Deer in the Headlights (song)

Last updated
"Deer in the Headlights"
Deer in the Headlights song.png
Promotional single by Owl City
from the album All Things Bright and Beautiful
ReleasedMay 23, 2011
Genre Emo pop [1]
Length2:58
Label Republic
Songwriter(s) Adam Young
Producer(s) Young
Music video
"Deer in the Headlights" on YouTube

"Deer in the Headlights" is a song by American electronica project Owl City. The song was released on May 23, 2011 as the first promotional single from his third studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful . [2] In promotion of the single, a music video was released on June 30, 2011. [3]

Contents

Background and release

On May 16, 2011, Young began posting teasers for "Deer in the Headlights" on his website. He would stream layers of the track during the next five days to promote the single. On the first day, he posted the drum track of the song and followed with the bass line the next day. [2] The song premiered on Owl City's website on May 20, 2011, before it was released digitally on May 23. [2] The following day, the song was serviced to contemporary hit radio. [4]

Upon the release of "Deer in the Headlights", Young stated he was excited about the release of the song. Young told Spin that the track is "big and energetic" and that "it's got a huge sound." [5] The song comically describes Young's search for love in all the wrong places. [6] In an interview with JSYK.com, Young stated that the song is about "fending off the blinding light of superficial fluff relationships." [7]

Composition

"Deer in the Headlights" was written and produced by Adam Young. [8] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com, by Alfred Music Publishing, the track runs at 138 BPM and is in the key of D major. [9] Young's range in the song spans from the notes A3 to A5. [9] According to Young, the song is the most personal track on the album and highlights an ending relationship that ruined both lives that were involved. [10]

"I wrote a personal song that plays close to the chest in a way that no other song I've written ever has. I was ending a serious relationship at the time, and I was harrowed by the fact that so many people [specifically me] have a funny tendency to desire romance merely for the sake of avoiding loneliness, which ultimately means it's not about love at all!... So the song plays closely to the fact that I needed to pull myself out of the lights and remember what's more important than the romantic butterflies." [11]

"Deer in the Headlights" is described as an upbeat track, despite its depressing lyrical tone. [10] The song features drums, bass, and electric guitar high up in the mix with a couple of synth leads and the track was inspired by Blink-182. [5] [12]

Critical reception

"Deer in the Headlights" was met with positive reviews from music critics. Chad Grischow of IGN praised the comical lyrics that, "work great as a lonesome Young looks for love in all the wrong places, getting more than a brush off from the ladies." [6] Glenn Gamboa of Newsday described as the song as, "emo-pop-tinged." [1] Scott Shetler of PopCrush stated, "Young ditches his usual dreamy, ethereal style for layered, whirring synths that add a touch of dance music to the song... The synths drop out during the more rock-sounding chorus, when electric guitars take over as Young sings." He ended the review by calling the track, "the best Owl City song." [13]

Music video

On June 21, 2011, a preview for the "Deer in the Headlights" music video was released. [14] The music video officially premiered on June 30, 2011 via AOL and was directed by Steve Hoover. [3] The video was inspired by the 1985 science fiction film, Back to the Future . Young described the music video as a "quirky video for a cheeky song." [15] Going more in-depth about the music video, Young spoke with The Hollywood Reporter stating, "It was a collaborative idea between my director and myself. We came up with some incredible concepts, pulling from Back to the Future and the 80s in general. Shooting the video was a blast and I can't believe I got to drive the actual DeLorean from the old films. As a big fan of the trilogy, it was kind of a dream come true." [16]

The music video begins with Young skateboarding when a Delorean magically appears. Young hops into the car and is seen travelling down the "highway of life" with his imagination seeing everything from a jellyfish to a Tyrannosaurus. [17] [15] The music video features a guest appearance from Canadian electropop musician Lights. [18]

Live performances

Owl City performed "Deer in the Headlights" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on July 20, 2011, in his first ever televised performance. [19] The song was also performed live regularly during the All Things Bright and Beautiful Tour and was featured in Owl City's live album, Owl City: Live From Los Angeles . [20]

Track listing

CD single
No.TitleLength
1."Deer in the Headlights"3:00
Digital download [21]
No.TitleLength
1."Deer in the Headlights"2:58

Charts

Chart performance for "Deer in the Headlights"
Chart (2011)Peak
position
South Korea International Chart (GAON) [22] 145

Release history

Release history for "Deer in the Headlights"
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousMay 23, 2011 Republic [21]
United StatesMay 24, 2011 Contemporary hit radio [4]
GermanyAugust 11, 2011Digital download Universal Motown [23]

