Wake Up Call | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | October 27, 2017 | |||
Recorded | 2016 | |||
Studio | Kensaltown | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 41:07 | |||
Label | ||||
Producer | Martin Terefe | |||
Theory of a Deadman chronology | ||||
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Singles from Wake Up Call | ||||
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Wake Up Call is the sixth studio album by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, released on October 27, 2017, through 604 Records in Canada and Atlantic and Roadrunner Records in the United States. Critics have described the album as having a more pop-infused sound than previous releases, which was the result of lead singer Tyler Connolly composing the majority of the record's music on the piano instead of the usual guitar. Departing from the same recording and production team they had worked with for the past four albums, the band opted to collaborate with Swedish music producer, Martin Terefe, and spent seven weeks at Kensaltown Studios in London.
The album was met with mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the lyrical maturity that was lacking in previous albums; others criticized it for the sudden change in genre. Wake Up Call peaked at numbers thirteen and twenty-four on the Billboard Canadian Albums and US Billboard 200 charts, respectively. Its lead single, "Rx (Medicate)"—a song addressing the opioid epidemic in North America—was released on July 27, 2017, and is the band's third single to top the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
Theory of a Deadman's sound had been firmly rooted in the alternative and hard rock genres since the band signed a record deal with Chad Kroeger's 604 Records in 2001. Lead singer Tyler Connolly stated that after the release of their fourth studio album, The Truth Is... , in 2011, the band was receiving pressure from their record label to create an album that was "more poppy". He believed the label was "getting tired of [their] fun rock stuff" and "wanted to hear something different". The band responded to this pressure with the release of their fifth studio album, Savages , in 2014, which Connolly described as the "opposite" of their record label's wishes. [4] Los Angeles-based music producer Howard Benson worked with the band on Savages as well as three of their previous albums. [5] The record marked the band's second album to peak within the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart. [6]
While on tour in 2015 in support of Savages, Theory of a Deadman released a five-track EP called Angel Acoustic EP . The release (also produced by Benson) consisted of acoustic versions of some of their most popular songs and included an acoustic cover of Swedish singer Tove Lo's "Habits (Stay High)". [7] 2016 marked 15 years since the band's formation and was celebrated with an unplugged tour throughout western Canada. [8]
Wake Up Call has been described by critics as a departure from Theory of a Deadman's usual hard rock foundation, moving into pop and pop rock territory. [1] [2] The band has credited this shift to Connolly, the group's primary songwriter, acquiring and learning how to play the piano prior to the album's recording. Connolly expressed feeling creatively exhausted, stating, "For some reason, [on] this album, I felt tapped on the guitar side. I felt like every riff was written." [9] With a friend's encouragement, Connolly purchased a piano and told Billboard:
... [I] just started playing and writing songs like I'd never written songs before. And the songs were so different and the lyrics were so different. It came from a place of complete freedom. It didn't come from a place of, 'Where's music at right now? What's rock doing?' It was just me sitting at a piano and playing chords and notes and then all of a sudden I come up with one song idea after another. [10]
Bassist Dean Back agreed, saying, "During the writing process, Tyler’s go-to was to always pick up a guitar and write with that. He pushed himself through and instead of writing with the guitar he used a piano he has in his house. ... I think writing on the piano opened up another creative realm in him." [11]
Theory of a Deadman worked with the same recording and production team in Los Angeles for their previous four albums and felt they wanted something different for Wake Up Call. Connolly stated that their A&R team mentioned Swedish music producer, Martin Terefe, who was known for working with pop rock music artists such as Jason Mraz, James Blunt, and Train, and was interested in collaborating with the group. Instead of working in Los Angeles, the band spent seven weeks in London in 2016, recording at Terefe's Kensaltown Studios. [5] [12]
Back commented on the relaxed and "organic" atmosphere of Kensaltown and described the studio as an open room with the group recording their music while sitting on couches as opposed to being isolated in separate areas. Terefe used minimal dubbing and preferred to abandon the pre-production of tracks—something the band would normally spend two to three weeks on—in order to leave room for creative freedom. Connolly and Back both described the recording process as a "great" and "cool" experience. [5] [12]
Wake Up Call marked the first album in which the band went by their abbreviated name, Theory. [13] Its first single, "Rx (Medicate)", was released on July 27, 2017, the same day that Theory of a Deadman announced the name of its respective album. The song addresses the opioid epidemic that has affected the United States, with Connolly telling Billboard that he "really wanted to discuss how messed up America is" regarding prescription drugs. [10] He also conveyed his feelings that this was the band's "most important song" as far as how it has affected their fans. [14]
