| Superposition | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Young the Giant |
| Album: | Mirror Master |
| Released: | August 23, 2018[1] |
| Genre: |
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| Length: | 3:50 |
| Label: | Elektra |
| Producer: |
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| Prev Title: | Simplify |
| Prev Year: | 2018 |
| Next Title: | Heat of the Summer |
| Next Year: | 2018 |
"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.
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]
Unusual in modern popular music, "Superposition" prominently features the sound of a charango.[8]
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."[9] Chris Bach, of WRBB, called its lyrics "bland" but praised the "unique and dynamic instrumental", adding that it is "the centerpiece of this album".[10] The "extensive physics metaphors" such as "superposition" and "black stars", plus "the atmospheric sound", were emphasized by Kerry Rork of The Chronicle.[11]
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.[12] 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.
The music video for the track was released on August 23, 2018, the same day it was released as a single. Directed by Computer Team, who also directed "Something To Believe In",[13] it evokes reflection, among other physics-related concepts mentioned throughout the song.
"Superposition" was used in TV shows such as Grey's Anatomy[14] and Roswell, New Mexico,[15] and was made available as a playable song in the video game Rock Band 4.[16]
The band performed the song live on Late Night with Seth Meyers,[17] Jimmy Kimmel Live!,[18] and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
| Chart (2019) | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[19] | 24 | |
| US Rock Airplay Songs (Billboard)[20] | 16 |