Planetary (Go!)

"Planetary (Go!)"
Cover artwork of "Planetary (Go!)": The band's name, "My Chemical Romance", and the song's title, both in all caps, are overlaid on top of yellow text reading "行け!" (Japanese for "Go!"), an illustration of a spider, and a colorful, motion-blurred background.
Single by My Chemical Romance
from the album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys
ReleasedMarch 25, 2011 (2011-03-25)
Genre
Length4:06
LabelReprise
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
My Chemical Romance singles chronology
"Sing"
(2010) 		"Planetary (Go!)"
(2011) 		"Bulletproof Heart"
(2011)
Music video
"Planetary (Go!)" on YouTube
"Planetary (Go!)" (Outtake Version) on YouTube

"Planetary (Go!)" (stylized as "Planetary (GO!)") is a song by the American rock band My Chemical Romance from their fourth studio album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys (2010). A dance-punk, electropop, power pop, and punk funk song, "Planetary (Go!)" was conceived after the band began experimenting with synthesizers due to long wanting to write a dance song. The track was written by band members Frank Iero, Ray Toro, Gerard Way, and Mikey Way, and was produced by the band alongside Rob Cavallo.

"Planetary (Go!)" was announced to be released as a single on March 21, 2011, with a music video featuring a live performance of the song being released on that day; however, the single was ultimately released for digital download and streaming on the 25th. The track received divided reviews from music critics, with some regarding it as an album highlight while others criticized its sound and lyrics. "Planetary (Go!)" was notably included as the opening song of the 2010 video game Gran Turismo 5, and appeared on May Death Never Stop You, the band's 2014 greatest hits album. The song topped the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart, and was nominated for Best Single at the Kerrang! Awards 2011.

Background

[edit]

Following the success of their third studio album The Black Parade (2006), My Chemical Romance began sessions to record their fourth studio album; however, the band shelved the project due to being unsatisfied with the final result.[1] The band subsequently started again, with an emphasis on experimentation and pushing boundaries when writing new songs.[1][2] During this process, the entire band was trying out synthesizers, as they had long wanted to write a dance song; My Chemical Romance biographer Tom Bryant wrote how the song "just popped out" when, according to Toro, Gerard Way "heard the hook" late at night.[2] Toro also noted how the song, particularly its repetitive nature, was inspired by songs by the Rolling Stones like "Paint It Black".[3] To make his guitar sound like a synthesizer on the track, Toro used an Electro-Harmonix POG pedal.[4]

Composition and lyrics

[edit]

"Planetary (Go!)" is a dance-punk,[1][2][5] electropop,[6] power pop,[7] and punk funk[3] song which has been stylistically compared to pop rock[8] and synth-pop;[9] Jake Richardson of Kerrang! described it as a "joyous fusion of electronica and rock".[1] Evan Sawdey of PopMatters additionally observed the stylistic influence of Britpop on the track, particularly noting similarities with the song "Girls & Boys" by Blur.[10] Instrumentally, the track begins with a "screechy" synthesized introduction,[11] before introducing "crunching" guitars, "towering" synthesizers, and a siren sound.[10][12] John Doran of NME compared the synthesized arpeggios to those of Giorgio Moroder.[13] Additionally, Kevin O'Donnell of Spin compared the track stylistically to those by Franz Ferdinand, while Jon Caramanica of The New York Times instead compared it to those by the Black Eyed Peas.[14]

Lyrically, the song is a "call-to-arms", where Way chants lines like "Fame is now injectable" and "We just get up and go".[3] Way later called the former line one of the favorite ones he wrote, noting how "it sums up how I feel".[15] Ben Hewitt of The Quietus additionally interpreted the song as being a "beacon of hope", due to its "proclamations of immortality" through lines like "I can't slow down" and "I'm undefeatable".[12]

Release

[edit]

A snippet of "Planetary (Go!)" was first released to Spin on October 26, 2010.[16] The song was later released on November 22, 2010, as the fifth track on the band's fourth studio album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.[17] On February 4, 2011, the band announced on their website that the song would officially be released as a single on March 21, 2011;[18][19] an accompanying "J-pop indebted" music video for "Planetary (Go!)" was released on that day,[20][21] featuring a live recording of the band performing the track at Islington Academy overlaid by visual effects and "comic book-like text".[22][23] However, the single was ultimately released for digital download and streaming on the 25th.[24] The song was also released on May Death Never Stop You, the band's 2014 greatest hits album.[25]

