Black (Sevendust song)
"Black" is the debut single by Sevendust and lead single from their self-titled debut album. "Black" is one of Sevendust's most successful songs and was included on their Best of (Chapter One 1997-2004). Live, acoustic versions were also included on the Seasons limited edition DVD and the band's first live album, Southside Double-Wide: Acoustic Live, in 2004. "Black" is on the Swimfan soundtrack and video game Test Drive Off-Road 2. It was the opening song for almost every Sevendust concert until 2004. "Black" is ranked No.47 in Hit Parader's 100 heavy metal top songs all-time.
"Black" | ||||
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Single by Sevendust | ||||
from the album Sevendust | ||||
Released | April 25, 1997 | |||
Recorded | July–August 1996 | |||
Genre | Nu metal[1] | |||
Length | 4:08 | |||
Label | TVT | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Mark Mendoza, Jay Jay French | |||
Sevendust singles chronology | ||||
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Recording
Sevendust tried to pull "Black" off of the band's self-titled debut album before recording the song. Sevendust guitarist John Connolly said
It was one of the first songs that we had done together as a band. By the time we got a record deal, we had probably played it 500-600 times and we were just kinda tired of it. It was the last song we played for our label and the producers and they all just laughed and [said], "You guys are funny, man. That's the best song of the bunch." And we were like, "No, it's not." And they're like, "Yes, it is – watch! This song will stick around for a long time." And you know what? They were right! (laughs)[3]
Meaning
Sevendust's drummer Morgan Rose said that "Black" is "one of those things where it's not strictly about racism, but it takes a little tap on it". Rose continued, saying:
[Lajon] states it pretty clearly: if people would mind their own business, the world would be a better place. Everyone's trying to stick their nose in everybody's business, instead of worrying about themselves.[4]
Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Black" (radio version) | 4:10 |
Release history
Year | Album | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
1997 | Got TVT | TVT Records | [6] |
1997 | Sevendust | TVT Records | [6] |
1997 | Sevendust (China) | Import | [6] |
1999 | Home (Japan) | Import | [6] |
1999 | Live and Loud | TVT Records | [6] |
1999 | The Hard + the Heavy, Vol. 1 | Rhino | [6] |
2001 | Animosity (Clean, Bonus Track) | Universal Distribution | [6] |
2002 | Swimf@n | TVT Records | [6] |
2004 | Southside Double-Wide: Acoustic Live | TVT Records | [6] |
2005 | Best Of (Chapter One 1997–2004) | TVT Records | [6] |
2005 | Best Of (Chapter One 1997-2004) (Clean) | TVT Records | [6] |
Covers
- Disturbed covered this song live before releasing their debut album The Sickness.[7]
Acoustic version
"Black (acoustic)" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Sevendust | ||||
from the album Time Travelers & Bonfires | ||||
Released | March 25, 2014 | |||
Recorded | January 2014 Recorded and Mixed at Architekt Music in Butler, New Jersey | |||
Genre | Acoustic rock | |||
Length | 4:32 | |||
Label | 7Bros. Records | |||
Songwriter(s) | John Connolly, Vinnie Hornsby, Clint Lowery, Morgan Rose, Lajon Witherspoon | |||
Producer(s) | Clint Lowery Morgan Rose | |||
Sevendust singles chronology | ||||
|
The acoustic version of Black was recorded by Sevendust and was scheduled to be released on rock radio stations on March 25, 2014.[8] Also the song will be included in Sevendust first official acoustic album Time Travelers & Bonfires which is set to be released by the band's 7Bros. Records in conjunction with ADA Label Services on April 15.[9][10]
Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Black" (acoustic version) | 4:32 |
Charts
Chart (2014) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Mainstream Rock Songs (Billboard) | 23 |
US Rock Songs (Billboard) | - |
References
- "30 Best Nu Metal Songs, Ranked". Spin Magazine.
- "Black, Sevendust". Broadcast Music, Inc. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
- Pittman, Sarah Marie (April 17, 2014). "The Softer Side of Sevendust". Pollstar.
- Rivers, Cindy (July 9, 1998). "Sevendust". Ink 19.
- "Sevendust > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Retrieved April 30, 2010.
- "Black Sevendust". Allmusic. Retrieved April 30, 2010.
- Dejin1 (6 November 2007). "Disturbed - Black (Sevendust cover) live part 13". Youtube.com. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
- "Sevendust, 'Black' (Acoustic) - Exclusive Song Premiere". Loudwire.com. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
- "Sevendust Post New Song, 'The Wait,' off Upcoming 'Time Travelers & Bonfires' - Audio Ink Radio". Audioinkradio.com. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
- "SEVENDUST To Release 'Time Travelers & Bonfires' Acoustic Album In April". Blabbermouth.net. 23 January 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2018.