The High Road (Broken Bells song)
single by Broken Bells
"The High Road" is a song by American alternative rock duo Broken Bells from their self-titled debut album (2010). Written by James Mercer and Danger Mouse, and produced by the latter, the song was released as the album's lead single on December 22, 2009. On March 9, 2010, the song was the iTunes Single of the Week, where it was offered for free for one week. The music video for the song was directed by Sophie Muller.
Critical reception
"The High Road" was well received by music critics, who praised the lyrics and song's production. Heather Phares of AllMusic stated the song "melds slick electronic percussion and a searching, minor-key melody into something that echoes the duo's previous work without rehashing it." Shingai of idobi Radio wrote that "'The High Road' serves as a great introduction [for the album], with soothing multi-layered vocals and beautiful lyrics weaving in and out of hypnotizing drum beats, synths and various other instruments." PopMatters' Anthony Lombardi observed, "When Mercer and Burton are on point [...] it works, and works well: opener and lead single, 'The High Road', proves the perfect vantage point, its minor-key melody, noodly synths and clapping percussion providing an ample bed for the soaring, swelling chorus."
Commercial performance
"The High Road" peaked at number ten on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, becoming the duo's highest-peaking single to date on the chart. The single also made an appearance on Billboard's Hot Rock Songs where it peaked at number fifteen. It reached number sixty on the Japan Hot 100 and number seventy-five on the Canadian Hot 100 in Canada, where it was certified gold by Music Canada.
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
Joss Stone version
In 2012, English singer and songwriter Joss Stone covered the song for her sixth album, The Soul Sessions Vol. 2.
The public source identifies “The High Road (Broken Bells song)” as single by Broken Bells. This brief keeps that definition visible, then builds a research path around High, Road and Broken.
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