Ignorance (song)
Encyclopedia
"Ignorance" is a song by the American rock
band Paramore
. "Ignorance" was released by Fueled by Ramen
in July 2009, as the lead single from the bands 2009 studio album entitled, Brand New Eyes
. The single was written by Paramore band members Hayley Williams and Josh Farro; Paramore is also credited as being co-producers to the song. The track, recorded in Spring 2009, was the first song to be written for Brand New Eyes.
Musically, "Ignorance" is credited as being an alternative rock song. Williams' and Farros's inspiration for writing the song was from personal experiences. The track was generally well received by contemporary music critics. The song was commercially successful, charting within the top thirty in multiple territories, although the song performed better internationally. A music video for "Ignorance" was released in August 2009. In the video, the band is shown playing in a room with the only source of lighting being a hanging lightbulb.
. The song was recorded in 2009. The track was written by Paramore's band members Hayley Williams
and Josh Farro. It was released as the lead single from the band's 2009 studio album Brand New Eyes
on July 7, 2009. James Montgomery of MTV News
viewed the song as lyrically being about the "destructive nature of gossip, about the ugly, tear-'em-down world in which Paramore exist." "Ignorance" was the first song written for Brand New Eyes. In an interview with Kerrang!
, Williams, who co-wrote the song, discussed the song's meaning, and her and Farro's inspiration for writing the song, saying,
, commented that "thankfully" Paramore’s "new-found rage hasn’t impinged on their talent for crafting a joyful pop song, as evidenced by the high octane" like "Ignorance", remarking that while the song "might be dark in tone" the song is still a "fairground-full of fun." A writer for HitFix gave the song a positive review, saying that while the single breaks no "new ground" for Paramore, it shows an "increased level of confidence" and "older Paramore fans will be happy to hear the Evanescence
influence seems to be gone". Marc Hirsh, a writer from The Boston Globe
, described the track as being a "thrilling little headlong rush."
Emily Steves, a writer for Buffalo News, noted that while "Ignorance" is a "harsh song fueled by Williams’ passion to make her bandmates see and confront their problems" the song "proves to be one of their heaviest songs lyrically." Jon Canamanica, a writer for The New York Times
, described the song as sounding more like a "muscular No Doubt
song," with a "rhythmic shift" at the songs hook that "suggested a quick cough of ska." Ryan Wood, a writer for The Nebraska City News Press, strongly praised the track, commenting that the song "may go down" as the "best single ever." Scott Heisel, a writer for Alternative Press, viewed the single as being a "sort of a 'roided out" version of Paramore's 2007 studio album Riot!
s song, "Misery Business
" (2007). A writer for Saffron Walden News felt that the track displays Williams' "commendable and moody vocal range."
, the song performed worse than previous singles, peaking at number sixty seven on the Billboard Hot 100
. It was more successful on other Billboard charts
. The song's current peak position on the Hot Digital Songs Chart is number fifty eight; the song charted on the chart solely due to digital download sales. The track also charted on Billboard' s Rock Songs Chart, peaking at number twenty, as well as charting within the top ten on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks Chart, peaking at number seven. "Ignorance" had a better chart performance internationally. The single was successful in the United Kingdom, entering the chart within the top twenty at number fourteen, where it peaked. The track remained within the top 100 for seven weeks.
The song charted within the top twenty, peaking at number seventeen; the song remained on the chart for eight weeks. The single peaked at number thirty five in Australia; the song remained the on the countries chart for two weeks. The song had a similar chart performance in New Zealand, peaking at number thirty two and remained on the chart for five weeks. The track was less successful in Dutch, having entered the chart on October 18, 2009, at number eighty two, where it peaked, the following week the song fell out of the countries top 100. "Ignorance" was successful in Japan, charting within the top ten, peaking at number ten. The song also echoed similar chart success on Belgium's Singles Chart, peaking at number ten; it remained on the chart for four weeks. "Ignorance" is the first single by the band to chart on the Irish Top 50 Singles Chart
, charting within the top fifty, peaking at number forty nine. It also charted at number forty two in Germany, as well as peaking at number ninety six on the Canadian Singles Top 100 chart.
's hair from her music video "Big Time Sensuality
". It ends with the other members of the band being able to wrap the light bulb wire around Williams. James Montgomery of MTV News wrote that the video is "a claustrophobic, hard-charging thing that showcases Paramore: The Band. There is rumor that the Playing God
is the sequel music video, showcasing Hayley getting back at her band mates."
