Armageddon (Guy Sebastian album): Difference between revisions
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'''''Armageddon''''' is the seventh album by Australian singer-songwriter [[Guy Sebastian]]. It was released in [[Music download|digital]] and [[Compact Disc|CD]] format on 12 October 2012. A deluxe edition featuring a [[DVD]] of a concert from Sebastian's ''Armageddon Tour'' was also available.<ref name="Armageddon: Deluxe Edition">[http://www.webcitation.org/6BIYSS32r?url=http |
'''''Armageddon''''' is the seventh album by Australian singer-songwriter [[Guy Sebastian]]. It was released in [[Music download|digital]] and [[Compact Disc|CD]] format on 12 October 2012. A deluxe edition featuring a [[DVD]] of a concert from Sebastian's ''Armageddon Tour'' was also available.<ref name="Armageddon: Deluxe Edition">[http://www.webcitation.org/6BIYSS32r?url=http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2215660/Armageddon_Deluxe_Edition_ONLINE_COMP Armageddon: Deluxe Edition]. Sanity Music. Archived from [http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2215660/Armageddon_Deluxe_Edition_ONLINE_COMP the original] on 9 October 2012.</ref> The album reached number one and double platinum certification in Australia, and number 20 in New Zealand.<ref name="ARIA Accreditations - 2012 Albums">[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesALBUMaccreds2012.htm ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2012 Albums] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205035631/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesALBUMaccreds2012.htm |date=February 5, 2014 }}. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 27 January 2013</ref><ref name="NZ"/> It is Sebastian's seventh top ten album in Australia, and his second to achieve a number one peak.<ref name="Aus"/> It was the ninth highest selling album in Australia in 2012, the second highest selling album by an Australian act.<ref name="ARIA2012"/><ref name="ARIAAus2012" /> |
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Four top ten singles were released from the album, including "[[Don't Worry Be Happy (Guy Sebastian song)|Don't Worry Be Happy]]", and "[[Battle Scars]]" which features [[Lupe Fiasco]]. "Don't Worry Be Happy" peaked at number five and gained 4× platinum certification, with "Battle Scars" reaching number one and 9× platinum.<ref name="ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2012 Singles">[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesSINGLEaccreds2012.htm ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2012 Singles] {{webarchive |url=http://www.webcitation.org/6JdeigGMv?url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesSINGLEaccreds2012.htm |date=2013-09-15 }}. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA). Retrieved 13 October 2012.</ref><ref name="ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2013 Singles">[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-singles-2013.htm ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2013 Singles] {{webarchive |url=http://www.webcitation.org/6GSMovwHm?url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-singles-2013.htm |date=2013-05-08 }}. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 14 March 2013</ref> "Battle Scars" is Sebastian's sixth number one single in Australia and Fiasco's first.<ref name="Aus"/><ref name="Lupe Fiasco - Singles Discography">[http://australian-charts.com/search.asp?search=Lupe+Fiasco&cat=s Lupe Fiasco - Singles Discography]. ARIA Chart archives. Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 August 2012</ref> "Battle Scars" also reached number two and double platinum certification in [[New Zealand]], number 71 and platinum certification in the US, and number two in [[Norway]].<ref name="NZ"/><ref name="New Zealand Certification">[http://www.webcitation.org/6CSEGHOdE?url=http |
Four top ten singles were released from the album, including "[[Don't Worry Be Happy (Guy Sebastian song)|Don't Worry Be Happy]]", and "[[Battle Scars]]" which features [[Lupe Fiasco]]. "Don't Worry Be Happy" peaked at number five and gained 4× platinum certification, with "Battle Scars" reaching number one and 9× platinum.<ref name="ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2012 Singles">[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesSINGLEaccreds2012.htm ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2012 Singles] {{webarchive |url=http://www.webcitation.org/6JdeigGMv?url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesSINGLEaccreds2012.htm |date=2013-09-15 }}. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA). Retrieved 13 October 2012.</ref><ref name="ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2013 Singles">[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-singles-2013.htm ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2013 Singles] {{webarchive |url=http://www.webcitation.org/6GSMovwHm?url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-singles-2013.htm |date=2013-05-08 }}. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 14 March 2013</ref> "Battle Scars" is Sebastian's sixth number one single in Australia and Fiasco's first.<ref name="Aus"/><ref name="Lupe Fiasco - Singles Discography">[http://australian-charts.com/search.asp?search=Lupe+Fiasco&cat=s Lupe Fiasco - Singles Discography]. ARIA Chart archives. Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 August 2012</ref> "Battle Scars" also reached number two and double platinum certification in [[New Zealand]], number 71 and platinum certification in the US, and number two in [[Norway]].<ref name="NZ"/><ref name="New Zealand Certification">[http://www.webcitation.org/6CSEGHOdE?url=http://nztop40.co.nz/ Official New Zealand Music Charts - 26 November 2012]. Recording Industry Association New Zealand (RIANZ). Archived from [http://nztop40.co.nz/ the original] on 25 November 2012.</ref><ref name="Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco - Battle Scars">[http://acharts.us/song/72443 Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco - Battle Scars]. aCharts.US. Retrieved 29 January 2013.</ref><ref name="Gold Platinum searchable database">[http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?content_selector=gold-platinum-searchable-database Gold Platinum searchable database].[[RIAA|Recording Industry Association of America]]. Retrieved 9 November 2013</ref><ref name="VG Lista - Top 20 Singles Issue 49 2012">[http://www.webcitation.org/6Cj7sBvh2?url=http://lista.vg.no/liste/topp-20-single/1/dato/2012/uke/49 VG Lista - Top 20 Singles. Issue 49 2012]. [[VG-lista]]. Archived from [http://lista.vg.no/liste/topp-20-single/1/dato/2012/uke/48 the original] on 7 December 2012.</ref> |
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Sebastian has received a number of accolades for the album and its songs. He was nominated for three 2012 [[ARIA Music Award]]s, [[ARIA Award for Best Male Artist|Best Male Artist]] and [[ARIA Award for Best Pop Release|Best Pop Release]] for "Battle Scars", and [[ARIA Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]] for "Don't Worry Be Happy".<ref name="WINNERS & NOMINEES ANNOUNCED">[http://www.webcitation.org/6B7yx2HoR?url=http |
Sebastian has received a number of accolades for the album and its songs. He was nominated for three 2012 [[ARIA Music Award]]s, [[ARIA Award for Best Male Artist|Best Male Artist]] and [[ARIA Award for Best Pop Release|Best Pop Release]] for "Battle Scars", and [[ARIA Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]] for "Don't Worry Be Happy".<ref name="WINNERS & NOMINEES ANNOUNCED">[http://www.webcitation.org/6B7yx2HoR?url=http://www.ariaawards.com.au/news/22/aria-nominations-announced-for-2012 WINNERS & NOMINEES ANNOUNCED] Australian Recording Industry Association. 3 October 2012. Archived from [http://www.ariaawards.com.au/news/22/aria-nominations-announced-for-2012 the original] on 2 October 2012.</ref> "Battle Scars" was nominated for a [[NAACP Image Award]] and won the R&B/Hip category in the 2013 International Songwriting Competition.<ref name="International Songwriting Competition Winners">[http://www.webcitation.org/6GHQVulj8?url=http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners International Songwriting Competition Winners] International Songwriting Competition. Archived from [http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners the original] on 30 April 2013.</ref><ref name="NAACP Image Awards">Couch, Aaron (1 February 2013). [http://www.webcitation.org/6EAOYX5ir?url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/naacp-image-awards-winners-announced-417553 NAACP Image Awards: Winners Announced]. ''The Hollywood Reporter''. Archived from [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/naacp-image-awards-winners-announced-417553 the original] on 2 February 2013</ref> "[[Get Along (song)|Get Along]]" was a final five nominee for the 2013 [[APRA Awards (Australia)#Song of the Year|APRA Song of the Year Award]] and "Don't Worry Be Happy" was nominated for Pop Work of the Year.<ref name="Tame Impala and Guy Sebastian vie for APRA Song of the Year">Adams, Cameron (23 May 2013). [http://www.webcitation.org/6GpAG5MHV?url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/tame-impala-and-guy-sebastian-vie-for-apra-song-of-the-year-honour/story-fni0bvjn-1226649127165 Tame Impala and Guy Sebastian vie for APRA Song of the Year honour]. ''Herald Sun''. 23 May 2013. Archived from [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/tame-impala-and-guy-sebastian-vie-for-apra-song-of-the-year-honour/story-fni0bvjn-1226649127165 the original] on 23 May 2013.</ref> Sebastian won Best Pop Release for ''Armageddon'' at the 2013 ARIA Awards and Best Live Act for the Get Along Tour. He received three other nominations, including Album of the Year.<ref name="No Idol threat">Zuel, Bernard (2 December 2013). [http://www.webcitation.org/6LXbbvLMO?url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/no-idol-threat-as-guy-sebastian-and-jessica-mauboy-beat-curse-at-arias-20131201-2yju8.html No Idol threat as Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy beat curse at ARIAs]. ''Sydney Morning Herald''. Archived from the original [http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/no-idol-threat-as-guy-sebastian-and-jessica-mauboy-beat-curse-at-arias-20131201-2yju8.html#ixzz2mE2fOM] on 2 December 2013.</ref><ref name="27th ARIA Award Nominations">[http://www.webcitation.org/6KNgUCHv6?url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/FineArtsandArtisanRecipientsARIANominatedArtistsAnnounced_151013.pdf 27th ARIA Award Nominations]. Australian Recording Industry Association. 15 October 2013. Archived from [http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/FineArtsandArtisanRecipientsARIANominatedArtistsAnnounced_151013.pdf the original] on 15 October 2013.</ref> |
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==Background and development== |
==Background and development== |
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Although Sebastian released the [[Compilation album|retrospective]] album ''[[Twenty Ten (album)|Twenty Ten]]'' in 2010, ''Armageddon'' is his first studio album since ''[[Like It Like That (album)|Like It Like That]]'', an album of original [[soul music]], was released in October 2009.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/651hQJZsb?url=http |
Although Sebastian released the [[Compilation album|retrospective]] album ''[[Twenty Ten (album)|Twenty Ten]]'' in 2010, ''Armageddon'' is his first studio album since ''[[Like It Like That (album)|Like It Like That]]'', an album of original [[soul music]], was released in October 2009.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/651hQJZsb?url=http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2131892/Like_It_Like_That Like It Like That]. Sanity Music. Archived from [http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2131892/Like_It_Like_That the original] on 28 January 2012.</ref> ''Armageddon'', while mainly [[Pop music|pop]] with some [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] songs, still shows the soul influences that ''Like it Like That'' did on many of the songs. Sebastian has said he grew up listening to old school soul music from artists like [[Sam Cooke]], [[Otis Redding]], [[Donny Hathaway]], and [[Stevie Wonder]], and they had always been his strongest musical influences.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/64sAEaj9X?url=http://thecelebritycafe.com/interview/guy-sebastian-australian-idol-x-factor-08-23-2010 Guy Sebastian: From 'Australian Idol' to 'X Factor'] The Celebrity Cafe. 23 August 2010. Archived from [http://thecelebritycafe.com/interview/guy-sebastian-australian-idol-x-factor-08-23-2010 the original] on 21 January 2012.</ref> He said early in his career he was steered away from soul music, advised it wouldn't sell in Australia. After he released ''[[The Memphis Album]]'', a [[cover album]] of [[Memphis soul]] classics he recorded with members [[Booker T & The MGs|the MGs]] including [[Steve Cropper]], he realised there was a market, and he felt he could now do the style of music he had always wanted to.<ref name="Like him like that">[http://www.webcitation.org/64sLa1vZq?url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/music/2009/10/15/1255195865959.html?page=fullpage Like him like that]. 'The Age''. 18 October 2009. Archived from [http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/music/2009/10/15/1255195865959.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 the original] on 21 January 2012.</ref><ref name="Guy Sebastian Biography">[http://www.webcitation.org/651Rtgk4F?url=http://getmusic.prod.mgroove-hosting.com/guysebastian/biography Guy Sebastian Biography]. getmusic.com. Archived from [http://getmusic.prod.mgroove-hosting.com/guysebastian/biography the original] on 28 January 2012.</ref> |
