"Unbelievable" is a song by American electronica project Owl City. The song was released on June 26, 2015 as the third and final single from his fifth studio album, Mobile Orchestra. The track features American pop rock band Hanson.[2]
Background and composition
"Unbelievable" was written by Adam Young, Isaac Hanson, Matthew Thiessen and Emily Wright while production was handled by Young.[3] Young stated that working with Hanson was a "total dream collaboration." He also called the group the "nicest" and "easiest guys to work with."[4]
"I just reached out to them, sent them the song, introduced myself and said I'd be thrilled to work with them if they might find the idea appealing at all. They wrote back and said they were down to do it. They wrote Verse 2, added some additional production and just kind of did what felt natural to them, all of which I loved."[4]
The track runs at 118 BPM and is in the key of D-sharp major.[5] The song is a nostalgic track with influences of a 90's pop sound and features pop culture references such as Nintendo and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air among many more.[1]
Owl City and Hanson performed the song on The Today Show on July 14, 2015.[6]
Critical reception
Kelsie Gibson of Bustle stated, "From Owl City's pure pop sound to Hanson's amazing vocals, this song has me hoping this is just the beginning of more '90s revivals."[1]
Music video
An animated music video for the song was released on June 29, 2015.[7] The video was directed by Ryan Maloney and features a walking VHS tape strolling down a paved sidewalk while whistling to the song.[8] The video also showcases the musicians in animated form, performing the track.[1]
Personnel
|
Owl City
Additional musicians
|
Production
|
Charts
| Chart (2015) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| South Korea International Chart (GAON)[9] | 47 |
| US Hot Christian Songs (Billboard)[10] | 20 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | June 26, 2015 | Republic | [2] |
References
- ^ a b c d Kelsie Gibson (June 29, 2015). "Hanson Takes Us Back To The '90s". Bustle. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ a b "One more day until "Unbelievable (ft. @HansonMusic )" hits – pre-order my album and get the song first thing tmrw!!". Twitter. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Unbelievable - Owl City". AllMusic. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ a b Madison Vain (June 29, 2015). "Head back to the '90s in Owl City's animated 'Unbelievable' video". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on June 30, 2015. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ "Key and BPM of Unbelievable by Owl City". Musicstax.com. July 10, 2015. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Herb Longs (June 26, 2015). "New Music From Owl City: Unbelievable Featuring Hanson". Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Amanda Bell (June 29, 2015). "The '90s Nostalgia Is 'Unbelievable' In Hanson's Owl City Cameo". MTV. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Carl Williott (July 1, 2015). "The Dream Of The '90s Is Alive In Owl City & Hanson's Unbelievable Video". Idolator. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ "Gaon Digital Chart: 2015.06.28~2015.07.04". GAON. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "Owl City – Chart History: Christian Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2023.