"Maniac" is a song by American rapper Macklemore featuring singer Windser. It was released on August 19, 2022 as the second single from the former's third solo studio album Ben (2023) and produced by Budo, Brian Wall and Ryan Lewis. The song is the second collaboration between the artists, following their song "Next Year" (2021).
| "Maniac" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Macklemore featuring Windser | ||||
| from the album Ben | ||||
| Released | August 19, 2022 | |||
| Length | 3:00 | |||
| Label | Bendo | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Macklemore singles chronology | ||||
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| Windser singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Maniac" on YouTube | ||||
Background
editMacklemore said of the song:
The first time I heard Windser singing the hook on "Maniac" I fell in love with it. It's infectious and relatable and I couldn't get it out of my head. "Maniac" is about the euphoria of a relationship that isn't perfect, but an addictive journey of the ups and downs that make you both who you are.[1][2][3][4]
Composition and lyrics
edit"Maniac" has been described as a pop track with rapped verses from Macklemore,[5] as well as a sung chorus from Windser: "I don't wanna dance with a maniac / 'Cause the moment we touch, it's a heart attack / You know I love you, honey, but you got me running, yeah / I could give a damn, you're a maniac / And you're talking like a killer, got me on my back / You know I love you, honey, but you got me running, yeah".[4][5][6]
Music video
editThe music video was directed by Jake Magraw and released alongside the single.[2][3][4] It pays homage to the video of "Hey Ya!" by Outkast,[1][2][4] finding Macklemore dressed in a green suit and dancing in a similar fashion to that of André 3000 as seen in the aforementioned video.[2] It also features a cameo from music journalist Nardwuar[1][2][3][5] and Eva Walker of The Black Tones, who dances and shows off a pearl-white bass.[6]
Live performances
editOn September 8, 2022, Macklemore and Windser performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.[7]
Charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[8] | 32 |
| Switzerland Airplay (Schweizer Hitparade)[9] | 56 |
References
edit- ^ a b c Callas, Brad (August 19, 2022). "Macklemore Releases New Single and Video for "Maniac"". Complex. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (August 19, 2022). "Macklemore Channels André 3000 In Video For New Song 'Maniac'". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ a b c Hynes, Hayley (August 19, 2022). "Macklemore Shares "Maniac" Single With Windser Amid Imagine Dragons Arena Tour". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d Kelly, Dylan (August 19, 2022). "Macklemore Delivers New Track and Video "Maniac"". Hypebeast. Archived from the original on 29 October 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ a b c Chelosky, Danielle (August 19, 2022). "Macklemore And Windser Unveil The Gentle, Pop-Tinged Song 'Maniac' With A Nardwuar-Featuring Video". Uproxx. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ a b Uitti, Jacob (August 19, 2022). "Macklemore Releases New Song, "Maniac" with Accompanying Music Video (Watch)". American Songwriter. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ Zemler, Emily (September 8, 2022). "Macklemore Taps Windser for Nostalgic Performance of 'Maniac' on 'Kimmel'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 29, 2022. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
- ^ "Schweizer Airplay Charts 36/2022 - hitparade.ch". hitparade.ch. Archived from the original on October 10, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.