"Decode" is a song by the American rock band Paramore. The song was released as a single in 2008 from the soundtrack of the film Twilight.[4] It is also included as a bonus track on the international version of Paramore's third studio album, Brand New Eyes.[5]
An acoustic version of this song was released as a part of the special CD/DVD of the Twilight soundtrack. The song was certified Platinum in the U.S on February 16, 2010, selling over 1,000,000 copies.[1] It was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2010 for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
Song information
Hayley Williams from Paramore is a Twilight fan and has talked about her love of the books and the song's title:
“ |
Twilight is the first series of books I've ever read. I didn't get into the Harry Potter series, even though I love the movies. Twilight really caught my attention and held it. I'm really excited to see the book adapted to film and excited that our band gets to be a part of the phenomenon. I chose the title "Decode" because the song is about the building tension, awkwardness, anger and confusion between Bella and Edward. Bella's mind is the only one which Edward can't read and I feel like that's a big part of the first book and one of the obstacles for them to overcome. It's one added tension that makes the story even better." |
” |
—Hayley Williams[6] |
Reception
Alexandra Cahill of Billboard.com gave the song a positive review by stating that "vocalist Hayley Williams captures the tension and urgency between undead protagonist Edward and mortal love interest Bella with an impassioned, yet restrained performance". Cahill also stated, "expertly crafted follow-up Decode promises to stake a claim at modern rock and top 40 radio".[7]
Entertainment Weekly said that Decode took a step away from Paramore's "bouncier punk-pop sound for a more sprawling, Evanescence-like romanticism".[8]
Music video
The official music video premiered on November 3, 2008 on MTVu, MTV, MTV2 and on MTV.com and was directed by Shane Drake. The video features the band members walking and performing in the woods, in Nashville, Tennessee (even though in the video, it is clearly supposed to be Forks, Washington). While they play, there are also scenes of the band acting as tracker vampires searching through the woods. Scenes from Twilight are also intercut.[9]
The music video, along with the film trailer, were shown in the North American theater of PlayStation Home from December 11, 2008 to December 18, 2008.
Track listing
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1. |
"Decode" (soundtrack version) |
4:21 |
2. |
"Decode (acoustic)" |
4:27 |
Chart performance
The song entered the U.S Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks at #35 and has peaked at #5, giving them their third top twenty hit on the chart. "Decode" became their second top forty hit, and their highest debut (#34) on the Billboard Hot 100. 7 weeks after its debut the song reached a new peak of #33. It also debuted at #52 on the Canadian Hot 100. It was only released digitally in the UK.The song was certified Platinum in the U.S on February 16, 2010, selling over 1,000,000 copies. In New Zealand, the song debuted at number #40 on November 24, 2009 and peaked at #15, becoming their highest peaking single there so far until the release of "The Only Exception".[10] The song was certified Gold on July 5, 2009,[11] selling over 7,500 copies,[12] and spent a total of 15 weeks on the chart.
In Germany, the song debuted at number #50 on November 24, 2009 and peaked at #47[13] and spent a total of 9 weeks on the chart
Cover versions
Joy Electric released a version of "Decode" on their 2009 cover album Favorites at Play. Season 11 American Idol finalist, Colton Dixon, performed "Decode" during the Top 24 round.[14] Season 13 American Idol finalist Jena Irene performed this song during the Top 11 week for her spot on the summer tour.
Charts and certifications
Year-end charts
Chart (2009) |
Position |
Australian Singles Chart |
76[23] |
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Certifications
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References
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| Tours | Paramore tours | |
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