Superheroes (song)

Last updated

"Superheroes"
The Script - Superheroes.jpg
Single by The Script
from the album No Sound Without Silence
Released22 July 2014
Recorded2014
Genre
Length4:03
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s)
  • James Barry
  • Danny O'Donoghue
  • Mark Sheehan
Producer(s)
The Script singles chronology
"Millionaires"
(2013)
"Superheroes"
(2014)
"No Good in Goodbye"
(2014)
Music video
"Superheroes" on YouTube

"Superheroes" is a song written by Danny O'Donoghue and Mark Sheehan of Irish pop rock band the Script with songwriter James Barry. The song was originally recorded by the band for inclusion and it is the lead single on their fourth studio album, No Sound Without Silence (2014).

Contents

The track was first released by Columbia Records on 22 July 2014 as the lead single promoting the album. The single was released in Ireland and the United Kingdom on 29 August and 31 August 2014, respectively.

Composition

According to the Script lead vocalist Danny O'Donoghue, "Superheroes" is a song written for "the unsung heroes out in the world". [1] The song, which calls out "people who are going through the hardest of times but can keep their head held high", has drawn comparisons by some music critics to "Firework", originally performed by American singer Katy Perry, in terms of the song's lyrical themes. [2]

Recording

"Superheroes" was the first song written by the band for their fourth studio album, setting a musical template for the production of the new album. [3] The track also features additional guitar played by producer Andrew Frampton, a long-time collaborator with The Script.

Promotion

The music video for "Superheroes" was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa, cited by the band as an inspiration for the song itself. JohannesburgGP-Aerial.jpg
The music video for "Superheroes" was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa, cited by the band as an inspiration for the song itself.

A snippet of "Superheroes" was first played during a Google Hangouts session hosted by the band on 18 July 2014, where they unveiled their fourth studio album, No Sound Without Silence . The snippet was one of four to be played during the session, with snippets from No Sound Without Silence album tracks "The Energy Never Dies", "Man On a Wire", and "No Good In Goodbye" also being played during the session. [4] "Superheroes" was the first full track to be lifted from the album, premiering on BBC Radio 1 during The Radio 1 Breakfast Show on 21 July 2014. [5] The track was also set to be released as a promotional single for airplay on United States Contemporary hit radio on 28 July 2014. [6] "Superheroes" was first released as the sole track on the band's twelfth single on 22 July 2014, serving as the first single released in promotion of No Sound Without Silence. [7] The track was additionally distributed by video hosting service Vevo for streaming media the same day. [8]

Music video

A music video to accompany the release of "Superheroes" directed by Vaughan Arnell was released on 4 August 2014. [9] The music video was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa over a period of a few days. The location of the video's principal photography was inspired by the song itself, with Danny O'Donoghue stating that, "We spent a few days there and spent a lot of time with the people in the township, because they are our superheroes". [1]

Reception

Reception to the song upon the release of the "Superheroes" single has been generally positive. National American daily newspaper USA Today named the track as "song of the week" on 22 July 2014, with music critic Brian Mansfield writing "The Script continues to display its biggest strength: making pop music with heart and power". [2] Rachel Sonis of music website Idolator wrote "Superheroes is a self-proclaimed "ultra-catchy" tune that, after a few spins, definitely lives up to that description". [3] Kevin, editor-in-chief of Spin Media website Direct Lyrics commented positively on the song, stating "there is no way The Script aren't reaching #1 with this", further describing it as "epic in every way". [10]

Reactions to the song on social media was also largely positive, with Capital reporting that fans had "hailed" the track as "beautiful" upon the track's first play on its radio network. [11] In addition, 4Music stated that the song was an "anthemic" "stomper". [12]

Track listing

"Superheroes"
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Superheroes"James Barry, Danny O'Donoghue, Mark SheehanBarry, O'Donoghue, Andrew Frampton, Sheehan4:03

Personnel

Adapted from "Superheroes" liner notes. [13]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [59] 3× Platinum210,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [60] Platinum60,000^
Germany (BVMI) [61] Platinum400,000
Italy (FIMI) [62] Platinum50,000
New Zealand (RMNZ) [63] Gold7,500*
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [64] Gold30,000
Sweden (GLF) [65] Platinum40,000
United Kingdom (BPI) [66] Platinum600,000
United States (RIAA) [67] Gold500,000

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

Release history

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hall of Fame (song)</span> 2012 single by the Script

