Rise Today

Last updated
"Rise Today"
Alterbridge risetoday.jpg
Single by Alter Bridge
from the album Blackbird
ReleasedJuly 31, 2007 (2007-07-31)
Genre Alternative metal
Length
  • 4:21(album version)
  • 4:14(single version)
  • 3:39(radio edit)
Label Universal Republic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Michael "Elvis" Baskette
Alter Bridge singles chronology
"Broken Wings"
(2005)
"Rise Today"
(2007)
"Watch Over You"
(2008)

"Rise Today" is a song by American rock band Alter Bridge. Written by lead guitarist Mark Tremonti and lead vocalist Myles Kennedy, it was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette and appeared on the band's 2007 second studio album Blackbird . The track was released as the lead single from the album on July 31, 2007, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Contents

Composition and lyrics

According to Alter Bridge lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, "Rise Today" is a song written "about asking yourself what you can do to change the world for the better [...] what [you] can do to make the world a better place [... and] how you can be a better person". [1] Speaking after the song's release, Tremonti explained that fans had initially misconstrued the meaning of the song somewhat. In an interview with The Pulse of Radio, the guitarist commented that "it's already getting kind of looked at the wrong way, where people think it's an anti-war song or whatnot, [but] it's more of a, you know, let's check ourselves and see if we can do something better for any given situation". [2]

Promotion and release

"Rise Today" was released as the first single from Blackbird on July 31, 2007. [3] The song was also used in a number of television commercials, including promotional spots for CSI: Miami [4] and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and was used as the main theme song of the WWE pay-per-view Unforgiven in September 2007. [1] Tremonti described the partnership by noting that "It's kind of an uplifting, energetic song that seems to fit well". [1] "Rise Today" has been performed consistently during live shows since its release; according to set list aggregation website Setlist.fm, it is the band's second most-frequently performed song, after "Metalingus". [5] It is often played as the final song of the set. [6]

Music video

The music video for "Rise Today" was filmed in a rehearsal space in the band's hometown of Orlando, Florida with director Dale "Rage" Resteghini and released on October 5, 2007. [7] Speaking about the production process, Resteghini commented that "I feel [this] is going to be one of my biggest rock videos ever. The song is amazing and the way we shot it, on anamorphic and spherical lenses on 16mm using all kinds of film stocks including reversal film, true black-and-white as well as cross processing some of the neg, allowed me to really get creative with this video". [8]

Reception

Commercial

"Rise Today" entered the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart at number 32 for the week of August 18, 2007. [9] It peaked at number 3 on the chart three months later, [10] spending a total of 26 weeks on the chart. [11] On the Alternative Songs (then known as Hot Modern Rock Songs) chart, the song entered at number 38 and peaked at number 32, spending 12 weeks in the top 40. [12] Outside of the US, "Rise Today" reached number 3 on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart in October 2007. [13]

Critical

In his review of Blackbird, Vik Bansal of musicOMH praised "Rise Today" as one of the highlights of the album, alongside "Before Tomorrow Comes", noting that the two singles "have obvious but oh so pleasurable hooks" and claiming that all three represent the record's "peak creative powers". [14] In a 2016 feature for TeamRock, Henry Yates ranked "Rise Today" as the second best song by the band (after "Blackbird"), praising its "emotional resonance" and "force-ten execution". [6]

Track listings

All tracks are written by Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy.

CD single, 7" picture disc and digital download
No.TitleLength
1."Rise Today" (single version)4:14
2."New Way to Live"5:40
Total length:9:54
Promotional CD single
No.TitleLength
1."Rise Today" (radio edit)3:39
2."Rise Today" (single version)4:14
Total length:7:53

Chart positions

Chart (2007)Peak
position
UK Physical Singles (OCC) [15] 61
UK Rock & Metal Singles (OCC) [13] 3
US Alternative Songs ( Billboard ) [12] 32
US Mainstream Rock ( Billboard ) [11] 3

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sevendust</span> American rock band