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In an interview about ''Armageddon'' Sebastian spoke of how much ''The Memphis Album'' still influences his music, "I headed across to Memphis and was very inspired by the music scene there. I got to work with some people who were instrumental in shaping the careers of artists who heavily influence me. Artists like Otis Redding, [[Sam & Dave]] and Sam Cooke. Being entrenched in that sort of environment really caused me to go 'You know what dude. Do what you want to do. Do what comes natural to you'." Sebastian said it was a turning point for him, adding, "From that Memphis thing a few years ago it's always going to start with me being true to who I want to be and what I enjoy singing."<ref name="Guy Sebastian Interview - Armageddon">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyPY5gtqZyU Guy Sebastian Interview - Armageddon]. YouTube. 28 October 2012. Retrieved on 15 December 2014.</ref> Sebastian feels his soul roots remained even when he delved into [[Eurodance|electro dance music]] with the single "[[Who's That Girl (Guy Sebastian song)|Who's That Girl]]" from his previous album, explaining it was an old school Sam Cooke type of melody, with modern lyrics, over a dance track.<ref name="It's still all heart and soul for Sebastian">Sjostedt, Arne (14 March 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BHWCBs4Z?url=http |
In an interview about ''Armageddon'' Sebastian spoke of how much ''The Memphis Album'' still influences his music, "I headed across to Memphis and was very inspired by the music scene there. I got to work with some people who were instrumental in shaping the careers of artists who heavily influence me. Artists like Otis Redding, [[Sam & Dave]] and Sam Cooke. Being entrenched in that sort of environment really caused me to go 'You know what dude. Do what you want to do. Do what comes natural to you'." Sebastian said it was a turning point for him, adding, "From that Memphis thing a few years ago it's always going to start with me being true to who I want to be and what I enjoy singing."<ref name="Guy Sebastian Interview - Armageddon">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyPY5gtqZyU Guy Sebastian Interview - Armageddon]. YouTube. 28 October 2012. Retrieved on 15 December 2014.</ref> Sebastian feels his soul roots remained even when he delved into [[Eurodance|electro dance music]] with the single "[[Who's That Girl (Guy Sebastian song)|Who's That Girl]]" from his previous album, explaining it was an old school Sam Cooke type of melody, with modern lyrics, over a dance track.<ref name="It's still all heart and soul for Sebastian">Sjostedt, Arne (14 March 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BHWCBs4Z?url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/its-still-all-heart-and-soul-for-sebastian-20120530-1zj7t.html It's still all heart and soul for Sebastian]. Adelaide Now. Archived from [http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/its-still-all-heart-and-soul-for-sebastian-20120530-1zj7t.html the original] on 9 October 2012.</ref> He said, "I had that melody, and I could have gone so many ways with it. I could have produced an old-school soul song, but I went towards what you hear on the radio."<ref name="It's a Guy Sebastian thing">Smith, Jacqueline (2 December 2010). [http://www.webcitation.org/659NNOkBF?url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10691386 It's a Guy Sebastian thing]. ''[[The New Zealand Herald]]''. Archived from [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10691386 the original] on 2 February 2012.</ref> |
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''Armageddon'' was originally slated for release mid-2012, but it was delayed because Sebastian wanted to be completely happy with it before it was released. He said, "It's the longest I have spent with an album but I'm not rushing it for a TV performance or anything. It will happen when it's ready".<ref name="Guy may give up TV for music">Adams, Cameron (14 March 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BHLeh3UG?url=http |
''Armageddon'' was originally slated for release mid-2012, but it was delayed because Sebastian wanted to be completely happy with it before it was released. He said, "It's the longest I have spent with an album but I'm not rushing it for a TV performance or anything. It will happen when it's ready".<ref name="Guy may give up TV for music">Adams, Cameron (14 March 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BHLeh3UG?url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/guy-may-give-up-tv-for-music/story-fn6ci0vj-1226299462580 Guy may give up TV for music]. ''Adelaide Now''. Archived from [http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/guy-may-give-up-tv-for-music/story-fn6ci0vj-1226299462580 the original] on 9 October 2012.</ref><ref name="Guy Sebastian reaches new high notes">Cashin. Miranda (7 September 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BFxORZ4b?url=http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2012/09/07/guy-sebastian-reaches-new-high-notes/ Guy Sebastian reaches new high notes]. Daily Mercury. Archived from [http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2012/09/07/guy-sebastian-reaches-new-high-notes/ the original] on 8 October 2012.</ref> He explained he had approached ''Armageddon'' in a different way than his previous albums, "I haven't sat down to write an album, I've just been writing whatever I feel. I'm still learning what defines me as an artist. There's stuff in there that radio won't touch but it needs to be there and I think it lifts the album. [...] I've done most of it myself and I've really taken my time."<ref name="A different kind of Guy"/> While the album has the upbeat happy music and love songs he is known for, Sebastian said becoming a father earlier in the year brought new awareness, and he started analysing the world his son would grow up in.<ref name="Interview: Guy Sebastian">Digges, Mariam (3 September 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/6BJLsleJQ?url=http://www.mindfood.com/at-interview-music-guy-sebastian.seo Interview: Guy Sebastian]. Mind Food. Archived from [http://www.mindfood.com/at-interview-music-guy-sebastian.seo the original] on 10 October 2012.</ref> He explained it gave him a broader perspective, and while he had always taken notice of the state of world affairs, he had never written about it in song before. Because of this he said the album has more light and shade, "there's definitely moments where it has a bit more depth to it -- it's not just 'I love you, do you love me too?' Obviously there's some love songs in there, but there's also a bit more commentary on the world that my little boy (Hudson) is going to inherit."<ref name="A different kind of Guy">Young, Kane (14 June 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BJMYpY50?url=http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/06/14/337005_music.html A different kind of Guy]. The Mercury. Archived from [http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/06/14/337005_music.html the original] on 10 October 2012.</ref> When asked to give five words that could describe the album Sebastian used the words "dark", "reflective", "happy", "appreciative" and "anxious".<ref name="Guy Sebastian Interview - Armageddon"/> |
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==Writing and composition== |
==Writing and composition== |
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Five of the songs on ''Armageddon'' are written by Sebastian alone, while the others have at least one co-writer. Sebastian began writing songs which appear on the album almost two years before its release, and performed two of them, "Summer Love" and "Keeper", while touring as a support act on [[Lionel Richie]]'s Australian and New Zealand tour in March 2011.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6BMEDbdxg?url=http |
Five of the songs on ''Armageddon'' are written by Sebastian alone, while the others have at least one co-writer. Sebastian began writing songs which appear on the album almost two years before its release, and performed two of them, "Summer Love" and "Keeper", while touring as a support act on [[Lionel Richie]]'s Australian and New Zealand tour in March 2011.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6BMEDbdxg?url=http://www.guysebastian.com.au/newsEvents/archive.do?newsId=20030829006906 Lionel Richie Touring With Special Guest Guy Sebastian In March 2011]. Guy Sebastian official site. Archived from [http://www.guysebastian.com.au/newsEvents/archive.do?newsId=20030829006906 the original] on 12 October 2012.</ref> Both are [[Pop music|pop songs]], with "Keeper" having a [[reggae]] feel. "Summer Love" is about bittersweet feelings for a lost love, and "Keeper" is about finding that special love, the one who is a keeper.<ref>{{YouTube|u4vPofK7aSI|Lionel Richie Tour, Leconfield winery South Australia: Guy Sebastian - Summer Love}}. Retrieved 13 October 2012</ref><ref>{{YouTube|8hdxo6G0Xx4|Lionel Richie Tour, Vector Arena Auckland, NZ: Guy Sebastian - Keeper}}. Retrieved 13 October 2012</ref> "[[Don't Worry Be Happy (Guy Sebastian song)|Don't Worry Be Happy]]", released as the lead single in November 2012, is an upbeat pop song Sebastian wrote after he encountered an angry motorist in Los Angeles.<ref>McCabe, Kathy (8 November 2011). [http://www.webcitation.org/64sA8CoOp?url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastian-takes-a-big-dip-for-the-sake-of-art/story-e6frf9hf-1226188207216 Guy Sebastian takes a big dip for the sake of art]. ''Herald Sun''. Archived from [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastian-takes-a-big-dip-for-the-sake-of-art/story-e6frf9hf-1226188207216 the original] on 21 January 2012.</ref> Discussing the inspiration for the track he explained he could sometimes be caught up in a little bit of "glass half empty" in his life, and wrote the song as a reminder to himself and hopefully to others that life is too short to stress about the small things.<ref name="Don't Worry Be Happy on iTunes"/><ref>Tijs, Andrew (29 November 2011). [http://www.webcitation.org/65Ew0FWgI?url=http://www.noise11.com/news/guy-sebastian-talks-reece-mastin-and-his-second-aria-win-20111129 Guy Sebastian Talks Reece Mastin And His Second ARIA Win]. Noise 11. Archived from [http://www.noise11.com/news/guy-sebastian-talks-reece-mastin-and-his-second-aria-win-20111129 the original] on 5 February 2012.</ref> Sebastian showcased two more songs, "Amnesia" and "Armageddon", at the "Don't Worry Be Happy" media launch in December 2011.<ref>{{YouTube|zCdu9x9B4Fw|Don't Worry Be Happy media launch - Amnesia}}. Retrieved 12 October 2012</ref><ref>{{YouTube|8o32s-BIPg8|Don't Worry Be Happy media launch - Armageddon}}. Retrieved 12 October 2012</ref> "Amnesia" is a soulful [[Ballad#Pop and rock ballads|pop ballad]] about the anguish of coping with a broken relationship. Sebastian says of the [[power ballad]] "Armageddon", "The title track might sound pretty dark, but it's actually about not taking love for granted, and living like tomorrow is the last day on earth".<ref name="Interview: Guy Sebastian"/> |
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[[File:Lupe Fiasco Ottawa Bluesfest.jpg|thumb|right|160px|[[Lupe Fiasco]] collaborated on "[[Battle Scars]]". Sebastian said of Fiasco, "He is a lyrical genius and he has really portrayed the emotion of the track".<ref name="Guy Sebastian interview with BigPond Music"/>]] |
[[File:Lupe Fiasco Ottawa Bluesfest.jpg|thumb|right|160px|[[Lupe Fiasco]] collaborated on "[[Battle Scars]]". Sebastian said of Fiasco, "He is a lyrical genius and he has really portrayed the emotion of the track".<ref name="Guy Sebastian interview with BigPond Music"/>]] |
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"Get Along" deals with the damage inflicted by religious, racial and cultural intolerance, asking why the world can't just get along.<ref name="Guy may give up TV for music"/> It is a stripped back track with minimal [[instrumental]] accompaniment.<ref name="Guy Sebastian's New Album 'Armageddon' -- Track By Track!"/> Sebastian explained why he wrote the song, "It sends your brain into overload when you are expecting your first child. It definitely makes you take a step back and try to gain some perspective on this world we live in".<ref>{{YouTube|j3uECrlA2rU|Guy Sebastian - Documentary of the Making of 'Get Along'}}. Retrieved 21 November 2012</ref> "Big Bad World" was written for his son Hudson who was born in March 2012. He said, "It's about that promise we all make to our kids, but realise we don't have as much control as we think. We want to protect them from the big bad world, but the promise matters the most."<ref name="Guy may give up TV for music"/> "Used to You" is a song Sebastian wrote for his wife Jules. He said, "I always say to her, 'I don't get used to you'. I still get back from tours and I'm still excited to see her. [...] We've been friends for 18 years, together for 13 years. I'm lucky".<ref name="Losing my religion: Sebastian">Adams, Cameron (10 October 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BMIPUL0e?url=http |
"Get Along" deals with the damage inflicted by religious, racial and cultural intolerance, asking why the world can't just get along.<ref name="Guy may give up TV for music"/> It is a stripped back track with minimal [[instrumental]] accompaniment.<ref name="Guy Sebastian's New Album 'Armageddon' -- Track By Track!"/> Sebastian explained why he wrote the song, "It sends your brain into overload when you are expecting your first child. It definitely makes you take a step back and try to gain some perspective on this world we live in".<ref>{{YouTube|j3uECrlA2rU|Guy Sebastian - Documentary of the Making of 'Get Along'}}. Retrieved 21 November 2012</ref> "Big Bad World" was written for his son Hudson who was born in March 2012. He said, "It's about that promise we all make to our kids, but realise we don't have as much control as we think. We want to protect them from the big bad world, but the promise matters the most."<ref name="Guy may give up TV for music"/> "Used to You" is a song Sebastian wrote for his wife Jules. He said, "I always say to her, 'I don't get used to you'. I still get back from tours and I'm still excited to see her. [...] We've been friends for 18 years, together for 13 years. I'm lucky".<ref name="Losing my religion: Sebastian">Adams, Cameron (10 October 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BMIPUL0e?url=http://www.news.com.au/news/losing-my-religion-sebastian/story-fnejnl1p-1226493088368 Losing my religion: Sebastian]. news.com.au. Archived from [http://www.news.com.au/news/losing-my-religion-sebastian/story-fnejnl1p-1226493088368 the original] on 12 October 2012.</ref> |
