Shotgun (Limp Bizkit song)
| "Shotgun" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"Shotgun" is a song by American rock band Limp Bizkit from their sixth studio album, Gold Cobra (2011). Notable for showcasing the guitar playing of Wes Borland and production by DJ Lethal, "Shotgun" is influenced by funk and heavy metal and has been described as an anthem.[1] Written by Fred Durst, Borland, DJ Lethal, John Otto and Sam Rivers, the song describes sitting at home brandishing a shotgun.
"Shotgun" distinguishes itself from the style that the band is better known for with its heavier, guitar-driven style, as opposed to previous songs by the group, which were driven by the production of turntablist and sound designer DJ Lethal, and features a solo by Borland, something that Limp Bizkit is not generally known for. It was released as the album's first single in May 2011, and peaked at number 26 on the Canadian Rock Chart. The song was favorably received by critics, who appraised Borland's heavy guitar playing, and DJ Lethal's sound design.
Music and lyrics
The song, influenced by funk and heavy metal, has been described as an anthem by Artistdirect.[1] Fred Durst's lyrics describe sitting at home smoking cannabis while brandishing a shotgun,[2] while his hook encourages listeners to "jump to the sound of the shotgun".[1]
"Shotgun" prominently features the unique guitar playing of Wes Borland, as opposed to the songs on earlier albums by the band, which were driven by DJ Lethal's sound design.[2] Artistdirect compared Borland's guitar playing on "Shotgun" to the bass playing of Les Claypool, describing Borland's riffs as "hypnotic" and "heavy".[1] Borland closes the song with a solo, which Limp Bizkit is not known for.[3] Artistdirect noted DJ Lethal's production for its "otherworldy" quality, providing unusual ambiance and sound design,[1] concluding with a sample of a flute playing "There's a Place in France" over the sounds of shotgun blasts.[4]
The music video shows an aggressive live performance of the band taking from a promo tour of the Gold Cobra album, intersped with lyrics.[5]
Reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Artistdirect |   [1] |
Artistdirect gave the song 4.5 out of 5 stars, writing that the song "feels like Bizkit approached the signature style on Three Dollar Bill Y'All and Significant Other with another decade-plus of instrumental experience and virtuosity, carving out a banger that could get asses moving in the club or fists flying in the mosh pit."[1] IGN writer Chad Grischow wrote, "Borland's achy guitar bobbing and weaving through the heavy beat of "Shotgun" delivers some of the album's best guitar work".[2] Metal Hammer writer Terry Bezer also appraised the song, writing "The fist-pumping, riot-starting chorus is a guaranteed winner".[3] PopMatters writer Josh Langhoff wrote, "Guitarist Wes Borland pulls off one huge catchy riff after another, and he and DJ Lethal add sound effects that alter ['Shotgun'] subtly and not-so-subtly."[4]
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | May 17, 2011 | Digital download | Interscope, Polydor |
| United Kingdom | May 18, 2011 | Digital download | Interscope, Polydor |
Charts
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Active Rock (America's Music Charts)[6] | 26 |
| Poland (ZPAV)[7] | 43 |
Personnel
- Limp Bizkit
- Fred Durst – vocals
- Wes Borland – guitars
- DJ Lethal – turntables, samples
- John Otto – drums
- Sam Rivers – bass
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Limp Bizkit — "Shotgun" Review 4.5 out of 5 stars". Artistdirect. June 6, 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
- ^ a b c Grischow, Chad (June 27, 2011). "Original line-up yields mostly good results on latest". IGN. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
- ^ a b Bezer, Terry (July 6, 2011). "Gold Cobra review". Metal Hammer. Retrieved Oct 13, 2011.
- ^ a b Langhoff, Josh (July 6, 2011). "Limp Bizkit: Gold Cobra". PopMatters. Retrieved 2011-09-12.
- ^ www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjah56gj-AM
- ^ "Canadian Active Rock & Alt Rock Chart Archive: Active Rock - July 26, 2011". America's Music Charts. Retrieved July 26, 2011.
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