Never Say Die (Chvrches song)

"Never Say Die"
Single by Chvrches
from the album Love Is Dead
Released29 March 2018 (2018-03-29)
GenreElectro
Length4:23
LabelGlassnote
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Greg Kurstin
Chvrches singles chronology
"My Enemy"
(2018) 		"Never Say Die"
(2018) 		"Miracle"
(2018)

"Never Say Die" is a song recorded by Scottish synthpop band Chvrches. Written by the band and its producer Greg Kurstin, it was released by Glassnote Records on 29 March 2018, as the third single from the band's third studio album, Love Is Dead (2018). The song is also featured in the soundtrack of the 2018 video game Forza Horizon 4.

Composition

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"Never Say Die" is a downtempo electro song that "features robust, linear-patterned synths that maintain the song's energy".[1][2] Despite the band's well-known "airy synths", there is "a more abrasive-sounding synth leads the charge during the bridge leading into the anthemic chorus", according to Derrick Rossignol of Uproxx.[3] In a statement, Lauren Mayberry said that it is "one of my favorite songs on the record because it really leans into the juxtaposition of what we do—the mixture between the dark and the light", describing it as "melodic and direct but uses some of the gnarliest sounds we've ever tried".[4][5][6][7] "The chorus lyric came about very quickly but the verses took a lot longer. I really wanted to sum up a feeling of trying to be optimistic when you feel disillusioned by the people around you, but trying to keep going because 'Goonies Never Say Die.'"[8][9]

Critical reception

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Tom Breihan of Stereogum wrote that the song leans towards "almost-EDM synth sounds", calling it "a clear attempt to swing at crossover stardom while still keeping the group's personality intact".[10] Similarly, Winston Cook-Wilson of Spin opined that it features "a slinking R&B feel and a complementary, stuttering vocal cadence from Lauren Mayberry" while "retaining the band's typical arena-ready dynamics".[11] Hayden Wright of CBS Radio deemed the song "an intense electro track with Lauren Mayberry's signature pop-friendly vocals".[12] Robin Murray of Clash regarded the song as "a dazzling return" and "a deft fusion of light and shade", driven by Mayberry's powerful vocal and Kurstin's seismic production.[8]

Credits and personnel

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Credits adapted from Tidal.[13]

Chvrches

  • Martin Doherty – composition, keyboard
  • Iain Cook – composition, keyboard
  • Lauren Mayberry – composition, vocals

Studio personnel

  • Greg Kurstin – composition, production, keyboard, drums, record engineering
  • Chris Gehringer – master engineering
  • Michael Freeman – mixing assistance
  • Spike Stent – mixing
  • Julian Burg – record engineering
  • Alex Pasco – record engineering

Charts

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Chart (2018) Peak
position
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[14] 41

References

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  1. ^ Jones, Abby (29 March 2018). "CHVRCHES Release Downtempo New Single 'Never Say Die': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  2. ^ Maicki, Salvatore (29 March 2018). "Listen to a new CHVRCHES song, "Never Say Die"". The Fader. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  3. ^ Rossignol, Derrick (29 March 2018). "Chvrches' Anthemic Single 'Never Say Die' Includes 'The Gnarliest Sounds' Of Their Career". Uproxx. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  4. ^ Minsker, Evan (29 March 2018). "Chvrches Drop New Song "Never Say Die": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  5. ^ Britton, Luke (29 March 2018). "Listen to Chvrches' "gnarly" new song 'Never Say Die'". NME. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  6. ^ Milton, Jamie (29 March 2018). "Chvrches share new track 'Never Say Die'". DIY. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  7. ^ Cunningham, Ruth (29 March 2018). "CHVRCHES drop new single 'Never Say Die'". Hot Press. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  8. ^ a b Murray, Robin (29 March 2018). "Listen: CHVRCHES - 'Never Say Die'". Clash. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  9. ^ Roberts, Christopher (29 March 2018). "CHVRCHES Share New Song "Never Say Die"". Under the Radar. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  10. ^ Breihan, Tom (29 March 2018). "Chvrches – "Never Say Die"". Stereogum. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  11. ^ Cook-Wilson, Winston (29 March 2018). "CHVRCHES – "Never Say Die"". Spin. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  12. ^ Wright, Hayden (29 March 2018). "Chvrches Drop New Track 'Never Say Die': Listen". CBS Radio. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  13. ^ "Never Say Die / CHVRCHES TIDAL". Tidal. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  14. ^ "Chvrches Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
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