Bunny Is a Rider

Last updated
"Bunny Is a Rider"
Caroline Polachek - Bunny Is a Rider.png
Single by Caroline Polachek
from the album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You
ReleasedJuly 14, 2021 (2021-07-14)
Genre
Length3:17
Label Perpetual Novice
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Caroline Polachek singles chronology
"Breathless"
(2020)
"Bunny Is a Rider"
(2021)
"New Shapes"
(2021)
Music video
"Bunny Is a Rider" on YouTube

"Bunny Is a Rider" is a song by American singer Caroline Polachek, released on July 14, 2021, through Perpetual Novice. It is the lead single from her fourth studio album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You . Written and co-produced by Polachek, it features production by frequent collaborator Danny L Harle. The song received critical acclaim and was named the best song of 2021 by Pitchfork .

Contents

Background and composition

Upon releasing the song, Polachek referred to "Bunny Is a Rider" as "a summer jam about being unavailable". Keeping the identity of "Bunny" a mystery, she revealed, "Bunny is slippery, impossible to get ahold of. Maybe it's a fantasy, maybe it's a bad attitude. But anyone can be Bunny, at least for three minutes and seventeen seconds". [1] The production features "a scorching bass performance from producer Danny L Harle, plus his baby daughter's first vocal cameo". [2]

Critical reception

The song was met with widespread critical acclaim. Jordan Darville of The Fader labeled the song "avant-pop". Describing the song as "gently groovy and full of the vocal wizardry Polachek does so well", it was later included on the magazine's "weekly Songs You Need playlist". [3] Praising the track, Robin Murray at Clash Music opined that the song is a "fantastic piece of electronic pop" and an "extraordinary return" of Polachek. [4] Jade Gomez at Paste felt like the song was a change of pace for Polachek, viewing the release as "a sonic departure from Polachek's dreamy, introspective indie-pop as she veers into spicier territories". The prominent "whistles transport listeners into a Caribbean paradise as Polachek reflects on operating untethered to anyone or anything". [5] The writers of DIY called the song a "futuristic-pop bop". [6] James Rettig at Stereogum noted the "twitchy and smooth" production, complemented by Polachek's "gliding, stuttering processed vocals". [7]

The song was ranked as the number-one song on Pitchfork's year-end list of 2021.

Year-end lists for "Bunny Is a Rider"
PublicationListRankRef.
Consequence Top 50 Songs of 2021
11
[8]
Gigwise The Gigwise 20 Best Tracks of 2021
5
[9]
The Guardian The 20 best songs of 2021
4
[10]
The New York Times Lindsay Zoladz's Top 25 Best Songs of 2021
15
[11]
NME The 50 best songs of 2021
17
[12]
Pitchfork Top 100 Songs of 2021
1
[13]
Uproxx The Best Songs of 2021Placed [14]

Music video

The music video was released on July 26, 2021, and was directed by Matt Copson, while Polachek herself served as a co-director. [3] The scenery is set in "a dimly lit labyrinth of boxes". Polachek is then seen leading the camera towards "different sections of the maze", passing by boxes that contain taped labels with words like "rocket science", "geese" and "dark crystals". [15] Brit Dawson at Dazed Digital drew comparisons to Tomb Raider and Alice in Wonderland . [16]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chairlift (band)</span> American synth-pop band

Chairlift was an American synth-pop band formed by Caroline Polachek and Aaron Pfenning. They formed the band in 2005 while living in Boulder, Colorado, and Patrick Wimberly joined them when they moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 2007. The three released their debut album Does You Inspire You in 2008. Pfenning left the band in 2010, and the new duo released two more albums—2012's Something and 2016's Moth—before announcing the end of Chairlift in December 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grimes</span> Canadian musician (born 1988)

Claire Elise Boucher, known professionally as Grimes, is a Canadian musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her early work has been described as extending from "lo-fi R&B" to futuristic dance-pop, and has incorporated influences from electronic music, hip hop, and rock. Her lyrics often touch on science fiction and feminist themes. The visuals in her videos are elaborate and sometimes have fantasy themes. She has released five studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charli XCX</span> English singer and songwriter (born 1992)

Charlotte Emma Aitchison, known professionally as Charli XCX, is an English singer and songwriter. Born in Cambridge and raised in Start Hill, Essex, she began posting songs on Myspace in 2008, which led to her discovery by a promoter who invited her to perform at warehouse raves. In 2010, she signed a recording contract with Asylum Records, releasing a series of singles and mixtapes throughout 2011 and 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caroline Polachek</span> American singer (born 1985)

