| "Sober Up" | ||||
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| Single byAJR featuringRivers Cuomo | ||||
| from the albumThe Click | ||||
| Released | June 9, 2017 (2017-06-09) | |||
| Length | 3:38 | |||
| Label |
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| Songwriters |
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| Producer | AJR | |||
| AJR singles chronology | ||||
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| Rivers Cuomo singles chronology | ||||
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"Sober Up" is a song by Americanindie pop bandAJR, from their second studio album,The Click. Released as the album's fifth single, it featuresRivers Cuomo, lead singer and frontman of Americanrock bandWeezer, although certain radio stations instead play a version with band member Ryan singing Cuomo's verse. "Sober Up" became the first number-one song for AJR on theBillboardAlternative Songs, when it peaked at number one on the chart in March 2018. Similarly, it also makes Cuomo his first number-one song as a solo artist outside ofWeezer.
The inspiration for "Sober Up" came to Jack and Ryan Met during their time atColumbia University, the brothers missing their childhood. Taking inspiration from their feelings of loneliness, they wrote about Jack calling hissecond grade crush from elementary school.[1]iHeartRadio describes "Sober Up" as a positive song despite its difficult lyrics.[2]
Near the end of writing,Rivers Cuomo ofWeezer followed AJR onTwitter. The two bands expressed admiration for each other's work, with AJR asking if Cuomo wanted to collaborate with them. Cuomo was sent an unfinished version of the song, to which he wrote and sang the bridge.[3] Cuomo recorded several versions, including one in Spanish, one that was nonsensical, and the one that was eventually accepted into the final track.[4]
On January 31, 2018, a music video for "Sober Up" was released. In the music video, the band is walking throughNew York City while singerJack Met meets a younger version of himself that is only visible in reflections.[5]
"Sober Up" received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly for its catchy melody and unique sound.
In March 2018, "Sober Up" peaked at number one on theBillboardAlternative Songs chart and was the first number one song for AJR. For Rivers Cuomo, "Sober Up" was his first song to reach number one onBillboard's Alternative chart as a solo artist outside of Weezer.[6] The song was additionally picked asiHeartRadio's digital song for October.[7]
In January 2018, AJR performed "Sober Up" onJimmy Kimmel Live! alongside their previous hit "Weak".[8] Cuomo has performed the song with AJR for select shows, additionally covering it for some solo shows.
In March 2018, Cuomo played an acoustic cover of "Sober Up" duringAn Evening with Rivers Cuomo at The Hi Hat inLos Angeles.[9]
Weekly charts[edit]
| Year-end charts[edit]
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| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[22] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
| Canada (Music Canada)[23] | Platinum | 80,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[24] | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||