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"Beg" is a [[midtempo]] pop song with a [[Percussion instrument|percussion]]-driven chorus, about a relationship growing distant. "Died and Gone to Heaven" is an old school [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] song of love and passion, which features big harmonies and [[Falsetto#Use in singing|falsetto]] vocals.<ref name="Guy Sebastian's New Album 'Armageddon' -- Track By Track!">[http://www.take40.com/news/34853/review:-guy-sebastians-new-album-armageddon----track-by-track Guy Sebastian's New Album 'Armageddon' -- Track By Track!]. [[Take 40 Australia|Take 40]]. 9 October 2012. Retrieved on 12 October 2012.</ref><ref name="Armageddon: Our review">Adams, Cameron(11 October 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/6BOl4Op57?url=http |
"Beg" is a [[midtempo]] pop song with a [[Percussion instrument|percussion]]-driven chorus, about a relationship growing distant. "Died and Gone to Heaven" is an old school [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] song of love and passion, which features big harmonies and [[Falsetto#Use in singing|falsetto]] vocals.<ref name="Guy Sebastian's New Album 'Armageddon' -- Track By Track!">[http://www.take40.com/news/34853/review:-guy-sebastians-new-album-armageddon----track-by-track Guy Sebastian's New Album 'Armageddon' -- Track By Track!] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926090944/http://www.take40.com/news/34853/review%3A-guy-sebastians-new-album-armageddon----track-by-track |date=2013-09-26 }}. [[Take 40 Australia|Take 40]]. 9 October 2012. Retrieved on 12 October 2012.</ref><ref name="Armageddon: Our review">Adams, Cameron(11 October 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/6BOl4Op57?url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/new-releases-guy-sebastian-kiss/story-fn7oonq8-1226493577012 Armageddon: Our review]. ''Herald Sun''. Archived from [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/new-releases-guy-sebastian-kiss/story-fn7oonq8-1226493577012the original] on 13 October 2012.</ref> "[[Gold (Guy Sebastian song)|Gold]]" is an [[uptempo]] soul song. Sebastian inserted a horn line into it from "Shake", a live recording of an [[Otis Redding]] track. He said, "You hear an old soul track, old [[Motown]] or Memphis, and it just makes you get on your feet."<ref>[http://www.novafm.com.au/video/behind-video-guy-sebastians-gold Behind the Video: Guy Sebastian's "Gold"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815063747/http://www.novafm.com.au/video/behind-video-guy-sebastians-gold |date=2012-08-15 }}. [[Nova 96.9]]. Retrieved 12 June 2012.</ref> "[[Battle Scars]]", a collaboration with [[Lupe Fiasco]], is an R&B [[ballad#popandrockballad|ballad]] with a [[rap|hip hop rap]] about the scars left from hurtful and broken relationships.<ref name="Guy Sebastian ‘Battle Scars’ (feat. Lupe Fiasco) Single Review">Lim, David. [http://www.webcitation.org/6A5Eer43n?url=http://feedlimmy.com/2012/08/12/guy-sebastian-battle-scars-feat-lupe-fiasco-single-review/ Guy Sebastian ‘Battle Scars’ (feat. Lupe Fiasco) Single Review]. Feed Limmy. Archived from [http://feedlimmy.com/2012/08/12/guy-sebastian-battle-scars-feat-lupe-fiasco-single-review/ the original] on 21 August 2012.</ref><ref name="novafm.com.au">[http://www.novafm.com.au/video/behind-video-guy-sebastians-battle-scars-feat-lupe-fiasco-music-video Behind the Video: Guy Sebastian's "Battle Scars" (feat. Lupe Fiasco)]. [[Nova (radio network)|Nova Radio Network]]. Retrieved 27 August 2012</ref> Sebastian said that usually when he writes a song he comes up with the [[melody]] first with no words, but this time some of the lyrics came at the same time. After finishing the song with [[David Ryan Harris]] it was recorded leaving the parts where Sebastian envisaged the rap should go.<ref name="Guy Sebastian interview with BigPond Music">[http://www.webcitation.org/6AC3rl98a?url=http://www.myspace.com/video/hairbear/guy-sebastian-interview-about-battlescars/108949561 Guy Sebastian interview with BigPond Music]. Myspace videos. 26 August 2012. Archived from [https://www.myspace.com/video/hairbear/guy-sebastian-interview-about-battlescars/108949561 the original] on 26 August 2012</ref><ref name="Guy Sebastian 'I beatbox my baby to sleep'">[http://www.webcitation.org/6A5Gyan2e?url=http://music.ninemsn.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=1035231&showcomments=true Guy Sebastian: 'I beatbox my baby to sleep']. MusicFix. Archived from [http://music.ninemsn.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=1035231&showcomments=true the original] on 21 August 2012.</ref> When Fiasco was in Australia for [[Supafest]], Sebastian recorded his rap at his Sydney studio.<ref>{{YouTube|lZMWSAp18CE|Battle Scars (the making of) }}. Vevo on YouTube. Retrieved September 1, 2012</ref><ref name="Nova Interview with Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco">[http://www.novafm.com.au/video/what-lupe-fiasco-wrote-battle-scars-guy-sebastian What Lupe Fiasco wrote in "Battle Scars" with Guy Sebastian]. [[Nova (radio network)|Nova Radio Network]]. Retrieved 30 September 2012</ref> |
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==Release and promotion== |
==Release and promotion== |
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''Armageddon'' was released on October 12, 2012. With the release date originally anticipated to be mid-2012, the lead single "Don't Worry Be Happy" was released 11 months before the album.<ref name="Guy may give up TV for music"/><ref name="Don't Worry Be Happy on iTunes">[http://www.webcitation.org/65EvqNgNJ?url=http |
''Armageddon'' was released on October 12, 2012. With the release date originally anticipated to be mid-2012, the lead single "Don't Worry Be Happy" was released 11 months before the album.<ref name="Guy may give up TV for music"/><ref name="Don't Worry Be Happy on iTunes">[http://www.webcitation.org/65EvqNgNJ?url=http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/dont-worry-be-happy-single/id479142851 Don't Worry Be Happy on iTunes]. iTunes. Archived from [https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/dont-worry-be-happy-single/id479142851 the original] on 5 February 2012.</ref> Sebastian performed the song during the 2011 ''[[The X Factor (Australia season 3)|The X-Factor]]'' Grand Final, and also as a medley with "[[Who's That Girl (Guy Sebastian song)|Who's That Girl]]" at the 2011 [[ARIA Music Awards]].<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/65BhVbEnq?url=http://photoshoroberts.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/aussie-tunes-guy-sebastian.html Aussie Tunes: Guy Sebastian]. blogspot.com.au. 29 January 2012. Archived from [http://photoshoroberts.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/aussie-tunes-guy-sebastian.html the original] on 3 February 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/65ALyILoN?url=http://julessebastian.com/guy-sebastian-band-arias-2011-performance-whos-that-girl-dont-worry-be-happy/ Guy Sebastian Who's That Girl/Don't Worry Be Happy ARIA Awards 2011]. julessebastian.com. Archived from [http://julessebastian.com/guy-sebastian-band-arias-2011-performance-whos-that-girl-dont-worry-be-happy/ the original] on 3 February 2012.</ref> In early February 2012 the album title and a June/July tour to coincide with the album release were announced.<ref name="The Armageddon Tour">[http://www.webcitation.org/65E7aubfR?url=http://auspop.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/touring-guy-sebastian.html TOURING : Guy Sebastian]. auspOp. 5 February 2012. Archived from [http://auspop.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/touring-guy-sebastian.html the original] on 5 February 2012.</ref> The second single ''Gold'' was released in May, and Sebastian performed it on ''[[Dancing with the Stars (Australian TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]'' and ''[[Australia's Got Talent]]''.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/68O6raieM?url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/dancing-with-the-stars/video/-/watch/29282717/ Guy Sebastian "Gold" Dancing with the Stars]. Yahoo7!TV. Archived from [http://au.tv.yahoo.com/dancing-with-the-stars/video/-/watch/29282717/ the original] on 13 June 2012.</ref><ref>{{YouTube|RqZlmSXRUl8 Guy Sebastian "Gold" Australia's Got Talent}}. Retrieved 16 October 2012</ref> He had media interviews in the first half of the year to discuss the album's progress.<ref name="It's still all heart and soul for Sebastian"/><ref name="Guy may give up TV for music"/><ref name="A different kind of Guy"/> The ''Armageddon Tour'' went ahead in June with no news of a release date for the album. In a later interview Sebastian explained, "So I was going to try and finish the album for the tour and have it ready because that would have been ideal, but it just wasn't ready. And I wrote a couple of other songs that I felt really needed to go on the album."<ref name="Guy Sebastian Interview on Armageddon Song Inspiration and Being a Father to Hudson">Chandra, Jessica (11 October 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/6BLk60rQX?url=http://www.popsugar.com.au/Guy-Sebastian-Interview-Armageddon-Song-Inspiration-Being-Father-Hudson-25388344 Guy Sebastian Interview on Armageddon Song Inspiration and Being a Father to Hudson]. PopSugar. Archived from [http://www.popsugar.com.au/Guy-Sebastian-Interview-Armageddon-Song-Inspiration-Being-Father-Hudson-25388344 the original] on 11 October 2012.</ref> |
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The third single "[[Battle Scars]]" was serviced to Australian radio on 2 August 2012, a week before it was released digitally. It was the most added song to radio in its first week, and became the most played song on Australian radio in its seventh week, where it remained for two weeks.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6A5En8Bk8?url=http |
The third single "[[Battle Scars]]" was serviced to Australian radio on 2 August 2012, a week before it was released digitally. It was the most added song to radio in its first week, and became the most played song on Australian radio in its seventh week, where it remained for two weeks.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6A5En8Bk8?url=http://www.aumreport.com/Chart_News.html Chartifacts - Week commencing 17 August 2012]. Australian Music Report. Archived from [http://www.aumreport.com/Chart_News.html the original] on 21 August 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6BSN95snG?url=http://www.aumreport.com/amr100.html Weekly Hot 100 - Week of October 20, 2012]. Australian Music Report. Archived from [http://www.aumreport.com/amr100.html the original] on 16 October 2012</ref> Sebastian did a number media interviews in the week the song was released.<ref name="Guy Sebastian interview with BigPond Music"/><ref name="novafm.com.au"/><ref name="Guy Sebastian 'I beatbox my baby to sleep'"/> In mid September Fiasco came to Australia to promote the single and his own album, and he and Sebastian held further interviews.<ref name="Nova Interview with Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco"/><ref>McCabe, Kathy (18 September 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/6AkRoVVaV?url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/guy-sebastian-reaps-benefits-from-duet-with-american-rapper-lupe-fiasco/story-e6frewz0-1226476058222 Guy Sebastian reaps benefits from duet with American rapper Lupe Fiasco]. ''The Daily Telegraph''. Archived from [http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/guy-sebastian-reaps-benefits-from-duet-with-american-rapper-lupe-fiasco/story-e6frewz0-1226476058222 the original] on 18 September 2012</ref> On 18 September the [[cover art]], track listing and release date of ''Armageddon'' was announced.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6BSMxyiL6?url=http://hushhushbiz.com/guy-sebastians-sixth-studio-album-armageddon/ Guy Sebastian's sixth studio album Armageddon]. Hush Hush Biz. Archived from [http://hushhushbiz.com/guy-sebastians-sixth-studio-album-armageddon/ the original] on 16 October 2012.</ref> Sebastian and Fiasco performed ''Battle Scars'' live for the first time on X Factor that night.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6Ao4VNACK?url=http://www.killerhiphop.com/video-lupe-fiasco-guy-sebastian-perform-battle-scars-on-the-x-factor-australia/ Video: Lupe Fiasco & Guy Sebastian Perform “Battle Scars” On The X Factor Australia]. KillerHipHop.com. 18 September 2012. Archived from [http://www.killerhiphop.com/video-lupe-fiasco-guy-sebastian-perform-battle-scars-on-the-x-factor-australia/ the original] on 19 September 2012.</ref> They also performed it on the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'' on 27 September, to promote the song in the US.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_mkC0z-QuxY Lupe Fiasco & Guy Sebastian - Battle Scars - David Letterman 9-27-12]. YouTube. September 28, 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2012.</ref> Fiasco had added it to his album ''[[Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1|Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1]]'' in countries other than Australia, credited as a duet, and released it as the fourth single in the US.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6B3QoE5HH?url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/food-liquor-ii-great-american/id561751903 US iTunes preview Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1]. iTunes. Archived from [https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/food-liquor-ii-great-american/id561751903 the original] on 29 September 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6B88H1lBi?url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/battle-scars-single/id555100148 US iTunes preview. Battle Scars - Single Lupe Fiasco & Guy Sebastian]. iTunes. Archived from [https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/battle-scars-single/id555100148 the original] on 2 October 2012.</ref> The show was aired in Australia the following day. "Battle Scars" was used in the US for the TV promotion of the movie ''[[Red Dawn (2012 film)|Red Dawn]]''.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6Bv6FAgx7?url=http://www.thelupendblog.com/2012/10/battle-scars-featured-in-red-dawn-tv.html Battle Scars featured in Red Dawn TV Spot]. LupEnd. October 29, 2012. Archived from [http://www.thelupendblog.com/2012/10/battle-scars-featured-in-red-dawn-tv.html the original] on 4 November 2012</ref> |