Related Research Articles

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

Lights Poxleitner-Bokan, known mononymously as Lights, is a Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter. Her debut album, The Listening (2009), included the singles "Drive My Soul" and "Saviour". Her second album, Siberia, which featured the single "Toes", was released in 2011. Her work has earned multiple Canadian Independent Music Awards, and Juno Awards including Pop Album of the Year for her third album Little Machines, which included the single "Up We Go", and fourth album Skin & Earth, in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Lights' fifth studio album, PEP, was released in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Owl City</span> American electronica musical project

Owl City is an American electronic music project created in 2007 in Owatonna, Minnesota. It is one of several projects by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adam Young, who created the project while experimenting with music in his parents' basement. Owl City developed a following on the social networking site MySpace, like many musicians who achieved success in the late 2000s, before signing with Universal Republic Records, now Republic Records, in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breanne Düren</span> American singer-songwriter

Breanne Elizabeth Dürenberger, better known by her stage name Breanne Düren, is an American musician best known for her work with electronic music project Owl City and her own solo work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Owl City discography</span> Band discography

The discography of American electronica project Owl City consists of seven studio albums, seven extended plays, twenty-four singles, and twelve music videos. Owl City issued his debut release, the extended play Of June, in September 2007; it peaked at number 15 on the United States Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart. His debut studio album Maybe I'm Dreaming followed in December 2008, peaking at number 13 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart. Following the success of Of June and Maybe I'm Dreaming, Young signed to Universal Republic Records in late 2008. His second studio album and major-label debut, Ocean Eyes, was released in July 2009. "Fireflies", the album's lead single, became an international success, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a top ten hit in several other countries. In correlation with the success of "Fireflies", Ocean Eyes peaked at number eight on the US Billboard 200 and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). An additional two singles were released from the album: "Vanilla Twilight" and "Umbrella Beach".

<i>All Things Bright and Beautiful</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Owl City

All Things Bright and Beautiful is the third studio album by the American electronica project Owl City. It was released on June 14, 2011, by Universal Republic Records. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, it became a commercial success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">To the Sky (Owl City song)</span> 2010 single by Owl City

"To the Sky" is a song by American electronica project Owl City from the 2010 film Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole. It was released as a single on August 31, 2010 via Universal Records and WaterTower Music. "To the Sky" was also featured as a bonus track on the German and Japanese deluxe releases of Owl City's third studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alligator Sky</span> 2011 single by Owl City featuring Shawn Chrystopher

"Alligator Sky" is a song by American electronica project Owl City from his third studio album All Things Bright and Beautiful. It was released as the lead single from the album on March 22, 2011. Four versions of the song were released: The first features Californian rapper Shawn Chrystopher, the second version omits Chrystopher's vocals, a third version featuring Atlanta rapper B.o.B leaked online, and a fourth version featuring vocals by Big Boi of Atlanta hip-hop duo OutKast also leaked online. The song debuted at the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Electronic Track chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Galaxies (song)</span> 2011 single by Owl City

"Galaxies" is a song by American electronica act Owl City, released on April 19, 2011. It is the second single from his third studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New York (Snow Patrol song)</span> 2011 single by Snow Patrol

"New York" is a song by Scottish alternative rock group Snow Patrol. The track is the third single from the band's sixth studio album, Fallen Empires. It was released as a digital download on 20 December 2011 in the US.

<i>The Midsummer Station</i> 2012 studio album by Owl City

The Midsummer Station is the fourth studio album by American electronica project Owl City. It was released on August 17, 2012, by Universal Republic Records. The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 selling 30,000 copies in its first week. In support of the album, Owl City went on the Midsummer Station World Tour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lonely Lullaby</span> 2011 single by Owl City

"Lonely Lullaby" is a song by American electronica project Owl City from his third studio album All Things Bright and Beautiful (2011). Originally released as a fan club exclusive in March 2011, the song is not included on the album itself. It was released digitally on July 19, 2011 through Universal Republic Records as the third single from All Things Bright and Beautiful.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Youtopia</span> 2011 single by Armin van Buuren featuring Adam Young

"Youtopia" is a song by Dutch DJ and record producer Armin van Buuren. It features the vocals from American singer Adam Young, who is also the founder of electronica project Owl City. This song was released in the Netherlands by his label Armind as a digital download on 28 November 2011 and as a CD on 13 December 2011. It was released as the sixth single from his fourth studio album Mirage. It debuted at number 68 on the Dutch Top 40 and number 137 on the Ultratop 50. This song was written by Benno de Goeij, Armin van Buuren and Adam Young.

<i>Ultraviolet</i> (EP) 2014 EP by Owl City

Ultraviolet is the fourth extended play by American electronica project Owl City, released digitally on June 27, 2014, through Republic Records. The EP's lead single, "Beautiful Times", which features violinist Lindsey Stirling, was released on April 8, 2014.

