Let’s talk about “Rush” by Troye Sivan, a pulsating synth-pop track that shows us love in hyperdrive. It’s a delicious blend of sonic ambition and lyrical audacity that speaks of a deep desire and irresistible attraction, immersed in the heady delirium of falling in love. It’s a theme as old as pop itself, but in Troye Sivan’s artful hands, it becomes a sparkling mosaic of pop-cultural references, yearning, and unadulterated pleasure.
“Big communication, tell me what you want / Translate your vibration, let your body talk” With these lines, Troye sets the stage for an intimate dynamic, encouraging his partner to reveal their desires. Here, the word “vibration” is more than just a buzzword—it’s asking for an unspoken, physical communication that transcends words. It’s about body language, a theme often explored in pop music, reminding me of the 1984 hit “Body Language” by Queen. Remember Freddie Mercury enticing his lover with “Don’t talk, let your body do the talking”? That’s the vibe we’re aiming for here.
The refrain of “I feel the rush, addicted to your touch” is a classic pop trope, employing the metaphor of addictive substances to represent powerful emotions. Comparable to Kylie Minogue’s 2001 hit “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”, Sivan is saying that this attraction is potent, uncontrollable—something he just can’t get enough of. It’s pop’s favorite drug: dopamine-infused passion.
Now, don’t miss the line, “Pass your boy the heatwave, recreate the sun”. This doesn’t mean Troye’s after a sunburn or tropical vacation, it’s deeper. He’s asking his partner to bring the heat, or more specifically, some fiery passion. The mention of “recreate the sun” signifies the desire to experience something vibrant and powerful. It’s about feeling youthful, alive, and radiating with joy, just like the sun—eclipsing Betty Who’s “Just Thought You Should Know” with a nuclear twist.
Finishing the song with “It’s so good, it’s so good” only reiterates the strength of this attraction, subtly echoing Marvin Gaye’s 1965 classic “Ain’t That Peculiar”—a looping admission of love’s sweet pleasure. It’s a tune overflowing with desire, reinforcing the head-over-heels dichotomy of falling in love and its irresistible euphoria.
“Rush”, in my book, is a stimulating dive into the sensory depths of love and passion. It is as much a dance floor anthem as it is a sultry love letter. Troye Sivan pulls an eclectic mix of pop traditions, from 80’s ballads to 90’s dance hits, into a song that pulses with paradox—it’s a familiar tale told with bold originality. And isn’t that just so pop? It certainly makes Rush to the list of Troye Sivans best songs of all time.
