Dark Red (song)
2017 single by Steve Lacy
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"Dark Red" is a song by American musician Steve Lacy. The track was solely written and produced by Lacy and was initially featured on his 2017 debut solo EP[a], Steve Lacy's Demo.
April 4, 2019 (Single release)
| "Dark Red" | |
|---|---|
| |
| Single by Steve Lacy | |
| from the album Steve Lacy's Demo | |
| Released | February 20, 2017 (Original release on EP) April 4, 2019 (Single release) |
| Recorded | 2017 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 2:53 |
| Label | 3QTR RCA Records |
| Songwriter | Steve Lacy |
| Producer | Steve Lacy |
The song achieved commercial success in North America several years after its initial release. The song is considered a sleeper hit.[by whom?][citation needed] In the United States, "Dark Red" peaked at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100.[1] It also charted on Billboards genre-specific listings, including reaching number four on both the Hot R&B Songs chart and the Rock Streaming Songs chart in September 2021. In Canada, the song reached number 71 on the Canadian Hot 100.[2]
Release history
Reception
The song, along with the rest of the Steve Lacy's Demo EP, was frequently noted for its unique production method.[5] It was written and recorded entirely by Lacy using the GarageBand application on his iPhone.[5][6] The songs production has been highlighted by publications such as iNews.[7]
Critically, the track has been described in the context of Lacy's overall musical style, which Saint Heron characterized as "an electrifying yet smooth playful depiction of beachy funk, rock 'n roll-sprinkled soul".[5] Reviewers often highlighted the track's combination of "raw instrumentation and perfectly cleaned/engineered vocals".[8] The song's lo-fi quality, stemming from the small-scale production, was noted for the sense of connection it established with listeners.[8] Geeks of Color pointed out the track's blend of "twangy guitar and his raspy, yet angelic harmonies".[9] This blending was summarized by the observation that his style is like "plaid, because 'there's so much going on, but it doesn't clash'".[9]
Lyrically, "Dark Red" was interpreted as a "Baby, we can work it out" song.[9] The track features a theme of making amends in a difficult relationship and contemplating a potential breakup.[9]
Notes
- While digital streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music classify the project as an EP, Lacy has explicitly stated that he considers it a "song series" rather than an album or an EP.