Bald (song)
| "Bald" | |
|---|---|
| Song by The Darkness | |
| from the album One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back | |
| Released | 2005 |
| Recorded | 2005 |
| Genre | Hard rock |
| Length | 5:31 |
| Label | Atlantic |
| Songwriter(s) | Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins and Ed Graham |
| Producer(s) | Roy Thomas Baker |
"Bald" is a song by the English rock band The Darkness.
Background and release history
[edit]The song is a hilarious melodrama about a rock god's worst nightmare, according to Rolling Stone magazine. [1]
In another review, Rolling Stone states that the song is "about premature hair loss". [2]
Stylus states that the song is about "losing your edge". [3]
Justin Hawkins commented on the song saying ""The irony of it is that it's a super-powerful song about losing your virility," [4]
It is the seventh track in the band's second album One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back, clocking in at five minutes thirty-one seconds, making it the longest song on the album.[5] The song was recorded at Chapel Studios, South Thoresby, Lincolnshire; Paul Smith Music Studios, London.
The song is reputedly about Bono, following a dispute between the lead singer of U2 and Justin Hawkins whilst recording Band Aid 20 in 2004. Both singers recorded the line but Bono was given precedence. Lyrical and musical similarities can be noted; for example, the Bald lyric “tonight thank God it’s him instead of me” reflects the famous Band Aid line in question.
Release history
[edit]The song has been released in three different albums:
On 28 November 2005 on the band's second album One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back.[5]
On 1 April 2008 in the first compilation album "The Platinum Collection".[6]
On 4 August 2008 in the second compilation album "2 in 1: Permission to Land/One Way Ticket to Hell".[7]
Critical reception
[edit]Rolling Stone called it the "best song on the Darkness' eccentrically flawed second album". [1]
Pitchfork Media praised the song for exploring new territory, but ultimately concluded that the song was undercooked. [8]
Drowned in Sound stated "The chorus is sung in the staccato tradition of oddball duo Sparks (whose _‘This Town etc’_ Justin covered on his summer solo release) and the accompanying guitars are of the have-a-go-hero variety. Essentially love on the rocks with no hair." [9]
Personnel
[edit]- Justin Hawkins – vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, synthesizer, piano
- Dan Hawkins – rhythm and lead guitar, bass
- Ed Graham – drums
- Additional personnel
- Pedro Ferreira – production, mixing, engineering
- Mike Marsh – mastering
- Will Bartle – recording assistance
- Nick Taylor – mixing assistance
References
[edit]- ^ a b Fricke, David (2007-10-02). "The Darkness". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 2, 2007. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- ^ Lauren Gitlin (2005-10-04). "Darkness Find Redemption | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- ^ "The Darkness – One Way Ticket to Hell…and Back – Review". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on 2006-05-26. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- ^ Lauren Gitlin (2005-10-04). "Darkness Find Redemption | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- ^ a b Phares, Heather (2005-11-28). "One Way Ticket to Hell...And Back – The Darkness : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- ^ "The Platinum Collection – The Darkness – Discover music at". Last.fm. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- ^ "Darkness – Permission To Land/One Way Ticket To Hell CD Album". Cduniverse.com. 2009-01-01. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- ^ "The Darkness: One Way Ticket to Hell...and Back | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. 2005-11-28. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- ^ Gloom, Stryker (2005-11-30). "The Darkness – One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back / Releases / Releases // Drowned In Sound". Drownedinsound.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2012-12-26.