Timebomb (Walk the Moon song)

Last updated
"Timebomb"
Walk the Moon - Timebomb.png
Single by Walk the Moon
ReleasedJanuary 11, 2019 (2019-01-11)
Genre
Length3:38
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Walk the Moon singles chronology
"Home"
(2018)		"Timebomb"
(2019)		"Can You Handle My Love??"
(2021)
Music video
"Timebomb" on YouTube

"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.

Contents

"Timebomb" was positively received by most music critics, with many of them commenting on its 80s-inspired dance sound and comparing it to the band's earlier single "Shut Up and Dance". It peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, becoming Walk the Moon's seventh song to chart within the top 20. The song's music video, which features the band performing against various colorful backgrounds, was released on January 23, 2019. "Timebomb" was performed live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live! .

Background and release

"Timebomb" was written by lead singer Nicholas Petricca, James Alan, and Oscar Holter; the latter also produced the track with Mike Crossey, who handled the production for most of the songs on Walk the Moon's third studio album, What If Nothing (2017). The song was mixed by Neal Avron and mastered by Chris Gehringer. [1] Guitarist Eli Maiman spoke with The Red & Black about how the band is "always writing" and "coming up with new ideas" when they are "on [and off] the road and when [they are] in soundcheck". Maiman recalled the band going into the studio to record some tunes and being excited when creating the track, saying: "We had this song that we wanted to put out so we just did it, you know? And it feels really good." [2]

The song was released to digital retailers through RCA Records as a stand-alone single on January 11, 2019. [3] [4] It was sent to US alternative radio stations through RCA Records on January 15, 2019. [5] An extended play was later released on May 3, 2019, featuring the original and live version of "Timebomb", a remix done by Ryan Riback, and a producer's mix of the track. [6] A video for the live version, performed from the Georgia Theater in Athens, Georgia, was uploaded to Walk the Moon's YouTube channel on May 2, 2019. [7] When asked about whether "Timebomb" is its own entity or would be on an upcoming album, Petricca thought it would inevitably "be part of a record at some point". [8] However, the song ended up not appearing on the band's next studio album, Heights (2021).

Composition and lyrics

"Timebomb" has been described as a dance-pop, new wave, and pop song by music journalists. [9] [10] Maiman said that the track "feels like a return to form in terms of high energy, very colorful music". [2] Writing for Rolling Stone , Patrick Doyle mentioned that the song is composed "of jagged synths and choppy guitars with a huge eighties throwback chorus in the vein of Jack Antonoff". [11] The band contemplates the question of whether to love or not to love: "Afraid to light the fuse again; start a fire, lose a friend. But when your heart opens it's like I'm ready to fall again." [12] In an interview with Global News, Petricca stated that the lyrics for "Timebomb" are "about the fear of falling in love", mentioning that it is "a very scary [but] good thing". He specified what he meant by saying: "Love is risky. It could end, or you might mess it up or so on. But it's because it's precious that it's really worth it. It's a complete gamble. Love is inevitable, and there's really nothing you can do about it; there's really no choice." [8]

Critical reception

"Timebomb" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Mitch Mosk, writing for Atwood Magazine, described the song as "an explosive shout-your-heart-out singalong full of the band's familiar pop passion". [13] Patrick Doyle of Rolling Stone called "Timebomb" a "dancefloor stomper" that "echoes [the] big sound of [the band's] 2014 smash 'Shut Up and Dance '" and marks "a return to the full-on dance sound of their massive hit". [11] Billboard magazine's Angelica Acevedo said that it is an "upbeat track" that "depicts the all-too-common feeling of being wary about falling in love, but going at it full force anyway". [9] James Christopher Monger of AllMusic referred to it as "another effervescent single" from the band. [14] Chris DeVille of Stereogum wrote that the track is "a perfectly OK entry into that neon-'80s-pop-as-filtered-through-Passion-Pit genre", but commented that "it doesn't have the same spark" as "Shut Up and Dance". [10] On Alternative Addiction 's list of their "Top 100 Songs of 2019", "Timebomb" placed at number 14. [15] It was also included on their top 200 "Best of the 2010s" list at number 198. [16]

Commercial performance

"Timebomb" debuted at number 22 on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart on the week ending January 25, 2019. [17] It later peaked at number 13 on the chart dated March 1, 2019, and spent 11 weeks on the chart, making it Walk the Moon's seventh song to chart within the top 20. [18] On the US Hot Rock Songs chart, the song peaked at number 16 on the week ending January 25, 2019, and spent nine weeks in total on the chart. [19] It experienced less success on the Rock Airplay chart, reaching number 21 on the week ending March 1, 2019, and left the chart after 11 weeks. [20]

Music video

The music video for "Timebomb" premiered on Walk the Moon's YouTube account on January 23, 2019. [21] The video was directed by Tobias Nathan, who had previously directed the band's music video for "Kamikaze" in 2018. [22] It involves the band singing and playing against color-coded backgrounds. while close-ups of women's faces flash between it. During the video, Petricca is seen dancing vigorously in several scenes, while drummer Sean Waugaman occasionally bashes a bright yellow drum set. Ryan Reed of Rolling Stone mentioned how the video was reminiscent of The White Stripes' "stark colors and minimalism". [23] Randy Holmes of ABC News Radio said it is "essentially an Instagram profile come to life". [24]

Live performances

On February 19, 2019, Walk the Moon performed "Timebomb" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon from a "minimal stage set up with cool-toned flashing lights". [9] The song was also performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as part of Kimmel's Mercedes-Benz Concert Series, along with "Headphones", "Portugal", "Avalanche", and "One Foot". [25] A video of the band performing a stripped down acoustic version of "Timebomb" in Vevo's white studio was uploaded to YouTube on May 9, 2019. [26]