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band Paramore
Paramore
Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, bassist Jeremy Davis, and guitarist Taylor York...
. "Ignorance" was released by Fueled by Ramen
Fueled by Ramen
Fueled by Ramen is an American record label which operates as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, and is distributed by Atlantic Records. The label, founded in Gainesville, Florida, is based in New York City...
in July 2009, as the lead single from the bands 2009 studio album entitled, Brand New Eyes
Brand New Eyes
Brand New Eyes is the third album by North American rock band Paramore, released September 29, 2009 through Fueled by Ramen in the United States and Canada. It debuted at number two on Billboard 200....
. The single was written by Paramore band members Hayley Williams and Josh Farro; Paramore is also credited as being co-producers to the song. The track, recorded in Spring 2009, was the first song to be written for Brand New Eyes.
Musically, "Ignorance" is credited as being an alternative rock song. Williams' and Farros's inspiration for writing the song was from personal experiences. The track was generally well received by contemporary music critics. The song was commercially successful, charting within the top thirty in multiple territories, although the song performed better internationally. A music video for "Ignorance" was released in August 2009. In the video, the band is shown playing in a room with the only source of lighting being a hanging lightbulb.
Background
"Ignorance" was recorded by American Alternative band ParamoreParamore
Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, bassist Jeremy Davis, and guitarist Taylor York...
. The song was recorded in 2009. The track was written by Paramore's band members Hayley Williams
Hayley Williams
Hayley Nichole Williams is an American singer, songwriter, and the lead vocalist of the band Paramore.- Life and career :...
and Josh Farro. It was released as the lead single from the band's 2009 studio album Brand New Eyes
Brand New Eyes
Brand New Eyes is the third album by North American rock band Paramore, released September 29, 2009 through Fueled by Ramen in the United States and Canada. It debuted at number two on Billboard 200....
on July 7, 2009. James Montgomery of MTV News
MTV News
MTV News is the news division of MTV, one of the first and most popular music television network in the U.S., as well as some of MTV's related channels around the world. MTV News began in the late 1980s with the program The Week In Rock, hosted by Kurt Loder, the first official MTV News correspondent...
viewed the song as lyrically being about the "destructive nature of gossip, about the ugly, tear-'em-down world in which Paramore exist." "Ignorance" was the first song written for Brand New Eyes. In an interview with Kerrang!
Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...
, Williams, who co-wrote the song, discussed the song's meaning, and her and Farro's inspiration for writing the song, saying,
"In my eyes, this song is a huge turning point for the band. The truth of it is, growing up is not easy. We’re five different people who have to work towards the same goal on a daily basis. There were a lot of times when I felt really alone or angry or insecure. I don’t always feel good at confronting people, especially people that I love, like these guys. Sometimes it takes songs to get the point across. The song is from one person’s perspective. It’s unfair that I’m the one who gets to talk about it but it helped me a lot. The line ‘ignorance is your new best friend’ is about how I felt I was losing people, and I think the band did too. But it’s okay, we’re growing up. I love that song."
Critical reception
"Ignorance" was generally well received by contemporary music critics. Leonie Cooper, a writer for NMENME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
, commented that "thankfully" Paramore’s "new-found rage hasn’t impinged on their talent for crafting a joyful pop song, as evidenced by the high octane" like "Ignorance", remarking that while the song "might be dark in tone" the song is still a "fairground-full of fun." A writer for HitFix gave the song a positive review, saying that while the single breaks no "new ground" for Paramore, it shows an "increased level of confidence" and "older Paramore fans will be happy to hear the Evanescence
Evanescence
Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. After recording private albums, the band released their first full-length album, Fallen, on Wind-up Records in 2003. Fallen sold more than 17 million copies worldwide...
influence seems to be gone". Marc Hirsh, a writer from The Boston Globe
The Boston Globe
The Boston Globe is an American daily newspaper based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Globe has been owned by The New York Times Company since 1993...
, described the track as being a "thrilling little headlong rush."
