"Cheerleader" is a song recorded by the American electronic music producer Porter Robinson for his third studio album, Smile! :D (2024). An electropop and synth-pop song, its lyrics, written by Robinson, deal with parasocial relationships. "Cheerleader" was released on March 20, 2024, through Mom + Pop, as the lead single from Smile! :D. For his first solo release in two years, Robinson wanted to create something that people would enjoy "without context".[1] It was accompanied by a music video where Robinson enters a virtual reality.
Multiple critics highlighted the contrast between the song's melody and lyrics, further noting its influence from emo. The song peaked at number 12 on Billboard'sDance/Electronic Songs.
Background and composition
"Cheerleader" was Porter Robinson's first solo release in two years. It was one of the first songs that Robinson wrote for his new musical era.[2] On writing the song, he said in a press release that he wanted to create something "that people could love with zero context – just instantaneous, universal, explosive connection".[1] The lyrics depict the convoluted, parasocial relationship between musicians and their fans, one example being the line "She's got hearts in her eyes / Saying, 'Boy, you better watch the time / Cause if you're not mine I'd rather see you burned alive".[3][4] The song features Robinson's own vocals, which Robin Murray of Clash described as "scintillating".[2]
An electropop[5] and synth-pop song,[6] multiple critics noted the contrast between its melody and lyrics.[7][8] Gillian Telling of People wrote that "Cheerleader" is "more of a pop anthem with emo undertones", contrasting with Robinson's previous works; Telling said Robinson was "reinventing his sound".[9] Similarly, Cleber Facchi of Música Instantânea felt that the song shows Robinson having a "completely distinct approach" when compared to his previous releases due to its emo sound.[10] Colin Joyce of Pitchfork said that the track resembled the emo pop of Metro Station and the post-hyperpop of Glaive and Aldn.[8] Jason Lipshutz of Billboard described it as "a synth-pop shot of adrenaline, with buzzing melodies and instrumental pile-ups that will leave you dizzy",[6] while Dan Harrison of Dork noted the song's "bouncy synths and earworm melodies".[7] Robin Murray of Clash and Liberty Dunworth of NME described it as "explosive".[2][3] Paul Simpson of AllMusic described the verses as resembling Phoenix's indie pop and the chorus as "soaring, anthemic [and] spiked with punchy breakbeats".[11]
Release and reception
"Cheerleader" was released on March 20, 2024, through Mom + Pop, as the lead single from Robinson's third studio album, Smile! :D.[1][7] The song was accompanied by a music video directed by Hugh Mulhern and creative-directed by Bradley & Pablo,[9][2] where Robinson enters a virtual reality.[3][1] Harrison described "Cheerleader" as a highlight from the album due to its blend of depth and accessibility.[7] Lipshutz praised that Robinson had created "the complete opposite of background noise".[6] Matthew Kim of The Line of Best Fit wrote that the song "has the most euphoric hook of the year".[12] Narzra Ahmed from Clash described it as "anthemic".[13] The song peaked at number 12 on Billboard'sDance/Electronic Songs.[14] It is also featured in the soundtrack of the video game EA Sports FC 25(2024).[15]
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