Hey You (Disturbed song)

On July 7, 2022, Disturbed announced the release of a new single titled "Hey You" which was scheduled for release online on July 14, 2022.^[1] In the days leading up to its release, the band promoted the single by sharing a preview of its music video on July 11, 2022.^[2] It was followed by a 30-second audio teaser released via social media on July 12, 2022.^[3]

The band confirmed that the song would be the first single from their upcoming album, which was expected to be released later in 2022.^[4]

The song has been described by Consequence as recalling the band's early work, particularly the band's first album The Sickness. The track features singer David Draiman's staccato vocal delivery over heavy guitar riffs by Dan Donegan. It features a melodic chorus but remains heavy overall.^[4] Wall of Sound characterized the track as a return to the band's heavier, riff-driven sound, comparing it to "Indestructible".^[5]

According to Draiman, the song was written in response to what he described as growing division in society since the release of Evolution. He called the track a "wake-up call", saying it deals with outrage addiction, the breakdown of respectful conversation, and societal division.^[6]

Donegan said the song was meant as a wake-up call to encourage reflection on increasing hostility due to social media and politics. He pointed to how people are no longer really having respectful conversations, how attacks have increased, and how those with different views are often just "canceled".^[7]

Loudwire reported that fan reactions to the song were mixed, with some listeners expressing praise and others offering criticism, including negative responses to its lyrics.^[8] A Kerrang! review said that after listening to the first three tracks, including "Hey You", the reviewer was hoping they were just off tracks and that the album's heavier, more high-energy material would show up later.^[9] Sputnikmusic staff Trey said the song's verses and grooves are solid, but the big area-rock chorus kills the momentum and isn't as good as the choruses on the other singles, disrupting the track's flow.^[10]

According to Consequence and as of November 18, 2022, "Hey You" had amassed more than 25 million streams.^[11]

The single was released alongside a cinematic, science-fiction-themed music video, which premiered on the same day.^[12] The video was directed by Josiahx and filmed in Los Angeles on June 14, 2022, featuring all four members of the band performing.^[13] The video depicts a futuristic, Matrix-like setting in which people are shown consuming a constant stream of media.^[14]

It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart on September 3, 2022, their eleventh song to do so.^[17]