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{{Good article}}
{{short description|2013 single by Arcade Fire}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox single
{{Infobox song
| Name = Reflektor
| name = Reflektor
| Cover = Reflektorsingle.jpg
| cover = Reflektorsingle.jpg
| Alt = Six people with no faces standing, with "The Reflektors" written sideways to the right.
| alt = Six people with no faces standing, with "The Reflektors" written sideways to the right.
| Artist = [[Arcade Fire]]
| type = single
| from Album = [[Reflektor]]
| artist = [[Arcade Fire]]
| B-side = Instrumental {{small|(12")}}
| album = [[Reflektor]]
| Released = {{Start date|2013|9|9}}
| B-side = Instrumental version
| released = {{Start date|2013|9|9}}
| Format = {{hlist|[[12-inch single|12"]]|[[Music download|digital download]]}}
| recorded = 2013
| Recorded = {{unbulleted list|Sonovox Studios<ref name="single notes"/>|{{small|([[Montreal|Montreal, Quebec]])}}}}
| studio = Sonovox (Montreal)
| Genre = {{hlist|[[Dance-rock]]|[[indie rock]]|[[disco]]}}
⚫
| genre =
| Length = {{unbulleted list|7:34 {{small|(album version)}}|5:20 {{small|(radio edit)}}}}
* [[Dance-rock]]
| Label = {{hlist|[[Merge Records|Merge]]|Sonovox}}
* [[indie rock]]
| Writer = {{hlist|[[William Butler (musician)|Will Butler]]|[[Win Butler]]|[[Régine Chassagne]]|[[Jeremy Gara]]|[[Tim Kingsbury]]|[[Richard Reed Parry]]}}
* [[disco]]
⚫
| Producer = {{hlist|Arcade Fire|[[Markus Dravs]]|[[James Murphy (electronic musician)|James Murphy]]}}
| Chronology = [[Arcade Fire]]
| length =
* 7:34 (album version)
⚫
| Last single = "[[Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)]]"<br/>(2011)
* 4:59 (radio edit)
| This single = "'''Reflektor'''"<br/>(2013)
| label =
⚫
| Next single = "[[Afterlife (Arcade Fire song)|Afterlife]]"<br/>(2013)
* [[Merge Records|Merge]]
⚫
| Misc =
* Sonovox
| writer =
* [[William Butler (musician)|Will Butler]]
* [[Win Butler]]
* [[Régine Chassagne]]
* [[Jeremy Gara]]
* [[Tim Kingsbury]]
* [[Richard Reed Parry]]
| producer =
* Arcade Fire
* [[Markus Dravs]]
⚫
* [[James Murphy (electronic musician)|James Murphy]]
⚫
| prev_title = [[Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)]]
| prev_year = 2011
⚫
| next_title = [[Afterlife (Arcade Fire song)|Afterlife]]
| next_year = 2013
}}
}}


"'''Reflektor'''" is a song by Canadian [[indie rock]] band [[Arcade Fire]]. It was released on September 9, 2013, as the first single from the band's fourth studio album, ''[[Reflektor (album)|Reflektor]]'' (2013). Produced by [[James Murphy (electronic musician)|James Murphy]], [[Markus Dravs]] and the band itself, the song features a guest vocal appearance by [[David Bowie]] and was released on a limited edition [[Gramophone record#Common formats|12" vinyl]] credited to the fictional band '''The Reflektors'''. Two music videos were made for the song, one regular and one interactive, both being released on the day of the song's release. "Reflektor" was met with positive reviews, with critics often complimenting its musical approach. It also came second in ''[[NME]]''{{'}}s list of best singles of 2013. The song had a positive commercial performance, charting in several countries.
"'''Reflektor'''" is a song by the Canadian [[indie rock]] band [[Arcade Fire]]. It was released on September 9, 2013, as the first single from and the title track to [[Reflektor|the band's fourth studio album]]. Produced by [[James Murphy (electronic musician)|James Murphy]], [[Markus Dravs]] and the band itself, the song features a guest vocal appearance by [[David Bowie]] and was released on a limited edition [[Gramophone record#Common formats|12" vinyl]] credited to the fictional band '''The Reflektors'''. Two music videos were made for the song, one regular and one interactive, both being released on the day of the song's release. "Reflektor" was met with positive reviews, with critics often complimenting its musical approach. It also came second in ''[[NME]]''{{'}}s list of best singles of 2013. The song had a positive commercial performance, charting in several countries.


