Frontman Ronnie Radke describes "Popular Monster" as "the voice inside my head," exploring the story of a hero falsely accused and destroyed by society.
This was the final music video to feature founding rhythm guitarist Derek Jones , who passed away in April 2020 shortly before the song hit #1 on the charts. Chart Performance and Album Success Falling In Reverse Populer Monster
The lyrics delve into Radke's personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and the pressure of being someone the public "loves to hate". Frontman Ronnie Radke describes "Popular Monster" as "the
Radke drew direct inspiration from the 2019 film Joker , particularly the concept of a person being pushed too far until they become the "monster" society expects them to be. Radke drew direct inspiration from the 2019 film
The track is noted for its genre-blending approach, a staple of the band’s modern sound: