Rx (Medicate)

"Rx (Medicate)" is a song performed by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, a track on their sixth studio album, Wake Up Call (2017). The song's lyrics were co-written by all four members of the band and address the prescription drug abuse epidemic occurring in North America. It was produced by Martin Terefe and recorded at Terefe's Kensaltown Studios in London. Along with the group's usual hard rock sound, the song uses elements of pop and country music genres. The band's transition into the pop genre has been associated with lead singer Tyler Connolly's newly acquired piano-playing ability, which forced a change in his songwriting style.

"Rx (Medicate)"
Single by Theory of a Deadman
from the album Wake Up Call
ReleasedJuly 27, 2017 (2017-07-27)
Recorded2016
StudioKensaltown (London)
GenrePop rock
Length3:53
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Tyler Connolly
  • Dave Brenner
  • Dean Back
  • Joey Dandeneau
Producer(s)Martin Terefe
Theory of a Deadman singles chronology
"Cold Water"
(2017)		 "Rx (Medicate)"
(2017)		 "Straight Jacket"
(2018)
Music video
"Rx (Medicate)" on YouTube

"Rx (Medicate)" was released alongside its music video on July 27, 2017, as the lead single from Wake Up Call and served as an instant download on pre-orders of the album. It received mixed reviews from music critics and was praised for being socially aware but criticized for aspects of its music and lyrics. The single became Theory of a Deadman's third single to top the Billboard U.S. Mainstream Rock chart, and was certified platinum by Music Canada and multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. It earned the band a No. 1 Song Award from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) and was nominated for "Rock Song of the Year" at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Theory of a Deadman partnered with Shatterproof, a nonprofit organization focused on education about alcohol and drug dependence, helping addicts' families, and reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse. At live concerts, the band encourage their audience to seek help if they are battling addiction and invite their fans to share their personal stories. They also sell lapel pins bearing the song's title to benefit Shatterproof at their concerts.

Recording and release

"Rx (Medicate)" was co-written by all four members of Theory of a Deadman and was produced by Martin Terefe.[1][2] Wake Up Call is the first album on which the band collaborated with Terefe rather than Howard Benson, who produced their previous four albums.[3] The song was recorded at Terefe's Kensaltown Studios in London and was mixed by Oskar Winberg, while engineering was done by George Murphy and Bobby Shin.[4][5]

The single was released alongside its music video on July 27, 2017; the same day, Theory of a Deadman announced the name of their pending album. It was included as an instant download with pre-orders of Wake Up Call, which were accepted the next day.[6] According to lead singer Tyler Connolly, the song was originally titled "Rx" but the band decided to change it after finding out fans were searching for a song called "Medicate" upon its release.[7] On November 3, 2017, the band released a "symphonic acoustic" version of the song that included an acoustic and orchestral background.[8]

Composition and lyrics

The lyrics of the single discuss the opioid epidemic that has affected North America, particularly the United States. The first part of the track's chorus consists of Connolly singing, "I am so freaking bored / Nothing to do today". Connolly said the chorus had been written before the rest of the song; he told iHeartRadio he was "bored and sitting around",[9] and told Billboard, "I probably could have talked about anything and made the song silly and stupid". The chorus shifts into more serious subject matter, finishing with the lyrics, "I guess I'll sit around and medicate".[10] The decision to write about drug abuse came after the death of a friend's wife, who took a cocktail of pills.[11] Connolly said he wanted to be sure the lyrics did not convey the message that it is "cool to be high" or that the band were taking advantage or "poking fun" at issues surrounding substance abuse.[12] Further inspiration came from Connolly's experience of seeking therapy following his divorce in 2010; he told Billboard, "...the first thing [the therapist] said was, 'I want to put you on some beta blockers or some sort of anti-depressant stuff' and I'm like, 'No! No way! What? How is that the first thing you want to do?'" These experiences motivated Connolly to write about society's over-dependence on prescription drugs; he said, "I just feel like something’s wrong and I felt like the song needed to be written and people needed to hear it. It seems like every week something terrible is happening".[13]

The music of "Rx (Medicate)" contains an acoustic guitar riff, a distinctive whistling tune performed by Connolly, the sound of strings in the background, and elements of country music.[14][15] Classic Rock called the track "an atmospheric piece of acoustic pop-rock",[16] and Billboard and Loudwire both said it leans more towards the pop genre rather than the band's usual hard-rock sound. This has been attributed to Connolly's learning to play the piano, which he said forced him to write music differently. He rejected the notion that he was abandoning rock and said the song's change of musical direction had occurred naturally.[13][17]

