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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

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Behind Kaytranada’s Unique Sound

February 18, 2023

Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has

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The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

February 17, 2023

What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the

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Behind the Music: The Audio Engineer

February 14, 2023

The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close

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Koji Kondo: Nintendo’s Melody Maestro

February 14, 2023

What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...

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Taylor Swift on Industry Sexism and Music Rights

February 8, 2023

Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.

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What’s the Ideal Length for a Single— Are Songs Getting Shorter?

February 8, 2023

“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are

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"Mr. Brightside": How The Killers' Hit Became a Timeless Anthem Without Ever Topping the Charts

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Photo: Ben Beumont Thomas (The Guardian)

If we mention the artist name or the title of the song, it might not ring a bell immediately. But what if we say, "It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?" Chances are, you're already humming along. This line, iconic and instantly recognizable, belongs to "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers. Despite never reaching the number one spot on major charts, this song has embedded itself into the hearts of millions, achieving a unique cult status and an enduring appeal that has transcended generations.

Released in 2003, "Mr. Brightside" was the debut single from The Killers' first album, "Hot Fuss." Crafted by lead vocalist Brandon Flowers and guitarist Dave Keuning, this track narrates the agony and jealousy of seeing the one you love with someone else. Its lyrics, coupled with an upbeat tempo and a catchy melody, created a paradoxical feel that resonated with a wide audience. From its initial modest debut, the song slowly climbed its way up the charts and into the playlists of many.

Interestingly, "Mr. Brightside" did not achieve immediate commercial success. In fact, it never topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. However, its real success story was written across the Atlantic, in the UK. It peaked at number 10 upon its initial release but kept re-entering the charts. According to the Official Charts Company, as of 2020, "Mr. Brightside" has spent an astonishing 260 weeks (and counting) in the Top 100—a testament to its never-fading appeal.

Why has "Mr. Brightside" remained so popular? One key reason is its theme of unreciprocated love and the pain of infidelity—feelings many can relate to. Its lively rhythm also makes it a favorite at nightclubs and parties, helping it reach new fans who enjoy it just as much as those who first heard it years ago.

Moreover, its widespread use in movies, TV shows, commercials, and even at sports events and karaoke bars has made it a cultural icon. This broad presence has woven "Mr. Brightside" deeply into everyday life and entertainment, keeping it relevant and loved across different settings.

For music artists and creators, the journey of "Mr. Brightside" offers a valuable lesson: success in the music industry is not always about topping the charts or achieving high sales numbers. This song's legacy highlights the importance of emotional resonance and cultural impact, aspects that can outlive and outshine conventional metrics of success. It's a reminder that creating music that genuinely connects with people, music that carries emotional truth and relatable stories, can have a longevity that surpasses numerical achievements. In the end, it's the lasting influence and the ability to evoke strong feelings in the audience that often define a piece's true success. This perspective can inspire artists to focus on the artistry and emotional depth of their work, which ultimately creates enduring legacies admired across generations.

"Mr. Brightside": How The Killers' Hit Became a Timeless Anthem Without Ever Topping the Chartsmr-brightside-how-the-killers-hit-became-a-timeless-anthem-without-ever-topping-the-chartsHla EidMay 10, 2024If we mention the artist name or the title of the song, it might not ring a bell immediately. But what if we say, "It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?" Chances are...