"Hall of Fame" is a song by Irish pop rock band the Script featuring American rapper will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. It is the lead single from the band's third studio album #3. The track was given its first radio play on Capital on 23 July 2012. Written and co-produced by the band, the song is about following dreams and making an impact on the world. The song has been licensed for use in various media since its release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demons (Imagine Dragons song)</span> 2013 song by Imagine Dragons

"Demons" is a song by American pop rock band Imagine Dragons. It was written by Alex da Kid, Ben McKee, Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Josh Mosser and produced by Alex da Kid. The song appears on their major-label debut extended play, Continued Silence, and also makes an appearance on their debut studio album, Night Visions, as the fourth track. "Demons" was solicited to American triple-A radio stations on January 28, 2013 and to modern rock stations two months later, on April 1, 2013. It serves as the album's overall fifth single and was released as the third single from Night Visions in the United States, later released to US contemporary hit radio stations on 17 September 2013 as an official single. The lyrics portray the protagonist warning the significant other of his or her flaws.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If You Could See Me Now (The Script song)</span> 2013 single by The Script

"If You Could See Me Now" is a song by Irish pop rock band The Script, taken from their third studio album, #3 (2012). The song video was released as the album's third single on 18 February 2013. The song was released on 4 March 2013. The track was written by Danny O'Donoghue, Mark Sheehan, Steve Kipner and Andrew Frampton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Things We Lost in the Fire (song)</span> 2013 single by Bastille

"Things We Lost in the Fire" is the sixth single by British band Bastille from their debut studio album Bad Blood. The song was released as a 7-inch single and as a digital download on 23 August 2013. It received radio airplay on both BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2, two of the most popular British national stations. It reached number 28 in the UK Singles Chart on 15 September 2013. The song was featured in an episode of The Vampire Diaries. In September 2014 the song was used as a trailer song for EastEnders. It was also used as a name of a Grey's Anatomy episode in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Addicted to You (Avicii song)</span> 2013 song by Avicii

"Addicted to You" is a song by Swedish DJ and record producer Avicii, incorporating vocals by American folk rock singer Audra Mae. The track was written by Avicii, Arash Pournouri, Mac Davis and Josh Krajcik for making appearance on Avicii's debut studio album, True (2013), with it being later released as its fourth single. "Addicted to You" first premiered to Australian radio on 23 November 2013; a digital single of "Addicted to You" remixes was released on 11 March 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Of the Night</span> 2013 single by Bastille

"Of the Night" is a song by British band Bastille, released on 11 October 2013 as the lead single from All This Bad Blood (2013), a reissue of their debut studio album Bad Blood (2013). The song debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart, and has also charted in several other countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take Me Home (Cash Cash song)</span> 2013 single by Cash Cash featuring Bebe Rexha

"Take Me Home" is a song by American DJ trio Cash Cash, featuring American singer Bebe Rexha, taken from Cash Cash's second EP Overtime and their fourth studio album Blood, Sweat & 3 Years. "Take Me Home" was released digitally worldwide on July 15, 2013. In November 2013, the group recorded an acoustic version of "Take Me Home". A music video for the song was released on December 18, 2013. The song reached the top 10 in The United Kingdom and Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Love (Route 94 song)</span> 2014 single by Route 94 featuring Jess Glynne

"My Love" is the first single by British DJ and record producer Route 94, featuring vocals by Jess Glynne. It was released in the United Kingdom on 28 February 2014, through Rinse Recordings. The song topped the UK Singles Chart, peaked at number 12 on the Irish Singles Chart and also charted in Belgium. The song was written by Glynne and Route 94, and produced by Route 94.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dernière danse (Indila song)</span> 2013 song by Indila

"Dernière danse" is a song recorded by French singer-songwriter Indila. It served as the first single from her debut album, Mini World.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Changing (Sigma song)</span> 2014 single by Sigma

"Changing" is a song by British record production duo Sigma. It was co-written by TMS, Wayne Hector and Ella Eyre. The song features English singer Paloma Faith, most associated with her pop and soul ballads. This song was heard on Vodafone commercials in October 2017 for the brand-new ″Proud″ campaign.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dangerous (David Guetta song)</span> 2014 single by David Guetta featuring Sam Martin