Sevendust is an American rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and rhythm guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and lead guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group. Following a few name changes, the members settled on the name Sevendust and released their self-titled debut album on April 15, 1997, which sold only 310 copies in its first week but ultimately achieved gold certification through touring and support from their label, TVT Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Myles Kennedy</span> American singer and guitarist

Myles Richard Bass, known professionally as Myles Kennedy, is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Alter Bridge and the lead vocalist in guitarist Slash's backing band, known as Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. A former guitar instructor from Spokane, Washington, Kennedy has worked as a session musician and songwriter, making both studio and live appearances with several artists, and has been involved with several projects throughout his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alter Bridge</span> American rock band

Alter Bridge is an American rock band from Orlando, Florida. The band was formed in 2004 by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy, lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips. After their former band Creed became inactive in 2003, Tremonti and Phillips formed a new band with former bandmate Marshall and new member Kennedy; Alter Bridge was formally unveiled in January 2004, months before Creed's official breakup in June.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Tremonti</span> American guitarist and singer

Mark Thomas Tremonti is an American guitarist and singer, best known for his tenures with the rock bands Creed and Alter Bridge. He is a founding member of both bands, and has also collaborated with many other artists over the years. He formed his own band Tremonti in 2011 and has released five albums with them, including A Dying Machine, which was adapted by Tremonti and science fiction novelist John Shirley.

<i>One Day Remains</i> 2004 studio album by Alter Bridge

One Day Remains is the debut studio album by American rock band Alter Bridge, released on August 10, 2004, on Wind-up Records. The album was produced by Ben Grosse, making it the band's only album to not be produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette as of 2020; additionally, it is the only release by the band on which lead singer Myles Kennedy does not play guitar. It has been certified Gold in the United States as of November 2004, with worldwide sales reaching 750,000. It is said the album received its name from the band members' attitudes that life should be lived as if only one day remains. Guitarist Mark Tremonti also said in an interview that the title is a reference to the title cards that appeared in the 2001 movie Donnie Darko, and it is one of the names the band considered using before settling with Alter Bridge.

<i>Blackbird</i> (Alter Bridge album) 2007 studio album by Alter Bridge

Blackbird is the second studio album by American rock band Alter Bridge, released on October 5, 2007. The first single, "Rise Today", was released on July 30, 2007. The album peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200, selling 47,000 copies in its first week on the charts. As of December 2008, Blackbird has sold 227,000 copies. Despite receiving poor marketing and generally low mainstream success, initial critical reception towards the album was mostly positive, with music critics praising the songwriting and musicianship. The album was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Open Your Eyes (Alter Bridge song)</span> 2004 single by Alter Bridge

"Open Your Eyes" is a song by American rock band Alter Bridge. The song, which is one of the band's biggest hits, was released as the first single off their 2004 debut album One Day Remains. It peaked at No. 2 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in 2004, the band's highest charting single on that chart until "Isolation" reached No. 1 in 2011. The song "Save Me", which appears on the soundtrack for Elektra, is also on the "Open Your Eyes" single as a b-side. Like many songs on the album, "Open Your Eyes" is about regrets and is one of the six songs on the record co-written by singer Myles Kennedy. The chorus seems to be encouraging peace. Lead guitarist Mark Tremonti originally wanted "Down to My Last" to be the first single, but the record company rejected it, saying it sounded too much like Creed, the then-former band of Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips. "Open Your Eyes" was chosen instead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Watch Over You</span> 2008 single by Alter Bridge

"Watch Over You" is a song by American rock band Alter Bridge. Written by lead guitarist Mark Tremonti and lead vocalist Myles Kennedy, it was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette and featured on the band's 2007 second studio album Blackbird. The track was released as the second single from the album on January 14, 2008, peaking at number 19 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart. An alternate version of the track featuring additional vocals by Lacuna Coil singer Cristina Scabbia was also later made available as a digital download.

