Bulletproof (Godsmack song)

"Bulletproof" is a song by American rock band Godsmack. It was the first single off of their seventh studio album When Legends Rise.

"Bulletproof"
Single by Godsmack
from the album When Legends Rise
ReleasedFebruary 28, 2018 (2018-02-28)
Recorded2017–2018
Genre
Length2:57
LabelBMG
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Sully Erna
  • Erik Ron
Godsmack singles chronology
"Come Together"
(2017)		 "Bulletproof"
(2018)		 "When Legends Rise"
(2018)
Music video
"Bulletproof" on YouTube

Background

The song was first released on February 28, 2018.[2] as the first single from their seventh studio album When Legends Rise.[3] The song is the band's first release since switching record labels from Universal Republic to BMG in 2016 for more artistic control over their music.[4][5] Their prior single, a cover of the Beatles' "Come Together" was released as a single in 2017, but this was because it originated from the band's 2012 release Live & Inspired.[6]

Themes and composition

Lyrically, the song, along with its respective album, are related to the band still being together and functioning well as a unit for over twenty years.[2] Frontman Sully Erna said of writing the song:

I always write about things that have affected me on an emotional level...But if I choose to do that, I have to be prepared to be honest and vulnerable. And so the challenge is figuring out how 'exposed' you want to be with personal information. But I've also learnt over the years that, for me, being transparent, even to the point of embarrassment sometimes, is so much better than holding it inside and extending that pain longer than you need to. 'Bulletproof' is just another moment in my life when I allowed myself to be vulnerable and got hurt. It's this kind of carelessness from other people that eventually hardens you and forces you to put up that wall to protect yourself. So when and if they circle back around and try to get back in, you make yourself bulletproof.[7]

Musically, the song was described as more melodic and catchy, and less aggressive, than the band's past music.[8][9] Loudwire described it as having a "subdued vibe" in the choruses, with layers of guitar added gradually, until it "explodes" into the chorus, with heavy distorted guitars and melodic, soaring vocals.[8]

Track listing
Digital single
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Bulletproof"Lyrics: Sully Erna, Erik Ron; Music: Sully Erna, Shannon Larkin, Robbie Merrill, Tony Rombola2:57

Music video

The music video for "Bulletproof" was released in April 3, 2018.[10] It features guest appearances by Billy Ray Cyrus and Sebastian Bach.[11] The 10 minute video was created by director Troy Smith[12] and producer/editor Noah Berlow.[13][14] The clip follows the band as they "audition" different directors to make their new music video, only to settle on Sully Erna's "cousin from Italy," Salvatore Pasquale.[10] When asked about the making of the "Bulletproof" music video and the band's decision to take a comedic approach, Erna stated that "We just really enjoy having fun and laughing," adding, "Music is about entertainment just as much as it's about the art."[10]

Reception

Critical

Reaction to the song has been mixed. Metal Injection sees the song as a "departure" for the band, instead opting for a "more melodic/catchy sound".[15] MetalSucks however was critical of the new sound demonstrated by the song, comparing it to 3 Doors Down and pop music.[16][17]

Commercial

Upon its release, "Bulletproof" entered multiple charts, including the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs. The single debuted at number 24, making it the highest debut and greatest gainer in charting for the week.[18] The single ultimately peaked at number one where it remained for five consecutive weeks,[19] giving Godsmack their eighth number one single on that chart.[20] When asked about the single's chart performance, Sully Erna admitted that, despite "Bulletproof" being "the most commercial song on the record", he was still pleased to see the fans embrace it.[21] The single was certified platinum by the RIAA on September 24, 2020 for accumulating 1 million certified units,[22] almost a year after it was certified gold for accumulating 500,000 certified units.[23] In addition to it being certified platinum, "Bulletproof" was the most-played song on rock radio in 2018.[24]

Personnel

Band

Charts

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[31] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References
  1. Loudwire Staff. "The 40 Best Hard Rock Songs of 2018". Loudwire.
  2. "GODSMACK To Release 'When Legends Rise' Album In April; 'Bulletproof' Single Available". blabbermouth.net. 28 February 2018.
  3. "Godsmack return with new single and album". teamrock.com.
  4. "Godsmack's Sully Erna Confirms Band's Label Change". Loudwire.
  5. "Godsmack: 'Bulletproof' vom kommenden "When Legends Rise"-Album im Stream". rockhard.de.
  6. "Godsmack's Cover of The Beatles' 'Come Together' Returns at No. 1". Billboard.
  7. "Sully Erna Says New Godsmack Album Will Feature The Band's "First Real Ballad" - Theprp.com". theprp.com. 1 March 2018.
  8. "Godsmack Go Melodic on New 'When Legends Rise' Song 'Bulletproof'". Loudwire.
  9. "This Is What GODSMACK Sounds Like in 2018; Melodic New Song "Bulletproof" Released". metalinjection.net. 28 February 2018.
  10. Fields, Taylor (3 April 2018). "Godsmack's "Bulletproof" Music Video Is Hilarious, Guest Stars Billy Ray Cyrus & Sebastian Bach". iHeartRadio. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
  11. "Godsmack Detail New Album "When Legends Rise", Debut "Bulletproof" - Theprp.com". theprp.com. 28 February 2018.
  12. Times, Hanan Daqqa / Fairfax County. "What makes Godsmack so "Bulletproof"?". Fairfax County Times.
  13. "Palmerton producer collaborates on new Godsmack video - Times News Online". www.tnonline.com.
  14. Moser, John J. "Palmerton man is editor of video for Godsmack's new Top 5 hit 'Bulletproof'". mcall.com.
  15. "This Is What GODSMACK Sounds Like in 2018; Melodic New Song "Bulletproof" Released". Metal Injection. 28 February 2018.
  16. "Godsmack Release New Autotune Demonstration Song - MetalSucks". metalsucks.net. 28 February 2018.
  17. "Reaction Video: First Listen to Godsmack's New Pop Song "Bulletproof" - MetalSucks". metalsucks.net. 2 March 2018.
  18. "Rock Music: Top Mainstream Rock Songs Chart". billboard.com.
  19. Rutherford, Kevin (15 May 2020). "'Unforgettable' Achievement: Godsmack Scores Fourth Mainstream Rock No. 1 From 'When Legends Rise' Album". Billboard. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  20. "Godsmack Lands First No. 1 on Mainstream Rock Songs in Four Years With 'Bulletproof'". Billboard.
  21. Graff, Gary (31 May 2018). "Godsmack's Sully Erna Talks Fear of Selling Out, Success of 'Bulletproof'". Billboard. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
  22. "GODSMACK's 'Bulletproof' Single Certified Platinum In U.S." BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
  23. "BULLETPROOF GOES GOLD!". Godsmack. 15 October 2019. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
  24. Johnson, Josh (2 October 2020). "Godsmack goes platinum with "Bulletproof" single - Music News - ABC News Radio". abcnewsradioonline.com. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
  25. "Godsmack Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  26. "Godsmack Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
  27. "Godsmack Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  28. "Godsmack Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
  29. "Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  30. "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  31. "American single certifications – Godsmack – Bulletproof". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
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