"Hey You" is a song by American heavy metal band Disturbed. It is the first single and opening track from their eighth album, Divisive. It reached No. 1 on the BillboardMainstream Rock Airplay chart in September 2022.
On July 7, 2022, Disturbed announced the release of a new single titled "Hey You". It was scheduled for release online on July 14, 2022.[1] In the days leading up to its release, the band promoted the single by sharing a preview of its music video on July 11, 2022.[2] It was followed by a 30-second audio teaser released via social media on July 12, 2022.[3]
The band confirmed that the song would be the first single from their upcoming album, which was expected to be released later in 2022.[4]
Composition and lyrics
The song has been described by Consequence as recalling the band's early work, particularly the band's first album The Sickness. The track features David Draiman's staccato vocal delivery over heavy guitar riffs by Dan Donegan. It has a melodic chorus while retaining heavy instrumentation.[4]Wall of Sound characterized the track as a return to the band's heavier, riff-driven sound, comparing it to "Indestructible".[5]
According to Draiman, the song was written in response to what he described as growing division in society since the release of Evolution. He called the track a "wake-up call", saying it deals with moral outrage, the breakdown of respectful conversation, and societal division.[6]
Donegan said the song was meant as a wake-up call to encourage reflection on increasing hostility due to social media and politics. He pointed to how people are no longer really having respectful conversations, how attacks have increased, and how those with different views are often just "canceled".[7]
Reception
Loudwire said that some fans praised the song for its aggressiveness, while others criticized its lyrics.[8] A Kerrang! review said that after listening to the first three tracks, including "Hey You", the reviewer was hoping they were just off tracks and that the album's heavier, more high-energy material would show up later.[9]Sputnikmusic staff Trey said the song's verses and grooves are solid, but the big area-rock chorus kills the momentum and isn't as good as the choruses on the other singles, disrupting the track's flow.[10]
According to Consequence and as of November 18, 2022, "Hey You" had amassed more than 25 million streams.[11]
Music video
The single was released alongside a cinematic, science-fiction-themed music video, which premiered on the same day.[12] The video was directed by Josiahx and filmed in Los Angeles on June 14, 2022, featuring all four members of the band performing.[13] It shows a futuristic, Matrix-like world where people are exposed to a constant stream of media, reflecting the song's commentary on societal division.[14]
Chart performance
It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart on September 3, 2022, their eleventh song to do so.[15]
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