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Sebastian had media interviews in the weeks leading up to and during ''Armageddon'''s release week, saying in one, "I think it's definitely time. I've released a few singles from this album already, like 'Don't Worry Be Happy', 'Gold' and 'Battle Scars', so three singles deep I should probably get the album out".<ref name="Losing my religion: Sebastian"/><ref name="Guy Sebastian Interview on Armageddon Song Inspiration and Being a Father to Hudson"/> The fourth single "Get Along" was serviced to radio in the first week in November.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6By4KaSdA?url=http |
Sebastian had media interviews in the weeks leading up to and during ''Armageddon'''s release week, saying in one, "I think it's definitely time. I've released a few singles from this album already, like 'Don't Worry Be Happy', 'Gold' and 'Battle Scars', so three singles deep I should probably get the album out".<ref name="Losing my religion: Sebastian"/><ref name="Guy Sebastian Interview on Armageddon Song Inspiration and Being a Father to Hudson"/> The fourth single "Get Along" was serviced to radio in the first week in November.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6By4KaSdA?url=http://www.voicefm.com.au/all-the-new-tracks-at-radio-this-week-from-sony-music/7447/ All the new tracks at radio this week from SONY MUSIC]. Voicefm. 6 November 2012. Archived from [http://www.voicefm.com.au/all-the-new-tracks-at-radio-this-week-from-sony-music/7447/ the original] on 6 November 2012</ref> Sebastian performed "Get Along" and "Battle Scars" on the [[Seven Network]]'s morning program ''[[Sunrise (TV program)|Sunrise]]'' on November 12.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6CL4DUyiE?url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/31096535/guy-sebastian-performs-get-along/ Guy Sebastian performs Get Along]. Yahoo!7tv. Archived from [http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/31096535/guy-sebastian-performs-get-along/ the original] on 21 November 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6CMjI52iK?url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/31096222/guy-sebastian-performs-battle-scars/ Guy Sebastian performs Battle Scars]. Yahoo!7tv. Archived from [http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/31096222/guy-sebastian-performs-battle-scars/ the original] on 22 November 2012.</ref> He also performed "Get Along" on the first night of the 2012 [[The X Factor (Australia season 4)|X Factor]] Grand Final on November 19.<ref>{{YouTube|8CYJMKwq9nU Guy Sebastian sings his new single 'Get Along' tonight on The X Factor}}. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2012.</ref> On 29 November Sebastian and Fiasco performed "Battle Scars" at the 2012 [[ARIA Music Awards]].<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6CY7Rk4A0?url=http://www.ariaawards.com.au/news/46/arias-2012 2012 Winners announced]. Australian Recording Industry Association. 29 November 2012. Archived from [http://www.ariaawards.com.au/news/46/arias-2012 the original] on 29 November 2012</ref> Sebastian and Fiasco continued the US promotion of "Battle Scars" in early 2013, performing the song on ''[[Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]]'' with [[The Roots]], and on ''[[Conan (talk show)|Conan]]''.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6DOUpUtTK?url=http://www.thelupendblog.com/2013/01/video-lupe-fiasco-x-guy-sebastian.html Lupe Fiasco x Guy Sebastian Perform "Battle Scars" on Jimmy Fallon]. thelupendblog. 3 January 2013. Archived from [http://www.thelupendblog.com/2013/01/video-lupe-fiasco-x-guy-sebastian.html the original] on 3 January 2013.</ref><ref>[http://teamcoco.com/video/lupe-fiasco-feat-guy-sebastion-battle-scars-02-13-13 Lupe Fiasco feat. Guy Sebastian "Battle Scars" 02/13/13]. teamcoco.com. February 14, 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013</ref> Both shows are also shown in Australia.<ref>[http://www.thecomedychannel.com.au/shows/late-night-with-jimmy-fallon.html Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]. thecomedychannel.com.au. Retrieved 3 January 2012.</ref> |
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===Singles=== |
===Singles=== |
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"[[Don't Worry Be Happy (Guy Sebastian song)|Don't Worry Be Happy]]" was released as ''Armageddon'''s lead single on November 18, 2011.<ref name="Don't Worry Be Happy on iTunes"/> It peaked at number five and, although only released in mid November, was the sixth highest selling Australian artist single of 2011.<ref name="Guy Sebastian - Don't Worry Be Happy">[http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Guy+Sebastian&titel=Don%27t+Worry+Be+Happy&cat=s Guy Sebastian - Don't Worry Be Happy] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103152019/http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Guy+Sebastian&titel=Don%27t+Worry+Be+Happy&cat=s |date=January 3, 2012 }}. ARIA Chart archives. Hung Medien. Retrieved 13 October 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/659OBmwTn?url=http |
"[[Don't Worry Be Happy (Guy Sebastian song)|Don't Worry Be Happy]]" was released as ''Armageddon'''s lead single on November 18, 2011.<ref name="Don't Worry Be Happy on iTunes"/> It peaked at number five and, although only released in mid November, was the sixth highest selling Australian artist single of 2011.<ref name="Guy Sebastian - Don't Worry Be Happy">[http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Guy+Sebastian&titel=Don%27t+Worry+Be+Happy&cat=s Guy Sebastian - Don't Worry Be Happy] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103152019/http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Guy+Sebastian&titel=Don%27t+Worry+Be+Happy&cat=s |date=January 3, 2012 }}. ARIA Chart archives. Hung Medien. Retrieved 13 October 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/659OBmwTn?url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-australian-singles-2011.htm Top 50 Australian Artist Singles 2011]. Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from [http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-australian-singles-2011.htm the original] on 2 February 2012.</ref> The song spent 19 weeks in the ARIA Top 50, including ten weeks in the top ten and was certified 4× platinum in 2012.<ref name="ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2012 Singles"/><ref name="Guy Sebastian - Don't Worry Be Happy"/> |
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"[[Gold (Guy Sebastian song)|Gold]]" was released as the second single on May 11, 2012.<ref name="itunes">[http://www.webcitation.org/68MX8rVzt?url=http |
"[[Gold (Guy Sebastian song)|Gold]]" was released as the second single on May 11, 2012.<ref name="itunes">[http://www.webcitation.org/68MX8rVzt?url=http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/gold-single/id526538046 iTunes - Music - Gold - Single by Guy Sebastian] . [[iTunes Store]]. [[Apple Inc.]]. Archived from [https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/gold-single/id526538046 the original] on 12 June 2012.</ref> It peaked at number ten, and was certified platinum by ARIA.<ref name="ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2014 Singles">[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-singles-2014.htm ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2014 Singles] {{webarchive |url=http://www.webcitation.org/6QbWDqX3X?url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-singles-2014.htm |date=2014-06-25 }}. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 14 March 2014</ref> There was some controversy surrounding the song. [[Carmen Smith]] who contributes significant vocals to the track, although not credited as a featured artist, was disqualified as a contestant from ''[[The Voice (Australia)|The Voice]]'' for appearing in the video.<ref>McCabe, Kathy (16 May 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/68MAwTPCF?url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/confidential/the-voice-contestant-carmen-smith-leaves-tv-show-after-singing-on-guy-sebastians-new-single-gold-and-being-in-video/story-e6fredq3-1226358177820 The Voice contestant Carmen Smith leaves TV show after singing on Guy Sebastian's new single Gold and being in video]. Adelaide Confidential. Archived from [http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/confidential/the-voice-contestant-carmen-smith-leaves-tv-show-after-singing-on-guy-sebastians-new-single-gold-and-being-in-video/story-e6fredq3-1226358177820 the original] on 11 June 2012.</ref> Smith had worked with Sebastian for years, and later stated ''The Voice'' producers were aware of this, and that she had a clause in her contract which allowed her to continue to perform and record with him. She thought appearing in the video would be permitted under her contract. However they said she was breaking the "spirit" of the rules, as it might give her an unfair advantage over the other contestants."<ref>Byrne, Fiona (23 May 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/68NJlT0LQ?url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/ousted-the-voice-contestant-carmen-smith-breaks-her-silence-about-her-shock-exit/story-fn6cc53j-1226364591461 Ousted The Voice contestant Carmen Smith breaks her silence about her shock exit]. ''[[The Courier Mail]]''. Archived from [http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/ousted-the-voice-contestant-carmen-smith-breaks-her-silence-about-her-shock-exit/story-fn6cc53j-1226364591461 the original] on 12 June 2012.</ref> |
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"[[Battle Scars]]" featuring [[Lupe Fiasco]] was released as the third single on August 10, 2012.<ref name="iTunes preview Battle Scars">[http://www.webcitation.org/6A60lBUA1?url=http |
"[[Battle Scars]]" featuring [[Lupe Fiasco]] was released as the third single on August 10, 2012.<ref name="iTunes preview Battle Scars">[http://www.webcitation.org/6A60lBUA1?url=http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/battle-scars-feat.-lupe-fiasco/id550293034 iTunes preview - Battle Scars]. iTunes. Archived from [https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/battle-scars-feat.-lupe-fiasco/id550293034 the original] on 21 August 2012.</ref> It debuted at number one, Sebastian's sixth number one single in Australia and Fiasco's first.<ref name="Aus"/><ref name="Lupe Fiasco - Singles Discography"/> Sebastian has achieved the most number one singles for an Australian male singer in Australian chart history. "Battle Scars" moved him into outright third place for all Australian acts, with only [[Kylie Minogue]] and [[Delta Goodrem]] having achieved more.<ref>Ryan, Gavin (19 August 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6A1tCs1VF?url=http://www.noise11.com/news/guy-sebastian-equals-abba-for-number-1-hits-in-australia-20120819 Guy Sebastian Equals Abba For Number 1 Hits In Australia]. Noise11. Archived from [http://www.noise11.com/news/guy-sebastian-equals-abba-for-number-1-hits-in-australia-20120819 the original] on 19 August 2012.</ref> The song remained at number one for six consecutive weeks and has been certified 9× platinum.<ref name="ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2013 Singles"/><ref name="Guy Sebastian - Battle Scars (Song)">[http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Guy+Sebastian+feat%2E+Lupe+Fiasco&titel=Battle+Scars&cat=s Guy Sebastian - Battle Scars (Song)]. ARIA Chart archives. Hung Medien. Retrieved 13 October August 2012</ref> "Battle Scars" was the third highest selling song in Australia in 2012, the highest selling single by an Australian act.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6DX5wVAZr?url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2012.htm ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2012]. Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from [http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2012.htm the original] on 8 January 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6DX5tt6Yc?url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-australian-singles-2012.htm ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 50 Australian Artist Singles 2012]. Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from [http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-australian-singles-2012.htm the original] on 8 January 2013</ref> It also reached number two and double platinum certification in New Zealand.<ref name="NZ"/><ref name="New Zealand Certification"/> It charted at number 71 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. In addition to the Hot 100, it reached number 23 on the [[Hot Digital Songs|''Billboard'' Digital Songs Chart]] and number one on the ''Billboard'' R&B/Hip-hop Digital Song Chart.<ref>Adams, Cameron (11 September 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/6E1jTceA1?url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastians-aria-number-one-song-battle-scars-with-lupe-fiasco-hits-73-on-the-us-billboard-hot-100/story-e6frfn09-1226471957412 Guy Sebastian's ARIA number one song Battle Scars with Lupe Fiasco hits 73 on the US Billboard Hot 100]. news.com.au. Archived from [http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastians-aria-number-one-song-battle-scars-with-lupe-fiasco-hits-73-on-the-us-billboard-hot-100/story-e6frfn09-1226471957412 the original] on 29 January 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6AdtHHaog?url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/14118857 R&B/Hip-hop Digital Song Chart 15 September 2012]. Billboard.biz. Archived from [http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/14118857 the original] on 13 September 2012.</ref> The song spent 20 weeks in the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and has been certified platinum for sales of one million.<ref name="Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco - Battle Scars"/><ref name="Gold Platinum searchable database"/> "Battle Scars" also reached number two in [[Norway]].<ref name="VG Lista - Top 20 Singles Issue 49 2012"/> |
