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The Joy Of The Single
Movie

The Joy Of The Single

2012 • Unknown

Woke Score
1.2
out of 10

Plot

Pop stars, musicians and music industry experts reminisce about their love affair with the now once-defunct 7" single.

Overall Series Review

The Joy Of The Single is a nostalgic British documentary that celebrates the 7-inch vinyl record format. The film focuses on music history, the emotional and ritualistic experience of buying and playing singles, and the cultural impact of the format over several decades. It features interviews with musicians and industry figures like Jack White, Suzi Quatro, and Holly Johnson, who speak about the artistic constraints and unique charm of the single. The subject matter is entirely centered on music and culture, containing no discernible social commentary, political lecturing, or ideological arguments related to identity, gender, or religion. It is a straightforward, affectionate homage to a specific era of popular music and a physical medium.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics1/10

The documentary is about a music format and the artists who used it. Character merit is judged by contribution to music and the singles culture, not immutable characteristics. No focus on race or intersectional hierarchy is present; the commentary is purely cultural and historical.

Oikophobia1/10

The program is an act of appreciation and nostalgia for a major artifact of Western popular culture (the British/American 7” single), which is the antithesis of civilizational self-hatred. It celebrates a core part of its own home culture.

Feminism1/10

Gender dynamics are not a central theme. Female artists and experts are included on the basis of their musical relevance. The narrative does not employ 'Girl Boss' tropes, nor does it contain any anti-natal or anti-family messaging. The commentary is focused on their professional love for the music format.

LGBTQ+2/10

The core narrative does not center on sexual identity, deconstruct the nuclear family, or lecture on gender ideology. An openly gay musician, Holly Johnson, is featured, but his contribution is focused entirely on the 7-inch single and his career, resulting in a low but not perfect score.

Anti-Theism1/10

The subject is music history and cultural nostalgia. The program contains no commentary on religion or spirituality. There is no hostility toward traditional religion or advocacy for moral relativism.