Bulletproof (Godsmack song) explained

Bulletproof
Cover:Bulletproof_godsmack.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Godsmack
Album:When Legends Rise
Recorded:2017–2018
Label:BMG
Prev Title:Come Together
Prev Year:2017
Next Title:When Legends Rise
Next Year:2018

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

Background

The song was first released on February 28, 2018.[1] as the first single from their seventh studio album When Legends Rise.[2] 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.[3] [4] 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.[5]

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.[1] Frontman Sully Erna said of writing the song:

Musically, the song was described as more melodic and catchy, and less aggressive, than the band's past music.[6] [7] 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.[6]

Track listing

Digital single

Music video

The music video for "Bulletproof" was released in April 3, 2018.[8] It features guest appearances by Billy Ray Cyrus and Sebastian Bach.[9] The 10 minute video was created by director Troy Smith[10] and producer/editor Noah Berlow.[11] [12] 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.[8] 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."[8]

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".[13] MetalSucks however was critical of the new sound demonstrated by the song, comparing it to 3 Doors Down and pop music.[14] [15]

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.[16] The single ultimately peaked at number one where it remained for five consecutive weeks,[17] giving Godsmack their eighth number one single on that chart.[18] 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.[19] The single was certified platinum by the RIAA on September 24, 2020 for accumulating 1 million certified units,[20] almost a year after it was certified gold for accumulating 500,000 certified units.[21] In addition to it being certified platinum, "Bulletproof" was the most-played song on rock radio in 2018.[22]

Personnel

Band

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (2018)Position
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[23] 17
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[24] 23

Notes and References

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