Tightrope (Walk the Moon song)

Last updated
"Tightrope"
Tightrope cover art.jpg
Single by Walk the Moon
from the album Walk the Moon
ReleasedSeptember 11, 2012
Studio
  • Doppler (Atlanta, Georgia)
  • Maze (Atlanta, Georgia)
Genre Pop rock
Length3:29
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
  • Nicholas Petricca
  • Eli Maiman
  • Kevin Ray
  • Sean Waugaman
  • Chris Robinson
Producer(s) Ben Allen
Walk the Moon singles chronology
"Anna Sun"
(2012)		"Tightrope"
(2012)		"Shut Up and Dance"
(2014)
Music video
"Tightrope" on YouTube

"Tightrope" is a song by American rock band Walk the Moon from their first major-label album Walk the Moon (2012). The song was written by Nicholas Petricca, Eli Maiman, Kevin Ray, Sean Waugaman and Chris Robinson, with Ben Allen handling the production. The song was sent to US modern rock radio stations through RCA Records as the album's second single on September 11, 2012. An extended play of the same name was later released in 2013.

Contents

Background

"Tightrope" was written by all four members of Walk the Moon and Chris Robinson. The band enlisted Ben Allen to produce the track for their debut studio album, Walk the Moon (2012). [1] Speaking about the difference in the writing for their new material compared to the songs from their independently released I Want! I Want! (2010), Guitarist Eli Maiman said that it "com[es] from a different place entirely" and that the band drew from "new influences and new experiences", resulting in "a more mature vibe [and] element to it". [2] He also mentioned that the song was evident of how he and lead singer Nicholas Petricca had "found a cool way of interacting between synthesizers and guitars". [3]

Composition

"Tightrope" is an upbeat pop rock song that, along with the rest of Walk the Moon, incorporates bright and vibrant production. [4] [5] It is made up of intermingling bass, synth lines and squealing guitar with a chorus that goes "woah-oh-oh-oh". [6] [7] Maiman described the track's melody as like "a conversation between the guitar and the keyboards". [3] Consequence of Sound 's Paul De Revere wrote that the sound of the song "suggest[s] Television on a playground with Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club". [6]

Release and reception

"Tightrope" first appeared on the three-track sampler Anna Sun EP , released on February 7, 2012. [8] [9] It was sent to US modern rock stations on September 11, 2012, through RCA Records as the second single from Walk the Moon. [10] A remix of the song by J. Viewz was included on the expanded edition of the album. [11] On January 22, 2013, an extended play of the same name was released to digital retailers. The EP included both the studio version and a live version of the track. [12]

In his review of the Anna Sun EP, Paul De Revere of Consequence of Sound felt that "Tightrope" did not match the elated catchiness of its title track but that it did rival it. [6] The staff of Alternative Addiction deemed that the song "has the potential to be a terrific second single". [13] Anthony Soredino of AbsolutePunk said that the track made for a "great addition to the WTM arsenal". [14] Conversely, Dani Beck and Derek Robertson of DIY criticized the song for being "undefinable, inconsistent wannabe alt-pop". [15]

Chart performance

"Tightrope" debuted at number 40 on Billboard 's Alternative Songs chart. [16] It eventually peaked at number 15 in the issue dated February 1, 2013, becoming Walk the Moon's second top twenty chart hit after "Anna Sun". [17] The song was additionally the Hot Shot Debut of the week on the Rock Airplay chart, entering at number 48 before reaching number 33. [18] [19] Outside both of those charts, it peaked at number 21 on the Adult Alternative Songs chart [20] and number 27 on the Hot Rock Songs chart. [21]

Music videos

A screenshot from the second "Tightrope" music video Tightrope music video.jpg
A screenshot from the second "Tightrope" music video

Two different music videos for "Tightrope" exist. The first video was uploaded on Walk the Moon's Vevo account on June 15, 2012, as part of their self-made "7in7" series. [22] The band filmed this video, along with six others for songs from their self-titled album, over seven days while on tour without a film crew or a budget. [23]