"Rx (Medicate)" proved to be successful, with Back claiming it as "the biggest song of [the band's] career right now". [5] The track reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in October 2017 and earned a "No. 1 Song Award" from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN). [15] [16] It was certified platinum in June 2018 by Music Canada and nominated for "Rock Song of the Year" at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards. [17] [18]
Pre-orders of the album were made available on July 28, 2017, which included "Rx (Medicate)" as an instant grat download. The band released a music video for "Echoes" in September 2017; the song was also made available with pre-orders.[ citation needed ] The album's second single, "Straight Jacket", was released in January 2018, [19] and was accompanied by a music video on their official YouTube account in February 2018. [20] Featuring staccato piano notes performed by Connolly, the song reached number 12 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart in May 2018. [21]
The band launched a 33-city tour in the United States during the fall of 2017. [22] The tour was extended into 2018 to include shows throughout western Canada and Europe. [5] "There’s a real dichotomy of Theory now, two very different sides," Connolly said. "Not that we want to get away from our old songs, but the new songs are so diverse, such a juxtaposition. We're really working on building a big show, and trying to make it all more visual, as well." The band toured in Australia for the first time in their career in June 2018, [23] and released a video the following month for "PCH" (which stands for "Pacific Coast Highway", the name designated to a particular section of the California State Route 1 in southern California) [24] at the start of their summer tour in the United States. [25] A music video for the title track was also released in October 2018. [26]
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [27] |
Alternative Addiction | [1] |
Classic Rock Magazine | [28] |
Renowned for Sound | [29] |
Wake Up Call received mixed reviews from critics. James Christopher Monger of AllMusic gave the album three out of five stars, complimenting the maturation of the band's songwriting since their debut album and observing the favoring of "genuine emotion" throughout their songs over "callow frat boy misogyny". [27] Alternative Addiction praised the band for adopting an "adapt, survive, and evolve" strategy concerning their move into pop music. [1] Malcolm Dome from Classic Rock concluded that the album felt "too lightweight", saying, "The songwriting suggests there is a quality album in them that’s waiting to take flight, but the end game never lives up to the clear potential the music carries". [28]
Über Rock criticized the album, stating, "With barely any trace of their established sound, Wake Up Call comes across as a desperate attempt to wear the clothes of pop music. Unfortunately for Theory of a Deadman, they fit terribly." [30] Haydon Benfield from Renowned for Sound was also critical of record, stating, "With Wake Up Call offering little to captivate the listener, it is difficult to image [sic] what appeal Theory of a Deadman use to draw their fans in." [29] The record was nominated for "Rock Album of the Year" at the 2018 Juno Awards, but lost to The Glorious Sons' Young Beauties and Fools . [31]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Straight Jacket" | Theory of a Deadman | 4:00 |
2. | "Rx" | Theory of a Deadman | 3:53 |
3. | "Echoes" | Theory of a Deadman | 3:58 |
4. | "Wake Up Call" | Tyler Connolly, Christine Connolly, Peter M. Amato | 3:55 |
5. | "PCH" | Theory of a Deadman | 3:35 |
6. | "G.O.A.T" | Theory of a Deadman | 4:08 |
7. | "Loner" | T. Connolly, C. Connolly | 3:36 |
8. | "Time Machine" | T. Connolly, C. Connolly, Louis Biancaniello | 2:56 |
9. | "Glass Jaw" | Theory of a Deadman | 3:52 |
10. | "Po Mouth" | Theory of a Deadman | 3:34 |
11. | "Wicked Game" (Chris Isaak cover) | Chris Isaak | 3:40 |
Total length: | 41:07 |
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Wake Up Call and AllMusic. [32] [33]
Theory of a Deadman
Additional musicians
Production
"Loner", "G.O.A.T.", and "Wicked Game"
Chart (2017) | Peak position |
---|---|
Canadian Albums Chart ( Billboard ) [34] | 13 |
US Billboard 200 [35] | 24 |
US Alternative Albums (Billboard) [36] | 4 |
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard) [37] | 5 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Canada (Music Canada) [38] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
United States (RIAA) [39] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
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".
Theory of a Deadman is the debut by the band Theory of a Deadman released in 2002.
Gasoline is the second studio album released by Theory of a Deadman on March 29, 2005. The album features four songs used in the video game Fahrenheit, "Santa Monica", "No Surprise", "Say Goodbye" and "No Way Out". The album was first released in Canada by 604 Records, and was later released in the U.S. by Roadrunner Records. The original 604 Records release of the album is fully unedited, however the Roadrunner version released in the U.S. contains edited versions of "No Surprise" and "Me & My Girl", making this the band's only album not to carry a "Parental Advisory" sticker. The album was released to mixed reviews from critics.
Scars & Souvenirs is the third album by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, and was released on April 1, 2008. It has so far been the band's most successful album to date and has spawned many hit singles. A special edition CD/DVD of the album was released on October 20, 2009. It features bonus and acoustic tracks, the band's entire video catalog, and numerous making-of and behind-the-scenes features. Bonus video includes "Haciendas," Tyler's special send-up of MTV's Cribs.