Emily Steves, a writer for Buffalo News, noted that while "Ignorance" is a "harsh song fueled by Williams’ passion to make her bandmates see and confront their problems" the song "proves to be one of their heaviest songs lyrically." Jon Canamanica, a writer for The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
, described the song as sounding more like a "muscular No Doubt
No Doubt
No Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
song," with a "rhythmic shift" at the songs hook that "suggested a quick cough of ska." Ryan Wood, a writer for The Nebraska City News Press, strongly praised the track, commenting that the song "may go down" as the "best single ever." Scott Heisel, a writer for Alternative Press, viewed the single as being a "sort of a 'roided out" version of Paramore's 2007 studio album Riot!
Riot!
Riot! is the second studio album by American rock band Paramore, succeeding their debut album All We Know Is Falling, and was released in the United States on June 12, 2007 and in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2007...
s song, "Misery Business
Misery Business
"Misery Business" is a song by American rock band Paramore, and is the lead single from their second studio album, Riot!. "Misery Business" was the third Paramore video to be directed by Shane Drake, and was nominated for the "Best Video" award at the Kerrang! Awards 2007, but lost to Fall Out...
" (2007). A writer for Saffron Walden News felt that the track displays Williams' "commendable and moody vocal range."
Chart performance
"Ignorance" had a good chart performance, generally charting within the top thirty. In the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the song performed worse than previous singles, peaking at number sixty seven on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
. It was more successful on other Billboard charts
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
. The song's current peak position on the Hot Digital Songs Chart is number fifty eight; the song charted on the chart solely due to digital download sales. The track also charted on Billboard
The song charted within the top twenty, peaking at number seventeen; the song remained on the chart for eight weeks. The single peaked at number thirty five in Australia; the song remained the on the countries chart for two weeks. The song had a similar chart performance in New Zealand, peaking at number thirty two and remained on the chart for five weeks. The track was less successful in Dutch, having entered the chart on October 18, 2009, at number eighty two, where it peaked, the following week the song fell out of the countries top 100. "Ignorance" was successful in Japan, charting within the top ten, peaking at number ten. The song also echoed similar chart success on Belgium's Singles Chart, peaking at number ten; it remained on the chart for four weeks. "Ignorance" is the first single by the band to chart on the Irish Top 50 Singles Chart
Irish Recorded Music Association
Irish Recorded Music Association is the Irish record industry association. IRMA is a non-profit association set up to manage and control the music industry in the Republic of Ireland.-Goals and activities:...
, charting within the top fifty, peaking at number forty nine. It also charted at number forty two in Germany, as well as peaking at number ninety six on the Canadian Singles Top 100 chart.
Music video
The music video was released on August 13, 2009. The video begins with a door opening, showing Williams being singled out and ignored by other members of the band. She shines a light bulb that is hanging by a wire, directly in their faces, whilst describing how they ignore her and treat her like just another stranger in the lyrics. The cramped and bare setting emphasizes the inescapable, rising tensions between the band members. The video is intercut with clips of the band performing in a cramped small room, that appears to be a closet. Other clips show a larger performance area and a different personality of Williams being laid bare in white clothes, hair pulled back in the style like BjörkBjörk
Björk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
's hair from her music video "Big Time Sensuality
Big Time Sensuality
"Big Time Sensuality" is a song by Björk, released as the fourth single from her 1993 album Debut. The song helped boost Björk's popularity worldwide, particularly the U.S., where she charted for the first time.-Background:...
". It ends with the other members of the band being able to wrap the light bulb wire around Williams. James Montgomery of MTV News wrote that the video is "a claustrophobic, hard-charging thing that showcases Paramore: The Band. There is rumor that the Playing God
Playing God (song)
"Playing God" is a song by American rock band Paramore. It was released on November 15, 2010 as the fifth and last single from the band's third studio album, Brand New Eyes...
is the sequel music video, showcasing Hayley getting back at her band mates."