"Dangerous" is a song by French music producer David Guetta released as the second single from his sixth studio album, Listen. It features vocals by American singer and songwriter Sam Martin, who had also appeared on Guetta's previous single "Lovers on the Sun". It was released as a digital download on 6 October 2014 and reached number one in fourteen countries. Both artists co-wrote and co-produced the song with Giorgio Tuinfort and Jason Evigan, with additional writing from Lindy Robbins. A remix featuring Trey Songz, Chris Brown, and Martin was released on 9 January 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Up (Olly Murs song)</span> 2014 single by Olly Murs

"Up" is a song by English singer Olly Murs, released on 1 December 2014 as the second single from his fourth studio album, Never Been Better (2014). It features American singer Demi Lovato and is also featured on the deluxe version of Lovato's fourth album, Demi. It was written and produced by Daniel Davidsen, Peter Wallevik and Cutfather, with additional writing from Wayne Hector, and Maegan Cottone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Come and Get It (John Newman song)</span> 2015 single by John Newman

"Come and Get It" is a song by English singer John Newman. The song was released on 17 July 2015 as the lead single from his second studio album, Revolve (2015). A music video was commissioned for it to promote the song. The song was written and produced by Newman and Greg Kurstin. It has received positive critical reception and was also featured on the soundtrack for the video game Madden NFL 16.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sugar (Robin Schulz song)</span> 2015 single by Robin Schulz featuring Francesco Yates

"Sugar" is a song by German DJ and record producer Robin Schulz, featuring vocals from Canadian singer Francesco Yates. The song was released in Germany on 17 July 2015 as the second single from his second studio album of the same name. It interpolates Baby Bash's 2003 single "Suga Suga".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wiggle (song)</span> 2014 song by Jason Derulo featuring Snoop Dogg

"Wiggle" is a song by American singer Jason Derulo featuring American rapper Snoop Dogg, released as the fourth single from the former's third U.S. studio album, Talk Dirty (2014) in North America. In Europe, the song was released as the sixth single from his third international album, Tattoos and the first single from the special edition of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Way Down We Go</span> 2015 song by Kaleo

"Way Down We Go" is a song by Icelandic rock band Kaleo, released as the second single for their second studio album A/B by Elektra Records and Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This One's for You (David Guetta song)</span> 2016 single by David Guetta featuring Zara Larsson

"This One's for You" is a song by French DJ and music producer David Guetta, featuring Swedish singer Zara Larsson. It was released on 13 May 2016 as the official song of the UEFA Euro 2016 held in France. The track was recorded with the help of one million fans around the world through a special online app. American singer Ariana Grande also recorded a demo for the song. The song is included as a bonus track on the Japanese edition of Larsson's second studio album So Good (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ciao Adios</span> 2017 single by Anne-Marie

"Ciao Adios" is a song by English singer Anne-Marie. After performing it live in preview at KOKO, on 28 November 2016, it was released as the second single from her debut studio album, Speak Your Mind (2018) on 10 February 2017. Primarily a pop song with dancehall elements, "Ciao Adios" was written by Anne-Marie alongside Jenn Decilveo, Mason Levy, and Tom Meredith, with Meredith and Levy (MdL) handling production.

"Makeba" is a song by French singer-songwriter Jain, released on 6 November 2015, from her debut studio album, Zanaka. It was written by Jain and produced by her longtime collaborator Maxim Nucci. The refrain of the song used a sample from the 1978 song "Me and the Gang" by the American percussionist, songwriter, arranger, and record producer Hamilton Bohannon. "Makeba" peaked at number seven on the French Singles Chart. It references Miriam Makeba, also known as "Mama Africa", a South African singer and anti-apartheid civil rights activist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bones (Imagine Dragons song)</span> 2022 single by Imagine Dragons

"Bones" is a song by American pop rock band Imagine Dragons. The song was released through Interscope and Kidinakorner on March 11, 2022, as the lead single from the band's fifth studio album, Mercury – Acts 1 & 2. It was written by Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, Daniel Platzman, and its producers Mattman & Robin.