"Planetary (Go!)" was notably included as the opening song of Gran Turismo 5, with Toro noting his love of the series and saying that the track "makes you want to drive faster".[16][26] The band also performed the song live on various occasions, including during the World Contamination Tour,[27] T in the Park 2011,[28] the 10th Annual Honda Civic Tour,[29] the 2011 Reading and Leeds Festivals,[30] and the 2022 When We Were Young festival.[31]

Reception

[edit]

"Planetary (Go!)" received divided reviews from music critics. Both Sawdey and Megan Ritt of Consequence called the song a highlight on Danger Days, with the former calling it "one of the most lyrically biting tracks on the album".[10][11] In contrast, Channing Freeman of Sputnikmusic called the song "awful", writing that the track "desperately wants to be emotional [...] but it falls flat on its face".[32] A review for Alternative Press similarly called the song a "dud", decrying the song as a "syncopated hi-hat dance experiment".[33] Nonetheless, Jessica Sager of Parade named "Planetary (Go!)" one of the 50 best songs of the 2010s,[34] while Andy Belt of PopMatters ranked it the ninth-best song in My Chemical Romance's discography.[35] Chloe Spinks of Gigwise placed the song at #28 (of 79) in her ranking of the band's entire discography, praising how it "feels like a party",[36] while Cassie Whitt and Richardson, writing for Loudwire, placed it at #45 (of 71).[37]

Accolades

[edit]
Nominations for "Planetary (Go!)"
Award Category Result Ref.
Kerrang! Awards 2011 Best Single Nominated [38]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are adapted from Apple Music.[39]

My Chemical Romance

  • Gerard Way – lead vocals, songwriter, producer
  • Raymond Toro – background vocals, lead guitar, songwriter, producer
  • Frank Iero – background vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriter, producer
  • Mikey Way – bass guitar, songwriter, producer

Additional performing artists

Additional personnel

  • Rob Cavallo – producer
  • Chris Lord-Alge – mixing engineer
  • Keith Armstrong – mixing engineer
  • Dan Chase – recording engineer, additional engineer
  • Lars Fox – recording engineer
  • Doug McKean – recording engineer
  • Joe Libretti – drum technician
  • Alan Bergman – guitar technician
  • R.J. Ronquillo – guitar technician
  • Todd Schofield – guitar technician
  • Andrew Schubert – additional engineer
  • Brad Townsend – additional engineer
  • Steve Rea – assistant recording engineer
  • Russ Waugh – assistant recording engineer
  • Nik Karpen – assistant mixing engineer

Chart performance

[edit]
Chart (2011) Peak
position
Russia Airplay (TopHit)[40] 187
UK Singles (OCC)[41] 151
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[42] 1

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Label(s) Ref.
Various March 25, 2011 Digital extended play (EP) Reprise [24][43]
June 20, 2011 Promotional CD single
[44]

References

[edit]

Source

[edit]
  • Bryant, Tom (2014). Not the Life It Seems: The True Lives of My Chemical Romance. Boston: Da Capo Press. ISBN 978-0306823497.