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"[[Get Along (song)|Get Along]]" was released as the fourth single on 10 November 2012, and debuted at number 34, rising to number five the following week. It was Sebastian's 11th of 12 top ten singles in Australia.<ref name="Aus"/> It achieved double platinum certification in January 2013.<ref name="ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2013 Singles"/> "Get Along" also reached number nine and gold certification in New Zealand, Sebastian's sixth top ten single there.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6IQ4xP985?url=http://nztop40.co.nz/ Official NZ Music Chart 29 July 2013]. Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ). Archived from [http://nztop40.co.nz/ the original] on 27 July 2013.</ref> |
"[[Get Along (song)|Get Along]]" was released as the fourth single on 10 November 2012, and debuted at number 34, rising to number five the following week. It was Sebastian's 11th of 12 top ten singles in Australia.<ref name="Aus"/> It achieved double platinum certification in January 2013.<ref name="ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2013 Singles"/> "Get Along" also reached number nine and gold certification in New Zealand, Sebastian's sixth top ten single there.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6IQ4xP985?url=http://nztop40.co.nz/ Official NZ Music Chart 29 July 2013]. Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ). Archived from [http://nztop40.co.nz/ the original] on 27 July 2013.</ref> |
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[[File:Armageddon Tour 2012 027.JPG|thumb|right|210px|Sebastian, [[Carmen Smith]] and [[Gary Pinto]] performing on the ''Armaggedon Tour''.]] |
[[File:Armageddon Tour 2012 027.JPG|thumb|right|210px|Sebastian, [[Carmen Smith]] and [[Gary Pinto]] performing on the ''Armaggedon Tour''.]] |
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Sebastian toured nationally during June and July 2012. The 20 date tour had concerts in all capital cities and also in regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Originally scheduled to promote the album after its release, the tour became a showcase for the new songs.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6BQAIN5Gf?url=http |
Sebastian toured nationally during June and July 2012. The 20 date tour had concerts in all capital cities and also in regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Originally scheduled to promote the album after its release, the tour became a showcase for the new songs.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6BQAIN5Gf?url=http://www.liveguide.com.au/Tours/716363/Guy_Sebastian_Armageddon_Tour_2012 Guy Sebastian 'Armageddon' Tour 2012]. liveguide.com.au. Archived from [http://www.liveguide.com.au/Tours/716363/Guy_Sebastian_Armageddon_Tour_2012 the original] on 14 October 2012.</ref> An extra concert at the [[Palais Theatre]], Victoria was added to film footage for the deluxe edition of the album.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6BQ8Ahghe?url=http://eventful.com/events/guy-sebastian-armageddon-dvd-shoot-/E0-001-048989485-4 Guy Sebastian Armageddon DVD Shoot]. eventful.com. Archived from [http://eventful.com/events/guy-sebastian-armageddon-dvd-shoot-/E0-001-048989485-4 the original] on 14 October 2012.</ref><ref name="Armageddon: Deluxe Edition "/> Sebastian performed songs from previous albums as well as new songs. He felt it was the best tour he had done, saying "I pretty much put every cent back into the tour and really stepped up the production and the lighting, it's a lot bigger and better. I'm playing some 3000-seat venues and a bunch of them are sold out, so I want to make sure I'm not compromising. I didn't want to fall short, and it has come up great, better than I thought."<ref name="A different kind of Guy"/> |
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Sebastian invited Ben Burgess, a musician friend from the US, to tour with him. He performed Fiasco's rap on "Battle Scars" and was also the support act. Due to Carmen Smith's disqualification from ''The Voice'' she was able to participate on the tour. She performed backing vocals along with [[Gary Pinto]], and also the featured parts for "[[Art of Love (Guy Sebastian song)|Art of Love]]" and "[[Who's That Girl (Guy Sebastian song)|Who's That Girl]]".<ref name="A different kind of Guy"/> Smith also performed "Armageddon" with Sebastian, as at the time he had been thinking of having a featured artist on the track.<ref>{{YouTube|x4LvAJcKrY0| Armageddon Tour -"Armageddon" feat. Carmen Smith }}. Retrieved 15 October 2012.</ref> There was speculation in the media that [[Nine Network|Channel Nine's]] ''The Voice'' had issues with Sebastian, when ''The Voice'' contestants including his own brother Chris were barred from attending one of the concerts. Sebastian is a judge and mentor on ''[[The X Factor (Australia)|The X Factor]]'' which is aired on the [[Seven Network]]. Channel Nine blamed it on scheduling and security problems, while the show's producers declined to comment.<ref>J.Mo and Elle (10 June 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BQDrSFRn?url=http |
Sebastian invited Ben Burgess, a musician friend from the US, to tour with him. He performed Fiasco's rap on "Battle Scars" and was also the support act. Due to Carmen Smith's disqualification from ''The Voice'' she was able to participate on the tour. She performed backing vocals along with [[Gary Pinto]], and also the featured parts for "[[Art of Love (Guy Sebastian song)|Art of Love]]" and "[[Who's That Girl (Guy Sebastian song)|Who's That Girl]]".<ref name="A different kind of Guy"/> Smith also performed "Armageddon" with Sebastian, as at the time he had been thinking of having a featured artist on the track.<ref>{{YouTube|x4LvAJcKrY0| Armageddon Tour -"Armageddon" feat. Carmen Smith }}. Retrieved 15 October 2012.</ref> There was speculation in the media that [[Nine Network|Channel Nine's]] ''The Voice'' had issues with Sebastian, when ''The Voice'' contestants including his own brother Chris were barred from attending one of the concerts. Sebastian is a judge and mentor on ''[[The X Factor (Australia)|The X Factor]]'' which is aired on the [[Seven Network]]. Channel Nine blamed it on scheduling and security problems, while the show's producers declined to comment.<ref>J.Mo and Elle (10 June 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6BQDrSFRn?url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/insider/guy-sebastians-brother-s-show/story-e6frewt9-1226390033280 The Voice producers bar contestant Chris Sebastian from watching big bro Guy perform in concert]. ''The Daily Telegraph''. Archived from [http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/insider/guy-sebastians-brother-s-show/story-e6frewt9-1226390033280 the original] on 14 October 2012.</ref> |
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====Get Along tour==== |
====Get Along tour==== |
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{{Main|Get Along Tour}} |
{{Main|Get Along Tour}} |
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In November 2012 a five date tour of the mainland capital cities was announced for March/April 2013.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6CM2BiE2n?url=http |
In November 2012 a five date tour of the mainland capital cities was announced for March/April 2013.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6CM2BiE2n?url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastians-get-along-tour-dates/story-e6frfn09-1226520911406 Guy Sebastian's Get Along tour dates]. news.com.au. 21 November 2012. Archived from [http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastians-get-along-tour-dates/story-e6frfn09-1226520911406 the original] on 21 November 2012.</ref> The concerts in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide sold out in the first week, and extra concerts were added in those cities. The tour was extended to include 37 concerts in regional areas of Australia in May and June 2013.<ref name="Guy Sebastian's Get Along tour dates">[http://www.webcitation.org/6Fcqwwmkr?url=http://www.guysebastian.com.au/ Get Along Tour 2013]. Guy Sebastian official site. Archived from [http://www.guysebastian.com.au/ the original] on 4 April 4, 2013.</ref> [[David Ryan Harris]], an American soul musician who has co-written songs with Sebastian including "[[Like It like That (Guy Sebastian song)|Like it Like That]]" and "Battle Scars", was the support act. He also played guitar in Sebastian's band on the tour. Carmen Smith, and former X-Factor contestant Angel Tupai were the backing vocalists, and both performed duets with Sebastian.<ref>Symonds, Kristy (29 March 2013)[http://www.webcitation.org/6FcxPiVFh?url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastian-launches-get-along-tour-at-crown-perth/story-e6frf9hf-1226609100191 Guy Sebastian launches Get Along Tour at Crown Perth]. ''[[Herald Sun]]''. Archived from [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastian-launches-get-along-tour-at-crown-perth/story-e6frf9hf-1226609100191 the original] on 4 April 2013.</ref> |
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==Critical reception== |
==Critical reception== |
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''Armageddon'' and its singles have received a number of positive reviews. Jamie Horne, music journalist for the ''[[Border Mail]]'' gave the album four and a half out of five stars, saying, "Armageddon truly is mature pop. But do not fear — it's not adult contemporary and, more importantly, it's nothing like the club pop that's been diseasing our charts. It is late, however, having been penciled in for a mid-year release. But that's also forgiven early with the opening duo, Amnesia and Beg, the latter a swirling mid-tempo effort destined to be a live favourite."<ref>Horne, Jamie (10 October 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/6BOep7bJ1?url=http |
''Armageddon'' and its singles have received a number of positive reviews. Jamie Horne, music journalist for the ''[[Border Mail]]'' gave the album four and a half out of five stars, saying, "Armageddon truly is mature pop. But do not fear — it's not adult contemporary and, more importantly, it's nothing like the club pop that's been diseasing our charts. It is late, however, having been penciled in for a mid-year release. But that's also forgiven early with the opening duo, Amnesia and Beg, the latter a swirling mid-tempo effort destined to be a live favourite."<ref>Horne, Jamie (10 October 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/6BOep7bJ1?url=http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/389509/cd-reviews/?cs=2370 CD reviews]. Border Mail. Archived from [http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/389509/cd-reviews/?cs=2370the original] on 13 October 2012.</ref> Cameron Adams from the ''[[Herald Sun]]'' wrote, "You've heard Guy's best single to date in Battle Scars; now welcome to his best album. His songwriting has matured as he's left the club behind to focus on the real world. Amnesia and Beg are classy, dramatic adult pop songs that showcase his voice." Adams said "Get Along" was "inspired", and showed new depth from Sebastian.<ref name="Armageddon: Our review"/> [[Take 40 Australia|Take 40]], said, "Brilliant work Guy! We know this is going to be a success, and will hopefully give you some ARIA nods this time next year." They called the title track "Armageddon" an "uplifting anthem", and said "Get Along" showed "the beautiful timbre of his voice, and has a very inspiring message".<ref name="Guy Sebastian's New Album 'Armageddon' -- Track By Track!"/> Jessica Tisdell from music site Novastreamusic wrote, "Sebastian's latest album ''Armageddon'' (2012) demonstrates the great growth as an artist that he has achieved over the years of dedication to his career. [...] ''Armageddon'' is one of those albums that you just listen to easily and does not have one bad track." She said the lyrics of "Get Along" were "heart-warming and send a great message to humanity" and that "Amnesia" demonstrated "Sebastian's amazing vocal range".<ref>Tisdell, Jessica. [http://www.webcitation.org/6ESmYGofS?url=http://www.novastreamusic.com/2013/02/a-z-of-pop-music-a.html A-Z of Pop Music - A]. novastreamusic.com. Archived from [http://www.novastreamusic.com/2013/02/a-z-of-pop-music-a.html the original] on 15 February 2013.</ref> |
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David Lim, a music journalist and announcer on radio station [[Joy 94.9]], wrote in an article about the best albums of 2012, "When it comes to the quality of songwriting and vocal performance, this is hands down the best Guy Sebastian album yet. [...] ''Armageddon'' feels like a mature, universal pop album that would appeal to young and old, broken and fulfilled alike."<ref name="Feed Limmy's Albums of 2012">Lim, David [http://www.webcitation.org/6CikwpSlg?url=http |