Track listing
Charts
| Chart (2009) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... ) |
35 |
| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40 Ö3 Austria Top 40 Ö3 Austria Top 40 is the name of the official Austrian singles chart, as well as the radio show which presents it, aired Fridays on Hitradio Ö3. The show presents the Austrian singles, ringtones and downloads chart. It premiered on 26 November 1968 as Disc Parade and was presented by Ernst Grissemann... ) |
17 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100 Canadian Hot 100 The Canadian Hot 100 is a music singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks songs in Canada. The chart debuted in the Billboard issue dated June 16, 2007 and was made available for the first time via their online services on June 7, 2007... ) |
96 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 40 Ultratop 40 Ultratop 40 singles, often just Ultratop 40, is the weekly chart of best-selling singles in Wallonia and Brussels Capital Region, the french-speaking parts of Belgium. Its equivalent covering the Flanders region is Ultratop 50. Both charts are produced and published by the Ultratop organization... ) |
10 |
| Eurochart Hot 100 Singles Eurochart Hot 100 Singles The European Hot 100 Singles has been compiled by Billboard and Music & Media magazine since March, 1984. The chart is based on national singles sales charts in 15 European countries: Austria, Belgium , Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden,... |
34 |
| Japan (Japan Hot 100 Japan Hot 100 The Japan Hot 100 is a music singles chart in Japan. It is compiled by Billboard and Hanshin Contents Link ever since February 2008. The chart is updated every Wednesday at billboard-japan.com and every Thursday at billboard.com .... ) |
10 |
| Germany (Media Control Charts Media Control Charts The official music charts in Germany are gathered and published by the company Media Control GfK International on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindustrie... ) |
42 |
| Switzerland (Swiss Music Charts Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... ) |
82 |
| Ireland (IRMA Irish Recorded Music Association Irish Recorded Music Association is the Irish record industry association. IRMA is a non-profit association set up to manage and control the music industry in the Republic of Ireland.-Goals and activities:... ) |
49 |
| New Zealand (RIANZ Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... ) |
32 |
| UK Singles (The Official Charts Company UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... ) |
14 |
| UK Rock (The Official Charts Company UK Rock Chart The UK Rock Chart usually refers to the Top 40 Rock Singles and the Top 40 Rock Albums Chart compiled by the Official Charts Company from physical record sales in British retail outlets with larger than average genrespecific sales.... ) |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
67 |
| U.S. Alternative Songs (Billboard Billboard (magazine) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... ) |
7 |
| U.S. Rock Songs Rock Songs Rock Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks the airplay of songs on alternative, mainstream rock and triple A radio stations. The first chart was published in the issue dated June 20, 2009. "Know Your Enemy" by Green Day was the first number-one song. The Rock Songs... (Billboard Billboard (magazine) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... ) |
20 |
| U.S. Hot Digital Songs Hot Digital Songs The Hot Digital Songs chart ranks the best-selling digital singles in the United States, according to Billboard.Beginning in February 2005, digital sales have been incorporated into many of Billboards music single charts. It was decided to do so mainly because of the dramatic rise in popularity of... (Billboard Billboard (magazine) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... ) |
58 |
Chart procession and succession
Personnel
The following personnel contributed to "Ignorance":- Production
- Rob CavalloRob CavalloRob Cavallo is a record producer and A&R, most famous for signing and producing Green Day. He is currently Chairman of Warner Bros. Records.- History :...
- producerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music... - Paramore - co-producerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
- Chris Lord-AlgeChris Lord-AlgeChris Lord-Alge is a mixer who has worked on various albums. He is the brother of Tom Lord-Alge, another audio engineer. Chris Lord-Alge is known for his extreme use of dynamic range compression in both hardware and software plug-in versions....
- mixingAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may... - Ted JensenTed JensenTed Jensen is an American recording engineer. Jensen is the chief mastering engineer at Sterling Sound. He started his career as a mastering engineer in 1976 and is currently the most active Mastering Engineer in the industry...
- masteringAudio masteringMastering, a form of audio post-production, is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device ; the source from which all copies will be produced... - Doug McKean - engineeringAudio engineeringAn audio engineer, also called audio technician, audio technologist or sound technician, is a specialist in a skilled trade that deals with the use of machinery and equipment for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sounds. The field draws on many artistic and vocational areas, including...
- Jamie Muhoberac - keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, organOrgan (music)The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
- Rob Cavallo
- Paramore
- Hayley WilliamsHayley WilliamsHayley Nichole Williams is an American singer, songwriter, and the lead vocalist of the band Paramore.- Life and career :...
– lead vocalsLead vocalistThe lead vocalist is the member of a band who sings the main vocal portions of a song. They may also play one or more instruments. Lead vocalists are sometimes referred to as the frontman or frontwoman, and as such, are usually considered to be the "leader" of the groups they perform in, often the... - Josh Farro – lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
, backing vocals - Taylor York – rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
- Jeremy Davis – bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
- Zac Farro – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
- Hayley Williams