Superheroes (song)
Introduction "'''Superheroes'''" is a song written by Danny O'Donoghue and Mark Sheehan of Irish pop rock band The Script with songwriter James Barry. The song was originally recorded by the band for inclusion and it is the lead single on their fourth studio album, ''No Sound Without Silence'' (2014).The track was first released by Columbia Records on 22 July 2014 as the lead single promoting the album. The single was released in Ireland and the United Kingdom on 29 August and 31 August 2014, respectively.
Composition According to The Script lead vocalist Danny O'Donoghue, "Superheroes" is a song written for "the unsung heroes out in the world". The song, which calls out "people who are going through the hardest of times but can keep their head held high", has drawn comparisons by some music critics to "Firework", originally performed by American singer Katy Perry, in terms of the song's lyrical themes.
Recording "Superheroes" was the first song written by the band for their fourth studio album, setting a musical template for the production of the new album. The track also features additional guitar played by producer Andrew Frampton, a long-time collaborator with The Script.
Promotion The music video for "Superheroes" was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa, cited by the band as an inspiration for the song itself.A snippet of "Superheroes" was first played during a Google Hangouts session hosted by the band on 18 July 2014, where they unveiled their fourth studio album, ''No Sound Without Silence''. The snippet was one of four to be played during the session, with snippets from ''No Sound Without Silence'' album tracks "The Energy Never Dies", "Man On a Wire", and "No Good In Goodbye" also being played during the session. "Superheroes" was the first full track to be lifted from the album, premiering on BBC Radio 1 during ''The Radio 1 Breakfast Show'' on 21 July 2014.The track was also set to be released as a promotional single for airplay on United States Contemporary hit radio on 28 July 2014. "Superheroes" was first released as the sole track on the band's twelfth single on 22 July 2014, serving as the first single released in promotion of ''No Sound Without Silence''. The track was additionally distributed by video hosting service Vevo for streaming media the same day.===Music video===A music video to accompany the release of "Superheroes" directed by Vaughan Arnell was released on 4 August 2014.The music video was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa over a period of a few days. The location of the video's principal photography was inspired by the song itself, with Danny O'Donoghue stating that, "We spent a few days there and spent a lot of time with the people in the township, because they are our superheroes".
Reception Reception to the song upon the release of the "Superheroes" single has been generally positive. National American daily newspaper ''USA Today'' named the track as "song of the week" on 22 July 2014, with music critic Brian Mansfield writing "The Script continues to display its biggest strength: making pop music with heart and power". Rachel Sonis of music website ''Idolator'' wrote "Superheroes is a self-proclaimed "ultra-catchy" tune that, after a few spins, definitely lives up to that description". Kevin, editor-in-chief of Spin Media website ''Direct Lyrics'' commented positively on the song, stating "there is no way The Script aren't reaching #1 with this", further describing it as "epic in every way".Reactions to the song on social media was also largely positive, with Capital reporting that fans had "hailed" the track as "beautiful" upon the track's first play on its radio network. In addition, 4Music stated that the song was an "anthemic" "stomper".
Track listing
Personnel Adapted from "Superheroes" liner notes. ;The Script*Danny O'Donoghue – lead vocals, keyboard, guitar*Mark Sheehan – lead guitar, vocals (bridge)*Glen Power – drums, backing vocals;Additional musicians*Andrew Frampton - guitar;Technical personnel*James Barry - producer*Andrew Frampton - producer, programmer*Michael Heffernan - recording*Ted Jensen - mastering*Mark Stent - mixing engineer*Geoff Swan - assistant engineer*Fergal Toohey - recording, assistant producer, assistant engineer
Charts ===Weekly charts=== Chart (2014–15) Peakposition Germany (Airplay Chart)1 Slovenia (SloTop50)8===Year-end charts=== Chart (2014) Position Australia (ARIA) 68 Germany (Official German Charts) 75 Hungary (Rádiós Top 40) 67 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 17 Netherlands (Single Top 100) 34 Russia Airplay (TopHit) 52 Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)  155 United Kingdom (BPI) 54 US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'') 38 Chart (2015) PositionSlovenia (SloTop50)29
Certifications
Release history ===Commercial=== Country Date Format Label Australia 22 July 2014 Digital download Columbia Records France United States 28 July 2014 Ireland 29 August 2014 United Kingdom 31 August 2014===Promotional=== Country Date Radio format Label United States 28 July 2014 Hot AC radioColumbia Records 4 November 2014 Contemporary hit radio
References
External links *