"Lionhearted" is a song recorded by American electronic music producer Porter Robinson featuring Swedish indie pop band Urban Cone. It was released on June 17, 2014, as the third single from his debut studio album, Worlds (2014). The track was one of the first songs Robinson wrote for the album. He decided to work with Urban Cone after listening to their vocals and finding them adequate for the song. Multiple critics found it influenced by Passion Pit. After being premiered by Stereogum and at BBC Radio 1, a music video was released. "Lionhearted" charted in Belgium and the United States.
"Lionhearted" was one of the first songs Porter Robinson wrote for Worlds.[1] After listening to Urban Cone's vocals, Robinson found them to be the exact tone he needed for "Lionhearted". After fleeing them to North Carolina, where Robinson produced the album, Urban Cone found the instrumental reminiscent of Space Invaders. Robinson and Urban Cone then wrote the lyrics with an imaginary battle in mind, coinciding with the album's general idea of escapism, fiction, and fantasy.[2] Robinson said that "Lionhearted" was not one of his favorite songs on the album, but he still liked the idea of releasing it as a single, describing it as "anthemic".[1]
In the context of Worlds, critics noted that "Lionhearted" was the first track on the album with a faster tempo.
Consequence of Sound's Derek Staples found the track similar to the "high-pitched dance-pop" of Passion Pit, in particular their 2009 album Manners;[7] Mike Prevatt of Las Vegas Weekly found it inspired by Passion Pit and Holy Ghost!.[8] Garrett Kamps of Spin described the track as "exuberant pop".[9] Andy Kellman wrote to AllMusic that "Lionhearted" "[has] sections muscular and bold enough to move large crowds".[10]
Release and reception
On June 3, "Lionhearted" was premiered by Stereogum[6] and at BBC Radio 1, where DJ Zane Lowe called it "the hottest record in the world".[6][11] It was officially released on the 17th, accompanied by a music video which features Robinson and a group of women "wreak[ing] havoc around the city streets, resulting in an eruption of [color]", according to Mixmag's Carré Orenstein.[12] Remixes of the song were released on a limited edition box set of Worlds[13] and as a remix EP on July 15, 2014.[14] A remix by Point Point appeared on Worlds Remixed (2015).[15]
Elissa Stolman wrote to
Wondering Sound's Barry Walters described it as "uncharacteristically eager-to-please".[4] In a negative note, a writer for Beat described it as "incredibly dated", with "[p]uffy synths and uninspired vocals [that] flatten anything interesting to be found within".[17] Rupert Howe of Q found it disappointing that the track approached the "generic stadium trance" Robinson was trying to abandon.[18]
"Lionhearted" charted at
Hot Dance/Electronic Songs.[21][22] It placed 79 on the latter's year-end chart.[23]