References

  1. 1 2 ""We Were The Squits That Night!": The Script On 'Superheroes' Video And Dodgy Pranks". Capital Online . Global Group / Communicorp. 22 July 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  2. 1 2 Mansfield, Brian (22 July 2014). "Song of the week: 'Superheroes,' The Script". USA Today . Gannett Company . Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  3. 1 2 Sonis, Rachel (21 July 2014). "The Script's "Superheroes": Listen To The New Single". Idolator . Spin Media . Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  4. Rutherford, Kevin (21 July 2014). "The Script Announce New Album 'No Sound Without Silence,' Listen to New Song 'Superheroes'". Radio.com. CBS Radio . Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  5. Moss, Liv (21 July 2014). "Listen to The Script's new single Superheroes". The Official Charts Company . Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  6. 1 2 "Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases". All Access Music Group. 28 July 2014. Archived from the original on 29 July 2014.
  7. Alexander, Susannah (21 July 2014). "Listen to The Script's new single 'Superheroes'". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines . Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  8. Dorken, Joanne (21 July 2014). "The Script Premiere New Single 'Superheroes' - Listen Here!". MTV . Viacom Media Networks . Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  9. "Music video for The Script's Superheroes shot in Johannesburg". Mediaupdate.co.za. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
  10. 1 2 "New Music: The Script - "Superheroes" [World Premiere]". Direct Lyrics. Spin Media. 21 July 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  11. "The Script Fans Hail New Song 'Superheroes' As "Beautiful" After First Play On Capital FM". Capital Online . Global Group / Communicorp. 21 July 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  12. "This Week's Fresh Music Top 20". 20 August 2014. 4Music.{{cite episode}}: Missing or empty |series= (help)
  13. "Superheroes" [Single] (liner notes). The Script. Columbia Records. 2014.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. "The Script – Superheroes". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  15. "The Script – Superheroes" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  16. "The Script – Superheroes" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  17. "The Script – Superheroes" (in French). Ultratip.
  18. "The Script Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  19. The Script — Superheroes. TopHit. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  20. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 20155 into search. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
  21. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201440 into search. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  22. "The Script – Superheroes". Tracklisten.
  23. "The Script: Superheroes" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  24. "The Script – Superheroes" (in French). Les classement single.
  25. "The Script – Superheroes" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  26. "Airplay Charts Deutschland – Woche 39/2014". German Charts. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  27. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  28. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  29. "Chart Track: Week 36, 2014". Irish Singles Chart.
  30. "The Script Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  31. "Nederlandse Top 40 – The Script" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  32. "The Script – Superheroes" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  33. "The Script – Superheroes". Top 40 Singles.
  34. "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  35. "Russia Airplay Chart for 2014-10-13." TopHit. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  36. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  37. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 20152 into search. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  38. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201439 into search. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  39. "SloTop50 | Slovenian official singles weekly charts" (in Slovenian). Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  40. "The Script – Superheroes" Canciones Top 50.
  41. "EMA Top 10 Airplay: Week Ending 2014-09-16". Entertainment Monitoring Africa. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  42. "The Script – Superheroes". Singles Top 100.
  43. "The Script – Superheroes". Swiss Singles Chart.
  44. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  45. "Ukraine Airplay Chart for 2015-01-12." TopHit. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  46. "The Script Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 September 2014.
  47. "The Script Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
  48. "The Script Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  49. "ARIA Top 100 Singles 2014". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
  50. "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts". GfK Entertainment (in German). offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  51. "Rádiós Top 100 - hallgatottsági adatok alapján - 2014". Mahasz . Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  52. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2014". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  53. "Jaaroverzichten - Single 2014". Hung Medien. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  54. "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart 2014" (in Russian). TopHit. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  55. "Ukrainian Top Year-End Radio Hits (2014)". TopHit . Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  56. "The Official Top 100 Official Singles Chart of 2014". OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  57. "Adult Pop Songs - Year End 2014". Billboard. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  58. "SloTop50: Slovenian official year end singles chart". slotop50.si. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  59. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2019 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  60. "Danish single certifications – The Script – Superheroes". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  61. "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (The Script; 'Superheroes')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  62. "Italian single certifications – The Script – Superheroes" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  63. "New Zealand single certifications – The Script – Superheroes". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  64. "Spanish single certifications – The Script – Superheroes". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España . Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  65. "Sverigetopplistan – The Script" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  66. "British single certifications – Script – Superheroes". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 14 July 2017.
  67. "American single certifications – The Script – Superheroes". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  68. "Superheroes - Single by The Script". iTunes Store AU . Apple Inc. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  69. "Superheroes". Qobuz . Qobuz media. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  70. "Superheroes - Single by The Script". iTunes Store IE . Apple Inc. 22 July 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  71. "Superheroes - Single by The Script". iTunes Store GB . Apple Inc. 22 July 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  72. "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Media Group. Retrieved 21 October 2014.