Caroline Elizabeth Polachek is an American singer, producer, and songwriter. Raised in Connecticut, Polachek cofounded the indie pop band Chairlift while studying at the University of Colorado. The duo emerged from the late-2000s Brooklyn music scene with the sleeper hit "Bruises". In 2014, she released her first solo project, Arcadia, as Ramona Lisa. Under CEP, she released Drawing the Target Around the Arrow in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sophie (musician)</span> Scottish music producer and DJ (1986–2021)

Sophie Xeon, known mononymously as SOPHIE, was a Scottish music producer, songwriter, and DJ. Sophie's work is known for its brash take on pop music and is distinguished by experimental sound design, "sugary" synthesized textures, and incorporation of influences from underground dance styles. It would help pioneer the 2010s hyperpop microgenre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PC Music</span> UK-based record label and art collective

PC Music is a record label and art collective based in London and run by producer A. G. Cook. It was founded in 2013, uploading its first releases to SoundCloud that year. Artists on its roster have included Hannah Diamond, GFOTY, Danny L Harle, EASYFUN, Namasenda, and Planet 1999. The label's releases have been showcased on the compilations PC Music Volume 1 (2015), Volume 2 (2016), and Volume 3 (2022). Following a decade-long run, since 2024 the label is now only dedicated to archival projects and special reissues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. G. Cook</span> British music producer (born 1990)

Alexander Guy Cook is an English music producer and the head of the UK record label PC Music. Cook released his first solo singles in 2014. He has also collaborated with PC Music artists such as Hannah Diamond, GFOTY, EASYFUN, Danny L Harle and felicita. He formed the one-off project QT with musician Sophie and performance artist Hayden Dunham, producing the 2014 single "Hey QT".

Daniel Jack Eisner Harle is a British music producer and composer who records under the name Danny L Harle. He was formerly signed to the London-based PC Music label and is a member of Dux Content with A. G. Cook. He has produced, composed, and remixed music for a number of artists; most prominently, he executive produced Caroline Polachek's 2019 album Pang and 2023 album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You. He released his debut album Harlecore (2021) through the label Mad Decent, featuring collaborations with Polachek, Hudson Mohawke, and Lil Data.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Door (song)</span> 2019 single by Caroline Polachek

"Door" is a song by American singer-songwriter and producer Caroline Polachek from her third studio and major-label debut album Pang. It was released as the lead single from the album on June 19, 2019. Polachek's imprint label under The Orchard is called Perpetual Novice after a line in "Door". The song is the first release by Polachek under her own name, having previously released music under "Ramona Lisa", "CEP", and as part of the band "Chairlift". The song was written and produced by Polachek, Dan Nigro and Jim-E Stack and Danny L Harle. "Door" was released alongside a psychedelic-inspired music video.

Marylou Mayniel, better known by her stage name Oklou, is a French musician, singer, music producer, DJ, composer, and actress.

<i>Pang</i> (album) 2019 album by Caroline Polachek

Pang is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter and producer Caroline Polachek, the first under her own name. It was released by Sony Music, The Orchard, and Polachek's imprint Perpetual Novice on October 18, 2019. The album received critical acclaim from and was placed on several critics' year-end lists, topping Dazed's list. Commercially, Pang peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and number 40 on the Independent Albums chart, making it Polachek's first charting solo album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings</span> 2019 single by Caroline Polachek

"So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings" is a song by American singer Caroline Polachek from her third studio album Pang (2019). The song was released on September 16, 2019 through Perpetual Novice. It has been described as a new wave and indie pop track. While it did not chart at the time of its release, the song became a sleeper hit after it went viral on TikTok in early 2022.

<i>Harlecore</i> 2021 studio album by Danny L Harle

Harlecore is the debut full-length album by British electronic musician Danny L Harle. It was released 26 February 2021 via Mad Decent. The album draws heavily on rave music, and features Harle taking on the personas of four different DJs, including: DJ Danny, MC Boing, DJ Mayhem and DJ Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethel Cain</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1998)

Hayden Silas Horner, known professionally as Ethel Cain, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and model. Inspired by Christian music and Gregorian chant, with lyrics focused on nostalgic and Southern Gothic themes, her music has been associated with the ambient, indie rock, and folk genres. She has released multiple extended plays (EPs) on streaming platforms under various aliases, before officially starting her main project in mid-2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Shapes</span> 2021 single by Charli XCX featuring Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polachek

"New Shapes" is a song by English singer Charli XCX, featuring French singer Christine and the Queens and American singer Caroline Polachek. It was released on 4 November 2021 as the second single from XCX's fifth studio album, Crash (2022). The song has been described as an '80s-inspired synth-pop, indie pop, and electro-funk track.

