043: Sparks - Terminal Jive (1980) - Young Girls

Turning the record to side B of Terminal Jive (1980), Sparks present Young Girls — the album’s second single, though one that failed to make a dent on the charts. Written by Ron and Russell Mael, the track mixes bright, Eurovision-style choruses with lyrics that many listeners have since called “creepy as hell.”

In this episode, we untangle the irony and intent behind the words: is Sparks mocking a certain rock tradition of serenading teenage girls, or indulging in it? We also look at how its surprisingly forward-leaning production — recorded in 1979 but sounding closer to mid-80s synth pop — sets it apart sonically, even if the song itself remains divisive. Despite a few live outings and some obscure covers, Young Girls has mostly lingered as one of Sparks’ more controversial curiosities.