Weapons (song)

Last updated

"Weapons"
Ava Max - Weapons.png
Single by Ava Max
from the album Diamonds & Dancefloors
ReleasedNovember 10, 2022 (2022-11-10)
Genre
Length2:31
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Michel Lindgren Schulz
Ava Max singles chronology
"Million Dollar Baby"
(2022)		"Weapons"
(2022)		"Dancing's Done"
(2022)
Visualizer
"Weapons" on YouTube

"Weapons" is a song by American singer and songwriter Ava Max from her second studio album, Diamonds & Dancefloors (2023). The song was written by Max, Cirkut, Lostboy, Melanie Fontana, Madison Love, Michel Lindgren Schulz and Ryan Tedder, and produced by Schulz. It was released as the third single from the album for digital download and streaming by Atlantic in various countries on November 10, 2022. Combining disco, electro and europop genres, the song tells a tale of cold hearts and harsh words encountered in the pursuit of love within an expansive urban setting. Upon release, it received a positive reception from music critics for its lyrics, music and Max's vocal delivery. Commercially, it charted within the top 100 in Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Sweden and Switzerland. For further promotion, an accompanying visualizer premiered on Max's YouTube channel on March 3, 2023.

Contents

Background and composition

Produced by Michel Lindgren Schulz, "Weapons" was written by Schulz along with Max (Amanda Ava Koci), Cirkut (Henry Walter), Melanie Fontana, Madison Love and Ryan Tedder. [1] [2] Atlantic released the song for digital download and streaming on November 10, 2022 as the third single of Max's second studio album, Diamonds & Dancefloors (2023). [3] [4] Stating an emotional attachment, Max highlighted that "these lyrics are my favorite of any song I've released this year". [5] Characterized by disco, electro and europop genres, [6] [7] it tells a tale of emotional challenges articulated through the depiction of cold hearts and harsh words encountered in the pursuit of love within an expansive urban setting. [5] [8] Lyrics such as, "Stop using your words as weapons, They're never gonna, shoot me down, Stop, it's time that you learn a lesson, My love is gonna drown you out", emphasizes that these challenges do not waver her conviction in a positive outcome. [5]

Reception and promotion

"Weapons" generally received a positive reception from music critics. Madeline Dovi from Medium highlighted the song as an "empowerment ballad" that "bursts forth with prowess and assuredness", drawing parallels to American singer Pat Benatar's song "Love Is A Battlefield" (1983). [9] George Griffiths for Official Charts Company complimented the song as "Lady Gaga-esque". [10] Writing for NRG Albania, the author commended Max's consistent emphasis on vocal strength in her successive releases. [11] Reviewing Diamonds & Dancefloors, Sam Franzini from The Line of Best Fit described the song as a "clumsy anti-bullying anthem", comparing its sound to music "commissioned" for a "middle school". [12] Jordi Bardají for Jenesaispop referred to the "heroic chorus" as a "cliché within a cliché". [13]

Commercially, "Weapons" reached number 10 in the Walloon region of Belgium, [14] number 29 in Hungary, [15] number 32 in the Flemish region of Belgium, [16] number 33 in Croatia, number 54 in Sweden and number 95 in Switzerland. [17] [18] [19] Furthermore, the song charted at number one on the Dutch Tipparade ranking and number 34 on the New Zealand Hot Singles. [20] [21] For promotional purposes, an official visualizer for "Weapons" premiered to Max's official YouTube channel on March 3, 2023. [22]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Spotify. [1]

Charts

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Weapons"
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousNovember 10, 2022
  • Digital download
  • streaming
Atlantic

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ava Max</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1994)

Amanda Ava Koci, known professionally as Ava Max, is an American singer and songwriter. She rose to prominence in 2018 with the release of her breakthrough single "Sweet but Psycho". The song peaked at number one in 22 countries and reached number two and number 10 on the Australian ARIA Charts and US Billboard Hot 100, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet but Psycho</span> 2018 single by Ava Max

"Sweet but Psycho" is the debut single by American singer Ava Max, released on August 17, 2018, through Atlantic Records. It was later included on her debut studio album Heaven & Hell (2020). The song was written by Max, Madison Love, Tix, Cook Classics, and the producer Cirkut. "Sweet but Psycho" is a pop, dance-pop, electropop, and synth-pop song with lyrics about the perception of a young woman. The song's title was inspired by frequent interactions between Max and her parents. It received mixed to positive reviews from music critics, who praised its upbeat sound and catchy chorus, but criticized its formulaic production.

