River (Bishop Briggs song)

Last updated

"River"
River (Bishop Briggs song).jpg
Single by Bishop Briggs
from the EP Bishop Briggs and the album Church of Scars
Released22 January 2016 (2016-01-22)
Length3:40
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Bishop Briggs
  • Ian Scott
  • Mark Jackson
Producer(s)
  • Ian Scott
  • Mark Jackson
Bishop Briggs singles chronology
"Wild Horses"
(2015)		"River"
(2016)		"The Way I Do"
(2016)
Music video
River on YouTube

"River" is a song by English singer-songwriter Bishop Briggs, released on 22 January 2016 through Teleport Records and Island Records. Initially, it was released on the artist's SoundCloud. [1] It is the second single released on Briggs's debut album Church of Scars . In May 2016, it was incorporated into the official soundtrack album for MTV's Scream Season 2, appearing throughout the season, and re-released with Scream: Music from Season Two on July 29, 2016, under Island Records. [2]

Contents

The song became a hit and reached top 10 on three different Billboard charts as well as number one on the Spotify US Viral 50. [3]

Background

The song is about a strained relationship that is on the edge of failure. [4] Bishop Briggs stated that the lyrics of the song “was all about the tension…My hope with that song is it makes people feel empowered [to] take things into their own hands. I always have the visual, especially when I was writing it, to go up to someone's face and egg them on, and ask them to push you to your limits. I think there is something strong and exciting about that." [5]

Composition

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
Bishop Briggs – "River"
A 19-second sample of the song.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The song starts with "a whipping percussion", before it "transitions into an explosive chorus highlighting Briggs's fierce, soulful-rocker vocals". [5] Vice felt that the song was "seemingly birthed by witches off the Bayou, bearing handclaps like reddening thigh slaps and boasting a topline that allows Bishop to truly exercise her range." [6]

Music video

The music video was directed by Jungle George. [6] Bishop Briggs stated the video was "about embracing my inner demons and setting them loose." [6] It begins with an opening shot of Bishop Briggs sinking in water. [4] In the video, there is a scene where she convulses and another where she is wearing a bag over her head. [4]

Critical reception

Brooklyn Magazine wrote it is “an explosive track with the potential to be a massive radio hit. It will leave you feeling empowered with surging bass and skyward vocals.” [1] Antonio Beliveau in Life & News wrote, “Simple. Space. Repetition. Straight to the point… It’s not a song that goes into my iTunes after hearing it even for the third time. But there’s a lot to appreciate about this cut.” [7] Hooligan Magazine wrote, “Parts of this track suck the air right out of the room, but Briggs never fails to throw us right back into the mix with her smooth guitar playing and slick voice. “River” has something for everybody.” [8]

Live performances

In her television debut, Bishop Briggs performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on August 1, 2016. [4] [9]

Cover versions

In live shows starting in 2017, Pink has frequently covered "River." [10] She did so on some stops of her 2018–2019 Beautiful Trauma World Tour, including on her live album All I Know So Far: Setlist . [11] It is frequently covered on reality competition shows.

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "River"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [17] Diamond250,000‡
Canada (Music Canada) [18] Platinum80,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [19] Gold45,000‡
Germany (BVMI) [20] Gold200,000‡
Poland (ZPAV) [21] Platinum50,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [22] Gold400,000‡
United States (RIAA) [23] 2× Platinum2,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pink (singer)</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1979)

Alecia Beth Moore Hart, known professionally as Pink, is an American singer and songwriter. She is known for her rock-influenced pop songs, powerful contralto voice, and activism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get the Party Started</span> 2001 single by Pink

"Get the Party Started" is a song by American singer Pink, released on October 16, 2001, as the lead single from her second album, Missundaztood (2001). It received positive reviews and became an international success and reached the top ten in many countries, peaking at number one in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Romania, Spain, and the Walloon region of Belgium. The song was Pink's biggest-selling song at that time. The song was originally intended for Madonna’s 2000 album Music but her team turned it down. It was later given to Pink.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">There You Go</span> 2000 single by Pink

"There You Go" is the debut single recorded by American singer Pink for her debut studio album, Can't Take Me Home (2000). It was co-written by Pink, Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, and Kandi Burruss and was produced by Briggs, while Burruss produced the vocals. "There You Go" is a sassy, playful, and jittery R&B track with slinky instrumentation led by harpsichord-synthesizers. Based on personal experiences, the uptempo song is about a bad relationship that the protagonist has ended, but the ex-boyfriend wants her back.

