Let the Games Begin (song)

"Let the Games Begin"
The official cover artwork for "Let the Games Begin".
Single by AJR
ReleasedOctober 23, 2015 (2015-10-23)
Genre
Length3:21
LabelAJR Productions
Songwriter(s)
  • Adam Met
  • Jack Met
  • Ryan Met
Producer(s)Ryan Met
AJR singles chronology
"Infinity"
(2014) 		"Let the Games Begin"
(2015) 		"Call My Dad"
(2015)
Lyric video
"Let the Games Begin" on YouTube
Music video
"Let the Games Begin" on YouTube

"Let the Games Begin" is a song by American indie pop band AJR. It was released as an independent single via the band's label AJR Productions on October 23, 2015. A music video for the song was released in 2016.

Background

AJR released their debut studio album Living Room on March 3, 2015.[2] During the writing process of this album, the band additionally wrote material for their second album, citing an intention of different sound as their reason for not releasing the songs.[3] One of these songs was titled "People Person", with various demos of the song taking inspiration from Irish music and dance music. After lead singer Jack Met incorporated the bugle call "First Call" into the song, the concept of "People Person" was combined with a sports theme, turning into "Let the Games Begin".[4] Upon release, the song was anticipated to be the lead single of the band's second studio album, The Click, but was not included on any album.[citation needed] "Let the Games Begin" was additionally used for various Hasbro commercials.[5]

Composition and music video

"Let the Games Begin" begins with a bugle call, which is additionally the track's chorus hook.[6][7] The song is composed with upbeat electronic instrumentation and a prominent beat. "Spokestep" is featured in the bridge of "Let the Games Begin",[8] which the band refers to as electronically manipulating and cutting up vocals in the style of dubstep.[9]

A music video for "Let the Games Begin" was directed by Jason Merrin and released on February 25, 2016. The video follows the developing popularity of a costumed performer wearing a carrot costume,[10] additionally cutting to the band performing the song in a grocery store.[11]


References

  1. ^ Kamau, Eric (February 8, 2022). "Top 10 AJR Songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  2. ^ Whitmore, Laura (March 4, 2015). "AJR's Debut Album 'Living Room' Out Now". Guitar World. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  3. ^ McGahan, Michelle (March 6, 2015). "AJR on 'Living Room,' Stretching Their Sound". PopCrush. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  4. ^ Ayers, Mary (November 26, 2015). "Ryan of AJR Lets the Games Begin". Teenplicity. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  5. ^ Becker, Sarah (April 28, 2024). "Revisiting AJR's overshadowed hit "Let the Games Begin"". AudioPhix. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  6. ^ Farrant, Dan (January 24, 2024). "21 Of The Best Songs About Games And Gaming". Hello Music Theory. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  7. ^ Korpak, Ashlyn (March 12, 2019). "AJR's "100 Bad Days" is a relatable culmination of their music so far". The Central Trend. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  8. ^ Jamison, Darren (April 21, 2023). "10 Best AJR Songs of All Time". Singers Room. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  9. ^ Fuse (July 31, 2014). "AJR Went from Street Performing to Creating Their Own Genre". Fuse. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  10. ^ Kane, Katie (February 25, 2016). "Watch AJR's "Let The Games Begin" Video". secretfangirls. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  11. ^ Kaufmann, Andy (May 24, 2021). "Q&A with AJR". Music Connection. Retrieved April 13, 2024.