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

American singer Ava Max has released two studio albums, one extended play, 28 singles, 15 promotional singles and 24 music videos, as well as four visualizer music videos. In 2008, Max released an independent extended play on her Myspace profile titled Amanda Kay. She released "Take Away the Pain" under the stage name Ava in 2013, which was later produced by the Canadian duo Project 46 in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blood, Sweat & Tears (Ava Max song)</span> 2019 promotional single by Ava Max

"Blood, Sweat & Tears" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released as a promotional single through Atlantic Records on July 30, 2019, and charted on the Czech Radio Top 100 at number 60. The song was written by Max, Peter Thomas, Sofia Hoops, and the producer Cirkut, with lyrics describing the determination to persevere through a relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freaking Me Out</span> 2019 promotional single by Ava Max

"Freaking Me Out" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released as a promotional single through Atlantic Records on July 31, 2019, and charted on the New Zealand Hot Singles chart at number 29. The song was written by Max, Jon Bellion, Jonathan Simpson, Mark Williams, Raul Cubina, Seth Reger, and the producer Cirkut. It is a pop song, with lyrics describing the feeling of losing senses during a new relationship. An accompanying music video was released on October 31, 2019, and directed by Edgar Daniel. It depicts Max trapped inside a mansion, which is filled with horror fiction objects and scenes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Torn (Ava Max song)</span> 2019 single by Ava Max

"Torn" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released on August 19, 2019, through Atlantic Records as the third single from her debut studio album, Heaven & Hell (2020). The song was written by Max, Madison Love, James Lavigne, Thomas Eriksen, Sam Martin, and the producer Cirkut. It is a dance and pop song with lyrics describing the internal struggle between wanting to stay and leave in a relationship. "Torn" charted in the top 10 in Poland, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The song was certified double platinum in Poland and was certified gold in five countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salt (Ava Max song)</span> 2019 single by Ava Max

"Salt" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released on December 12, 2019, through Atlantic Records as the fourth single from her debut studio album, Heaven & Hell (2020). The song was initially released on YouTube and SoundCloud in 2018, before being re-released on streaming services. It was written by Max, Autumn Rowe, Madison Love, Nicole Morier, and the producer Cirkut. The dance-pop song is regarded as a "fan-favorite" by several publications, who praised the upbeat production. "Salt" peaked at number one in Poland, and charted in the top 10 in Austria, CIS, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia, Ukraine, and Switzerland. The song received a quadruple platinum certification in Poland and Norway, and was certified platinum in four countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">On Somebody</span> 2019 promotional single by Ava Max

"On Somebody" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released on December 30, 2019, through Atlantic Records as a promotional single. The song was written by Max, Lisa Scinta, Nate Cyphert, and producers Cirkut and Jason Evigan. "On Somebody" is an electropop song which consists of a harpsichord. The lyrics depict the difficult nature of moving on from a relationship. The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised the production. It peaked at number 35 on the New Zealand Hot Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kings & Queens (Ava Max song)</span> 2020 single by Ava Max

"Kings & Queens" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released on March 12, 2020, through Atlantic Records as the fourth single from her debut studio album, Heaven & Hell (2020). The song was written by Ava Max, Brett McLaughlin, Desmond Child, Hillary Bernstein, Jakke Erixson, Madison Love, Mimoza Blinsson, and producers Cirkut and RedOne. It is a power pop song that consists of an electric guitar with synthesizers, incorporating the message of women's empowerment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Who's Laughing Now (Ava Max song)</span> 2020 single by Ava Max

"Who's Laughing Now" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released on July 30, 2020, through Atlantic Records as the sixth single from her debut studio album, Heaven & Hell (2020). The song was written by Max, Madison Love, Måns Wredenberg, Noonie Bao, and producers Cirkut and Lotus IV. It is a dance-pop song with lyrics about a girl being gaslighted, and continues from Max's 2018 song "Sweet but Psycho". "Who's Laughing Now" reached number one in Poland, and charted in the top ten in eight countries. An accompanying music video was directed by Isaac Rentz and depicts Max seeking revenge on her boss and cheating boyfriend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas Without You</span> 2020 single by Ava Max

