"God Is Really Real" is a song by American pop band AJR. It was released by Mercury Records and serves as the eleventh track on the band's fifth studio album The Maybe Man. Despite not being planned as a single, the song, which is dedicated to the brothers' terminally ill father,[1] was surprise-released to YouTube on July 3, 2023. The single was officially released on streaming services on July 5, 2023.
| "God Is Really Real" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by AJR | ||||
| from the album The Maybe Man | ||||
| Released | July 5, 2023 | |||
| Recorded | 2022–2023 | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 2:59 | |||
| Label | Mercury | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) | Ryan Met | |||
| AJR singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "God Is Really Real" on YouTube | ||||
Background
editFor over a year, AJR's father Gary Metzger battled cancer.[2][3][4] His deteriorating health led the band to publicly announce his condition on July 1 through social media,[5] with the band cancelling all of that month's planned concerts, including headlining Summerfest[6] and later opening for Imagine Dragons.[7] Gary died hours after the single's initial YouTube release on July 3,[8] with the band giving an update before taking a temporary leave from social media.[9] They claimed that they wanted the song to be available before he died.[citation needed]
Composition
edit"God Is Really Real" is composed in 6
8 time signature in the key of F major and follows a tempo of 270 beats per minute (bpm).
Similarly to "Dear Winter" from the band's third studio album Neotheater, the song's sole instrument is an acoustic guitar, with "God Is Really Real" additionally having an orchestral backing.[10]
Lyric video
editTwo days before the single's official release date, a lyric video directed by AJR and edited by Austin Roa was released on July 3, 2023.[1] The lyrics are handwritten by Ryan Met in a small notebook, with the band filming the video inside the hospital where their father was staying.[5]
Personnel
editCredits adapted from Tidal.[11]
- Adam Met – composer
- Jack Met – lead vocals, guitar, composer
- Ryan Met – composer, producer, programming
- Dale Becker – mastering engineer
- Katie Harvey – assistant mastering engineer
- Brandon Hernandez – assistant mastering engineer
- Noah McCorkle – assistant mastering engineer
- Rob Piccione – engineer
- Ruth Kornblatt-Stier – cello
- Emelia Suljic – violin
References
edit- ^ a b Arthur, Joseph (October 31, 2023). "The Wichitan's Song of the Week: "God is Really Real"". The Wichitan. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ Edwards, Eve (July 5, 2023). "AJR's dad died just days after the band cancelled shows to be at his side". HITC. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ AJR (November 14, 2023). AJR Breaks Down "The Maybe Man" (YouTube video). Zach Sang Show. Event occurs at 16:25. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ Boisvert, Lauren (November 24, 2023). "Brothers of AJR Open Up About Losing Their Father During Creation of New Album". American Songwriter. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ a b Patterson, Charmaine (July 4, 2023). "AJR Brothers Reveal Their Father Has Died After Lengthy Illness". The Messenger. Archived from the original on July 4, 2023. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Mueller, Matt (November 9, 2023). "After canceling in 2023, AJR will headline Summerfest next year on the Fourth of July". OnMilwaukee. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Neog, Anupal Sraban (July 5, 2023). "Who are AJR's parents? Popular trio announces death of father after prolonged illness". Sportskeeda. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Mcewen, Alex (July 5, 2023). "Alternative band AJR release new song in tribute of their late dad Gary". Culturess. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Kahler, Tanner (July 3, 2023). "After Summerfest cancellations, AJR announces their father has died". WISN-TV. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Smith, Steve (July 5, 2023). "AJR Dad Died: What Was The Cause?". Vizaca. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ "Credits / God is Really Real / AJR". Tidal. July 5, 2023. Retrieved November 16, 2023.