by SMF· Published · Updated
AJR’s “Bang!” is a song that is indicative of the artists acknowledging that they are now transitioning from childhood to adults. Thus the title is based on their resolution to leave childhood with a “bang”, as in having as much fun as possible in the name of youth while they still can.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })(); You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for AJR's Bang! at Lyrics.org.So that is definitely one of themes of the song, as AJR is likewise entreating the audience to ‘put their best face on’ and enjoy the happiness being emitted by the tune. But somewhat conversely the verses themselves are centered on the artists recounting – and at some point even stressing out – over the responsibilities they now have as adults. But again this is all in the name of fun.
So perhaps at the end of day we can classify this track as an ode to childhood, even if the lyrics aren’t centered on that subject per se. Or let’s say the singer recognizes that period of his life as one that deserves celebrating in light of him transitioning out of it.
“Come hang
Let’s go out with a bang!’
Quick Facts about “Bang!”
“Bang!” was written and produced by the members of AJR, siblings Adam, Jack and Ryan Met.
The backup vocals on the song are from one Charlie Pellett.
This song was released as a standalone single on the date of 12 February 2020. It is a product of the trio’s album titled “OK Orchestra”. The said album is the band’s official fourth studio album. AJR Productions (which is a label owned by the band themselves) handled the track’s commercial release.
The music video to this tune had Se Oh as its director.
This song was a major chart success for AJR in America. It not only made into the Hot 100 singles chart in the United States, but also gave the band their first top-40 hit in this country. And it didn’t end there, the song further rose into a top-10 status on the aforementioned singles chart (which is considered the most important singles chart the world over).
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();So as it stands now, “Bang!” is AJR’s most successful single. Actually as of early 2021, it has sold over a million copies in the trio’s home country (the United States). Actually it is safe to say or rather conclude that “Bang!” ended up being one of the most commercially successful songs of the year 2020.
Since this song came out in early 2020, there have been multiple remixes made of it. One of these notable remixes features American singer Hayley Kiyoko on vocals. This remix was released in August of 2020. Another popular remix by English DJ Nathan Dawe was released in October of 2020.
Did “Bang!” chart outside of the United States?
Yes, it did. It was also very successful in Canada, where it attained top-40 status on several Canadian singles charts, including the Hot 100 and Hot AC.
What genre of music would you place this AJR tune?
The song contains elements that make it a pure pop song. Actually AJR themselves are a pop band.
Who are AJR?
American indie pop trio, AJR is made up of multi-instrumentalist brothers Adam Brett Met, Jack Evan Met and Ryan Joshua Met. The band’s name, “AJR” is simply an abbreviation of the brothers’ first initials; Adam, Jack and Ryan. The three have gained widespread attention for writing, producing and mixing their own music from the living room of their New York City apartment.
The Met brothers started performing in 2006, busking on the streets of Washington Square Park and Central Park with Ryan playing the piano, Adam playing the bass while Jack played the harmonica. They however play multiple instruments currently. Following the release of their first EP, 6foot1 in 2013, the band garnered critical acclaim, being named “Artist on the Rise” by Clear Channel, as well as “Artist of the Month for Top 40” by IHeartRadio.
One of their most notable singles, Weak has been streamed at least 500 million times on Spotify, received platinum certifications from the U.S, Belgium, Canada, Norway, Netherlands and Gold certification in Italy, Australia, Sweden and Germany. AJR’s third album, Neotheater which was released in 2019, peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200 charts, and debuted at number one on the Top Rock Albums chart.
