A Real Hero
| "A Real Hero" | |
|---|---|
| Single by College and Electric Youth | |
| Released | 11 January 2010 |
| Format | |
| Genre | |
| Length | 4:27 |
| Label | Valerie Records |
| Writer(s) | |
"A Real Hero" is a song by French electronica artist College in collaboration with Electric Youth, released in 2010. The song was included as the eleventh track Electric Youth's debut studio album Innerworld. The track was used in the film Drive, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan.
Production
Electric Youth frontman Austin Garrick, along with David Grellier, who performs as College, have cited separate inspirations for producing the song. Garrick was inspired to write the song by a quote from his grandfather, who spoke of airline captain Chesley Sullenberger after the US Airways Flight 1549 water landing incident.[1][2] Garrick's grandfather referred to Sullenberger as "a real human being and a real hero", which became the song's refrain. Grellier, on the other hand, took inspiration from cinema, in particular the character Max Rockatansky of the Mad Max franchise. Grellier has stated that he "wanted to give a homage to that lonely hero that we see in movies like Mad Max. People who make their own choice and try to save lives. I want to give an homage."[2]
Cover versions
Indie pop group Smallpools released a cover version of the song on May 12, 2015 through RCA Records and Sony Music Entertainment.[3][4] The cover was uploaded to audio distribution platform SoundCloud on May 13.[4]
Track listing
| Digital download | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
| 1. | "A Real Hero" | Austin Garrick, David Grellier | Bronwyn Griffin, Garrick, Grellier | 4:27 |
| 2. | "Closer" | Grellier | Grellier | 1:35 |
| 3. | "Critical Mass" | Grellier | Grellier | 4:12 |
| 4. | "The Mirage Makers" | Grellier | Grellier | 1:21 |
| 5. | "Susan Waiting" | Grellier | Grellier | 2:21 |
Personnel
- Bronwyn Griffin – production, vocals
- Austin Garrick – production, writing
- David Grellier – production
Weekly charts
| Chart (2014) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[5] | 30 |
Release history and reception
| Country | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| France[6] | January 11, 2010 | Digital download | Valerie |
| United Kingdom[7] | |||
| United States[8] | |||
Spin magazine named "A Real Hero" one of the 20 Best Songs of 2011.[9] The song was nominated for a 2012 MTV Movie Award in the category of "Best Music".[10]
In popular culture
The song is featured on the soundtrack to the 2011 film Drive.[2]
The song was also used in the 2012 film Taken 2, starring Liam Neeson.[11]
In 2013, the song was used in a commercial featuring model and fashion blogger Alyssa Campanella for the 2014 model Kia Forte automobile.[12] In 2016, the song was used in a series of television ads for the 2017 model Chrysler Pacifica, featuring actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan and his family.[13]
References
- ↑ Dobbins, Amanda (27 October 2011). "College and Electric Youth Explain the Captain Sully Inspiration for Drive's 'Real Hero'". Vulture. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- 1 2 3 O'Connell, Michael (27 October 2011). "'Drive' Song Inspired by Captain Sully Sullenberger and 'Mad Max' (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ↑ Payne, Chris. "Smallpools Premieres 'A Real Hero' Cover: Hear Their Take on the 'Drive' Soundtrack Jam". Billboard. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- 1 2 "Smallpools "A Real Hero" (Official Single Cover)". Ultimate Music. 19 May 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ↑ "Heatseekers Albus: October 18, 2014". Billboard. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ↑ "A Real Hero - EP by College". iTunes Store FR. Apple Inc. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ↑ "A Real Hero - EP by College". iTunes Store UK. Apple Inc. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ↑ "A Real Hero - EP by College". iTunes Store US. Apple Inc. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ↑ Aaron, Charles (9 December 2011). "Spin 20 Best Songs of 2011". Spin. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
- ↑ http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/763154/best-music-a-real-hero-college-and-electric-youth-drive.jhtml
- ↑ Jagernauth, Kevin (22 September 2012). "'Taken 2' Soundtrack Features Two Key Songs From 'Drive' & More". IndieWire. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- ↑ "2014 Kia Forte TV Spot, 'Street Light' Song by College and Electric Youth". iSpot.tv. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
- ↑ Oster, Erik (13 April 2016). "Jim Gaffigan Talks 'Dad Brand' in Chrysler's First Campaign After Agency Shakeup". Adweek. Retrieved 11 July 2016.