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Richardson, Jake (November 22, 2023). "The courageous story of My Chemical Romance's Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on December 4, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c Bryant 2014, p. 265
  3. ^ a b c O'Donnell, Kevin (October 6, 2010). "My Chemical Romance Reveal Secrets of New Album". Spin. Archived from the original on November 24, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  4. ^ Bosso, Joe (May 4, 2011). "My Chemical Romance interview and talk 'Danger Days'". Guitar World. Archived from the original on January 16, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  5. ^ Blum, Jordan (November 22, 2020). "Look Alive, Sunshine: 10 Years Of My Chemical Romance's 'Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys'". The Recording Academy. Archived from the original on January 27, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025. Afterward, "Planetary (GO!)" offers a bit of unabashed dance-punk that is irresistibly enjoyable.
  6. ^ Verrico, Lisa (February 14, 2011). "My Chemical Romance, Wembley Arena". The Times. Archived from the original on January 29, 2025. Retrieved January 29, 2025. Planetary (Go!), another new song, was energetic electro-pop...
  7. ^ Harris, Brenton (July 15, 2020). "In Defence Of: My Chemical Romance's 'Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys'". Music Feeds. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2025. 'Planetary (GO!)' is a riot, marrying something that resembles Powerman 5000's 'When Worlds Collide'...with a futuristic power-pop party anthem.
  8. ^ "Album Review: My Chemical Romance Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys". The New Zealand Herald. December 1, 2010. Archived from the original on December 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  9. ^ "My Chemical Romance: When self-indulgence is a virtue". Chicago Tribune. April 17, 2011. Archived from the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c Sawdey, Evan (November 30, 2010). "My Chemical Romance: Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys". PopMatters. Archived from the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Ritt, Megan (November 24, 2010). "Album Review: My Chemical Romance – Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys". Consequence. Archived from the original on January 20, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  12. ^ a b Hewitt, Ben (November 16, 2010). "My Chemical Romance's Danger Days: Track By Track Review". The Quietus. Archived from the original on May 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  13. ^ Doran, John (November 19, 2010). "Album Review: My Chemical Romance – Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys (Warner)". NME. Archived from the original on January 10, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  14. ^ Caramanica, Jon (December 5, 2010). "Fantastical Thrust (and Hair Color)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  15. ^ Bryant 2014, p. 268
  16. ^ a b O'Donnell, Kevin (October 26, 2010). "EXCLUSIVE: New My Chemical Romance Song". Spin. Archived from the original on January 27, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  17. ^ O'Donnell, Kevin (September 23, 2010). "My Chem Announce 'Danger Days' Release Date". Spin. Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  18. ^ "MCR Annouce UK Support Acts". mychemicalromance.com. February 4, 2011. Archived from the original on February 13, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  19. ^ Goodwyn, Tom (March 21, 2011). "This Week's New Music Releases: 21 March 2011". NME. Archived from the original on January 27, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  20. ^ Montgomery, James (April 27, 2011). "My Chemical Romance Unsure If Killjoys Will Return In 'Bulletproof Heart' Video". MTV News. Archived from the original on April 21, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  21. ^ "My Chemical Romance - "Planetary (GO!)" (video)". Exclaim!. March 21, 2011. Archived from the original on January 27, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  22. ^ Chaudhry, Aliya (July 15, 2021). "Every My Chemical Romance music video, ranked from 'worst' to best". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on January 20, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  23. ^ "Every My Chemical Romance music video ever made, ranked". Alternative Press. March 14, 2017. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  24. ^ a b "Play Planetary (GO!) by My Chemical Romance on Amazon Music". Amazon.com (UK). Archived from the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  25. ^ "My Chemical Romance reveal 'May Death Never Stop You' tracklisting, comment on their final song". Alternative Press. January 21, 2014. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  26. ^ Mapes, Jillian (November 17, 2010). "My Chemical Romance's 'Danger Days' Track-By-Track". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 25, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  27. ^ Walters, Barry (April 1, 2011). "My Chemical Romance Go Back to Basics in Oakland". Spin. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  28. ^ Martin, Daniel (July 10, 2011). "My Chemical Romance channel Scottish roots at T In The Park". NME. Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  29. ^ Bayer, Jonah (August 9, 2011). "Blink-182 & My Chemical Romance Kick Off Tour". Spin. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  30. ^ Goodwyn, Tom (August 26, 2011). "My Chemical Romance joined by Queen's Brian May at Reading Festival". NME. Archived from the original on December 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  31. ^ Scarlett, Liz (October 24, 2022). "Watch My Chemical Romance dress in their iconic Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge outfits at When We Were Young Festival - with a bizarre twist". Louder Sound. Archived from the original on June 17, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  32. ^ Freeman, Channing (November 21, 2010). "Review: My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on June 1, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  33. ^ "My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys". Alternative Press. October 8, 2010. Archived from the original on June 23, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  34. ^ Sager, Jessica (December 26, 2019). "50 Best Songs of the 2010s That We'll Be Listening to For Decades to Come". Parade. Archived from the original on December 23, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  35. ^ Belt, Andy (October 1, 2014). "The Top 15 Songs of My Chemical Romance". PopMatters. Archived from the original on December 29, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  36. ^ Spinks, Chloe (June 13, 2022). "Every My Chemical Romance song ranked from worst to best". Gigwise. Archived from the original on January 13, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  37. ^ Whitt, Cassie; Richardson, Jake (March 24, 2019). "Every My Chemical Romance Song Ranked". Loudwire. Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  38. ^ "The Kerrang! Awards 2011 - Winners List". Kerrang! Radio. June 10, 2011. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  39. ^ "Planetary (GO!) — Song by My Chemical Romance — Apple Music". Archived from the original on January 27, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  40. ^ "My Chemical Romance - TopHit". Tophit. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  41. ^ "CHART LOG UK: NEW ENTRIES UPDATE". Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  42. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  43. ^ "Planetary (GO!) - Single — Album by My Chemical Romance — Apple Music". Archived from the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  44. ^ "My Chemical Romance - Planetary (GO!)". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Archived from the original on January 28, 2025.
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