David Lim, a music journalist and announcer on radio station [[Joy 94.9]], wrote in an article about the best albums of 2012, "When it comes to the quality of songwriting and vocal performance, this is hands down the best Guy Sebastian album yet. [...] ''Armageddon'' feels like a mature, universal pop album that would appeal to young and old, broken and fulfilled alike."<ref name="Feed Limmy's Albums of 2012">Lim, David [http://www.webcitation.org/6CikwpSlg?url=http://feedlimmy.com/2012/12/04/feed-limmy-albums-of-2012-30-21/ Feed Limmy's Albums of 2012]. Feed Limmy. Archived from [http://feedlimmy.com/2012/12/04/feed-limmy-albums-of-2012-30-21/ the original] on 6 December 2012.</ref> In earlier reviews for the singles he said "Don't Worry Be Happy" was "feel good, sun-soaked and universally appealing", and described Battle Scars as a "massive bruised ballad with a titan hook that just beats you down with no mercy."<ref name="Guy Sebastian ‘Battle Scars’ (feat. Lupe Fiasco) Single Review"/><ref>Lim, David. [http://www.webcitation.org/65EwGlapy?url=http://feedlimmy.com/2011/11/19/guy-sebastian-returns-with-dont-worry-be-happy/ Guy Sebastian returns with ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’]. Feed Limmy. Archived from [http://feedlimmy.com/2011/11/19/guy-sebastian-returns-with-dont-worry-be-happy/ the original] on 5 February 2012.</ref> Lim wrote of "Get Along", "The emotive political ballad 'Get Along' is possibly the best single Sebastian has ever released. I just can't get over how great his observant lyrics about religious wars are. The hook - 'Dear God, dear soul, dear Mary, Mohammed... can we all just get along?' - absolutely rips right through the heart.<ref name="Feed Limmy's Albums of 2012"/> Music site auspOp gave positive reviews for all the released singles. They said "Don't Worry Be Happy" was "bright as sunshine" and of "Gold" they wrote, "This new tune is precisely what Guy does best - oozing with class and old school soul. 'Gold' sounds like it could have been ripped straight from the streets of 1960s Detroit, what with its flashy brass, gorgeous gospel chorus and Guy's insane pitch-perfect vocal.<ref name="auspOp">[http://www.webcitation.org/65F3KrDFD?url=http://auspop.blogspot.com/2011/11/guy-sebastian-dont-worry-be-happy.html GUY SEBASTIAN : Don't Worry Be Happy]. auspOp. 22 November 2011. Archived from [http://auspop.blogspot.com/2011/11/guy-sebastian-dont-worry-be-happy.html the original] on 5 February 2012.</ref><ref>[http://auspop.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/guy-sebastian-gold.html GUY SEBASTIAN : Gold]. auspOp. 14 May 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2012</ref> They named "Battle Scars" as one of the best singles of the year, with "stunning, crystal-clear, pitch-perfect vocals" calling it "superb home-grown pop".<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6EUcTc7It?url=http://auspop.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/best-of-2012-no05.html Pop Single Of The Year Number Five]. auspOp. 26 December 2013. Archived from [http://auspop.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/best-of-2012-no05.html the original] on 17 February 2013.</ref> In a review for "Get Along" they wrote, "This one is designed to get you thinking. To tap into your emotions. 'Get Along' is a song about hope, peace and understanding and a dream that perhaps one day we'll all be united, together as one people, one world, despite our differences in opinion, religion, creed and race. [...] Good on Guy for shining some light and spreading the love."<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6CL8IiR5G?url=http://auspop.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/guy-sebastian-get-along.html Guy Sebastian: Get Along]. auspOp. 16 November 2012. Archived from [http://auspop.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/guy-sebastian-get-along.html the original] on 21 November 2012.</ref> |
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"Battle Scars" received positive response from overseas, including mentions in reviews for Fiasco's album. Hip hop indie/pop site Hillydilly called it "epic", writing, "Evidently this guy can sing because he sure does let it be known on 'Battle Scars'. There is also a perfect amount of Lupe on this track—he is not tucked away on some last verse ****, rather he is found throughout the song."<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6A6JqVQHd?url=http://hillydilly.com/2012/08/12/guy-sebastian-battle-scars-ft-lupe-fiasco/?utm_source |
"Battle Scars" received positive response from overseas, including mentions in reviews for Fiasco's album. Hip hop indie/pop site Hillydilly called it "epic", writing, "Evidently this guy can sing because he sure does let it be known on 'Battle Scars'. There is also a perfect amount of Lupe on this track—he is not tucked away on some last verse ****, rather he is found throughout the song."<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6A6JqVQHd?url=http://hillydilly.com/2012/08/12/guy-sebastian-battle-scars-ft-lupe-fiasco/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guy-sebastian-battle-scars-ft-lupe-fiasco Guy Sebastian – “Battle Scars” ft. Lupe Fiasco]. Hillydilly. 12 August 2012. Archived from [http://hillydilly.com/2012/08/12/guy-sebastian-battle-scars-ft-lupe-fiasco/ the original] on 21 August 2012.</ref> David Fredrick from music discovery site Gigity wrote, "it is an instant classic that will surely grab your attention."<ref>Fredrick, David (14 August 2012)[http://www.webcitation.org/6A5FaCbm7?url=http://thegigity.com/guy-sebastian-battle-scars-ft-lupe-fiasco-music-video/ Guy Sebastian – Battle Scars ft. Lupe Fiasco + Music Video]. Gigity. Archived from [http://thegigity.com/guy-sebastian-battle-scars-ft-lupe-fiasco-music-video/ the original] on 21 August 2012</ref> HipHop DX said it "oozed mass appeal without deteriorating into sloshy mainstream".<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6AyxukyQQ?url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.1962/title.lupe-fiasco--food-liquor-2-the-great-american-rap-album-pt-1 Lupe Fiasco Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1]. HipHop DX. 24 September 2012. Archived from [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.1962/title.lupe-fiasco--food-liquor-2-the-great-american-rap-album-pt-1 the original] on 27 September 2012</ref> Colin McQuire from Pop Matters wrote that the "piano-laden groove adds the texture it needs to be a bona fide Top 40 hit, and Fiasco’s crisp broken-hearted rhymes illustrate the exact type of accessibility the track needs to gain commercial notoriety."<ref name="Pop Matters - Lupe Fiasco: Food and Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1">McQuire, Colin (27 September 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6AzREEZNQ?url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/163479-lupe-fiasco-food-and-liquor-ii-the-great-american-rap-album-pt.-1/ Pop Matters - Lupe Fiasco: Food and Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1]. PopMatters. Archived from [http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/163479-lupe-fiasco-food-and-liquor-ii-the-great-american-rap-album-pt.-1/ the original] on 27 September 2012</ref> A reviewer for entertainment site Pop Culture Podcast said, "This one has chart topping single written all over it but due to its genuine lyrics and universal subject matter it doesn't feel like one that you have to 'sell out' to make."<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6Az2Q2V1D?url=http://popculturepodcast.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/marcus-reviews-lupe-fiascos-food-liquor-ii-the-great-american-rap-album-pt-1/ Review - Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1]. Pop Culture Podcast. 25 September 2012. Archived from [http://popculturepodcast.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/marcus-reviews-lupe-fiascos-food-liquor-ii-the-great-american-rap-album-pt-1/ the original] on 27 September 2012</ref> |
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===Accolades=== |
===Accolades=== |
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"Don't Worry Be Happy" was nominated for Song of 2011 and Sebastian won the Australian Male Artist Award in the 2011 POPreplublic.tv. IT List Awards. The nominees are chosen by POPreplublic, with public vote deciding the winner.<ref>Manser, Robert (31 December 2011). [http://www.webcitation.org/64vo9FsP7?url=http |
"Don't Worry Be Happy" was nominated for Song of 2011 and Sebastian won the Australian Male Artist Award in the 2011 POPreplublic.tv. IT List Awards. The nominees are chosen by POPreplublic, with public vote deciding the winner.<ref>Manser, Robert (31 December 2011). [http://www.webcitation.org/64vo9FsP7?url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/883-2011-it-list-awards-nominees-announced 2011 IT LIST AWARDS Nominees Announced]. POPReppublic.tv. Archived from [http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/883-2011-it-list-awards-nominees-announced the original] on 24 January 2012.</ref> |
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<ref>Manser, Robert (11 February 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/65SreyBqS?url=http |
<ref>Manser, Robert (11 February 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/65SreyBqS?url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/905-it-list-awards-winners-announced 2011 IT LIST AWARDS winners Announced]. POPReppublic.tv. Archived from [http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/905-it-list-awards-winners-announced the original] on 15 February 2012.</ref> The song was also shortlisted for the 2012 [[APRA Awards (Australia)#Song of the Year|APRA Song of the Year Award]], which is voted for by the songwriting members of APRA.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/66LLEaCWN?url=http://www.vmusic.com.au/pages/main-menu/news/latest-news/australian-song-of-the-year-finalists-announced Australian Song of the Year finalists announced]. V Music. Archived from [http://www.vmusic.com.au/pages/main-menu/news/latest-news/australian-song-of-the-year-finalists-announced the original] on 22 March 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6BCWSJYIk?url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/APRASongoftheYear.aspx APRA Song of the Year] Australian Performing Rights Association. Archived from [http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/APRASongoftheYear.aspx the original] on 5 October 2012.</ref> Sebastian was awarded the 2012 Australian [[GQ Australia|GQ]] Solo Artist of the Year Award.<ref>Stephenson, Alison (13 November 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6C8xMIe3H?url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/chris-hemsworth-named-gqs-man-of-the-year-bella-heathcote-takes-woman-of-the-year/story-e6fredpu-1226516043251 Chris Hemsworth named GQ's Man of The Year]. ''Adelaide Now''. Archived from [http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/chris-hemsworth-named-gqs-man-of-the-year-bella-heathcote-takes-woman-of-the-year/story-e6fredpu-1226516043251 the original] on 13 November 2012.</ref> He was nominated for three 2012 [[ARIA Music Awards]]. He received nominations for [[ARIA Award for Best Pop Release|Best Pop release]] and [[ARIA Award for Best Male Artist|Best Male Artist]] for "Battle Scars" in the [[Music industry|industry]] judged categories. "Don't Worry Be Happy" was nominated for the new [[ARIA Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]] Award, where the nominees were the highest selling singles of the year, and the public decided the winner.<ref name="WINNERS & NOMINEES ANNOUNCED"/><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6B9ZbV3G1?url=http://ariaawards.com.au/public-voting/ Public vote - Category definitions]. Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from [http://ariaawards.com.au/public-voting/ the original] on 3 October 2012.</ref> "Armageddon" was named in the top 20 albums of 2012 by music site [[The Music Network]], one of only six Australian albums included in their list.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6Cilp7x0K?url=http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-features/artists/2012/12/04/top-20-albums-of-2012---part-1/ Top 20 Albums of 2012]. The Music Network. 4 December 2012. Archived from [http://www.themusicnetwork.com/music-features/artists/2012/12/04/top-20-albums-of-2012---part-1/ the original] on 6 December 2012.</ref> |
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"Battle Scars" won Song of 2012 in the 2012 POPreplublic.tv. IT List Awards. Sebastian also received nominations for Album of 2012 for "Armageddon" and Australian Male Artist.<ref>Manser, Robert (14 February 2013). [http://www.webcitation.org/6ERZrxDUn?url=http |
"Battle Scars" won Song of 2012 in the 2012 POPreplublic.tv. IT List Awards. Sebastian also received nominations for Album of 2012 for "Armageddon" and Australian Male Artist.<ref>Manser, Robert (14 February 2013). [http://www.webcitation.org/6ERZrxDUn?url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/1908-latest-news/1126-it-list-awards-winners IT LIST Awards Winners]. POPReppublic.tv. Archived from [http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/1908-latest-news/1126-it-list-awards-winners the original] on 15 February 2013.</ref><ref>Manser, Robert (31 December 2012). [http://www.webcitation.org/6DjJSRpKZ?url=http://poprepublic.tv/the-news/1-latest-news/1078-poprepublictv-it-list-awards-nominees-for-2012-announced-and-public-voting-now-open IT LIST Awards nominees for 2012 Announced]. POPReppublic.tv. Archived from [http://poprepublic.tv/the-news/1-latest-news/1078-poprepublictv-it-list-awards-nominees-for-2012-announced-and-public-voting-now-open the original] on 16 January 2013.</ref> "Battle Scars" has also received recognition internationally. It was nominated for a [[NAACP Image Award]] for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration.<ref name="NAACP Image Awards"/> The Awards are presented by the American [[National Association for the Advancement of Colored People]]. It also won the R&B/Hip category in the 2013 International Songwriting Competition.<ref name="International Songwriting Competition Winners"/> The judging panel is made up of musicians, songwriters and industry experts, and songs are judged on creativity, originality, lyrics, melody, arrangement and overall likeability.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6Emm0Lb2U?url=http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/ Welcome to ISC]. International Songwriting Competition. Archived from [http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/ the original] on 28 February 2013.</ref> "Get Along" was a finalist in the Pop/Top 40 category, and received an honourable mention.<ref name="International Songwriting Competition Winners"/> "Get Along" was a final five nominee for the 2013 APRA Song of the Year Award, and "Don't Worry Be Happy" was nominated for Pop Work of the Year and Most Played Australian Work.<ref name="Tame Impala and Guy Sebastian vie for APRA Song of the Year"/> Sebastian won [[ARIA Award for Best Pop Release|Best Pop Release]] for ''Armageddon'' and Best Live Act for the Get Along Tour at the 2013 ARIA Awards. He was also nominated for [[ARIA Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] and [[ARIA Award for Best Male Artist|Best Male Artist]] for ''Armageddon'', and [[ARIA Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]] for "Get Along".<ref name="No Idol threat"/><ref name="27th ARIA Award Nominations"/> |
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==Commercial performance== |
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!scope="row"| Australia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2215659/Armageddon_ONLINE_COMP|title=Guy Sebastian: Armageddon – CD|work=''[[Sanity (music store)|Sanity]]''|accessdate=10 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/armageddon/id566246842 |title=Armageddon by Guy Sebastian |work=[[iTunes Store]] |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] |accessdate=10 October 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6CL3bELAg?url=https |
