Madness (Muse song)

Last updated

"Madness"
Muse - Madness.jpg
Single by Muse
from the album The 2nd Law
Released20 August 2012 (2012-08-20)
Recorded2011–2012
Genre
Length
  • 4:39 (album version)
  • 3:38 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s) Matt Bellamy
Producer(s) Muse
Muse singles chronology
"Survival"
(2012)		"Madness"
(2012)		"Follow Me"
(2012)

"Madness" is a song by the English rock band Muse. It is the second track and second single from Muse's sixth studio album, The 2nd Law (2012), released as a download on 20 August 2012. It was written by singer and guitarist Matthew Bellamy and produced by the band. The music video premiered on 5 September 2012.

Contents

"Madness" spent 19 weeks at number one on Billboard 's Alternative Songs chart, becoming the second-longest-running number-one song on the chart. The song earned a nomination in the Best Rock Song category at the 2013 Grammy Awards.

Background and writing

"Madness" is an electronic rock, [1] synth-pop, [2] soft rock, [3] and R&B song. [4] According to NME , "Madness" draws influences from Queen's "I Want to Break Free", George Michael's "Faith" and some instrumental elements of his other hit "I Want Your Sex". [5] During a preview of The 2nd Law on French site Jeuxactu, the song was said to resemble Depeche Mode and described as "calm, languid and sweet". [6] Matthew Bellamy stated that the song started as a personal reflection after a fight with his girlfriend Kate Hudson, and how, after she had gone to her mother's house, he began to realise "yeah, she was right, wasn't she?" [7] In a separate interview, Bellamy stated the song was the band's attempt to strip down the sound of the album, and that the song has its roots in twelve-bar blues with gospel, soul and R&B influences. He went on to conclude that, "It's the song I'm probably most proud of on the album for sure." [8]

Music video

The "Madness" music video was uploaded to Muse's YouTube channel on 5 September 2012. [9] This video saw the second collaboration between the band and director Anthony Mandler, who previously directed the music video for "Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)". [10] Jacquelyn London edited it. [11] [12] The director of photography was David Devlin. [11] The video was filmed on the Red Line platform at Los Angeles Union Station. [13] The two main characters are played by models Erin Wasson and Max Silberman. [14]

Release and reception

"Madness" was released as a download on 20 August 2012, [15] with an accompanying lyric video for the song being uploaded shortly after. [16] NME described the song as "taking the defining noise of 'bass music' and using it to create slinky, soft rock sex music." [3] The track review goes on to call it a brilliant single and states that Muse have "tamed the shark" following their declaration that Muse had jumped the shark with "Survival". [17] Diffuser.fm noted that the single "doesn't sound like the Muse that established itself as one of the world's biggest rock bands" but that "the unusual blend of sounds works far better than it probably should", giving the track 8/10. [18]

Rolling Stone stated that the single sees Muse "swap bombastic bass brutality with wubby subtleties as Matthew Bellamy croons over a surprisingly gentle pop track." [19] Radio Times described it as "George Michael's ‘Faith’ underwater". In a negative review of the song, Robert Myers of The Village Voice wrote that "the band's U2 imitation has finally caught up to Achtung Baby and Zooropa ". He further added that Muse "gets the surface details right but lacks the emotional and intellectual foundation to get at their inspiration's essence." [20] Rolling Stone named the song the 37th best song of 2012. [21] Chris Martin of Coldplay described the single as "Muse's best song yet". [22]

"Madness" spent 19 weeks at the summit of Billboard 's Alternative Songs chart, making it the longest running number-one song on the chart, beating the previous record of 18 weeks set by Foo Fighters' "The Pretender". The record was later broken again by Portugal. The Man's "Feel It Still" in 2017, which spent 20 weeks at the number-one spot. [23] "Madness" was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 2013 Grammy Awards, but lost to "Lonely Boy" by the Black Keys.

Commercial performance

"Madness" had a positive commercial performance, charting in several countries and peaking within the top 10 in Belgium (Wallonia), Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Portugal, and South Korea. In the band's home country of the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the song peaked at number 45 on the Hot 100 and number three on the Hot Rock Songs chart. It topped the Alternative Songs chart for 19 weeks, breaking the record for the longest-reigning number-one song on the chart, which was previously held by "The Pretender" by Foo Fighters. [24] That record later got overtaken by Portugal. The Man's "Feel It Still" in 2017 which spent 20 weeks at the number-one spot. [23] In late 2023, for the chart's 35th anniversary, [25] Billboard ranked "Madness" as the sixth-biggest hit in the history of the chart. [26] The song has been certified gold by the IFPI in Switzerland, platinum by the MC in Canada and FIMI in Italy, and double-platinum by the RIAA in the United States.