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

American post-grunge band Creed has released four studio albums, two compilation albums, one extended play (EP), eighteen singles, one video album, and fifteen music videos. Formed in Tallahassee, Florida in 1994, Creed consists of vocalist Scott Stapp, guitarist and vocalist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips. Signed to Wind-up Records, the band released its debut album My Own Prison in August 1997, which reached number 22 on the US Billboard 200. The album was certified six times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). All four singles from the album reached the top three of the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alter Bridge discography</span> Band discography

The discography of Alter Bridge, an American rock band, includes seven studio albums, four live albums, one box set, one extended play (EP), 26 singles, two video albums and 14 music videos. Formed in Orlando, Florida, in 2004, Alter Bridge consists of Myles Kennedy and former Creed members Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips. The band released its debut album One Day Remains in 2004, which reached number 5 on the US Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA. Two of the three singles from the album – "Open Your Eyes" and "Find the Real" – reached the top ten of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

<i>AB III</i> 2010 studio album by Alter Bridge

AB III is the third studio album by American rock band Alter Bridge, released on October 8, 2010. Produced by Michael Baskette, the album is a departure from the band's first two albums; lyrically, it is a loose concept album dealing with darker lyrical themes of struggling with faith, while musically, the album's sound is more dynamic and progressive than previous recordings. AB III is also the first Alter Bridge album to be released on Roadrunner Records, making it the band's third consecutive album to be released on a different label. The album was released on Roadrunner Records worldwide except North America, where it was self-released on Alter Bridge Recordings via Capitol Records.

"Blackbird" is a song by American rock band Alter Bridge from their album of the same name, which was released on October 8, 2007, by Universal Republic. At nearly eight minutes long, it was the band's longest song until overtaken by "Fable of the Silent Son" 15 years later. It has received critical acclaim since its release, often cited as the crowning point of both the album and the band's career by critics, fans, and the band members themselves. In March 2011, Guitarist magazine listed the song's guitar solo, which is performed by both Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti, as the greatest guitar solo of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tremonti (band)</span> American heavy metal band

Tremonti is an American heavy metal band founded and fronted by lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Tremonti, best known as the lead guitarist of the rock bands Creed and Alter Bridge. The band also consists of rhythm guitarist Eric Friedman, bassist Tanner Keegan and drummer Ryan Bennett. Bassist Wolfgang Van Halen and drummer Garrett Whitlock are former members of the band. Mark Tremonti's Creed and Alter Bridge bandmate Brian Marshall was also a touring member in 2012.

<i>All I Was</i> 2012 studio album by Tremonti

All I Was is the debut studio album by Tremonti, a band formed by the lead guitarist for the American rock bands Creed and Alter Bridge, Mark Tremonti. Produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette, the album shows prominent thrash metal influences. It showcases the debut of Tremonti as a lead vocalist and features guitarist, bassist, and backing vocalist Eric Friedman and drummer Garrett Whitlock, both former members of Submersed. The album was released to critical acclaim on July 17, 2012, by FRET12 Records.

<i>Fortress</i> (Alter Bridge album) 2013 studio album by Alter Bridge

Fortress is the fourth studio album by American rock band Alter Bridge, released by Roadrunner Records on September 25, 2013. Michael Baskette, who produced Alter Bridge's previous two albums, Blackbird (2007) and AB III (2010), returned as the producer. It was released by Roadrunner Records worldwide except in the United States, where it was self-released on October 8, 2013, through Warner Music, Roadrunner Records passed to be an subsidiary of Warner Music, after EMI disappear a year before. The lead single, "Addicted to Pain", was released on August 12, 2013. The album was widely acclaimed, with several critics calling it the band's best album to date and giving praise to each of the band members' musical skills displayed on the record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Addicted to Pain</span> 2013 single by Alter Bridge

"Addicted to Pain" is a song by American rock band Alter Bridge. Written by lead vocalist Myles Kennedy and lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, it was featured on the band's 2013 fourth album Fortress. The song was also released as the lead single from the album on August 20, 2013, peaking at number 4 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and reaching the top 20 of several other Billboard charts.