!scope="row"| Australia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2215659/Armageddon_ONLINE_COMP|title=Guy Sebastian: Armageddon – CD|work=''[[Sanity (music store)|Sanity]]''|accessdate=10 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/armageddon/id566246842 |title=Armageddon by Guy Sebastian |work=[[iTunes Store]] |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] |accessdate=10 October 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6CL3bELAg?url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/armageddon/id566246842 |archivedate=21 November 2012 |df= }}</ref> |
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Armageddon is the seventh album by Australian singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian. It was released in digital and CD format on 12 October 2012. A deluxe edition featuring a DVD of a concert from Sebastian's Armageddon Tour was also available.[1] The album reached number one and double platinum certification in Australia, and number 20 in New Zealand.[2][3] It is Sebastian's seventh top ten album in Australia, and his second to achieve a number one peak.[4] It was the ninth highest selling album in Australia in 2012, the second highest selling album by an Australian act.[5][6]
Four top ten singles were released from the album, including "Don't Worry Be Happy", and "Battle Scars" which features Lupe Fiasco. "Don't Worry Be Happy" peaked at number five and gained 4× platinum certification, with "Battle Scars" reaching number one and 9× platinum.[7][8] "Battle Scars" is Sebastian's sixth number one single in Australia and Fiasco's first.[4][9] "Battle Scars" also reached number two and double platinum certification in New Zealand, number 71 and platinum certification in the US, and number two in Norway.[3][10][11][12][13]
Sebastian has received a number of accolades for the album and its songs. He was nominated for three 2012 ARIA Music Awards, Best Male Artist and Best Pop Release for "Battle Scars", and Song of the Year for "Don't Worry Be Happy".[14] "Battle Scars" was nominated for a NAACP Image Award and won the R&B/Hip category in the 2013 International Songwriting Competition.[15][16] "Get Along" was a final five nominee for the 2013 APRA Song of the Year Award and "Don't Worry Be Happy" was nominated for Pop Work of the Year.[17] Sebastian won Best Pop Release for Armageddon at the 2013 ARIA Awards and Best Live Act for the Get Along Tour. He received three other nominations, including Album of the Year.[18][19]
Background and development
Although Sebastian released the retrospective album Twenty Ten in 2010, Armageddon is his first studio album since Like It Like That, an album of original soul music, was released in October 2009.[20] Armageddon, while mainly pop with some R&B songs, still shows the soul influences that Like it Like That did on many of the songs. Sebastian has said he grew up listening to old school soul music from artists like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder, and they had always been his strongest musical influences.[21] He said early in his career he was steered away from soul music, advised it wouldn't sell in Australia. After he released The Memphis Album, a cover album of Memphis soul classics he recorded with members the MGs including Steve Cropper, he realised there was a market, and he felt he could now do the style of music he had always wanted to.[22][23]
In an interview about Armageddon Sebastian spoke of how much The Memphis Album still influences his music, "I headed across to Memphis and was very inspired by the music scene there. I got to work with some people who were instrumental in shaping the careers of artists who heavily influence me. Artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Sam Cooke. Being entrenched in that sort of environment really caused me to go 'You know what dude. Do what you want to do. Do what comes natural to you'." Sebastian said it was a turning point for him, adding, "From that Memphis thing a few years ago it's always going to start with me being true to who I want to be and what I enjoy singing."[24] Sebastian feels his soul roots remained even when he delved into electro dance music with the single "Who's That Girl" from his previous album, explaining it was an old school Sam Cooke type of melody, with modern lyrics, over a dance track.[25] He said, "I had that melody, and I could have gone so many ways with it. I could have produced an old-school soul song, but I went towards what you hear on the radio."[26]
Armageddon was originally slated for release mid-2012, but it was delayed because Sebastian wanted to be completely happy with it before it was released. He said, "It's the longest I have spent with an album but I'm not rushing it for a TV performance or anything. It will happen when it's ready".[27][28] He explained he had approached Armageddon in a different way than his previous albums, "I haven't sat down to write an album, I've just been writing whatever I feel. I'm still learning what defines me as an artist. There's stuff in there that radio won't touch but it needs to be there and I think it lifts the album. [...] I've done most of it myself and I've really taken my time."[29] While the album has the upbeat happy music and love songs he is known for, Sebastian said becoming a father earlier in the year brought new awareness, and he started analysing the world his son would grow up in.[30] He explained it gave him a broader perspective, and while he had always taken notice of the state of world affairs, he had never written about it in song before. Because of this he said the album has more light and shade, "there's definitely moments where it has a bit more depth to it -- it's not just 'I love you, do you love me too?' Obviously there's some love songs in there, but there's also a bit more commentary on the world that my little boy (Hudson) is going to inherit."[29] When asked to give five words that could describe the album Sebastian used the words "dark", "reflective", "happy", "appreciative" and "anxious".[24]
Writing and composition
Five of the songs on Armageddon are written by Sebastian alone, while the others have at least one co-writer. Sebastian began writing songs which appear on the album almost two years before its release, and performed two of them, "Summer Love" and "Keeper", while touring as a support act on Lionel Richie's Australian and New Zealand tour in March 2011.[31] Both are pop songs, with "Keeper" having a reggae feel. "Summer Love" is about bittersweet feelings for a lost love, and "Keeper" is about finding that special love, the one who is a keeper.[32][33] "Don't Worry Be Happy", released as the lead single in November 2012, is an upbeat pop song Sebastian wrote after he encountered an angry motorist in Los Angeles.[34] Discussing the inspiration for the track he explained he could sometimes be caught up in a little bit of "glass half empty" in his life, and wrote the song as a reminder to himself and hopefully to others that life is too short to stress about the small things.[35][36] Sebastian showcased two more songs, "Amnesia" and "Armageddon", at the "Don't Worry Be Happy" media launch in December 2011.[37][38] "Amnesia" is a soulful pop ballad about the anguish of coping with a broken relationship. Sebastian says of the power ballad "Armageddon", "The title track might sound pretty dark, but it's actually about not taking love for granted, and living like tomorrow is the last day on earth".[30]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Lupe_Fiasco_Ottawa_Bluesfest.jpg/160px-Lupe_Fiasco_Ottawa_Bluesfest.jpg)
"Get Along" deals with the damage inflicted by religious, racial and cultural intolerance, asking why the world can't just get along.[27] It is a stripped back track with minimal instrumental accompaniment.[40] Sebastian explained why he wrote the song, "It sends your brain into overload when you are expecting your first child. It definitely makes you take a step back and try to gain some perspective on this world we live in".[41] "Big Bad World" was written for his son Hudson who was born in March 2012. He said, "It's about that promise we all make to our kids, but realise we don't have as much control as we think. We want to protect them from the big bad world, but the promise matters the most."[27] "Used to You" is a song Sebastian wrote for his wife Jules. He said, "I always say to her, 'I don't get used to you'. I still get back from tours and I'm still excited to see her. [...] We've been friends for 18 years, together for 13 years. I'm lucky".[42]
"Beg" is a midtempo pop song with a percussion-driven chorus, about a relationship growing distant. "Died and Gone to Heaven" is an old school R&B song of love and passion, which features big harmonies and falsetto vocals.[40][43] "Gold" is an uptempo soul song. Sebastian inserted a horn line into it from "Shake", a live recording of an Otis Redding track. He said, "You hear an old soul track, old Motown or Memphis, and it just makes you get on your feet."[44] "Battle Scars", a collaboration with Lupe Fiasco, is an R&B ballad with a hip hop rap about the scars left from hurtful and broken relationships.[45][46] Sebastian said that usually when he writes a song he comes up with the melody first with no words, but this time some of the lyrics came at the same time. After finishing the song with David Ryan Harris it was recorded leaving the parts where Sebastian envisaged the rap should go.[39][47] When Fiasco was in Australia for Supafest, Sebastian recorded his rap at his Sydney studio.[48][49]
Release and promotion
Armageddon was released on October 12, 2012. With the release date originally anticipated to be mid-2012, the lead single "Don't Worry Be Happy" was released 11 months before the album.[27][35] Sebastian performed the song during the 2011 The X-Factor Grand Final, and also as a medley with "Who's That Girl" at the 2011 ARIA Music Awards.[50][51] In early February 2012 the album title and a June/July tour to coincide with the album release were announced.[52] The second single Gold was released in May, and Sebastian performed it on Dancing with the Stars and Australia's Got Talent.[53][54] He had media interviews in the first half of the year to discuss the album's progress.[25][27][29] The Armageddon Tour went ahead in June with no news of a release date for the album. In a later interview Sebastian explained, "So I was going to try and finish the album for the tour and have it ready because that would have been ideal, but it just wasn't ready. And I wrote a couple of other songs that I felt really needed to go on the album."[55]
The third single "Battle Scars" was serviced to Australian radio on 2 August 2012, a week before it was released digitally. It was the most added song to radio in its first week, and became the most played song on Australian radio in its seventh week, where it remained for two weeks.[56][57] Sebastian did a number media interviews in the week the song was released.[39][46][47] In mid September Fiasco came to Australia to promote the single and his own album, and he and Sebastian held further interviews.[49][58] On 18 September the cover art, track listing and release date of Armageddon was announced.[59] Sebastian and Fiasco performed Battle Scars live for the first time on X Factor that night.[60] They also performed it on the Late Show with David Letterman on 27 September, to promote the song in the US.[61] Fiasco had added it to his album Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 in countries other than Australia, credited as a duet, and released it as the fourth single in the US.[62][63] The show was aired in Australia the following day. "Battle Scars" was used in the US for the TV promotion of the movie Red Dawn.[64]
Sebastian had media interviews in the weeks leading up to and during Armageddon's release week, saying in one, "I think it's definitely time. I've released a few singles from this album already, like 'Don't Worry Be Happy', 'Gold' and 'Battle Scars', so three singles deep I should probably get the album out".[42][55] The fourth single "Get Along" was serviced to radio in the first week in November.[65] Sebastian performed "Get Along" and "Battle Scars" on the Seven Network's morning program Sunrise on November 12.[66][67] He also performed "Get Along" on the first night of the 2012 X Factor Grand Final on November 19.[68] On 29 November Sebastian and Fiasco performed "Battle Scars" at the 2012 ARIA Music Awards.[69] Sebastian and Fiasco continued the US promotion of "Battle Scars" in early 2013, performing the song on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon with The Roots, and on Conan.[70][71] Both shows are also shown in Australia.[72]
Singles
"Don't Worry Be Happy" was released as Armageddon's lead single on November 18, 2011.[35] It peaked at number five and, although only released in mid November, was the sixth highest selling Australian artist single of 2011.[73][74] The song spent 19 weeks in the ARIA Top 50, including ten weeks in the top ten and was certified 4× platinum in 2012.[7][73]
"Gold" was released as the second single on May 11, 2012.[75] It peaked at number ten, and was certified platinum by ARIA.[76] There was some controversy surrounding the song. Carmen Smith who contributes significant vocals to the track, although not credited as a featured artist, was disqualified as a contestant from The Voice for appearing in the video.[77] Smith had worked with Sebastian for years, and later stated The Voice producers were aware of this, and that she had a clause in her contract which allowed her to continue to perform and record with him. She thought appearing in the video would be permitted under her contract. However they said she was breaking the "spirit" of the rules, as it might give her an unfair advantage over the other contestants."[78]
"Battle Scars" featuring Lupe Fiasco was released as the third single on August 10, 2012.[79] It debuted at number one, Sebastian's sixth number one single in Australia and Fiasco's first.[4][9] Sebastian has achieved the most number one singles for an Australian male singer in Australian chart history. "Battle Scars" moved him into outright third place for all Australian acts, with only Kylie Minogue and Delta Goodrem having achieved more.[80] The song remained at number one for six consecutive weeks and has been certified 9× platinum.[8][81] "Battle Scars" was the third highest selling song in Australia in 2012, the highest selling single by an Australian act.[82][83] It also reached number two and double platinum certification in New Zealand.[3][10] It charted at number 71 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In addition to the Hot 100, it reached number 23 on the Billboard Digital Songs Chart and number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-hop Digital Song Chart.[84][85] The song spent 20 weeks in the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified platinum for sales of one million.[11][12] "Battle Scars" also reached number two in Norway.[13]
