Thought Contagion

"Thought Contagion" is a song by English rock band Muse. It was released as the second single from the band's eighth studio album, Simulation Theory,[1] on 15 February 2018, following "Dig Down", released the previous year. The single debuted at number 76 on the UK Singles Chart and topped the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.

"Thought Contagion"
Single by Muse
from the album Simulation Theory
Released15 February 2018 (2018-02-15)
Recorded2017
Length3:26
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriter(s)Matt Bellamy
Producer(s)
Muse singles chronology
"Dig Down"
(2017)		 "Thought Contagion"
(2018)		 "Something Human"
(2018)

Writing and recording

"Thought Contagion" was released as a single and music video on 15 February 2018.[2] Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Muse front man Matt Bellamy revealed that the song was written in late 2017, explaining that "I came up with the bass line and then I used a theremin, originally, to [create] this lead melody that went over the top." This melody was later changed, with Bellamy noting that "it occurred to me that the theremin melody would be a cool, anthemic sort of vocal part, so [bassist] Chris [Wolstenholme] and I did about ten passes on that to create this sort of crowd effect on the vocal".[3]

Composition and lyrics

In an interview with Beats 1 presenter Matt Wilkinson, Bellamy explained that the lyrics of "Thought Contagion" are based on the theory "that thoughts are contagious [and that] they spread like a virus, or like genes", noting that he had read about the idea in a book by Richard Dawkins.[4] The singer has also admitted that the lyrical content of the song is likely influenced by "watching American news stations", detailing that "The verses are me streaming off anxieties and feelings, which ... I'm wondering whether they're actually mine or not".[3] Musically, Bellamy has described "Thought Contagion" as "a pretty epic and anthemic track", pointing out its "arena sound and synths" as examples of the band's process of "getting into blending genres and eras together" for their upcoming eighth studio album.[5]

Music video

The music video for "Thought Contagion" was directed by Lance Drake, who also directed the band's previous video "Dig Down",[6] and features "vampires who can manipulate lightning, neon-drenched streets, old arcade cabinets and a Thriller-type dance routine".[7] Billboard writer Nina Braca also compared the video to Michael Jackson's Thriller, describing it as "[an] intense '80s-inspired zombie love story",[8] while Spin magazine's Andy Cush called it "an '80s-indebted video about sexy vampires and riot police".[9]

Charts

References
  1. Trendell, Andrew (30 August 2018). "Muse unveil new single 'The Dark Side' and announce new album 'Simulation Theory'". NME. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
  2. Trendell, Andrew (15 February 2018). "Muse unveil huge new single 'Thought Contagion'". NME. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  3. Greene, Andy (15 February 2018). "Matt Bellamy on Muse's Rousing, Political New Song 'Thought Contagion'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  4. Connick, Tom (16 February 2018). "Muse discuss new single 'Thought Contagion' and album plans". NME. Retrieved 24 February 2018.
  5. Reilly, Nick (14 February 2018). "Muse tease "epic" comeback single at the VO5 NME Awards". NME. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  6. Strauss, Matthew (18 May 2017). "Watch Muse's Video for New Song "Dig Down"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  7. Munro, Scott (16 February 2018). "Muse release neon-tinged video for new single Thought Contagionwork=Prog". Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  8. Braca, Nina (15 February 2018). "Muse Share Infectious New Song & Video 'Thought Contagion'". Billboard. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  9. Cush, Andy (15 February 2018). "Muse – "Thought Contagion"". Spin. Retrieved 24 February 2018.
  10. "Ultratop.be – Muse – Thought Contagion" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  11. "Ultratop.be – Muse – Thought Contagion" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  12. "Muse Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  13. "Lescharts.com – Muse – Thought Contagion" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  14. "Portuguesecharts.com – Muse – Thought Contagion". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  15. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 February 2018.
  16. "Swisscharts.com – Muse – Thought Contagion". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  17. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 February 2018.
  18. "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  19. "Muse Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  20. "Muse Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  21. "Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
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