Supercut (song) explained

Supercut
Caption:El-P remix artwork
Type:Song
Artist:Lorde
Album:Melodrama
Studio:
Genre:
Label:
Producer:

"Supercut" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde from her second album, Melodrama (2017). Lorde co-wrote the track with Jack Antonoff, both of whom also co-produced it with Joel Little, with additional production from Frank Dukes, Jean-Benoît Dunckel and Malay. It is a synth-pop, electropop, electronic, and disco song that draws influence from other genres, such as dance, electro house, electronica and new wave music. The lyrics are about Lorde reviewing her most joyful memories from a previous relationship and realising the illusion is no longer present.

Music critics praised the song, with many comparing its production to the works of American musician Bruce Springsteen and Swedish singer Robyn. The track's name, supercut, is a word coined by Andy Baio and is defined as a compilation of short video clips of the same type of action. "Supercut" was included in the soundtrack of the 2019 Netflix film Someone Great. It was one of five songs used as part of a re-imagined Vevo series at the Electric Lady Studios, where she recorded most of her album. "Supercut" was also part of the set list for the Melodrama World Tour (2017–2018).

Background

In an interview with The Spinoff, Lorde recalled leaving a party late at night and driving around Ponsonby Road in Auckland in a taxi listening to Paul Simon's 1986 album Graceland.[1] While driving, she heard music playing from nearby bars. Lorde wanted to feel as if one was "dancing through the walls of a party".[1] The singer wrote the track with this concept in mind when she arrived to the United States.[1] After recording "Supercut", she would play it as she left The Spotted Pig, a gastro pub in the West Village area of Lower Manhattan, after midnight.[1] Despite not being credited as a recording location on the song's liner notes, the singer recorded the track at Jungle City. During takes, Lorde placed a microphone in the corner of the studio, stood 30NaN0 away from it, and recorded her verses.[1] She compared the end result to an answering machine or voice note. The pair constructed most of the track using drums and then "filled in the blanks" with a piano. Lorde called "Supercut" a "sister song" to "Ribs" from her 2013 debut album Pure Heroine.[1]

Recording and composition

Lorde recorded "Supercut" in three locations around the United States. She began recording at Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village, New York City, with assistance from Barry McCready and Jack Antonoff. Antonoff also worked with Lorde at Rough Customer Studio in Brooklyn Heights, New York. Recording concluded at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, with assistance from Ben Sedano and Greg Eliason. Serban Ghenea mixed the song at MixStar Studios with assistance from engineer John Hanes. The track was mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound in New York. Other personnel include Joel Little, as well as Frank Dukes, Jean-Benoît Dunckel, Malay, who provided additional production to the song.[2]

"Supercut" is composed in the key of C major with a tempo of 124 beats per minute. Lorde's vocals span a range of A3 to E5 and its chord progression follows a basic sequence of C–Fsus2–Am-F.[3] It is a synth-pop, electropop, electronic, and disco song,[4] which has influences of other genres such as dance,[5] electro house,[6] electronica,[7] and new wave music.[8] The track's lyrics recall Lorde's highlights from a previous relationship.[9] "Supercut" features an interpolation of the piano melody from her 2017 single, "Green Light". According to Ava Muir of Exclaim!, the track is driven by a "hauntingly infectious pulse".[10] In an analysis of the album, Lindsay Zoladz from The Ringer said the song is associated in popular culture with the "relationship’s 'perfect' moments captured in cropped, filtered Instagrams that we flick through after they [are] over".[11]

Reception

"Supercut" received critical acclaim from music critics, with many calling it a stand-out track on Melodrama.[12] The track received comparisons to the works of American musician Bruce Springsteen and Swedish singer Robyn.[13] [4] Mike Neid from Idolator wrote that the track delivered "one of the most gracefully crafted lyrics on the album", and called it a "joyful release that offers a sliver of hope for new beginnings".[14] Writing for The Independent, Roisin O'Connor praised the song's unusual "quirks" in its production, which help "expose the inner workings of her music". O'Connor also said Lorde "respects pop for what it is and what it is capable of".[15] Chris Willman of Variety called it the album's "mini masterpiece".[16]

The track appeared in several music critics' year-end lists. Stereogum placed the song at number two on their year-end list, calling the lyrics "genius, the music a propulsive mirage" and the overall effect "overwhelming and tingly".[17] Lindsay Zoladz from The Ringer also placed the song at number two on her list, describing it as "a precise distillation of the ways the internet shapes and warps how we experience life".[18] NME included "Supercut" at number 29 on their year-end list,[19] while Vulture ranked it at number four on their year-end list. Dee Lockett from the publication stated that the track was a "misshapen puzzle whose beauty is greater for its flaws."[20] Andy Baio, the person who coined the term, praised Lorde for using it in her song.[21] "Supercut" was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for exceeding 35,000 shipments.