The second music video, directed by Ari Costa, was released on October 5, 2012. [24] It was plotted out for the band and shot on a free day in Los Angeles. [25] The video, which makes use of the movable walls motif, seemingly delves into Petricca's imagination, involving "a chaotic, D.I.Y. stage set of face-painted humans pretending to be animals". Petricca and the other members of Walk the Moon sing and stare into the camera as they are occasionally joined in by red-painted spirit fingers. The band contort their faces into spastic expressions while sporting their own face paint. [7]

Rachel Brodsky of MTV lauded the second music video as "downright determined to be pure, unadulterated sunshine". [7]

Usage in media

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Walk the Moon. [1]

Locations
Personnel

Charts

Chart (2012–13)Peak
position
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs ( Billboard ) [21] 27
US Rock Airplay ( Billboard ) [19] 33

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
United StatesSeptember 11, 2012 Modern rock radio RCA Records [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Modest Mouse discography</span> Band discography.

The discography of Modest Mouse, an American indie rock band, consists of seven studio albums, six extended plays, two compilation albums, four low fidelity cassette releases, one live album, 25 singles, and nine reissues. Three of their releases have been certified at least Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments in excess of 500,000 copies. One release has further been certified Double Platinum, for shipments in excess of 2,000,000 copies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walk the Moon</span> American pop rock band

Walk the Moon is an American pop rock band based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lead singer Nicholas Petricca started the band in 2006, while a student at Kenyon College, deriving the band's name from the song "Walking on the Moon" by The Police. Although the band is best known for their most successful hit single to date "Shut Up and Dance", other notable songs include "Anna Sun" and "One Foot".

<i>Walk the Moon</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Walk the Moon

Walk the Moon is the second studio album by American rock band Walk the Moon. It was released on June 19, 2012, by RCA Records. The first single, "Anna Sun", peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Alternative chart and number 20 on the Billboard Rock Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anna Sun</span> 2012 single by Walk the Moon

"Anna Sun" is the debut single by American rock band Walk the Moon, released on February 7, 2012. The song is originally from their 2010 self-released debut album I want! I want! and was also included on their 2012 major-label debut album, Walk the Moon. The song was written by band members Adrian Galvin, Nick Lerangis, Nicholas Petricca and Adam Reifsnyder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicholas Furlong (musician)</span> American musician, songwriter, and record producer

Nicholas Furlong is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. His work crosses several musical genres, ranging from dance, rock, and pop, to rap and hip-hop. He is also the vocalist and co-writer of the hit single "The Nights" by Avicii.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MisterWives</span> American indie pop band

MisterWives are an American indie pop band based in New York City, consisting of lead singer Mandy Lee, drummer and percussionist Etienne Bowler, bass guitarist William Hehir, guitarist Marc Campbell, and keyboardist and saxophonist Mike Murphy. MisterWives have played with acts such as Panic! at the Disco, Twenty One Pilots, Half Moon Run, Bleachers, The Mowgli's, Walk the Moon, Foster the People, Paramore, American Authors, X Ambassadors, and Lawrence. The band's debut album Our Own House was released in January 2015, and subsequently met with critical acclaim.

<i>Talking Is Hard</i> 2014 studio album by Walk the Moon

Talking Is Hard is the third studio album by American rock band Walk the Moon, released on December 2, 2014, by RCA Records. The band chose to work with Tim Pagnotta to produce an album that would explore different influences and sounds to differentiate it from their self-titled major label debut (2012). Described as an indie pop, new wave and pop record, the album takes inspiration from multiple artists of the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shut Up and Dance (Walk the Moon song)</span> 2014 single by Walk the Moon

"Shut Up and Dance" is a song by American pop rock band Walk the Moon from their third studio album Talking Is Hard (2014). It was written by the band members and songwriters Ben Berger and Ryan McMahon. The song is based on an experience lead singer Nicholas Petricca had at a Los Angeles nightclub. His girlfriend invited him to dance, inspiring the title. Petricca envisioned the song as an anthem for letting go of frustration and having fun. The song was digitally released as the lead single from Talking Is Hard on September 10, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Different Colors</span> 2015 single by Walk the Moon