Track listing

Digital download [27]
No.TitleLength
1."Timebomb"3:38
Digital download – Live EP [6]
No.TitleLength
1."Timebomb" (Live Version)3:51
2."Timebomb" (Ryan Riback Remix)3:31
3."Timebomb" (Producer's Mix)3:39
4."Timebomb"3:38

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. [1]

Charts

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for "Timebomb"
Chart (2019)Peak
position
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs ( Billboard ) [19] 16
US Rock Airplay ( Billboard ) [20] 21

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Timebomb"
RegionDateFormatLabel(s)Ref.
VariousJanuary 11, 2019
United StatesJanuary 15, 2019 Alternative radio
[5]
VariousMay 3, 2019Live EP
[6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theory of a Deadman</span> Canadian rock band

Theory of a Deadman is a Canadian rock band from North Delta, British Columbia. Formed in 1999, the band is currently signed to Roadrunner Records as well as 604 Records. The band includes traits of music styles, such as country and acoustic, in addition to their post-grunge and alternative rock foundation. Nine of their singles have entered the top ten of the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including four songs that peaked at number one: "Bad Girlfriend", "Lowlife", "Rx (Medicate)" and "History of Violence".

<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.

Mike Crossey is a Northern Irish record producer, songwriter, and mixing engineer. He produced the debut single by Arctic Monkeys, collaborating with them over two albums. He is known for his ongoing relationship with The 1975 in addition to productions with Jeremy Zucker, Twenty One Pilots, Walk the Moon, LANY, LAUV, Foals, Keane, Jake Bugg, The Gaslight Anthem, MUNA, Wolf Alice, Yungblud.

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

MisterWives is 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">Tightrope (Walk the Moon song)</span> 2012 single by Walk the Moon

"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.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She's Out of Her Mind</span> 2016 single by Blink-182

"She's Out of Her Mind" is a song recorded by American rock band Blink-182 for the group's seventh studio album, California (2016). The song was released as the second single from California on October 11, 2016 through BMG. Written by bassist Mark Hoppus, drummer Travis Barker, guitarist Matt Skiba, and producer John Feldmann, the song was re-written multiple times to make its chorus as catchy as possible. It contains lyrical references to the bands the Cure and Bauhaus. It was inspired by relationships the group had growing up with "crazy" girls.

<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">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">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 / Timebomb / Credits". Tidal. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  2. 1 2 Laguaite, Madeline (February 14, 2019). "Q&A: WALK THE MOON talks '80s inspirations, reception of fourth studio album 'What If Nothing'". The Red & Black . Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  3. ↑ "WALK THE MOON Release New Single 'Timebomb'". RCA Records. January 14, 2019. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  4. ↑ Holmes, Randy (January 11, 2019). "WALK THE MOON lights a fuse with new song, 'Timebomb'". ABC News Radio. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  5. 1 2 "Future Releases on Alternative Radio Stations". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on January 4, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 "Timebomb <Live> – EP by WALK THE MOON". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  7. ↑ "WALK THE MOON – Timebomb LIVE". May 2, 2019. Archived from the original on May 6, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2020– via YouTube.
  8. 1 2 Wallis, Adam (March 27, 2019). "Walk the Moon's Nicholas Petricca talks 'Timebomb' and touring with Muse". Global News. Archived from the original on July 1, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  9. 1 2 3 Acevedo, Angelica (February 20, 2019). "Walk the Moon Charm with Danceable 'Timebomb' on 'Tonight Show': Watch". Billboard . Archived from the original on February 22, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  10. 1 2 DeVille, Chris (January 17, 2019). "The Post-Fifth Harmony Power Rankings". Stereogum . Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  11. 1 2 Doyle, Patrick (January 14, 2019). "Hear Walk the Moon's New Dancefloor Stomper 'Timebomb'". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Walk the Moon Releases New Song 'Timebomb'". Radio.com. January 14, 2019. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Atwood Magazine's Weekly Roundup: January 11, 2019". Atwood Magazine. January 11, 2019. Archived from the original on September 13, 2019. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
  14. ↑ Monger, James Christopher. "Walk the Moon | Biography & History". AllMusic. Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  15. ↑ "Alternative Addiction's Top 100 Songs of 2019". Alternative Addiction . Archived from the original on July 26, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  16. ↑ "Alternative Addiction's Top 200 of the 2010s". Alternative Addiction. Archived from the original on June 19, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  17. ↑ "Alternative Airplay – The week of January 26, 2019" . Billboard. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  18. ↑ "Walk the Moon Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  19. 1 2 "Walk the Moon Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  20. 1 2 "Walk the Moon Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  21. ↑ "WALK THE MOON – Timebomb (Official Video)". January 23, 2019. Archived from the original on July 6, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020– via YouTube.
  22. ↑ "WALK THE MOON – Meet The Director (Timebomb Behind The Scenes)". February 27, 2019. Archived from the original on May 22, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2020– via YouTube.
  23. ↑ Reed, Ryan (January 23, 2019). "Walk the Moon Drop Vibrant, Minimalistic 'Timebomb' Video". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  24. ↑ Holmes, Randy (January 23, 2019). "Watch WALK THE MOON's colorful 'Timebomb' video". ABC News Radio. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  25. ↑ Acevedo, Angelica (March 13, 2019). "Walk the Moon Give Electrifying Performance Of 'Timebomb', 'Headphones' & More On 'Kimmel': Watch". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  26. ↑ Gold, Allie (May 9, 2019). "WALK THE MOON Premieres Acoustic Version Of Song 'Timebomb'". Z100. Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  27. 1 2 "Timebomb – Single by WALK THE MOON". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 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.