its powerful lyrics to its unforgettable melody, the track showcases Tesla's signature blend of hard rock energy and thoughtful songwriting. Understanding the nuances of this song requires a closer look at its historical context, lyrical themes, musical composition, and enduring appeal.

Historical Context and Background

To truly appreciate "Call It What You Want," you've gotta understand where Tesla was coming from as a band. Emerging in the mid-1980s, amidst a sea of hair metal bands, Tesla carved out a unique niche for themselves. They weren't about the glitz and glam; instead, they focused on solid musicianship, meaningful lyrics, and a raw, blues-infused rock sound. Their debut album, Mechanical Resonance (1986), established them as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing their ability to blend hard-hitting rock anthems with introspective ballads. "Call It What You Want" appeared on their second studio album, The Great Radio Controversy (1989), which further solidified their reputation as a band that could deliver both commercial success and artistic integrity.

The Great Radio Controversy was a concept album of sorts, delving into the history of radio and its impact on society. Amidst tracks exploring themes of communication, technology, and cultural change, "Call It What You Want" stood out as a more personal and emotionally resonant song. It wasn't directly tied to the album's overarching concept, but its themes of individuality, self-expression, and defiance resonated deeply with listeners. The late 80s were a time of significant social and political change, and young people were searching for anthems that spoke to their experiences. "Call It What You Want" provided that voice, offering a message of empowerment and encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves, regardless of societal pressures. The song's success helped propel The Great Radio Controversy to platinum status, cementing Tesla's place among the leading rock bands of the era. Its enduring popularity also speaks to the timelessness of its message, which continues to resonate with audiences today.

Lyrical Themes and Analysis

The lyrics of "Call It What You Want" explore themes of individuality, self-expression, and resilience in the face of adversity. The opening lines immediately set the tone, with the singer declaring their independence and refusing to conform to societal expectations. The lyrics suggest a journey of self-discovery, with the singer acknowledging their past mistakes and vowing to forge their own path forward. "I've been wrong, I've been right, I've been up, I've been down," they sing, acknowledging the ups and downs of life while maintaining a sense of determination. The chorus serves as a powerful affirmation of self-worth, with the singer asserting their right to define themselves on their own terms. The phrase "call it what you want" is a defiant statement, challenging others to label or judge them while ultimately asserting their own autonomy. The song also touches on themes of social criticism, with subtle references to the pressures of conformity and the dangers of blindly following the crowd. The lyrics encourage listeners to think for themselves, question authority, and embrace their unique perspectives. Overall, "Call It What You Want" is a song about finding your voice, standing up for what you believe in, and refusing to let others define who you are.

Digging deeper, the lyrics aren't just about surface-level rebellion. They touch on the internal struggle of figuring out who you are. It's about owning your mistakes, learning from them, and not letting anyone else's expectations box you in. The repeated phrase, "call it what you want," is almost a challenge – like, "Go ahead, judge me, but it doesn't change who I am." It's a powerful message, especially for younger listeners who are still trying to find their place in the world. The song acknowledges that life isn't always easy, and that everyone makes mistakes. But it also emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-acceptance. It's about getting back up after you've been knocked down, dusting yourself off, and continuing to move forward with your head held high. The lyrics resonate because they're honest and relatable. Everyone has faced moments of doubt, uncertainty, and pressure to conform. "Call It What You Want" offers a message of hope and encouragement, reminding us that we all have the power to define our own identities and create our own paths.

Musical Composition and Style

Musically, "Call It What You Want" exemplifies Tesla's signature hard rock style, blending catchy melodies with powerful instrumentation and dynamic arrangements. The song opens with a memorable guitar riff that immediately grabs the listener's attention. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation, with a driving bassline and a steady drumbeat that propels the song forward. The vocals are delivered with passion and conviction, capturing the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The song's structure is fairly straightforward, with verses that build tension leading into a powerful and anthemic chorus. The use of dynamic contrast is particularly effective, with quieter verses that allow the chorus to explode with energy. The guitar solos are a highlight of the song, showcasing the band's technical prowess and adding to the overall excitement. The song also incorporates elements of blues and southern rock, which are characteristic of Tesla's sound. The use of slide guitar and harmonica adds a touch of grit and authenticity, while the overall feel of the song is both energetic and soulful. In terms of its place within Tesla's discography, "Call It What You Want" is a quintessential example of their ability to blend hard rock energy with thoughtful songwriting. It's a song that's both catchy and meaningful, and it's easy to see why it has become a fan favorite over the years.

The beauty of "Call It What You Want" lies not just in its lyrics but in the way the music amplifies the message. The driving rhythm makes you want to pump your fist and sing along, while the guitar riffs add a layer of raw energy. It's not overly polished or produced; it's got a raw, live feel that makes it sound like you're right there in the concert hall with the band. The song's structure is classic rock perfection: a catchy intro, verses that build anticipation, and a chorus that explodes with emotion. The guitar solos are tasteful and melodic, adding to the song's overall impact without overshadowing the vocals or the message. And let's not forget the vocals! Jeff Keith's voice is perfect for this song – he delivers the lyrics with a combination of grit, passion, and vulnerability that perfectly captures the song's themes. He's not just singing the words; he's conveying the emotion behind them. The musical composition of "Call It What You Want" is a testament to Tesla's skill as musicians and songwriters. They knew how to craft a song that was both catchy and meaningful, energetic and soulful. It's a song that has stood the test of time, and it continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

Enduring Appeal and Legacy

The enduring appeal of "Call It What You Want" lies in its timeless message of individuality, self-expression, and resilience. The song's themes are universal and relatable, resonating with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Its message of empowerment is particularly relevant in today's society, where young people are constantly bombarded with messages about conformity and societal expectations. "Call It What You Want" offers a counter-narrative, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and stand up for what they believe in. The song's catchy melody and energetic performance also contribute to its enduring appeal. It's a song that's easy to sing along to, and it's guaranteed to get you pumped up. Its place in popular culture is also significant, as it has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. This exposure has helped to introduce the song to new audiences and ensure its continued relevance. Overall, "Call It What You Want" is a classic rock anthem that has stood the test of time. Its message of individuality and resilience continues to resonate with listeners today, and its place in popular culture is secure.

So, why does "Call It What You Want" still matter today? Because its message is timeless. We all struggle with feeling like we don't fit in, with the pressure to conform, and with the fear of being judged. This song reminds us that it's okay to be different, that it's okay to make mistakes, and that we have the power to define ourselves on our own terms. In a world that often tries to tell us who we should be, "Call It What You Want" is a reminder to be true to ourselves. It's a song that celebrates individuality, encourages self-expression, and empowers us to stand up for what we believe in. And that's a message that will always be relevant, no matter what the latest trends or fads may be. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to connect with us on a deep, emotional level and to inspire us to be our best selves. It's more than just a song; it's an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, a reminder that it's okay to be different, and a celebration of the power of individuality.