Song DNA
Misophonia Triggers
A satirical punk-new wave track parodying male obsession with pornography, featuring Devo's signature robotic energy and dissonant synths.
Hear it the way it was made
The right gear changes everything.
Moods: energetic, rebellious
Traditions: new wave, punk
How this song sits on each sensory axis
A dynamic range of 7/10 means this song moves. Expect a real volume climb between quiet sections and the loudest part of the arrangement — enough that you may want to set the initial volume below where you'd normally land.
Sudden changes: present. This song uses surprise as a feature. For focus or background listening, it's likely to pull your attention away; for active listening, that's often the point.
Texture is layered — a full arrangement with clear separation between parts.
Predictability is medium — conventional structure overall, with one or two moments that deviate from what you'd expect.
Vocal style: dynamic vocals.
Where this sits in Devo's catalog
We have 18 songs from Devo in the library. Of those, 0 are rated Safe, 12 Moderate, and 6 Intense. This song's dynamic range of 7/10 sits above the artist average of 6.7, making it the #9 most dynamic track of theirs in our library.
1990 context
Released in 1990. We have 238 songs from that year in our library, averaging a dynamic range of 6.5/10. This track is about average than the year average. Explore more from the 1990s.
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Why this rating
We rate this song Intense. Our rule is deliberately conservative: any one of high dynamic range, present sudden changes, harsh texture, or a strained/screamed vocal is enough to trigger Intense on its own. Full scoring rubric: methodology.
Rating last reviewed: 2026-04-15. Reviewed by the Music I Want editorial team against the documented methodology.
Think this rating is wrong? Email the editor — every message is read and ratings get revised.
Frequently asked about "Penetration in the Centrefold"
Quick answers pulled from the song's sensory analysis.
What is the sensory intensity of "Penetration in the Centrefold" by Devo?
"Penetration in the Centrefold" by Devo rates as Intense. Dynamic range 7/10, moderate sudden changes, layered texture, dynamic vocals vocal style. Any one of high dynamic range, present sudden changes, or harsh texture triggers the Intense rating.
How loud is "Penetration in the Centrefold" — what is its dynamic range?
"Penetration in the Centrefold" has a dynamic range of 7/10. Noticeable climb from quiet sections to loudest point. Set opening volume slightly lower than your preferred peak.
Does "Penetration in the Centrefold" have sudden or surprising changes?
Yes. "Penetration in the Centrefold" uses surprise as a compositional feature. Expect unsignaled transitions.
What is "Penetration in the Centrefold" best for?
In our library "Penetration in the Centrefold" is recommended for: energy, movement. These tags are assigned only where the song's sensory profile genuinely supports the use case.
When was "Penetration in the Centrefold" released?
"Penetration in the Centrefold" is from 1990, on the album "Greatest Misses". It appears in our 1990s catalog.
What is the emotional mood of "Penetration in the Centrefold"?
We tag "Penetration in the Centrefold" as energetic, rebellious. Moods are tonal descriptors based on how the song reads emotionally — separate from the sensory intensity axes.
What is the vocal style of "Penetration in the Centrefold"?
The vocal style is dynamic vocals.
Should I listen to "Penetration in the Centrefold"?
"Penetration in the Centrefold" is Intense in our ratings — dramatic dynamics, possible sudden changes, or strong vocal or textural energy. Best with intention rather than ambient use. If you are sensory-sensitive, the alternatives section surfaces calmer songs in the same mood family.
Songs with the same DNA
layered texture, similar intensity — across any genre or era.
Safer alternatives with a similar feel
These songs share similar moods but with a gentler sensory profile.
What this song means to people
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