High and Low (Empire of the Sun song) explained

High and Low
Type:single
Artist:Empire of the Sun
Album:Two Vines
Label:Capitol
Prev Title:Celebrate
Prev Year:2014
Next Title:To Her Door
Next Year:2016

"High and Low" is a song by Australian electronic duo Empire of the Sun. It was released in 24 August 2016 as the lead single from their third studio album, Two Vines.

Group member Nick Littlemore gave details of the track during its premiere on American radio station KROQ, saying "It was about this girl I knew when I was a kid, named Alice D, who was a bit of a wild child. She did all sorts of crazy things. We wanted to write a song that captured the innocence and bravery of youth...being a teenager, having the experience of throwing caution to the wind and trying wild things for the first time."[1] (Some fans have interpreted "Alice D" as a play on LSD, but the group members insist that such is far from the case.)

The song features on a Holden commercial airing during the eighth season of The X Factor Australia and features host Jason Dundas.[2] This song was also featured in EA Sports game, FIFA 17, and Danish series The Rain as soundtrack. The song is also featured in TV commercials for San Pellegrino sparkling water.

Additional remixes were released in October 2016.

Critical reception

Ryan Reed from Rolling Stone described the song as "pulsating", adding; "Acoustic guitar chords give way to booming synth-pads on the chorus, as singer Luke Steele sings wistfully: 'If I had my way/ Never let you go.'"[3]

Collin Robinson from Stereogum described the song as "a slow-building slice of euphoria with big drums, grand synths, and swishing ambient sweeps."[4]

Lars Brandle of Billboard described the song as "a straight-up party tune which flows with melodies, synths and good times."[5]

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (2016)Position
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[7] 77
Chart (2017)Position
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[8] 79

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hear Empire Of The Sun's Catchy New Single 'High And Low'. Music Feeds. Emma Mack. 24 August 2016. 5 November 2016.
  2. Web site: Empire Of The Sun make magic with Fleetwood Mac, Prince and David Bowie star musicians. news.com.au. 20 October 2016. 4 November 2016.
  3. Web site: Hear Empire of the Sun's 80s inspired song "High and Low". Rolling Stone. Ryan Reen. 24 August 2016. 5 November 2016.
  4. Web site: Empire Of The Sun – "High And Low". Stereo Gum. Collin Robinson. 23 August 2016. 5 November 2016.
  5. Web site: Empire of the Sun Goes Tripping On New Track 'High and Low': Listen. Billboard. Lars Brandle. 24 August 2016. 5 November 2016.
  6. Web site: CHART WATCH #386. auspOp. 17 September 2016. 6 November 2016. 9 October 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161009210933/https://www.auspop.com.au/2016/09/chart-watch-386/. dead.
  7. Hot Dance/Electronic Songs – Year-End 2016. Billboard. 22 November 2019.
  8. Hot Dance/Electronic Songs – Year-End 2017. Billboard. 27 November 2019.