Billboard named "Supercut" as the third greatest breakup song of all time,[22] while Insider ranked the song at number 28 on their list of the 50 Best Breakup Songs of the 21st Century.[23]

Live performances and other usage

Lorde first performed "Supercut", along with two other tracks, at the Bowery Auditorium in New York City on the night of the singer's Melodrama album release party.[24] She also performed the track on 1Live, which was described as "breathtaking" and emotional.[25] "Supercut" was one of five songs Lorde performed as part of a re-imagined Vevo series at the Electric Lady Studios where she recorded most of her album.[26] For the Melodrama World Tour (2017–18), Lorde performed "Supercut" after her last costume change and a video interlude.[27] It was the first track she performed from the prelude of the show's third and final segment, which was composed of five songs.[28]

Norwegian pop punk band Sløtface covered the song at Australian radio station Triple J; Consequence of Sound described the cover as "cleaned up from the dance floor while forfeiting none of its emotional core". Sløtface's cover replaces the electronics of the production with a "reverberating guitar".[29] Lorde responded to the group's cover, calling it "rad".[30] It was included in the official soundtrack for the video game FIFA 18; NME described the track as "the one" and called it one of the soundtrack's "killer tunes".[31] The song was also featured in the soundtrack for the 2019 Netflix film Someone Great; director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson stated in an interview with Rolling Stone that "Supercut" was a source of inspiration while developing the film's screenplay. As a result, she wrote the song into the film's script before "any of the people in the movie existed".[32] "Supercut" is used in "W.O.M.B.", the sixth episode in the third season of You.[33]

El-P remix

Supercut
Version:El-P remix
Cover:Supercut El-P remix cover.jpg
Type:Remix
Artist:Lorde featuring Run the Jewels
Released:28 February 2018
Genre:Trip hop
Length:3:36
Label:Universal
Producer:El-P

Lorde posted a tweet on 27 February 2018 that a "small surprise" would be sent to fans who subscribed to her newsletter. The following day, a remix of the song produced by El-P of the hip hop group Run the Jewels, was released via email. Talking about the remix, Lorde said, "I love it. So much. My little nerd heart is full."[34] Initially made available for free download to commemorate the arrival of her North American tour,[35] the remix was released to streaming services worldwide on 9 March 2018.[36]

The El-P remix of "Supercut" was described as a trip hop track[37] with bass and synthesiser production.[38] It features vocals from Lorde and rap verses from Killer Mike and El-P that deliver observations on society and the portrayal of enemies.[39] It received positive reviews from music critics, with some praising the duo for adding a darker melody to the original upbeat composition.[40] Stereogum writer Claymore Tully noted that the remix's slower tempo turned the "fairly upbeat, dance-ready track" into a "sludgy slow-burner".[41] Eric Skelton of Pigeons and Planes lauded Mike and El-P's "high-energy" verses, stating that the remix "was made with large arenas in mind."[35] It charted at number nine on the New Zealand Heatseekers chart.

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Melodrama.[42]

