God Is Really Real
| "God Is Really Real" | |
|---|---|
| Single by AJR | |
| from the album The Maybe Man | |
| Released | July 5, 2023 (2023年07月05日) |
| Recorded | 2022–2023 |
| Genre | Pop |
| Length | 2:59 |
| Label | Mercury |
| Songwriter(s) |
|
| Producer(s) | Ryan Met |
| AJR singles chronology | |
| Music video | |
| "God Is Really Real" on YouTube | |
"God Is Really Real" is a song by American pop band AJR. It was released by Mercury Records and serves as the eleventh track on the band's fifth studio album The Maybe Man . Despite not being planned as a single, the song, which is dedicated to the brothers' terminally ill father,[1] was surprise-released to YouTube on July 3, 2023. The single was officially released on streaming services on July 5, 2023.
Background
[edit ]For over a year, AJR's father Gary Metzger battled cancer.[2] [3] [4] His deteriorating health led the band to publicly announce his condition on July 1 through social media,[5] with the band cancelling all of that month's planned concerts, including headlining Summerfest [6] and later opening for Imagine Dragons.[7] Gary died hours after the single's initial YouTube release on July 3,[8] with the band giving an update before taking a temporary leave from social media.[9] They claimed that they wanted the song to be available before he died.[citation needed ]
Composition
[edit ]"God Is Really Real" is composed in 6
8 time signature in the key of F major and follows a tempo of 270 beats per minute (bpm).
Similarly to "Dear Winter" from the band's third studio album Neotheater , the song's sole instrument is an acoustic guitar, with "God Is Really Real" additionally having an orchestral backing.[10]
Lyric video
[edit ]Two days before the single's official release date, a lyric video directed by AJR and edited by Austin Roa was released on July 3, 2023.[1] The lyrics are handwritten by Ryan Met in a small notebook, with the band filming the video inside the hospital where their father was staying.[5]
Personnel
[edit ]Credits adapted from Tidal.[11]
- Adam Met – composer
- Jack Met – lead vocals, guitar, composer
- Ryan Met – composer, producer, programming
- Dale Becker – mastering engineer
- Katie Harvey – assistant mastering engineer
- Brandon Hernandez – assistant mastering engineer
- Noah McCorkle – assistant mastering engineer
- Rob Piccione – engineer
- Ruth Kornblatt-Stier – cello
- Emelia Suljic – violin
References
[edit ]- ^ a b Arthur, Joseph (October 31, 2023). "The Wichitan's Song of the Week: "God is Really Real"". The Wichitan. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ Edwards, Eve (July 5, 2023). "AJR's dad died just days after the band cancelled shows to be at his side". HITC . Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ AJR (November 14, 2023). AJR Breaks Down "The Maybe Man" (YouTube video). Zach Sang Show. Event occurs at 16:25. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ Boisvert, Lauren (November 24, 2023). "Brothers of AJR Open Up About Losing Their Father During Creation of New Album". American Songwriter. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ a b Patterson, Charmaine (July 4, 2023). "AJR Brothers Reveal Their Father Has Died After Lengthy Illness". The Messenger . Archived from the original on July 4, 2023. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Mueller, Matt (November 9, 2023). "After canceling in 2023, AJR will headline Summerfest next year on the Fourth of July". OnMilwaukee. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Neog, Anupal Sraban (July 5, 2023). "Who are AJR's parents? Popular trio announces death of father after prolonged illness". Sportskeeda . Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Mcewen, Alex (July 5, 2023). "Alternative band AJR release new song in tribute of their late dad Gary". Culturess. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Kahler, Tanner (July 3, 2023). "After Summerfest cancellations, AJR announces their father has died". WISN-TV . Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Smith, Steve (July 5, 2023). "AJR Dad Died: What Was The Cause?". Vizaca. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ "Credits / God is Really Real / AJR". Tidal. July 5, 2023. Retrieved November 16, 2023.