"Christmas Without You" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released on October 15, 2020, through Atlantic Records. It was written by Max, Jesse Aicher, Sam Martin, and producers Gian Stone and Cirkut. A Christmas pop song, it contains a piano, jingle bell and bassline, alongside Max's melisma and whistle register vocals. "Christmas Without You" received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised the Christmas sound. The song peaked at number 28 on both the US Adult Contemporary chart and in Germany. A music video was released in 2022, which depicts Max in front of a winter-themed background.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Head & My Heart</span> 2020 single by Ava Max

"My Head & My Heart" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released on November 19, 2020, through Atlantic Records as the eighth and final single from Max's debut studio album Heaven & Hell (2020). The song was included on the digital re-release version of the album. The dance and pop anthem was written by Max, Madison Love, Aleksey Potekhin, Sergey Zhukov, Tia Scola, Earwulf, and Cirkut, with production handled by the latter two producers and Jonas Blue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EveryTime I Cry</span> 2021 single by Ava Max

"EveryTime I Cry" is a song by American singer Ava Max, released on June 8, 2021, through Atlantic Records. The house and electropop song was written by Max, Caroline Pennell, Lauren Aquilina, and producers Cirkut and Sean Myer. It consists of a piano with synthesizers, and lyrics describing the effect of women's empowerment during difficult situations. "EveryTime I Cry" received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised the upbeat production. The song peaked at number seven in Poland and at number 99 in the United Kingdom. An accompanying music video was directed by Max and Charlotte Rutherford and depicts the singer on the desert which transforms into a lush landscape with her tears. It was compared to previous music videos by TLC and Shakira.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Motto (Tiësto and Ava Max song)</span> 2021 single by Tiësto and Ava Max

"The Motto" is a song by Dutch disc jockey Tiësto and American singer and songwriter Ava Max from the former's seventh studio album, Drive (2023). The song was written by the artists, Claudia Valentina, Pablo Bowman, Sarah Blanchard, and Lostboy, who produced it with the DJ. It was released as the third single from the album for digital download and streaming in various countries by Atlantic and Musical Freedom on 4 November 2021. "The Motto" is a fusion of dance, EDM, and pop, showcasing empowering lyrics that emphasize "doing you, having a good time and letting the world know". Upon its release, the release of the song was well received by music critics, who praised the music and production of the song, the collaborative effort between the artists, and the vocal delivery of Max. At the 2022 MTV Europe Music Awards, the song received a nomination in the category for the Best Collaboration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maybe You're the Problem</span> 2022 single by Ava Max

"Maybe You're the Problem" is a song by American singer and songwriter Ava Max from her second studio album, Diamonds & Dancefloors (2023). The song was written by Max, Abraham Dertner, Cirkut, Jonas Jeberg, Marcus Lomax and Sean Douglas, and produced by Cirkut, Dertner and Jeberg. It was released as the lead single from the album for digital download and streaming by Atlantic in various countries on April 28, 2022. Blending dance, dance-pop, dance-rock, pop and synth-pop music, the song depicts Max's ex as a toxic individual unwilling to accept any form of commitment placing blame on others while absolving himself. Upon release, it garnered a positive reception from music critics for its music, lyrics and Max's vocal rendition, with various critics highlighting it as a standout on the album.

<i>Diamonds & Dancefloors</i> 2023 studio album by Ava Max

Diamonds & Dancefloors is the second studio album by American singer Ava Max. It was released on January 27, 2023, through Atlantic Records. Recorded throughout 2021, the album is a dance-pop record much like Max's debut studio album Heaven & Hell (2020). The album was promoted by the release of six singles: "Maybe You're the Problem", "Million Dollar Baby", "Weapons", "Dancing's Done", "One of Us", and "Ghost". The album debuted in the top ten in various countries, including Austria, Germany, Hungary, Spain and Switzerland. In the United States, the album debuted at number thirty-four on the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Million Dollar Baby (Ava Max song)</span> 2022 single by Ava Max

"Million Dollar Baby" is a song by American singer and songwriter Ava Max from her second studio album, Diamonds & Dancefloors (2023). The song was written by Max, Jessica Agombar, Cirkut, Lostboy, Michael Pollack, Casey Smith, David Stewart and Diane Warren, and produced by Cirkut, Lostboy and Stewart. It was released as the second single from the album for digital download and streaming by Atlantic in various countries on September 1, 2022. Drawing inspirations from the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, the upbeat eurodance and pop song interpolates LeAnn Rimes' song "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (2000). Titled in reference to Million Dollar Baby (2004), it delivers a message of empowerment that acts as a personal affirmation of Max's self-worth. Upon release, it received a positive reception from music critics for its music, lyrics and Max's vocal rendition as well as its adept use of the interpolation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghost (Ava Max song)</span> 2023 single by Ava Max