Track listing

Digital download [15]
No.TitleLength
1."Madness"4:39
UK promotional single [27]
No.TitleLength
1."Madness" (radio edit)3:38
2."Madness" (album version)4:40

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Madness"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [64] Platinum80,000*
Italy (FIMI) [65] Platinum30,000*
Mexico (AMPROFON) [66] Gold30,000*
Portugal (AFP) [67] Gold10,000‡
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [68] Gold15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [69] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [70] 2× Platinum2,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Song 2</span> 1997 single by Blur

"Song 2" is a song by English rock band Blur. The song is the second song on their eponymous fifth studio album. Released physically on 7 April 1997, "Song 2" peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, number four on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, and number six on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, becoming one of their biggest U.S. hits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Somebody Told Me</span> 2004 single by the Killers

"Somebody Told Me" is a song by American rock band the Killers. It was released as the second official single from the group's debut studio album Hot Fuss (2004), and was written by band members Brandon Flowers, Mark Stoermer, Dave Keuning and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Brandon Flowers said: "This is the story of trying to meet someone in a club." It is written in the key of B-flat minor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Hot Chili Peppers discography</span>

Since 1983, the American funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers has released 13 studio albums, two live albums, 12 compilation albums, 11 video albums, five extended plays, 66 singles, and 53 music videos. To date, the band has sold over 120 million albums worldwide. According to the RIAA the Chili Peppers have 6x Multi-Platinum, 2x Platinum and 3x Gold albums in the US, totalling 27.5m. They also have 9x Multi-Platinum, 3x Platinum and 4x Gold singles too, totalling 40m. They have been nominated for 19 Grammy Awards, of which they have won 6. They have the most no.1 singles (15), the most cumulative weeks at no.1 (91) and most top-10 songs (28) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supermassive Black Hole (song)</span> 2006 single by Muse

"Supermassive Black Hole" is a song by English rock band Muse. Written by Muse lead singer and principal songwriter Matt Bellamy, it was released as the lead single from the band's fourth studio album, Black Holes and Revelations (2006), on 19 June 2006, backed with "Crying Shame".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hysteria (Muse song)</span> 2003 single by Muse

"Hysteria" is a song by the English rock band Muse, released on December 1, 2003 as the third single from their third studio album, Absolution (2003). It was produced by Muse and Rich Costey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muse discography</span>

The discography of the English rock band Muse includes nine studio albums, two live albums, one compilation album, one box set, five EPs, 44 singles, two video albums and 61 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starlight (Muse song)</span> 2006 single by Muse

"Starlight" is a song by the English rock band Muse. It was released in 2006 as the second single from their fourth studio album, Black Holes and Revelations (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Killers discography</span>

American rock band the Killers have released seven studio albums, one live album, four compilation albums, one extended play, 42 singles, four promotional singles, and 39 music videos. Part of the post-punk revival movement, the Killers are influenced by music styles of the 1980s and 1990s. The band has sold over 28 million records worldwide. The group's debut album, Hot Fuss (2004), brought the band mainstream success, spawning four UK top-20 singles, including "Mr. Brightside". The album has since been certified six-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and height-times platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), selling seven million copies worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kings of Leon discography</span>

The discography of Kings of Leon, an American rock band, consists of nine studio albums, one live album, two compilation albums, two video album, five extended plays, 26 singles, one promotional single and 26 music videos. As of 2016 the band has sold over 21 million albums worldwide and 38 million singles. The band released their debut extended play Holy Roller Novocaine in February 2003, followed by the release of the extended play What I Saw in May. Their debut studio album, Youth and Young Manhood, was released in July 2003, peaking at number 113 on the US Billboard 200 and number three on the UK Albums Chart. The album has since been certified two times platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and three times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Three singles were released from the album, including the UK top 40 hit "Molly's Chambers". In November 2004, Kings of Leon released their second album, Aha Shake Heartbreak. The album peaked at number 55 on the Billboard 200 and number three on the UK Albums Chart. It has been certified double platinum by the BPI and the ARIA. The album's first single, "The Bucket", peaked at number 16 in the UK; it also became the band's first single to chart in the United States, where it peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Pretender (Foo Fighters song)</span> 2007 single by Foo Fighters