<i>Crash</i> (Charli XCX album) 2022 studio album by Charli XCX

Crash is the fifth studio album by British singer Charli XCX, released on 18 March 2022. It was her last album to be released under her record contract with Asylum Records. Charli announced the album title, release date, and artwork on 4 November 2021. Her website was also updated with information about the album's 2022 tour. The album was preceded by the four singles "Good Ones", "New Shapes" featuring Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polachek, "Beg for You" featuring Rina Sawayama, "Baby" and two promotional singles, "Every Rule" and "Used to Know Me", the latter released as the fifth single in April 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billions (song)</span> 2022 single by Caroline Polachek

"Billions" is a song by American singer-songwriter and record producer Caroline Polachek. It was released on February 9, 2022 as the second single from Polachek's fourth album, Desire, I Want to Turn Into You (2023).

<i>Nymph</i> (album) 2022 studio album by Shygirl

Nymph is the debut studio album by British rapper and singer Shygirl. It was released on 30 September 2022 on vinyl, CD, cassette and digital download, through Because Music. The album was announced alongside the release of its lead single "Firefly" on 10 May 2022. The second single "Come for Me" was released on 7 June 2022. The album was shortlisted for the 2023 Mercury Prize.

<i>Desire, I Want to Turn Into You</i> 2023 album by Caroline Polachek

Desire, I Want to Turn Into You is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter and producer Caroline Polachek, her second under her own name. It was released on February 14, 2023, by Sony Music, The Orchard, and Polachek's imprint Perpetual Novice. Polachek produced most of the album alongside Danny L Harle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dang (song)</span> 2023 Caroline Polachek single

"Dang" is a song by American songwriter and producer Caroline Polachek, released on October 17, 2023 as the lead single from Desire, I Want to Turn Into You: Everasking Edition. It was written and produced by Polachek with Danny L Harle and Cecile Believe.

References

  1. Minsker, Evan (July 14, 2021). "Caroline Polachek Shares New Song "Bunny Is a Rider": Listen". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  2. Lavin, Will (July 14, 2021). "Caroline Polachek evades capture on new single 'Bunny Is A Rider'". NME . Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  3. 1 2 Darville, Jordan (July 26, 2021). "Caroline Polachek announces tour, shares "Bunny Is A Rider" music video". The Fader . Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  4. Murray, Robin (July 15, 2021). "Caroline Polachek's 'Bunny Is A Rider' Is A Stunning Return". Clash Music . Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  5. Gomez, Jade (July 14, 2021). "Caroline Polachek Returns with "Bunny Is a Rider"". Paste . Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  6. "Caroline Polachek unveils 'Bunny Is a Rider' video". DIY . July 26, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  7. Rettig, James (July 14, 2021). "Caroline Polachek – "Bunny Is A Rider"". Stereogum . Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  8. "Top 50 Songs of 2021". Consequence . December 6, 2021. Archived from the original on December 6, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  9. "The Gigwise 20 Best Tracks of 2021". Gigwise . December 7, 2021. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  10. Beaumont-Thomas, Ben; Snapes, Laura (November 29, 2021). "The 20 best songs of 2021". TheGuardian.com . Archived from the original on November 29, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  11. Pareles, Jon; Caramanica, Jon; Zoladz, Lindsay (December 7, 2021). "Best Songs of 2021". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 1, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  12. Flood, Alex; Trendell, Andrew; Hunt, El; Kemp, Ella; Shutler, Ali; Jolley, Ben; Mylrea, Hannah; Williams, Jenessa; Bassett, Jordan; Williams, Kyann-Sian; Krol, Charlotte; Daly, Rhian; Clark, Patrick; Williams, Sophie; Smith, Thomas; Richards, Will; Buchanan, Rhys; Moore, Sam (December 7, 2021). "The 50 best songs of 2021". NME . Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  13. "The 100 Best Songs of 2021". Pitchfork . December 6, 2021. Archived from the original on March 28, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  14. White, Caitlin; Droke, Carolyn; Williams, Aaron; Hyden, Steve; Gelfand, Zac; Okon, Wongo; Rossignol, Derrick; Spinelli, Adrian; Johnson, Chereise (December 1, 2021). "The Best Songs of 2021". Uproxx . Archived from the original on December 2, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  15. Serrano, Athena (July 26, 2021). "Caroline Polachek dances away from a minotaur in 'Bunny Is a Rider' video". MTV . Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  16. Dawson, Brit (July 27, 2021). "Caroline Polachek channels Lara Croft in 'Bunny Is A Rider' video". Dazed Digital . Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2022.

Further reading