"Ghost" is a song by American singer Ava Max from her second studio album, Diamonds & Dancefloors. The song was written by Max, MNEK and its producer Cirkut. It was released through Atlantic Records as the sixth and final single from the album on March 16, 2023. The song received positive reviews from critics, with critics highlighting it a standout on the album, with much praise going towards the house production and Max's vocal performance. A remix by Merk & Kremont was released on May 12, 2023.

"Dancing's Done" is a song by American singer and songwriter Ava Max from her second studio album, Diamonds & Dancefloors (2023). The song was written by Max, Burns, Pablo Bowman, Cirkut, Lostboy and Sean Douglas, and produced by Burns and Lostboy. It was released as the fourth single from the album for digital download and streaming by Atlantic in various countries on December 20, 2022. A dark-inspired 1980s dance-pop, disco and eurodance song, the song navigates through the theme of seeking a connection with an individual desiring shared moments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Choose Your Fighter</span> 2023 single by Ava Max

"Choose Your Fighter" is a song by American singer Ava Max from Barbie the Album, the soundtrack of the 2023 film Barbie. It was written by Ava Max, Madison Love, Michael Pollack, and its producer Cirkut. Her song was serviced to Italian radio on July 28, 2023, as the sixth single from the soundtrack.

References

  1. 1 2 "Weapons –Single by Ava Max". Spotify. November 10, 2022. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.Note: Click on the three dots on the right of the track to display the credits.
  2. ↑ Armstrong, Megan (November 10, 2022). "Ava Max's 'Weapons' Will Make You Feel Invincible And Ready To Dance". Uproxx. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  3. 1 2 Citations regarding the release of "Weapons" by Ava Max in various selected countries:
  4. 1 2 "Ava Max With 'Weapons'". Atlantic Records. November 10, 2022. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 "Ava Max veröffenticht neue Single 'Weapons'" (in German). Magdeburg Klick. November 11, 2022. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  6. ↑ Beaudet, Victoria (November 14, 2022). "Ava Max signe son retour disco avec la chanson 'Weapons'" (in French). Chérie FM. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Everything We Know About Ava Max's New Album Diamonds & Dancefloors". Voir. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  8. ↑ D'Souza, Shaad (November 11, 2022). "Sound Off: 10 New Songs You Need to Hear Now". Paper . Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  9. ↑ Dovi, Madeline (January 14, 2023). "Ava Max's Pop Psychology: The Dualism Of Dancing Through Tears". Medium . Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  10. ↑ Griffiths, George (December 21, 2022). "Ava Max shines (literally) on brand-new artwork for upcoming second album Diamonds & Dancefloors and high octane single Dancing's Done". Official Charts Company (OCC). Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Ava Max Publikon Këngën E Re 'Weapons'!" (in Albanian). NRG Albania. November 11, 2022. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  12. ↑ Franzini, Sam (January 23, 2023). "Ava Max's Diamonds & Dancefloors is pure pop escapism". The Line of Best Fit . Archived from the original on December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  13. ↑ Bardají, Jordi (February 1, 2023). "Ava Max / Diamonds & Dancefloors". Jenesaispop (in Spanish). Archived from the original on December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  14. 1 2 "Ava Max – Weapons" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  15. 1 2 "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  16. 1 2 "Ava Max – Weapons" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  17. 1 2 "Hrt Airplay Radio Chart No. 1057 –Issue Date: December 12th 2022" (PDF). Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT). December 13, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  18. 1 2 "Ava Max – Weapons". Singles Top 100. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  19. 1 2 "Ava Max – Weapons". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  20. 1 2 "Tipparade Lijst Van Week 1, 2023" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. January 7, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  21. 1 2 "Nz Hot Singles Chart –21 November 2022". Recorded Music NZ. November 21, 2022. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Ava Max –Weapons | Official Visualizer". Ava Max. March 3, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023– via YouTube.
  23. ↑ "Classement Radio: Semaine du 30 décembre 2022" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP). December 30, 2022. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Airplay Top 40 Lijst Van Week 5, 2023" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. January 30, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Rapports annuels 2023" (in French). Ultratop. Archived from the original on January 7, 2024. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
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.