"The Pretender" is a song by American rock band Foo Fighters. It was the first single from the group's 2007 album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace. It is one of Foo Fighters' most successful songs; peaking at number 37 on the US Billboard Hot 100, only "Learn to Fly" and "Best of You" beat its position on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shinedown discography</span>

The American rock band Shinedown has released seven studio albums, two live albums, five extended plays, three video albums, and 31 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uprising (song)</span> 2009 single by Muse

"Uprising" is a song by the English rock band Muse, released on 4 August 2009 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, The Resistance (2009). It was written by Matt Bellamy, produced by Muse and mixed by Spike Stent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Undisclosed Desires</span> 2009 single by Muse

"Undisclosed Desires" is a song by English rock band Muse. It was released as the second single from their fifth studio album, The Resistance, on 16 November 2009. The song was written by lead vocalist Matthew Bellamy, who has described it as being "quite a personal song about me and my girlfriend." The song peaked at number 49 on the UK Singles Chart. It also achieved large success in Australia where it was certified Platinum and is Muse's highest-charting single in that country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radioactive (Kings of Leon song)</span> 2010 single by Kings of Leon

"Radioactive" is a song by American rock band Kings of Leon, and was the first single released from their 2010 album Come Around Sundown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wombats discography</span>

The discography of The Wombats, a Liverpool-based indie rock group, consists of six studio albums, ten extended plays and thirty-one singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metric discography</span> Discograpgy of Canadian rock band Metric

Canadian indie rock and new wave band Metric have released nine studio albums, seven extended plays, 25 singles, two video albums, 29 music videos and three soundtrack albums.

<i>The 2nd Law</i> 2012 studio album by Muse

The 2nd Law is the sixth studio album by English rock band Muse, first released on 28 September 2012 through Warner Bros. Records and the band's own Helium-3 imprint. Recording of the album took place in studios between London and Los Angeles County, beginning in October 2011 and ending in August 2012. The 2nd Law was Muse's second album to be solely self-produced, following The Resistance (2009), and features a plethora of additional musicians that performed brass, strings, and choir vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Follow Me (Muse song)</span> 2012 single by Muse

"Follow Me" is a song by the English rock band Muse, written by Matthew Bellamy for their sixth studio album, The 2nd Law. It appears as the sixth track on the album. The song was released as the third single from The 2nd Law on 7 December 2012, just over two months after the album was released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supremacy (song)</span> 2013 single by Muse

"Supremacy" is a song by English rock band Muse. It was released on 20 February 2013 as the fourth single from their sixth studio album, The 2nd Law. "Supremacy" peaked at number 58 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foals discography</span>

British alternative rock band Foals has released seven studio albums, one video album, six extended plays, thirty-three singles and thirty-seven music videos.

