| "Last Day Under the Sun" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Volbeat | ||||
| from the album Rewind, Replay, Rebound | ||||
| Released | 13 June 2019 | |||
| Length | 4:47 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers | ||||
| Volbeat singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Last Day Under the Sun" on YouTube | ||||
"Last Day Under the Sun" is a song by Danish rock band Volbeat. It was released as a single and is the opening track on their seventh album Rewind, Replay, Rebound . It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in August 2019.
The lyrics for "Last Day Under the Sun" were inspired by a book about American singer Johnny Cash. [1] Volbeat frontman Michael Poulsen said he was influenced after reading about Cash's struggles with substance abuse. [2] He cited an incident in which Cash entered a cave intending to die but survived [3] and later viewed the experience as a second chance. [4] [5] Poulsen said he wrote the song to convey themes of hope, forgiveness, and recovery. [6]
The single was released on June 13, 2019, together with its official music video, as part of the promotion for Rewind, Replay, Rebound. It came after earlier promotional tracks that had already been issued during the album's release cycle. [1]
Billboard described the song as energetic and noted that its opening riff is reminiscent of the The Rolling Stones. [6] According to Metal Injection , the song features riffs in a 1970s hard rock style, marking a stylistic departure from Volbeat's usual blend of country and Metallica-influenced metal. [7] Upset Magazine described the song as featuring jangly alternative-rock riffs and an anthemic chorus performed by Poulsen. The publication also noted the return of long-time collaborator and backing vocalist Mia Maja. [8] According to Already Heard, the song opens the album with lyrics about second chances and perseverance. It features an anthemic style with a catchy chorus and backing from a Gospel choir. [9] According to Distorted Sound Magazine, the song opens the album with an upbeat 1980s‑influenced mood and features "prominent bass lines", a polished guitar solo, and melodic chorus vocals. [10] Rock 'N' Load wrote that the song opens the album with a rhythmic guitar riff that runs throughout the track. The review also noted the presence of guitar solos and a subtle drum beat. [11] In its review of the album, Blabbermouth described it as opening the album with guitar riffs influenced by the pop‑metal side of AC/DC and a sound packed with the catchy, radio‑friendly style of '80s rock. [12] In its review, AllMusic noted that the song includes backing vocals from Mia Maja and the Harlem Gospel Choir. The track features a fist-pumping chorus and guitar parts with prominent hooks reminiscent of early Boston. [13]
Chad Bowar of Consequence highlighted the song's lyrical themes and melodic hooks. [14] In its review of the album, The Guardian described the track as a stadium‑style singalong that opens the album. [15]
The official music video depicts characters going through difficult experiences and eventually moving toward a bright light or portal. [2] It was directed by Jakob Printzlau, who had previously worked with Volbeat on the videos for "The Devil's Bleeding Crown", "Lonesome Rider", "16 Dollars", [16] and "Cape of Our Heroes [sic]". [17] Behind-the-scenes footage of the video's production was also released. [18]
It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart on August 10, 2019, their seventh song to do so. [19]
Credits are adapted from Apple Music. [20]
Volbeat
Additional credits
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada) [27] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
| Streaming | ||
| Sweden (GLF) [28] | Gold | 4,000,000† |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||