<i>The Last Hero</i> (album) 2016 studio album by Alter Bridge

The Last Hero is the fifth studio album by American rock band Alter Bridge, released on October 7, 2016, by Napalm Records worldwide except in North America, where it was released on the band's own vanity label. It was produced by longtime collaborator Michael "Elvis" Baskette. The album's first single, "Show Me a Leader", was released digitally and to rock radio on July 26, 2016. On September 8, 2016, "My Champion" was released as the album's second single. The album's third single, "Poison In Your Veins", was released on June 12, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Show Me a Leader</span> 2016 single by Alter Bridge

"Show Me a Leader" is a song by American rock band Alter Bridge, released as the lead single from the band's fifth album, The Last Hero. It was made available as a digital download on July 26, 2016, by Napalm Records, the band's first release on the label, except in the United States, where it was released by Alter Bridge Recordings via Caroline Records. The song's music video was released online on August 31, 2016.

<i>A Dying Machine</i> 2018 studio album by Tremonti

A Dying Machine is the fourth studio album and first concept album by American heavy metal band Tremonti. It was released on June 8, 2018 via Napalm Records. The record was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who produced Tremonti's past three records and also produced Alter Bridge's records. The album is accompanied by a full-length novel under the same name written by Mark Tremonti and John Shirley, tying together loose ends of the album's plot. Frontman Mark Tremonti stated that the album is the most dynamic and diverse in his entire catalog. The album's first radio single, "Take You with Me", was released April 16, 2018. The single peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in June 2018.

<i>Walk the Sky</i> 2019 studio album by Alter Bridge

Walk the Sky is the sixth studio album by American rock band Alter Bridge, released on October 18, 2019 via Napalm Records. It was produced by the band's longtime collaborator Michael Baskette, who has produced all of the band's albums since 2007's Blackbird. The album's first single, "Wouldn't You Rather", was released on June 28, 2019. A second single, "Pay No Mind", was released on July 25, 2019, with four further singles, "Take the Crown", "In the Deep", "Dying Light", and "Godspeed" later released. The album's cover art was designed by Dan Tremonti, brother of guitarist Mark Tremonti; its packaging was designed by Sturge Media and Janus Music Mgmt. Along with the announcement of the album's release, it was also revealed that the band would embark on a European tour with Shinedown, Sevendust and the Raven Age towards the end of 2019.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Medalis, Kara A. (September 10, 2007). "Alter Bridge rocks Unforgiven". WWE . Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  2. "Alter Bridge Guitarist Says People Misconstrue New Single". Blabbermouth.net . August 10, 2007. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  3. "Alter Bridge: New Album Title, Release Date Announced". Blabbermouth.net. July 19, 2007. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  4. "Alter Bridge's New Single Featured In New 'CSI: Miami' Promo Spot". Blabbermouth.net. August 28, 2007. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  5. "Alter Bridge Tour Statistics". Setlist.fm. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  6. 1 2 Yates, Henry (July 16, 2016). "The Top 10 Best Alter Bridge Songs". TeamRock. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  7. "Alter Bridge: 'Rise Today' Video Available". Blabbermouth.net. October 5, 2007. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  8. "Alter Bridge Video Director: This Is 'Going To Be One Of My Biggest Rock Videos Ever'". Blabbermouth.net. September 15, 2007. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  9. "Mainstream Rock Songs: The Week of August 18, 2007". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  10. "Mainstream Rock Songs: The Week of December 22, 2007". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  11. 1 2 "Mainstream Rock Songs: Alter Bridge Chart History". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  12. 1 2 "Alternative Songs: Alter Bridge Chart History". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  13. 1 2 "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40: 21 October 2007 - 27 October 2007". Official Charts Company . Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  14. Bansal, Vik (October 8, 2007). "Alter Bridge – Blackbird". musicOMH . Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  15. "Physical Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. July 3, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.