References

  1. ↑ Sperounes, Sandra (1 October 2012). "Album review: Muse, The 2nd Law". Edmonton Journal . Postmedia Network. Archived from the original on 12 September 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  2. ↑ Newman, Melinda (1 October 2012). "Album Review: Muse holds nothing back on 'The 2nd Law'". HitFix . Archived from the original on 27 October 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  3. 1 2 "NME Track Reviews – Muse – 'Madness'". NME . 21 August 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  4. ↑ Sutherland, Mark (1 October 2012). "Muse Fill London Show With Songs From 'The 2nd Law'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  5. ↑ "The 2nd Law – Album Summary – News". Muselive. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  6. ↑ "Muse : on a écouté The 2nd Law en avant-première". Musique.jeuxactu.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  7. ↑ "Muse reveal new single Madness inspired by fight with Kate Hudson". Metro . 17 August 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  8. ↑ Balfe, John (22 August 2012). "Muse speak about new single 'Madness'". entertainment.ie . Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  9. ↑ Coplan, Chris (5 September 2012). "Video: Muse – "Madness"". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  10. ↑ ""Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)" by Muse". VH1. 20 May 2010. Archived from the original on 24 May 2010. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  11. 1 2 Gottlieb, Steven (5 September 2015). "Watch It: Muse "Madness" – Anthony Mandler, dir". Videostatic. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  12. ↑ "Muse : Sunset Edit – 323.467.8550". Sunset Edit. Archived from the original on 21 March 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  13. ↑ Chen, Anna (20 December 2012). "Muse music video: "madness" on the subway". The Source. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  14. ↑ "Muse – Madness (2012)". Internet Music Video Database . Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  15. 1 2 "Muse – Madness (File)". Discogs . Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  16. ↑ Daw, Robbie (20 August 2012). "Muse Premiere "Madness" Lyric Video". Idolator . Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  17. ↑ Macbain, Hamish (28 June 2012). "Have Muse Jumped The Shark With Their Olympics Track?". NME. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  18. ↑ Shetler, Scott (20 August 2012). "Muse, 'Madness' – Song Review". Diffuser.fm. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  19. ↑ "Muse Unveil Subtle New Single 'Madness'". Rolling Stone. 20 August 2012. Archived from the original on 22 August 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  20. ↑ Myers, Robert (30 August 2012). "Hot 100 Roundup: Eric Church And Luke Bryan Milk It, Eminem Gets Silly, And More". The Village Voice . Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  21. ↑ "Muse, 'Madness' – 50 Best Songs of 2012". Rolling Stone. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  22. ↑ Bychawski, Adam (22 August 2012). "Chris Martin: 'Muse's new single 'Madness' is their best song ever'". NME. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  23. 1 2 "Portugal. The Man's 'Feel It Still' Breaks Record for Most Weeks at No. 1 on Alternative Songs Chart". Billboard .
  24. ↑ Trust, Gary (11 February 2013). "Muse's 'Madness' Rewrites Record For Longest-Reigning Alternative Songs No. 1". Billboard . Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  25. ↑ Rutherford, Kevin (7 September 2023). "Alternative Airplay Chart's 35th Anniversary: Foo Fighters Remain No. 1 Act, 'Monsters' New Top Song". Billboard . Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  26. ↑ "Greatest of All Time Alternative Songs". Billboard . Archived from the original on 6 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  27. ↑ "Muse – Madness (CD)". Discogs . Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  28. ↑ "Chartifacts". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  29. ↑ "Muse – Madness" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  30. ↑ "Muse – Madness" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  31. ↑ "Muse – Madness" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  32. ↑ "Muse Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  33. ↑ "Muse Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  34. ↑ "Muse Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  35. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 48. týden 2012 in the date selector.
  36. ↑ "Muse – Madness". Tracklisten.
  37. ↑ "Muse – Madness" (in French). Les classement single.
  38. ↑ "Muse – Madness" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  39. ↑ "Icelandic Singles Chart". Tónlist (via Internet Archive). Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  40. ↑ "Top 100 Singles – Week ending 23rd August 2012". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 26 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  41. ↑ "Media Forest Week 46, 2012". Israeli Airplay Chart. Media Forest.
  42. ↑ "Muse – Madness". Top Digital Download.
  43. ↑ "Muse Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  44. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Muse" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  45. ↑ "Muse – Madness" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  46. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  47. ↑ "Search: Gaon International Download Chart – Issue date: 2012.08.19 – 2012.08.25". Gaon Chart . Archived from the original on 25 August 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  48. ↑ "Muse – Madness" Canciones Top 50.
  49. ↑ "Muse – Madness". Swiss Singles Chart.
  50. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  51. ↑ "Muse Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  52. ↑ "Muse Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  53. ↑ "Muse Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  54. ↑ "Muse Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  55. ↑ "Muse Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  56. ↑ "Nuevas Esta Semana". Record Report (in Spanish). R.R. Digital C.A. 2 February 2013. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013.
  57. ↑ "Annual 2012 – Singles". Ultratop.be. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  58. ↑ "Top de l'année Top Singles 2012" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  59. ↑ "Classifica annuale 2012 (dal 02.01.2012 al 30.12.2012)" (in Italian). FIMI . Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  60. ↑ "Hot Rock Songs: Year End 2012". Billboard. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  61. ↑ "Adult Pop Songs: Year End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  62. ↑ "Hot Rock Songs: Year End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  63. ↑ "Rock Airplay Songs: Year End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved 22 December 2014.
  64. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Muse – Madness". Music Canada.
  65. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Muse – Madness" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Select "Tutti gli anni" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Madness" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  66. ↑ "Certificaciones" (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas . Retrieved 19 December 2019.Type Muse in the box under the ARTISTA column heading and Madness in the box under the TÍTULO column heading.
  67. ↑ "Portuguese single certifications – Muse – Madness" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa . Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  68. ↑ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Madness')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
  69. ↑ "British single certifications – Muse – Madness". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  70. ↑ "American single certifications – Muse – Madness". Recording Industry Association of America.
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.