"Different Colors" is a song written and recorded by American rock band Walk the Moon for their second studio album, Talking Is Hard (2014). The song was released to US alternative radio stations by RCA Records as the album's second single on May 5, 2015. Described as an alternative rock, electropop, indie rock, and pop song, it is lyrically about celebrating and embracing each other's differences by speaking out against discrimination of any kind.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walk the Moon discography</span>

American rock band Walk the Moon has released five studio albums, one live album, one compilation album, seven extended plays, ten singles, four promotional singles, and nineteen music videos. Walk the Moon was formed in 2006 in Cincinnati, Ohio as Wicked in the Mix, originally consisting of Nicholas Petricca, Adam Reifsnyder, Sam Cole and Ricky Human, the former two having attended Kenyon College together. The group's first EP, entitled The Anthem, would be released later that same year in March. Wicked in the Mix later self-released their only studio album, WM in June 2007. The band's lineup would begin to go through several different member changes throughout the next three years, leaving Petricca as the only member from the original group.

<i>Tightrope</i> (EP) 2013 EP by Walk the Moon

Tightrope is an EP by American rock band Walk the Moon. It was released digitally on January 22, 2013, by RCA Records and contains six songs, four of which were previously unreleased. A 2-color vinyl version of the EP was later released for Record Store Day on April 20, 2013. The EP was named after the opening track of the same name. It was a moderate success, debuting at number 54 on the US Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Work This Body</span> 2016 single by Walk the Moon

"Work This Body" is a song by American rock band Walk the Moon for their third studio album, Talking Is Hard (2014). It was written by all four members of the band and John Ryan. The song was sent to US alternative radio stations by RCA Records as the album's third single on February 23, 2016. A pop song with Latin American influence and a worldbeat element, its lyrics are about getting in shape and motivating one's self to go after their dreams without succumbing to their fears.

<i>What If Nothing</i> 2017 studio album by Walk the Moon

What If Nothing is the fourth studio album by American rock band Walk the Moon. It was released on November 10, 2017, by RCA Records. The first single released from the album was "One Foot" on September 22, 2017. Walk the Moon embarked on the North American Press Restart Tour in support of the album, beginning on November 19 in Charlotte, North Carolina. They released the first promotional single "Headphones" on October 13, 2017. The second promotional single "Surrender" was released on October 27, 2017. This is the last studio album to feature bassist Kevin Ray, who parted ways with the band in 2020. The album follows-up their previous album Talking is Hard (2014).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kamikaze (Walk the Moon song)</span> 2018 single by Walk the Moon

"Kamikaze" is a song by American pop rock band Walk the Moon for their third studio album, What If Nothing (2017). It was sent to US alternative radio stations as the album's second single on April 17, 2018, through RCA Records. The song was written by the band members and songwriters Ben Berger, Ryan McMahon and Ryan Rabin; the latter three also co-produced it with Mike Elizondo. "Kamikaze" is an alternative rock and pop song that features multi-layered production with elements of electronic dance music. Its lyrics describe going all-in and having full control of one's self.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Foot (Walk the Moon song)</span> 2017 single by Walk the Moon

"One Foot" is a song by American rock band Walk the Moon from their fourth studio album, What If Nothing (2017). It was written by the band members and songwriters Ben Berger, Ryan McMahon, and Ryan Rabin; the latter three also produced the track with Mike Crossey. The song was released as the album's lead single through RCA Records on September 22, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Beaches (band)</span> Canadian rock band

The Beaches are a Canadian rock band formed in Toronto in 2013 by Jordan Miller, Kylie Miller, Leandra Earl, and Eliza Enman-McDaniel (drums). The band released two EPs titled The Beaches (2013) and Heights (2014) before signing to Universal Records. In 2017, they released their debut album Late Show, which led to the band winning the 2018 Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morgxn</span> American musician

Morgan Isaac Karr, better known by his stage name morgxn, is an American indie pop singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timebomb (Walk the Moon song)</span> 2019 single by Walk the Moon

