Superposition (song)

"Superposition" is a song by American alternative rock band Young the Giant, promoted as the second single off of the band's fourth album, Mirror Master. It was released on August 23, 2018, through Elektra Records.

"Superposition"
Single by Young the Giant
from the album Mirror Master
ReleasedAugust 23, 2018[1]
Studio
  • The Village Studios
  • The Doghouse Studio
Genre
Length3:50
LabelElektra
Songwriter(s)
  • Sameer Gadhia
  • Payam Doostzadeh
  • Jacob Tilley
  • Francois Comtois
  • Eric Cannata
Producer(s)
Young the Giant singles chronology
"Simplify"
(2018)		 "Superposition"
(2018)		 "Heat of the Summer"
(2018)
Music video
"Superposition" on YouTube

Background and recording

Beyond the original version, two remakes were released: the first one was dubbed "Superposition (Reprise)", recorded in a single day in the Layman Drug Company Studio in Nashville,[2] and uploaded to YouTube on January 16, 2019[3] while the second was named "Superposition (Reflection)" and posted online on April 12, 2019.[4]

On social media posts, the band has described "Superposition" as "a song about quantum physics that has defied odds".[5] On the Reprise version, they stated it is "a deconstructed negative of the original: a flipper zip on the double helix".[6] Furthermore, on the Reflection version, they added it "is about recognizing the constant that hides behind infinite variations".[7]

Critical reception

While parent album Mirror Master received mixed reviews, "Superposition" was generally well-regarded. Neil Yeung, of AllMusic, said it was an album highlight, "the gorgeous opener that balances alluring beats and heartfelt emotion."[8] Chris Bach, of WRBB, called its lyrics "bland" but praised the "unique and dynamic instrumental", adding that it is "the centerpiece of this album".[9] The "extensive physics metaphors" such as "superposition" and "black stars", plus "the atmospheric sound", were emphasized by Kerry Rork of The Chronicle.[10]

Chart performance

Commercially, "Superposition" climbed to number 2 in the US Alternative Songs chart, tying it with "It's About Time" for the highest-charting single to date by the band, while hitting the top spot in the Mediabase Alternative chart.[11] Additionally, the song hit number 10 in the US Rock Songs chart, number 3 in the US Rock Airplay chart, and number 4 in the US Adult Alternative Songs.

Music video

The music video for the track was released on August 23, 2018, the same day it was released as a single.[1] Directed by Computer Team, who also directed "Something To Believe In",[12] it evokes reflection, among other physics-related concepts mentioned throughout the song.

Usage in media

"Superposition" was used in TV shows such as Grey's Anatomy[13] and Roswell, New Mexico,[14] and was made available as a playable song in the video game Rock Band 4.[15]

The band performed the song live on Late Night with Seth Meyers,[16] Jimmy Kimmel Live!,[17] and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.[12]

Track listing
Superposition (Reflection) EP[18]
No.TitleLength
1."Superposition (Reflection)"3:30
2."Superposition"3:50
3."Superposition (Reprise)"3:46
Total length:11:06

Charts

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[25] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References
  1. "Young the Giant: Superposition [OFFICIAL VIDEO]". August 23, 2018. Retrieved June 14, 2019 – via YouTube.
  2. Emily Grinberg (April 18, 2019). "Young the Giant's Latest Version of "Superposition" Is the Dreamiest One Yet". Soundigest. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  3. "Young the Giant: Superposition (Reprise) [OFFICIAL VIDEO]". YouTube. January 16, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  4. "Young the Giant: Superposition (Reflection) [OFFICIAL AUDIO]". YouTube. April 12, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  5. Young the Giant (February 18, 2019). "Young the Giant on Twitter: 12 years have flown by..." Twitter. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  6. Young the Giant (January 17, 2019). "Young the Giant on Twitter: Superposition reprise is a deconstructed negative of the original". Twitter. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  7. Young the Giant (April 12, 2019). "Young the Giant on Twitter: Superposition (Reflection) is out!!". Twitter. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  8. Neil Yeung. "Mirror Master – Young the Giant". AllMusic. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  9. Chris Bach (November 6, 2018). "Young the Giant disappoints with 'Mirror Master'". WRBB. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  10. Kerry Rork (October 17, 2018). "Young the Giant's 'Mirror Master' is a story of self discovery". Duke Chronicle. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  11. Brian Cantor (February 17, 2019). "Young The Giant's "Superposition" Reaches #1 At Alternative Radio". Headline Planet. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  12. TV News Desk (August 24, 2018). "Young the Giant Announces New Album Mirror Master and Fall Tour". Broadway World. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  13. Denise Warner (May 16, 2019). "The Music From the Best 'Merluca' Moments on Season 15 of 'Grey's Anatomy'". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  14. "Young The Giant music featured in movies and TV shows". Tunefind. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  15. "Current singles from Five Finger Death Punch and Young The Giant arrive in Rock Band 4!". Harmonix Music. March 21, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  16. Bob Diehl (January 25, 2019). "Watch Young the Giant Perform "Superposition" on 'Late Night'". Radio.com. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  17. Marina Pedrosa (October 5, 2018). "Young the Giant Bring the Feels With 'Simplify' Performance On 'Kimmel'". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  18. "Superposition (Reflection)". Spotify. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  19. "Young the Giant Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  20. "Young the Giant Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  21. "Young the Giant Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  22. "Young the Giant Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  23. "Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2019". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
  24. "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2019". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
  25. "American single certifications – Young the Giant – Superposition". Recording Industry Association of America.
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