The popular melodic-rock hit of 2013-2014, “Pompeii” is a song performed by British indie rock band Bastille. The band, led by singer and songwriter Dan Smith had its origins in London, England but soon rose to become an international sensation. The breakthrough single “Pompeii” introduced their sound and was an instant hit, becoming a Number 2 hit in the UK Singles Chart and peaking as high as number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was also the most streamed song of 2013 with over 330 million plays worldwide, solidifying Bastille’s skills in crafting catchy, infectious pop music.
The symbolism and the poetic imagery of “Pompeii” make it much more than a mere love song. With its lively guitar riffs, haunting chorus and powerful lyrics, it easily resonates within its listeners. It is a metaphor for the chaos of life and the ups and downs we all experience. The song’s powerful chorus constantly draws comparisons to the fate of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, destroyed in the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. It doesn’t simply draw these comparisons though, it paints an emotive picture of the beauty and tragedy that surrounded the city’s destruction. Dan Smith cleverly manages to marry together feelings of momentary respite and simultaneous despair. The song offers a realistic view on our current, complexed times.
Smith wrote “Pompeii” during one of those moments of tumult, while in Italy at the beginning of 2012. He wrote it with the aim to create “a song that was like a warm hug.” In this regard, Smith certainly had achieved his aim as the song reached triple-platinum status in Australia and the United Kingdom, and it became a multi-platinum single in the US in April 2017. Its accompanying music video was generally very successful and has so far amassed over 870 million views on YouTube.
One of the unique things about Bastille’s songwriting is their choice of unconventional and interesting time signatures, influenced by the bands that Smith grew up with; Radiohead, The Police and Jeff Buckley. The deep reflecting of “Pompeii” has gone on to influence many other great musicians and writers, as many have gained inspiration for their works from the groundbreaking hit. “Pompeii” remains a milestone in pop-rock, but it is just part of Bastille’s impressive discography.
Analyzing the Chorus
The chorus of “Pompeii” is perhaps the song’s most defining and most memorable moment. It begins with a lone vocal line and then builds up to incorporate a blend of electric guitars and drums. Smith’s highly emotive vocals soar to a powerful peak as the chorus reaches its climax, as he sings: “And if you close your eyes/ Does it almost feel like/ Nothing changed at all?/ And if you close your eyes/ Does it almost feel like/ You’ve been here before?” It’s a lyric that effortlessly captures the feeling of frustration and trauma experienced in times of disruption and uncertainty. Sometimes, when life feels overwhelming and nothing is certain, we just have to close our eyes, take a few deep breaths and remember what was before, in order to see the beauty in everything.
The Band’s Rise to Fame
Bastille started their rise to fame when “Pompeii” was used in an advertisement for the soft drink 7up in the UK and in a Kia commercial in South Korea. This shifted the band from being an underground sensation to mainstream music. Subsequently, the song was featured in numerous films, television shows, and video games such as in “The Fault in Our Stars”, “Smallville”, “The Vampire Diaries”, and “FIFA 20”, as well as in The Ellen DeGeneres Show. These multiple placements helped the song reach a greater audience, contributing to its widespread success. Even today, “Pompeii” remains a staple in the music industry.
The Music Video
The accompanying music video was released on 3 February 2013. It’s a four-minute clip shot in an abandoned office building, depicting Smith and his bandmates as the last remaining residents of a fairyland wasteland. Images of diverse landscapes and the band’s performance scenes are seen throughout, allowing the viewer to almost experience the song in a different light. The visual effects employed in the video help capture the tumultuous emotion of the track, further creating an emotion-filled experience.
Critical Reception
The release of “Pompeii” was mainly well-received, as it drew over 30 million views on YouTube on its first month alone. Critics praised the song for its catchy chorus, haunting vocals, and its message of hope in tumultuous times. On views of the album it was released on, critics admired the song for its contrast to the other tracks, calling it a “highlight” from the album. The song was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Rock Performance in 2014. It was also featured on BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Records and voted as the Song of the Year on BBC2 in 2014.
The Impact of “Pompeii”
The release of “Pompeii” introduced Bastille to a larger audience, and it quickly became an anthem of sorts that many could relate to during relatable events and dark times. Even today “Pompeii” is remembered as an emotional, yet hopeful, power-rock ballad, capable of stirring up many emotions even after all these years.
The New Album and Life After “Pompeii”
Bastille later released two successful studio albums in the following years; Wild World in 2016 and Doom Days in 2019. After their hit single “Pompeii”, the band went on to pursue different types of music. While their sound has continued to reflect their unique point of view and perspective, they have further broadened their genre with the inclusion of electronic and R&B elements. They have also toured many times in Europe and North America, and briefly in Japan, and have become one of the most successful bands in the indie-rock scene.
Conclusion
In summary, “Pompeii” is an emotional, powerful song that has inspired many other artists and achieved international success. With its combination of electric guitar riffs, haunting vocals, and poignant lyrics, this rock ballad has become an anthem for many fans, and still stands as a milestone in Bastille’s career.