Critical reception

James Christopher Monger of AllMusic called "Rx (Medicate)" an "opioid crisis anti-anthem" and one of the songs on the record that felt "rooted in the present",[18] and Alternative Addiction called it—along with other tracks on the album—"ridiculously fun".[19] In less enthusiastic critiques of Wake Up Call, Über Röck's Jonni D criticized the single, stating that the "auto-tuned whistling hooks wreak aural havoc".[20] Allen J. Miller from Cryptic Rock said the song sounds socially aware but accused Connolly of "lazy songwriting" that seems to "glorify addiction rather than crusade against it" because of the lyrics in the bridge: "Your friends are high right now ... And no one’s ever coming down", but added that Connolly's lyrics have often been misinterpreted.[21]

Connolly acknowledged the song has drawn "some pushback from fans",[9] but the band has also received positive reception at live performances. Guitarist Dave Brenner supported his statement, saying, "You see fans, like, singing with tears strolling down their face. It's crazy."[22] Connolly said he felt this was the "most important song" the band has ever written; bassist Dean Back stated, "It’s looking like it’s the biggest song of our career right now".[23][3]

Commercial performance and recognition

In the band's native Canada, "Rx (Medicate)" spent five weeks on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 86,[24] and reached number four on the Canada Rock airplay chart.[25] In the United States, the single debuted at number 32 on the Billboard US Mainstream Rock chart in August 2017.[26] In its tenth week, the single peaked at number one, where it stayed for six consecutive weeks.[27] This made it Theory of a Deadman's third song, following "Bad Girlfriend" and "Lowlife", to top this particular chart.[28] Although it did not appear on the Billboard Hot 100, the song peaked at number 10 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart,[29] and climbed to number four on both the Hot Rock Songs chart and Rock Digital Songs chart.[30][31] On the Rock Airplay chart, "Rx (Medicate)" peaked at number eight and reached number 28 in its seventh week on the Alternative Songs chart.[32][33] The song appeared on the Billboard Year-End charts for Hot Rock Songs and Mainstream Rock at the end of 2017, reaching positions 27 and 25, respectively.[34][35]

The single was certified platinum by Music Canada in 2018 and 2× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2020.[36][37] "Rx (Medicate)" earned Theory of a Deadman a "No. 1 Song Award" from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) and was nominated for "Rock Song of the Year" at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards, losing to Foo Fighters' "Run".[1][38]

Music video

The music video for "Rx (Medicate)" was filmed in Los Angeles by director Maria Juranic. The video's main narrative focuses on Rose, a teenage girl who is selling prescription drugs to financially support her sick mother. Scenes of Rose stopping at various homes to deliver the drugs alternate with scenes of the people who are affected by the drugs she sells. These are interspersed with clips of the band driving through the city in a 1972 Cadillac Eldorado convertible. At one point, the group and Rose cross paths at an intersection.[39][40]

Partnership with Shatterproof
"If you’re going to release a song like this, you have to do more than just have an opinion and complain that nobody is doing anything [about] it. Our contribution goes beyond that."

—Tyler Connolly[41]

In the wake of the song's release, the band partnered with the nonprofit organization Shatterproof, to raise awareness about addiction and to form a connection with their fans. Shatterproof focuses on removing the stigma often attached to drug and alcohol dependence and supports affected families and addicts in recovery and treatment programs. Following live performances of "Rx (Medicate)", the organization's website is displayed on a large screen behind the band as they encourage others to seek help if they feel they are battling addiction. Fans are invited to share their stories on faux prescription pads found at merchandise booths at the band's concerts and at Shatterproof's website. Lapel pins that say "Theory Rx" are sold at live events; proceeds from their sale are donated to Shatterproof.[41][42]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Wake Up Call and AllMusic.[4][5]

Theory of a Deadman

  • Tyler Connolly – writer, vocals, guitar, whistle
  • Dave Brenner – writer, guitar, backing vocals
  • Dean Back – writer, bass, backing vocals
  • Joey Dandeneau – writer, drums, backing vocals

Additional musicians

  • David Angell – violin
  • Monisa Angell – viola
  • David Davidson – violin
  • Carole Rabinowitz – cello
  • Nikolaj Torplarsen – piano

Production

Location

  • Recorded at Kensaltown Studios in London, England[10]