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

American singer and songwriter Pink has released nine studio albums, one live album, five video albums, six compilation albums, 59 singles, three charity singles, six promotional singles, and 51 music videos. Throughout her career, Pink has sold 60 million albums, 75 million singles and 2.4 million DVDs worldwide. According to RIAA, she has sold 18 million albums and 13.5 million digital singles. She is also UK's second best-selling female artist of the 21st century. Billboard ranked her as the fifth top female artist of the 2000s, eighth top female artist of the 2010s and the 59th greatest artist of all time. Official Charts Company hailed her as UK's most played female artist of the 21st century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Is a Battlefield</span> 1983 single by Pat Benatar

"Love Is a Battlefield" is a song by American singer Pat Benatar, released on September 12, 1983, as a single from Benatar's live album Live from Earth (1983), though the song itself was a studio recording. It was written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman. The song was ranked at number 30 in VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s. "Love Is a Battlefield" went on to sell over a million records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen song)</span> 1984 single by Bruce Springsteen

"Dancing in the Dark" is a song written and performed by American rock singer Bruce Springsteen. It was the first single released ahead from his 1984 album, Born in the U.S.A., and became his biggest hit, helping the album become the best-selling album of his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So What (Pink song)</span> 2008 single by Pink

"So What" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her fifth studio album, Funhouse (2008). The song was written by Pink, Max Martin, and Shellback, and produced by Martin. Selected as the album's lead single, "So What" was first released on August 11, 2008, and to mainstream radios on August 25, 2008, through LaFace and Zomba Label Group. The song consists of a martial beat and synth backing. The lyrics are based on her separation from freestyle motocross rider Carey Hart, which occurred six months prior to the release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scream & Shout</span> 2012 single by will.i.am and Britney Spears

"Scream & Shout" is a song by American musician will.i.am and American singer Britney Spears, taken from the former's fourth studio album #willpower (2012). It was released on November 20, 2012, by Interscope Records as the second single from the album, and sent to mainstream radio in the United States on November 27. The song was written by will.i.am, Jef Martens, Tulisa, Jean Baptiste and was produced by Martens under the alias Lazy Jay, with additional production by will.i.am. "Scream & Shout" is an upbeat dance pop song; its lyrics are about having a good time on a night out. It includes a reference to the lyric "Britney, bitch" from Spears' 2007 single "Gimme More".

<i>Doo-Wops & Hooligans</i> 2010 studio album by Bruno Mars

Doo-Wops & Hooligans is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars. It was released on October 4, 2010, by Atlantic and Elektra Records and was made available to listen before its official release on September 24, 2010. After the release of the EP It's Better If You Don't Understand, Mars's writing and production team, the Smeezingtons, began working on the album with Needlz, Supa Dups and Jeff Bhasker as producers. The album title was chosen to reflect simplicity and appeal to both men and women.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Lazy Song</span> 2011 single by Bruno Mars

"The Lazy Song" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars for his debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010). It was serviced to contemporary hit radios in the United States on February 15, 2011, as the album's third single by Atlantic and Elektra. Development of "The Lazy Song" began while Mars, Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine were hanging around the studio and didn't feel like working. The trio produced the track under their alias, the Smeezingtons, and wrote the song in collaboration with rapper K'naan. Musically, "The Lazy Song" has been described as borrowing "heavily from roots reggae" and has been compared to the reggae style of Jason Mraz, while lyrically it is an anthem to laziness.

"Marry You" is a song by American singer and songwriter Bruno Mars from his debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010). Written and produced by the Smeezingtons, it serves as the record's sixth track and was released as a single outside of the United States. "Marry You" is a pop, doo-wop and soul song. The recording focuses on spontaneous marriage and therefore, since its release, has frequently been used as a proposal song. "Marry You" received generally positive reviews from music critics, with some complimenting its production and its reminiscence of 1960s pop style. Some criticized a perceived lack of creativity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raise Your Glass</span> 2010 single by Pink

"Raise Your Glass" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her first greatest hits album Greatest Hits... So Far!!! (2010). It was written by Pink along with frequent collaborators Max Martin and Karl "Shellback" Schuster. The song celebrates the first decade since Pink's debut in 2000, and is dedicated to her fans who have been supporting her over the years. It was released as the lead single from Greatest Hits... So Far!!! on October 5, 2010, by LaFace Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grenade (song)</span> 2010 song performed by Bruno Mars

"Grenade" is a song by American singer and songwriter Bruno Mars from his debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010). The pop and power pop song was written and produced by the Smeezingtons with additional songwriting by Brody Brown, Claude Kelly, and Andrew Wyatt. The song was developed from an unreleased track with similar lyrical themes played by record producer Benny Blanco to Mars. "Grenade" was completely rearranged and re‑recorded two days before the album's release. The lyrics carry a message of unrequited love and how Mars's heart was broken, despite his best efforts to show her his love. Elektra Records released the song as the second promotional single and as the second official single, to contemporary hit and rhythmic contemporary stations in the United States in October 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuckin' Perfect</span> 2010 song by Pink

"Fuckin' Perfect" is a song by American singer Pink from her first greatest hits album Greatest Hits... So Far!!! (2010). Written by Pink along with its producers Max Martin and Shellback, the track is a rock pop power ballad that encourages people to accept each other for their true identities. Pink has stated that the main inspiration behind the track is her husband, Carey Hart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blow Me (One Last Kiss)</span> 2012 single by Pink

"Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Pink from her sixth studio album, The Truth About Love (2012). Pink wrote the song with its producer Greg Kurstin. The song was released as the lead single from the album on July 2, 2012, by RCA Records, shortly after a demo version leaked on to the internet. It is an uptempo electropop song with synthesizers, keyboards, and bass drums as part of the instrumentation. Lyrically, it finds Pink reflecting on past relationships and life situations.