<i>Cinematic</i> (Owl City album) 2018 studio album by Owl City

Cinematic is the sixth studio album by Owl City. It was released independently via Sky Harbor on June 1, 2018. The album debuted at number 115 on the Billboard 200. Upon the albums release, Young released three "reels" EPs that would include some songs on the album.

"Angels" is a song by American electronica act Owl City. It was released on September 20, 2011, for Christian radio airplay as the fourth and final single from his third studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful.

<i>Owl City: Live From Los Angeles</i> 2012 video by Owl City

Owl City: Live From Los Angeles is a video album documenting the July 21, 2011, show of American electronica project Owl City's All Things Bright and Beautiful World Tour. It was released on February 7, 2012, by Eagle Rock Entertainment. Filmed at the Club Nokia in Los Angeles, the 94-minute recording was directed by Mark Lucas and produced by John Rubey and Michael A. Blum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreams Don't Turn to Dust</span> 2011 promotional single by Owl City

"Dreams Don't Turn to Dust" is a song by American electronica project Owl City. The song was released on October 10, 2011 as the second promotional single from his third studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful via Universal Republic. It was released exclusively in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Up to the Cloud</span> 2022 single by Owl City

"Up to the Cloud" is a song by American electronica act Owl City. The song first premiered on November 21, 2022, before it was released as a single on November 25. The song serves as the theme song for the mobile game, Neural Cloud. It is Owl City's first song in four years since the release of his sixth studio album, Cinematic.

"Wolf Bite" is a song by American electronica project Owl City. The song was released on June 18, 2014, as a promotional single from his fourth extended play, Ultraviolet. The song reached number 22 on the Christian Rock Songs chart and number 48 on the Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Things Bright and Beautiful Tour</span>

The All Things Bright and Beautiful Tour is the second headlining concert tour by American electronica project Owl City, in support of his third studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful (2011).

References

  1. 1 2 Glenn Gamboa (June 10, 2011). "Drops: 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'". Newsday . Archived from the original on May 30, 2012. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 "Owl City posts teaser of new single, Deer In The Headlights". Alternative Press . May 16, 2011. Archived from the original on August 8, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Deer In The Headlights | Owl City | Music Video". MTV . Viacom Media Networks. Archived from the original on June 28, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  4. 1 2 "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB . Archived from the original on August 6, 2012. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  5. 1 2 Kevin O'Donnell (March 3, 2011). "Owl City's Adam Young: New Album, Track By Track". Spin . Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  6. 1 2 Chad Grischow (June 14, 2011). "Owl City: All Things Bright And Beautiful". IGN . Archived from the original on June 20, 2011. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  7. ↑ Doug Van Pelt (July 9, 2011). "Owl City Dear in the Headlights video posted". HM . Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Deer in the Headlights - Owl City Credits". AllMusic . Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  9. 1 2 "Owl City "Deer in the Headlights" Sheet Music". musicnotes.com. Alfred Music Publishing . Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  10. 1 2 Dan MacIntosh (June 6, 2012). "Adam Young of Owl City". Songfacts . Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  11. ↑ Tony Cummings (August 19, 2011). "Owl City: Adam Young contemplates All Things Bright And Beautiful". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  12. ↑ Joe Bosso (May 6, 2011). "Owl City talks new album, All Things Bright And Beautiful". MusicRadar . Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  13. ↑ Scott Shetler (May 24, 2011). "Owl City, 'Deer in the Headlights' - Song Review". PopCrush . Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  14. ↑ Bryce Jacobson (June 21, 2011). "Owl City Preview Deer In The Headlights Video". Driven Far Off. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  15. 1 2 "Owl City's New Music Video for Deer in the Headlights Premieres today All Over AOL". Jesus Freak Hideout. June 30, 2011. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  16. ↑ Charlie Amter (July 19, 2011). "Owl City: Driving DeLorean from Back to the Future Was A Dream Come True". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  17. ↑ Melinda Newman (June 30, 2011). "Watch: Owl City's video for Deer in the Headlights". Uproxx . Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  18. ↑ Tyler Common (June 30, 2011). "Owl City releases new music video featuring Lights". Alternative Press . Archived from the original on July 5, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Owl City hitting LA and TV". HM . July 16, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  20. ↑ Scott Fryberger (February 10, 2012). "Owl City – Live From Los Angeles DVD". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  21. 1 2 "Deer in the Headlights - Single by Owl City". iTunes . Archived from the original on September 4, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Gaon Chart: 2011-06-01". GAON . Archived from the original on November 26, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Deer In The Headlights - Owl City". Universal Music Group . Retrieved March 10, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.