"Bad Girlfriend" is a song by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman and is the second single from their third studio album Scars & Souvenirs (2008). The track's lyrics describe the circumstances of when lead singer and guitarist Tyler Connolly met his now ex-wife in a bar in Vancouver. The band collectively composed the song which was produced by Howard Benson. It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart and number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was their first single to reach number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, making it the band's most successful release in the United States at the time.
"All or Nothing" is a song by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman from their third studio album Scars & Souvenirs (2008). The track was written by the band's lead singer and guitarist, Tyler Connolly, about meeting his wife, and was produced by Howard Benson. It reached number 22 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart and number 99 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified platinum by Music Canada and gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Its music video was directed by Davin Black and was nominated for three awards at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards.
"Hate My Life" is a song by Canadian rock group Theory of a Deadman. It was released in October 2008 as the fourth overall single from their third studio album Scars & Souvenirs. The track was selected as BBC Radio One's Track of the Week for the week ending March 20, 2009.
"Not Meant to Be" is a song recorded by Canadian rock group Theory of a Deadman for their third studio album, Scars & Souvenirs (2008). Band members Tyler Connolly, Dave Brenner, and Dean Back composed the song, while Connolly co-wrote the lyrics with songwriter and producer Kara DioGuardi. The song was released November 18, 2008 as the album's fifth overall radio single. It was the first song from the album to impact mainstream radio in the United States, concurrent with the release of "Hate My Life" to rock formats. In 2009, "Not Meant to Me" was included on the soundtrack to the science fiction action film, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
The Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman has released eight studio albums, one extended play (EP), thirty-seven singles, and twenty-six music videos. The band was formed in 1999 in Delta, British Columbia, by Tyler Connolly, Dave Brenner (guitar), Dean Back (bass), and former member Tim Hart (drums). They had been through multiple drummers before recruiting current member Joey Dandeneau in 2009.
"Make Up Your Mind" is a song by Canadian rock group Theory of a Deadman and is the second single from their eponymous debut album (2002). Released on January 13, 2003, the song's lyrics were written by the band's lead guitarist and singer Tyler Connolly and Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger. Kroeger also produced the track along with Joey Moi. It peaked at number 13 on the Canadian Singles chart as well as the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
The Truth Is... is the fourth studio album by rock band Theory of a Deadman, released on July 12, 2011. The first single, "Lowlife", was released to radio stations on May 17, 2011. It went to number 1 on the US rock charts. It was co-written by Christine Danielle Connolly. It is their first album with drummer Joey Dandeneau.
Savages is the fifth studio album by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman. It was released on July 29, 2014.
Drown is the lead single on Theory of a Deadman's fifth studio album Savages. The single was released on April 22, 2014.
Angel is the third single on Theory of a Deadman's fifth studio album Savages. The single was released on February 24, 2015.
"Rx (Medicate)" is a song performed by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, a track on their sixth studio album, Wake Up Call (2017). The song's lyrics were co-written by all four members of the band and address the prescription drug abuse epidemic occurring in North America. It was produced by Martin Terefe and recorded at Terefe's Kensaltown Studios in London. Along with the group's usual hard rock sound, the song uses elements of pop and country music genres. The band's transition into the pop genre has been associated with lead singer Tyler Connolly's newly acquired piano-playing ability, which forced a change in his songwriting style.
"Straight Jacket" is a song by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman from their sixth studio album, Wake Up Call (2017). It is the second single from the record, following "Rx (Medicate)". Produced by Martin Terefe, it was recorded at Terefe's Kensaltown Studios in London and was released on January 16, 2018. Its music video, which was inspired by the American film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, was unveiled three weeks later on the band's official YouTube page.
Say Nothing is the seventh studio album by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, released on January 31, 2020, through 604 Records in Canada and Atlantic and Roadrunner Records in the United States. The record contains lyrics about such issues as domestic violence and racism. The band opted to continue their collaboration with Swedish music producer Martin Terefe—who worked with them on their previous album Wake Up Call—returning to London in April 2019. Their prior album marked the group's departure from their usual hard rock sound to a more pop- and pop rock-infused style and was met with mixed reviews from critics.
"History of Violence" is a song performed by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, a single from their seventh studio album, Say Nothing (2020). It was produced by Martin Terefe and recorded at Kensaltown Recording Studios in London. The band's transition into the pop rock genre is still evident in "History of Violence", and has been associated with lead singer Tyler Connolly's piano-playing ability, which forced a change in songwriting style and was acquired prior to the recording of their sixth record, Wake Up Call (2017). "History of Violence" marked the group's fourth single to top the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in the United States, and appeared on the Billboard Canada Rock, Rock Airplay, and Hot Rock Songs charts as well.
Dinosaur is the eighth studio album by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, released on March 17, 2023, through 604 Records in Canada and Atlantic and Roadrunner Records in the United States. The band continued their collaboration with Swedish music producer Martin Terefe who worked with them on their previous albums Wake Up Call and Say Nothing.
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