Hero (Weezer song)

"Hero" is a song by the American rock band Weezer. It was released on May 6, 2020 as the second single from the band's upcoming fifteenth studio album, Van Weezer.

"Hero"
Single by Weezer
from the album Van Weezer
Released	May 6, 2020
Recorded	2020
Genre	Alternative rock power pop
Length	3:57
Label	Atlantic Crush
Songwriter(s)	Rivers Cuomo
Producer(s)	Suzy Shinn
Weezer singles chronology
"The End of the Game" (2019) "Hero" (2020) "Beginning of the End" (2020)
Music video
"Hero" on YouTube

Composition

Rolling Stone described "Hero" as an outcast anthem, which focuses on frontman Rivers Cuomo's feelings of inadequacy.[1] The band described the song as for "the stay at home dreamers, the zoom graduators, the sourdough bakers, and the essential workers".[2] Following the style of Van Weezer's return to the band's roots in hard rock, "Hero" has been described musically as an upbeat Weezer song with heavy guitar usage.[3] Spin described it as "a dose of power pop."[4]

On July 30, the band released an alternate version of the song titled "Hero (Piano)", arranged as a piano ballad.[5]

Music video

The music video for the song was directed by Brendan Walter and Jasper Graham. It begins with a scene of Cuomo writing a letter, which is then seen passed along Weezer fans, accompanied with footage of the band performing the song. At the end of the video, the letter is opened to reveal a tribute to essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] The video includes a cameo from the band Real Estate.[6]

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (2020) Peak position Belgium (Ultratip Wallonia)[7] 47 Canada Rock (Billboard)[8] 2 US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[9] 1 US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[10] 17 US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[11] 19 US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[12] 1

Year-end charts Chart (2020) Position US Alternative Songs (Billboard)[13] 18 US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[14] 64 US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[15] 19

References

1. Blistein, Jon. "Weezer Honor Essential Workers With New Outcast Anthem 'Hero'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
2. Aniftos, Rania. "Weezer Return With New Song 'Hero' -- And Here's How They're Honoring Real Heroes Caring For COVID-19 Patients". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
3. Bloom, Madison. "Weezer Delay Album and Share New Song "Hero": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
4. "Weezer Share "Hero" Video That's Dedicated to Frontline Workers". Spin. May 6, 2020.
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgaVuxUGBOU
6. "Hello - we make an appearance in a new @Weezer music video, thus fulfilling childhood dreams we didn't know we had". Real Estate on Twitter. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
7. "Ultratop.be – Weezer – Hero" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
8. "Weezer Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
9. "Weezer Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
10. "Weezer Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
11. "Weezer Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
12. "Weezer Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
13. "Alternative Songs – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
14. "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
15. "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2020". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2020.