"Get Along" was released as the fourth single on 10 November 2012, and debuted at number 34, rising to number five the following week. It was Sebastian's 11th of 12 top ten singles in Australia.[4] It achieved double platinum certification in January 2013.[8] "Get Along" also reached number nine and gold certification in New Zealand, Sebastian's sixth top ten single there.[86]
Tours
Armageddon Tour
Sebastian toured nationally during June and July 2012. The 20 date tour had concerts in all capital cities and also in regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Originally scheduled to promote the album after its release, the tour became a showcase for the new songs.[87] An extra concert at the Palais Theatre, Victoria was added to film footage for the deluxe edition of the album.[88][1] Sebastian performed songs from previous albums as well as new songs. He felt it was the best tour he had done, saying "I pretty much put every cent back into the tour and really stepped up the production and the lighting, it's a lot bigger and better. I'm playing some 3000-seat venues and a bunch of them are sold out, so I want to make sure I'm not compromising. I didn't want to fall short, and it has come up great, better than I thought."[29]
Sebastian invited Ben Burgess, a musician friend from the US, to tour with him. He performed Fiasco's rap on "Battle Scars" and was also the support act. Due to Carmen Smith's disqualification from The Voice she was able to participate on the tour. She performed backing vocals along with Gary Pinto, and also the featured parts for "Art of Love" and "Who's That Girl".[29] Smith also performed "Armageddon" with Sebastian, as at the time he had been thinking of having a featured artist on the track.[89] There was speculation in the media that Channel Nine's The Voice had issues with Sebastian, when The Voice contestants including his own brother Chris were barred from attending one of the concerts. Sebastian is a judge and mentor on The X Factor which is aired on the Seven Network. Channel Nine blamed it on scheduling and security problems, while the show's producers declined to comment.[90]
Get Along tour
In November 2012 a five date tour of the mainland capital cities was announced for March/April 2013.[91] The concerts in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide sold out in the first week, and extra concerts were added in those cities. The tour was extended to include 37 concerts in regional areas of Australia in May and June 2013.[92] David Ryan Harris, an American soul musician who has co-written songs with Sebastian including "Like it Like That" and "Battle Scars", was the support act. He also played guitar in Sebastian's band on the tour. Carmen Smith, and former X-Factor contestant Angel Tupai were the backing vocalists, and both performed duets with Sebastian.[93]
Critical reception
Armageddon and its singles have received a number of positive reviews. Jamie Horne, music journalist for the Border Mail gave the album four and a half out of five stars, saying, "Armageddon truly is mature pop. But do not fear — it's not adult contemporary and, more importantly, it's nothing like the club pop that's been diseasing our charts. It is late, however, having been penciled in for a mid-year release. But that's also forgiven early with the opening duo, Amnesia and Beg, the latter a swirling mid-tempo effort destined to be a live favourite."[94] Cameron Adams from the Herald Sun wrote, "You've heard Guy's best single to date in Battle Scars; now welcome to his best album. His songwriting has matured as he's left the club behind to focus on the real world. Amnesia and Beg are classy, dramatic adult pop songs that showcase his voice." Adams said "Get Along" was "inspired", and showed new depth from Sebastian.[43] Take 40, said, "Brilliant work Guy! We know this is going to be a success, and will hopefully give you some ARIA nods this time next year." They called the title track "Armageddon" an "uplifting anthem", and said "Get Along" showed "the beautiful timbre of his voice, and has a very inspiring message".[40] Jessica Tisdell from music site Novastreamusic wrote, "Sebastian's latest album Armageddon (2012) demonstrates the great growth as an artist that he has achieved over the years of dedication to his career. [...] Armageddon is one of those albums that you just listen to easily and does not have one bad track." She said the lyrics of "Get Along" were "heart-warming and send a great message to humanity" and that "Amnesia" demonstrated "Sebastian's amazing vocal range".[95]
David Lim, a music journalist and announcer on radio station Joy 94.9, wrote in an article about the best albums of 2012, "When it comes to the quality of songwriting and vocal performance, this is hands down the best Guy Sebastian album yet. [...] Armageddon feels like a mature, universal pop album that would appeal to young and old, broken and fulfilled alike."[96] In earlier reviews for the singles he said "Don't Worry Be Happy" was "feel good, sun-soaked and universally appealing", and described Battle Scars as a "massive bruised ballad with a titan hook that just beats you down with no mercy."[45][97] Lim wrote of "Get Along", "The emotive political ballad 'Get Along' is possibly the best single Sebastian has ever released. I just can't get over how great his observant lyrics about religious wars are. The hook - 'Dear God, dear soul, dear Mary, Mohammed... can we all just get along?' - absolutely rips right through the heart.[96] Music site auspOp gave positive reviews for all the released singles. They said "Don't Worry Be Happy" was "bright as sunshine" and of "Gold" they wrote, "This new tune is precisely what Guy does best - oozing with class and old school soul. 'Gold' sounds like it could have been ripped straight from the streets of 1960s Detroit, what with its flashy brass, gorgeous gospel chorus and Guy's insane pitch-perfect vocal.[98][99] They named "Battle Scars" as one of the best singles of the year, with "stunning, crystal-clear, pitch-perfect vocals" calling it "superb home-grown pop".[100] In a review for "Get Along" they wrote, "This one is designed to get you thinking. To tap into your emotions. 'Get Along' is a song about hope, peace and understanding and a dream that perhaps one day we'll all be united, together as one people, one world, despite our differences in opinion, religion, creed and race. [...] Good on Guy for shining some light and spreading the love."[101]
"Battle Scars" received positive response from overseas, including mentions in reviews for Fiasco's album. Hip hop indie/pop site Hillydilly called it "epic", writing, "Evidently this guy can sing because he sure does let it be known on 'Battle Scars'. There is also a perfect amount of Lupe on this track—he is not tucked away on some last verse ****, rather he is found throughout the song."[102] David Fredrick from music discovery site Gigity wrote, "it is an instant classic that will surely grab your attention."[103] HipHop DX said it "oozed mass appeal without deteriorating into sloshy mainstream".[104] Colin McQuire from Pop Matters wrote that the "piano-laden groove adds the texture it needs to be a bona fide Top 40 hit, and Fiasco’s crisp broken-hearted rhymes illustrate the exact type of accessibility the track needs to gain commercial notoriety."[105] A reviewer for entertainment site Pop Culture Podcast said, "This one has chart topping single written all over it but due to its genuine lyrics and universal subject matter it doesn't feel like one that you have to 'sell out' to make."[106]
Accolades
"Don't Worry Be Happy" was nominated for Song of 2011 and Sebastian won the Australian Male Artist Award in the 2011 POPreplublic.tv. IT List Awards. The nominees are chosen by POPreplublic, with public vote deciding the winner.[107] [108] The song was also shortlisted for the 2012 APRA Song of the Year Award, which is voted for by the songwriting members of APRA.[109][110] Sebastian was awarded the 2012 Australian GQ Solo Artist of the Year Award.[111] He was nominated for three 2012 ARIA Music Awards. He received nominations for Best Pop release and Best Male Artist for "Battle Scars" in the industry judged categories. "Don't Worry Be Happy" was nominated for the new Song of the Year Award, where the nominees were the highest selling singles of the year, and the public decided the winner.[14][112] "Armageddon" was named in the top 20 albums of 2012 by music site The Music Network, one of only six Australian albums included in their list.[113]
"Battle Scars" won Song of 2012 in the 2012 POPreplublic.tv. IT List Awards. Sebastian also received nominations for Album of 2012 for "Armageddon" and Australian Male Artist.[114][115] "Battle Scars" has also received recognition internationally. It was nominated for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration.[16] The Awards are presented by the American National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. It also won the R&B/Hip category in the 2013 International Songwriting Competition.[15] The judging panel is made up of musicians, songwriters and industry experts, and songs are judged on creativity, originality, lyrics, melody, arrangement and overall likeability.[116] "Get Along" was a finalist in the Pop/Top 40 category, and received an honourable mention.[15] "Get Along" was a final five nominee for the 2013 APRA Song of the Year Award, and "Don't Worry Be Happy" was nominated for Pop Work of the Year and Most Played Australian Work.[17] Sebastian won Best Pop Release for Armageddon and Best Live Act for the Get Along Tour at the 2013 ARIA Awards. He was also nominated for Album of the Year and Best Male Artist for Armageddon, and Song of the Year for "Get Along".[18][19]
Commercial performance
Armageddon debuted at number two on the ARIA Album Chart, rising to number one in its seventh week, and was certified double platinum.[2][117] It is Sebastian's seventh album to peak in the top six, and his second to reach number one.[4] After only 12 weeks of sales the album was the ninth highest selling album in Australia in 2012, the second highest selling album by an Australian act.[5][6] The album went on to spend 31 weeks in the ARIA top 50, including 14 weeks in the top ten and again appeared in the End of Year Chart in 2013, charting at number 46.[117][118] Armageddon also reached number 20 in New Zealand, Sebastian's fourth top 30 album there.[3]
Track listing
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Amnesia" | Guy Sebastian, Erika Nuri | Pro-Jay | 3:13 |
2. | "Beg" | Sebastian, Tim Deal, | Tim Deal | 4:43 |
3. | "Battle Scars" (featuring Lupe Fiasco) | Sebastian, David Ryan Harris, Wasalu Jaco | Pro-Jay | 4:10 |
4. | "Gold" | Sebastian, Harmony "H-Money" Samuels | Pro-Jay, Samuels | 3:24 |
5. | "Get Along" | Sebastian, Ian Barter, Julian Bilson. | Ian Barter | 4:22 |
6. | "Keeper" | Sebastian | Louis Schoorl | 3:55 |
7. | "Don't Worry Be Happy" | Sebastian | Schoorl, DNA, Sebastian | 4:29 |
8. | "Armageddon" | Sebastian | Pro-Jay | 3:29 |
9. | "Big Bad World" | Sebastian, Julian Bilson | Schoorl | 4:28 |
10. | "Summer Love" | Sebastian, Hasham "Sham" Hussain, Denarius "Motesart" Motes, Stacy Barthe, Luke James | Sham & Motesart | 3:47 |
11. | "Died and Gone to Heaven" | Sebastian, Barter | Barter | 4:39 |
12. | "Used to You" | Sebastian | Sebastian | 3:17 |
Total length: | 47:56 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
13. | "Keeper" (Live in Concert) | Sebastian | Lachlan Monsted | 3:57 |
14. | "Out with My Baby" (Live in Concert) | Sebastian, Robin Thicke, James Gass | Monsted | 4:14 |
Total length: | 56:07 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Like It Like That (Solo)" | Guy Sebastian, David Ryan Harris, Sean Hurley | |
2. | "Out with My Baby" | Sebastian, Robin Thicke, James Gass | |
3. | "Don't Worry Be Happy" | Sebastian | |
4. | "Keeper" | Sebastian | |
5. | "Big Bad World" | Sebastian | |
6. | "Battle Scars" | Sebastian, Ryan Harris, Wasalu Jaco | |
7. | "Armageddon" | Sebastian | |
8. | "Get Along" | Sebastian, Ian Barter | |
9. | "Died and Gone to Heaven" | Sebastian, Barter | |
10. | "Who's That Girl" | Sebastian, Eve Jihan Jeffers | |
11. | "Gold" | Sebastian, Harmony "H-Money" Samuels | |
12. | "Like It Like That" | Sebastian, Ryan Harris, Hurley |
Sample credits[119]
- "Gold" features a sample from the Otis Redding recording "Shake". - produced under licence from Atlantic recording Corp.
Personnel
Adapted from the Armagddon liner notes.[119]
Standard edition
|
|
Deluxe edition DVD
Recorded at The Palais Theatre, Melbourne
On stage
- Guy Sebastian – lead vocals
- Carmen Smith – backing vocals, performed Eve's rap in "Who's That Girl"
- Gary Pinto – backing vocals
- Ben Burgess – performed Fiasco's rap in "Battle Scars"
- Terepai Richmond – drums
- Adam Ventoura – bass
- Darryl Beaton – keys
- Sam Vincent – guitar
Other personnel
|
|
Charts and certifications
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
|
Certifications
|
Release history
Country | Date | Format | Label |
---|---|---|---|
Australia[122][123] | 12 October 2012 | CD, digital download | Sony Music Australia |
References
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ignored (|url-status=
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{{cite web}}
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{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "ARIA Top 50 Australian Artists Albums 2013". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2012 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
- ^ "Guy Sebastian: Armageddon – CD". Sanity. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|work=
(help) - ^ "Armageddon by Guy Sebastian". iTunes Store. Apple. Archived from the original on 21 November 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
{{cite web}}
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