"Hero" | ||||
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Single by Weezer | ||||
from the album Van Weezer | ||||
Released | May 6, 2020 | |||
Recorded | 2020 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:57 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Suzy Shinn | |||
Weezer singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Hero" on YouTube |
"Hero" is a song by the American rock band Weezer. It was released on May 6, 2020, as the second single from the band's fifteenth studio album, Van Weezer.
Composition
[edit]Rolling Stone described "Hero" as an outcast anthem, which focuses on frontman Rivers Cuomo's feelings of inadequacy.[1] The band described the song as for "the stay at home dreamers, the zoom graduators, the sourdough bakers, and the essential workers".[2] Following the style of Van Weezer's return to the band's roots in hard rock, "Hero" has been described musically as an upbeat Weezer song with heavy guitar usage.[3] Spin described it as "a dose of power pop".[4]
On July 30, the band released an alternate version of the song titled "Hero (Piano)", arranged as a piano ballad.[5]
Music video
[edit]The music video for the song was directed by Brendan Walter and Jasper Graham. It begins with a scene of Cuomo writing a letter, which is then seen passed along Weezer fans, accompanied with footage of the band performing the song. At the end of the video, the letter is opened to reveal a tribute to essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] The video includes a cameo from the band Real Estate.[6]
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
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Year-end charts[edit]
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References
[edit]- ^ a b Blistein, Jon (6 May 2020). "Weezer Honor Essential Workers With New Outcast Anthem 'Hero'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
- ^ Aniftos, Rania. "Weezer Return With New Song 'Hero' – And Here's How They're Honoring Real Heroes Caring For COVID-19 Patients". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
- ^ Bloom, Madison (6 May 2020). "Weezer Delay Album and Share New Song "Hero": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
- ^ "Weezer Share "Hero" Video That's Dedicated to Frontline Workers". Spin. May 6, 2020.
- ^ "Hero (Piano)" – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ "Hello – we make an appearance in a new @Weezer music video, thus fulfilling childhood dreams we didn't know we had". Real Estate on Twitter. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
- ^ "Weezer – Hero" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
- ^ "Weezer Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
- ^ "Weezer Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Weezer Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
- ^ "Weezer Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
- ^ "Weezer Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- ^ "Alternative Songs – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
- ^ "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
- ^ "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2020.