"Timebomb" is a song by American pop rock band Walk the Moon. The song was released digitally by RCA Records as a stand-alone single on January 11, 2019. It was written by James Alan, Nicholas Petricca, and Oscar Holter, with the latter also handling the production with Mike Crossey. Musically, it is described as a dance-pop, new wave, and pop song that utilizes synthesizers and guitars. Its lyrics describe the fear of falling in love but going through with the risk. This was the band's last single recorded with bassist Kevin Ray, who parted ways with the band in December 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can You Handle My Love??</span> 2021 single by Walk the Moon

"Can You Handle My Love??" is a song by American rock band Walk the Moon. It was released on July 14, 2021, as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Heights (2021). This is their first single not to feature bassist Kevin Ray, who parted ways with the band in December 2020.

<i>Heights</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Walk the Moon

Heights is the fifth studio album by American pop rock band Walk the Moon, released on November 12, 2021, through RCA Records. The album is Walk the Moon's first studio album to be recorded since bassist Kevin Ray left the band in December 2020.

References

  1. 1 2 Walk the Moon (inlay cover). Walk the Moon. RCA Records. 2012.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ↑ Bautts, Jonathan (June 1, 2012). "Interview: Eli Maiman of Walk the Moon". chorus.fm . Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  3. 1 2 Coachman, Kirsten (June 21, 2012). "Interview: Walk The Moon's Eli Maiman Discusses the Band's New Album". Seattle Post-Intelligencer . Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  4. ↑ Mueller, Matt (June 28, 2015). "Walk The Moon launches a crazy Summerfest crowd into orbit". OnMilwaukee . Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  5. ↑ "Review of Walk The Moon 'Walk The Moon'". Alternative Addiction . Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  6. 1 2 3 Revere, Paul De (March 16, 2012). "Album Review: Walk the Moon – Anna Sun EP". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  7. 1 2 3 Brodsky, Rachel (October 5, 2012). "Video Premiere: Walk The Moon, 'Tightrope'". MTV . Retrieved March 4, 2021.[ dead link ]
  8. ↑ "Anna Sun EP by Walk the Moon". iTunes Store (US). Archived from the original on February 20, 2012. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  9. ↑ "WALK THE MOON presents to you, without further ado, NEW MUSIC!!!". Walk the Moon. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  10. 1 2 "Alternative E-Weekly". All Access Music Group. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  11. ↑ "Walk the Moon (Expanded Edition) by WALK THE MOON on Apple Music". Apple Music . Retrieved March 5, 2021.
  12. ↑ Payne, Chris (January 18, 2013). "Walk the Moon Release 'Tightrope' EP, Talk Plans for 2nd Album". Billboard . Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Review of 'The Anna Sun EP' by Walk the Moon". Alternative Addiction. February 27, 2012. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  14. ↑ Soredino, Anthony. "Walk The Moon – Walk The Moon – Album Review". AbsolutePunk . Archived from the original on December 29, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  15. ↑ Beck, Dani; Robertson, Derek. "Walk The Moon – Walk The Moon". DIY . Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Chart Highlights: Bruno Mars, Adele Arrive On Pop, Adult Charts". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  17. ↑ "Walk the Moon Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  18. ↑ "Chart Highlights: One Direction's 'Little Things' Makes Big Pop Songs Start". Billboard. December 3, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  19. 1 2 "Walk the Moon Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Walk the Moon Chart history (Triple A Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  21. 1 2 "Walk the Moon Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  22. ↑ "WALK THE MOON – Tightrope (WALK THE MOON presents 7in7)". YouTube. June 15, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  23. ↑ "ALBUM PREMIERE! WALK THE MOON PRESENTS '7in7'". YouTube. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  24. ↑ "WALK THE MOON – Posts". Facebook. October 5, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  25. ↑ DeVille, Chris (February 7, 2013). "Walk the Moon's Columbus connection". Columbus Alive . Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  26. ↑ "HP Envy 4 UltraBook TV Commercial, 'Students'" . Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  27. ↑ Savage, Phil (August 6, 2013). "Saints Row 4's full in-game radio tracklist to let you dance if you want to". PC Gamer . Retrieved June 27, 2020.
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.