Recording and management

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. News: Oliver. Henry. The Spinoff Exclusive: Lorde explains the backstory behind every song on her new album. 26 December 2017. The Spinoff. 19 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171223215719/https://thespinoff.co.nz/music/19-06-2017/the-spinoff-exclusive-lorde-explains-the-backstory-behind-every-song-on-her-new-album/. 23 December 2017.
  2. Melodrama. Lorde. 2017. CD. Lava/Republic Records. B0026615-02 . United States.
  3. News: Lorde "Supercut" Sheet Music in C Major (transposable). 25 December 2017. Musicnotes.com. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228053924/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0176298. 28 December 2017.
  4. News: Cinquemani. Sal. Lorde: Melodrama. 26 December 2017. Slant. 15 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170906074854/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/lorde-melodrama. 6 September 2017.
    Web site: Lorde: Melodrama review – a cocky challenge to her pop rivals. The Guardian. Petridis. Alexis. 16 June 2017. 17 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170616185013/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jun/16/lorde-melodrama-review-cocky-challenge-pop-rivals. 16 June 2017.
    News: Wood. Michael. Lorde is stronger than she seems on 'Melodrama'. 25 December 2017. Los Angeles Times. 16 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170826175859/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-lorde-melodrama-review-20170616-story.html. 26 August 2017.
    News: Myers. Owen. In a World of Playlists, Lorde's Melodrama Commands Your Attention. 25 December 2017. The Fader. 16 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170918231803/https://www.thefader.com/2017/06/16/lorde-melodrama-green-light-perfect-places-review-roundtable. 18 September 2017.
  5. News: Kot. Greg. Review: Lorde and the 'Melodrama' of innocence lost. 25 December 2017. The Chicago Tribune. 16 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170616210047/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/kot/sc-ent-0616-music-lorde-melodrama-20170616-column.html. 16 June 2017.
    News: G. Damas. Aline. Lorde's Highly-Anticipated 'Melodrama' Encapsulates the Pangs of Love. 25 December 2017. The Harvard Crimson. 30 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171212194508/https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2017/6/30/lorde-melodrama-review/. 12 December 2017.
  6. News: Reily. Emily. Lorde: Melodrama Review. 25 December 2017. Paste. 26 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228150848/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/06/lorde-melodrama-review.html. 28 December 2017.
  7. News: Marvilli. Joe. Lorde: Melodrama - Music Review. 25 December 2017. No Ripcord. 21 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054254/http://www.noripcord.com/reviews/music/lorde/melodrama. 28 December 2017.
  8. News: Zaleski. Annie. Album review: Lorde's 'Melodrama' sounds maddeningly shapeless. 25 December 2017. Las Vegas Weekly. 22 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054436/https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2017/jun/22/album-review-lordes-melodrama-sounds-shapeless/. 28 December 2017.
  9. Web site: Lorde – 'Melodrama' Album Review. NME. Stubbs. Dan. 16 June 2017. 16 June 2017. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20170616142940/http://www.nme.com/reviews/album/lorde-melodrama-album-review-nme. 16 June 2017.
  10. News: Muir. Ava. Lorde: Melodrama. 26 December 2017. Exclaim!. 19 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170919234358/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/lorde-melodrama. 19 September 2017.
  11. News: Zoladz. Linsday. Lorde Works in Mysterious Ways. 26 December 2017. The Ringer. 19 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054311/https://www.theringer.com/2017/6/19/16043030/lorde-second-album-melodrama-26fefc74a1e. 28 December 2017.
  12. News: Guan. Frank. Here's Why Lorde's 'Supercut' Is Melodrama's Best Track. 27 December 2017. Vulture. 16 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170923213127/http://www.vulture.com/2017/06/lorde-melodrama-supercut-best-track.html. 23 September 2017.
  13. News: Kaplan . Ilana . Lorde: Melodrama (Republic/Lava) Review . 4 September 2020 . Under the Radar . 19 June 2017.
  14. News: Neid. Mike. Lorde's 'Melodrama': Album Review. 25 December 2017. Idolator. 16 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170912103718/https://www.idolator.com/7664835/lorde-melodrama-album-review. 12 September 2017.
  15. News: O'Connor. Roisin. Lorde, Melodrama, album review: Unconventional pop that still bangs. 25 December 2017. The Independent. 16 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170616204519/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/lorde-melodrama-album-review-how-to-listen-tour-tickets-green-light-liability-a7792266.html. 16 June 2017.
  16. News: Willman. Chris. Album Review: Lorde Acts Her Age on 'Melodrama'. 27 December 2017. Variety. 15 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171004035118/http://variety.com/2017/music/reviews/album-review-lorde-acts-her-age-on-melodrama-1202467649/. 4 October 2017.
  17. News: DeVille. Chris. The Top 40 Pop Songs of 2017. 27 December 2017. Stereogum. 14 December 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051534/https://www.stereogum.com/1971280/the-top-40-pop-songs-of-2017/franchises/the-week-in-pop/. 22 December 2017.
  18. News: Zoladz. Lindsay. The Best Songs of 2017. 27 December 2017. The Ringer. 4 December 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171759/https://www.theringer.com/music/2017/12/4/16732624/best-songs-2017-cardi-b-lorde-justin-bieber-kesha-st-vincent. 28 December 2017.