Charts

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[36] Platinum 80,000
United States (RIAA)[37] 2× Platinum 2,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References
  1. Druckman, Howard (November 16, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Earn SOCAN No. 1 Song Award for "Rx (Medicate)"". Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  2. Frometa, RJ (September 8, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Share New Track "Echoes"". Vents Magazine. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  3. Zillich, Tom (December 15, 2017). "'Rx (Medicate)' the biggest song of Theory of a Deadman's 16-year career, North Delta bassist raves". Surrey Now-Leader. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  4. Wake Up Call (Liner notes). Theory of a Deadman. Roadrunner Records, Atlantic Records. 2017.CS1 maint: others (link)
  5. "Rx (Medicate) – Theory of a Deadman – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 17, 2018.
  6. "Theory of a Deadman to Release 'Wake Up Call' Album in October". Blabbermouth.net. July 27, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  7. Tyler Connolly from Theory of a Deadman spends 10 minutes w/ Taryn. KISW. November 7, 2017. Event occurs at 3:45. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  8. "Theory of a Deadman shares "Symphonic Acoustic" version of "Rx (Medicate)"". ABC News Radio. November 3, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  9. Kennedy, John (January 22, 2018). "Tyler Connolly Talks About Theory of a Deadman's New Sound". iHeartMedia. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  10. Rutherford, Kevin (October 20, 2017). "How Theory of a Deadman Cracked the Charts With Opioid Addiction-Focused Single". Billboard. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  11. Theory Interview – Stingray PausePlay. Stingray Music. December 13, 2017. Event occurs at 8:51. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  12. Pinfield, Matt (February 26, 2018). 189: Theory of a Deadman – Tyler Connolly on writing 'Wake Up Call' on the piano, impacting fans with their chart-topping single "Rx (Medicate)", and his earliest studio experiences. Spotify. Event occurs at 26:03. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  13. Graff, Gary (July 27, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Shares 'Rx' Video from Upcoming 'Wake Up Call' Album: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  14. "Theory of a Deadman Return with New Single, "Rx"". WIXO. August 14, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  15. Pinfield, Matt (February 26, 2018). 189: Theory of a Deadman – Tyler Connolly on writing 'Wake Up Call' on the piano, impacting fans with their chart-topping single "Rx (Medicate)", and his earliest studio experiences. Spotify. Event occurs at 26:35. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  16. "Theory of a Deadman introduce 'positive change' of sound in opioid abuse song". Classic Rock. August 22, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  17. Hill, John (July 27, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Announce New Album, Unveil Video for New Single 'Rx'". Loudwire. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  18. Monger, James Christopher. "Wake Up Call – Theory of a Deadman". AllMusic. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  19. "Album Review of Wake Up Call by Theory of a Deadman". Alternative Addiction. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  20. D, Jonni (November 13, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman – 'Wake Up Call'". Über Röck. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  21. Miller, Allen (October 26, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman – Wake Up Call (Album Review)". Cryptic Rock. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  22. Theory Interview – Stingray PausePlay. Stingray Music. December 13, 2017. Event occurs at 10:12. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  23. Theory Interview – Stingray PausePlay. Stingray Music. December 13, 2017. Event occurs at 9:31. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  24. "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Billboard Canadian Hot 100 – Rx (Medicate)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  25. "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Canada Rock – Rx (Medicate)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  26. "Mainstream Rock Songs – The Week of August 19, 2017". Billboard. August 18, 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  27. "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Mainstream Rock Songs – Rx (Medicate) Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  28. "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History – Mainstream Rock". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  29. "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100 – Rx (Medicate)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  30. "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Hot Rock Songs – Rx (Medicate)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  31. "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Rock Digital Song Sales – Rx (Medicate)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  32. "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Rock Airplay – Rx (Medicate)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  33. "Theory of a Deadman – Chart History: Alternative Songs – Rx (Medicate)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  34. "Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  35. "Mainstream Rock Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  36. "Canadian single certifications – Theory – Rx (Medicate)". Music Canada. January 8, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
  37. "American single certifications – Theory of a Deadman – Rx (Medicate)". Recording Industry Association of America. December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
  38. Mastrogiannis, Nicole (March 7, 2018). "Foo Fighters Win iHeartRadio Music Award for Rock Song of the Year". iHeartMedia. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  39. "Theory – Rx (Medicate) [Official Video]". YouTube. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  40. "Theory – Rx (Medicate) [Behind the Scenes]". YouTube. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  41. "The Theory of a Band on a Mission". Shatterproof. November 3, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  42. Theory Interview – Stingray PausePlay. Stingray Music. December 13, 2017. Event occurs at 10:17. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
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