<i>The Truth About Love</i> 2012 studio album by Pink

The Truth About Love is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Pink. It was released on September 14, 2012, through RCA Records. After giving birth to her first child in 2011, Pink started working on the album with longtime collaborator Billy Mann. With hopes of becoming more involved in the production of the album, she also reunited with Greg Kurstin and Butch Walker. Recording sessions took place between January and May 2012. The Truth About Love is primarily a pop record and includes elements of electropop, dance-pop, and rock music. Its lyrics explore themes of love, monogamy, and sexuality, as evidenced by the album title. The songs on the album express various perspectives towards romance and delve into the realities of long-term relationships. It features guest appearances by Eminem, Lily Allen, and Nate Ruess.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radioactive (Imagine Dragons song)</span> 2012 single by Imagine Dragons

"Radioactive" is a song by American pop rock band Imagine Dragons from their major-label debut EP Continued Silence and later on their debut studio album, Night Visions (2012), as the opening track. It was first sent to modern rock radio on October 29, 2012, and then released to contemporary hit radio on April 9, 2013. Musically, "Radioactive" is an electronic rock and alternative rock song with elements of dubstep.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bishop Briggs</span> English singer and songwriter (born 1992)

Sarah Grace McLaughlin, known professionally as Bishop Briggs, is an English singer and songwriter. Her single "River" peaked at number 3 on the US Alternative Chart, and has been streamed more than 485 million times on Spotify. It was included on her debut album, Church of Scars, released in April 2018. Island Records released her second album, Champion, in July 2019, which was included in The Young Folks Top 50 albums of the year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Upchurch (musician)</span> American country rapper (born 1991)

Ryan Edward “Big Bubba Church” Upchurch, known as Upchurch, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and comedian from Cheatham County, on the outskirts of Nashville. Upchurch became popular primarily as a comedian, creating videos on various platforms to garner support and fans. He sold merchandise and coined the phrase "raise hell and eat cornbread". Originally considered a "country rapper", Ryan Upchurch has diversified into many genres including rap, rock, pop, indie, and country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What About Us (Pink song)</span> 2017 single by Pink

"What About Us" is a song recorded by the American singer-songwriter Pink for her seventh studio album Beautiful Trauma (2017). RCA Records released the song for digital download and streaming on August 10, 2017, as the album's lead single. The song, which was written by Pink, Johnny McDaid, and its producer Steve Mac, is an electronic dance music (EDM) track with upbeat dance production that blends repetitive chords, synthesizers, and drum machine beats. Pink, who was inspired by the politics of the time, composed it as a political protest song with poetic and inclusive lyrics. The song's lyrics explore Pink's belief that the United States' government had failed its people and sent a message about those who feel unheard or forgotten.

References

  1. 1 2 "Hear Bishop's Empowering New Track "River"". Brooklyn Magazine. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  2. ↑ "Music from MTV's 'Scream' Season 2 Released". Film Music Reporter. 29 July 2016. Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
  3. ↑ Baltin, Steve (2 May 2018). "Meet Bishop Briggs: The Rising Alternative Star Behind 'River'". Forbes. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Bishop Briggs: The Best of What's Next". pastemagazine.com. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  5. 1 2 Gonzales, Erica (28 March 2018). "Bishop Briggs Talks "River," Her EP and Writing Dark Poetry - Bishop Briggs 'Bishop Briggs' EP Interview". Harper's BAZAAR. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  6. 1 2 3 Bennett, Kim Taylor (10 May 2016). "Watch Bishop Briggs's eerily excellent video for "River"". Vice . Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  7. ↑ Beliveau, Antonio (21 December 2019). "Singles Market: Bishop Briggs' 'River' - Truth in Life and Journalism". Life and News. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  8. ↑ Clifford, Delaney (20 May 2016). "The Multiple Sides of 2016's Breakout Artist, Bishop Briggs". Hooligan Mag. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  9. ↑ "Bishop Briggs sings 'River' on 'The Tonight Show': Watch". Billboard . 2 August 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  10. ↑ @pink (3 July 2017). "Mine and my daughters favorite song in our whole set. You are a force and I love to hear your power. Thank you" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  11. ↑ Damshenas, Sam (29 April 2021). "Pink shares details of new album to coincide with documentary All I Know So Far". Gay Times. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  12. ↑ "Bishop Briggs Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Bishop Briggs Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Bishop Briggs Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  15. ↑ "Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  16. ↑ "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  17. ↑ "Brazilian single certifications – Bishop Briggs – River" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  18. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Bishop Briggs – River". Music Canada . Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  19. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Bishop Briggs – River". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  20. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Bishop; 'River')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  21. ↑ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2021 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  22. ↑ "British single certifications – Bishop – River". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  23. ↑ "American single certifications – Bishop Briggs – River". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved 4 October 2021.
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.