  19. News: NME Staff. NME's Tracks of the Year 2017. 6 March 2018. NME. 27 November 2017.
  20. News: Guan. Frank. Hockley-Smith. Sam. Lockett. Lee. The 10 Best Songs of 2017. 6 March 2018. Vulture. New York Magazine. 5 December 2017.
  21. News: Tiffany. Kaitlyn. Andy Baio on sort of, kind of inspiring a Lorde song. 27 December 2017. The Verge. 16 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228112242/https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2017/6/16/15820714/lorde-andy-baio-supercut-song-interview-ryan-gantz. 28 December 2017.
  22. News: Hannah . Dailey . Top 55 Breakup Songs of All Time . 12 November 2023 . Billboard . 14 February 2023.
  23. News: Callie . Ahlgrim . The 50 best breakup songs of the 21st century, ranked . 12 November 2023 . Insider . 14 February 2022.
  24. News: Helman. Peter. Watch Lorde Sing "The Louvre," "Supercut," and "Writer in the Dark" Live for the First Time in NYC. 27 December 2017. Stereogum. 17 June 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171013115455/https://www.stereogum.com/1947528/watch-lorde-sing-the-louvre-supercut-writer-in-the-dark-live-for-the-first-time-in-nyc/video/. 13 October 2017.
  25. News: Miller. Jordan. Lorde's Performance of "Supercut" on 1Live Is Breathtaking. 27 December 2017. Breathe the Heavy. 3 July 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228061510/http://www.breatheheavy.com/lordes-performance-of-supercut-on-1live-is-breathtaking/. 28 December 2017.
  26. Legaspi. Althea. See Lorde's New Videos for Six Reimagined 'Melodrama' Songs. 27 December 2017. Rolling Stone. 16 August 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054325/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-lordes-new-videos-for-six-reimagined-melodrama-songs-w498239. 28 December 2017.
  27. News: Wright. Daniel. Lorde at Alexandra Palace, London, review: Artist performs her clever, danceable pop at a perfect live show. 27 December 2017. The Independent. 28 September 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171802/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/lorde-live-show-review-london-alexandra-palace-melodrama-setlist-pure-heroine-green-light-a7971446.html. 28 December 2017.
  28. News: Goggins. Joe. Broadcast the Boom: Lorde, Live in Manchester. 27 December 2017. The Line of Best Fit. 27 September 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171230195449/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/live-reviews/broadcast-the-boom-lorde-live-in-manchester. 30 December 2017.
    News: Tunmore. Ollie. Review: Lorde brings Melodrama World Tour to the Brighton Centre. 27 December 2017. Brighton & Hove Independent. 2 October 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054116/https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/whats-on/music/review-lorde-brings-melodrama-world-tour-to-the-brighton-centre-1-8177503. 28 December 2017.
  29. News: Kaye. Ben. Sløtface cover Lorde's "Supercut" for triple j's Like a Version: Watch. 27 December 2017. Consequence of Sound. 8 September 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054313/https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/09/slotface-cover-lordes-supercut-for-triple-js-like-a-version-watch/. 28 December 2017.
  30. News: Trendell. Andrew. Lorde responds to Sløtface's 'rad' cover of 'Supercut'. 27 December 2017. NME. 9 September 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228112304/http://www.nme.com/news/music/lorde-responds-slotfaces-rad-cover-supercut-2135805. 28 December 2017.
  31. News: Bartleet. Larry. FIFA 18: 10 killer tunes on the soundtrack. 28 December 2017. NME. 14 September 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171602/http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/fifa-18-soundtrack-best-songs-2140624. 28 December 2017.
  32. X. Wang . Amy . Why 'Someone Great' Cast a Lorde Song Before Gina Rodriguez or Lakeith Stanfield . 29 April 2019 . Rolling Stone . 23 April 2019.
  33. News: You Recap: Brotherly Love . Jessica . Goldstein . . 16 October 2021 . 6 November 2021.
  34. News: Strauss . Matthew . Lorde and Run the Jewels Team for New "Supercut" Remix: Listen . 4 September 2020 . Pitchfork . 28 February 2018.
  35. News: Skelton. Eric. Run The Jewels Give Lorde's "Supercut" a Thundering Facelift. 5 March 2018. Pigeons and Planes. 28 February 2018.
  36. Web site: Supercut (El-P Remix) - Single by Lorde . Spotify . 4 September 2020 . 9 March 2018.
  37. News: Nembhard . Candice . Lorde & Run the Jewels Team Up on Stormy "Supercut" Remix . 4 September 2020 . Highsnobiety . 1 March 2018.
  38. News: Roth . Madeline . Lorde's 'Nerd Heart Is Full' Thanks to Run the Jewels's Moody 'Supercut' Remix . https://web.archive.org/web/20180301075320/http://www.mtv.com/news/3067200/lorde-run-the-jewels-supercut-remix/ . dead . March 1, 2018 . 4 September 2020 . MTV . 28 February 2018.
  39. News: India . Lindsey . Run the Jewels Remix Lorde's Song "Supercut" . 4 September 2020 . XXL . 5 March 2018.
  40. News: Manno. Lizzie. Listen to Run The Jewels' Remix of Lorde's "Supercut". 5 March 2018. Paste. 1 March 2018.
    News: Lorde teams up with Run The Jewels for new 'Supecut' remix. 5 March 2018. DIY. 1 March 2018.
  41. News: Tully Claymore. Gabriela. Lorde – "Supercut (El-P Remix)" (Feat. Run The Jewels). 5 March 2018. Stereogum. 28 February 2018.
  42. Melodrama. Lorde. 2017. CD. Lava/Republic Records. B0026615-02 . United States.
  43. Web site: NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. 19 March 2018. 16 March 2018.

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