==Background and composition==
==Background and composition==
[[File:David-Bowie Chicago 2002-08-08 photoby Adam-Bielawski-cropped.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[David Bowie]] performed backing vocals on "Reflektor".]]
The band began working on the track in 2011, with [[vocalist]] and guitarist [[Win Butler]] noting, "We recorded a little bit in [[Louisiana]] with the Haitian percussionists [Willinson Duprate and Verrieux Zile] and we kind of lived with that. It's an incredibly long process."<ref name="rollingstone"/> Regular Arcade Fire collaborators [[Owen Pallett]] and [[Colin Stetson]] provided instrumental parts, alongside English musician [[David Bowie]] who provided vocals for the song. Regarding Bowie's guest appearance on the track, multi-instrumentalist [[Richard Reed Parry]] noted, "It was just after ''[[The Next Day]]'' had come out. He basically just came by the studio in New York while we were mixing, just to have a listen to the stuff we were doing. He offered to lend us his services because he really liked the song. In fact, he basically threatened us – he was like, 'If you don't hurry up and mix this song, I might just steal it from you!' So we thought, well why don't we go one better, why don't you sing on our version? Thankfully he obliged, and we were really happy about that."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/arcade-fire/72730 |title=David Bowie 'threatened to steal' 'Reflektor' from Arcade Fire |work=[[NME]] |date=September 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 12, 2014 |author=Bychawski, Adam}}</ref>
The band began working on the track in 2011, with [[vocalist]] and guitarist [[Win Butler]] noting, "We recorded a little bit in [[Louisiana]] with the Haitian percussionists [Willinson Duprate and Verrieux Zile] and we kind of lived with that. It's an incredibly long process."<ref name="rollingstone"/> Regular Arcade Fire collaborators [[Owen Pallett]] and [[Colin Stetson]] provided instrumental parts, alongside English musician [[David Bowie]] who provided vocals for the song.<ref name="Pelly 2013">{{cite web |last1=Jenn |first1=Pelly |title=David Bowie Confirms Arcade Fire "Reflektor" Collaboration |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/52209-david-bowie-confirms-arcade-fire-reflektor-collaboration/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=22 February 2022 |ref=Pelly 2013 |date=9 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="Coulehan 2013">{{cite magazine |last1=Coulehan |first1=Erin |title=David Bowie Sang on Arcade Fire's 'Reflektor' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/david-bowie-sang-on-arcade-fires-reflektor-237517/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=Brian Szejka |access-date=22 February 2022 |ref=Coulihan 2013 |date=10 September 2013}}</ref> Regarding Bowie's guest appearance on the track, multi-instrumentalist [[Richard Reed Parry]] noted, "It was just after ''[[The Next Day]]'' had come out. He basically just came by the studio in New York while we were mixing, just to have a listen to the stuff we were doing. He offered to lend us his services because he really liked the song. In fact, he basically threatened us – he was like, 'If you don't hurry up and mix this song, I might just steal it from you!' So we thought, well why don't we go one better, why don't you sing on our version? Thankfully he obliged, and we were really happy about that."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/arcade-fire/72730 |title=David Bowie 'threatened to steal' 'Reflektor' from Arcade Fire |work=[[NME]] |date=September 18, 2013 |access-date=July 12, 2014 |author=Bychawski, Adam}}</ref>


"Reflektor" is a [[dance-rock]],<ref name="Paste review">{{cite web|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2013/09/arcade-fire-reflektor.html |title=Arcade Fire - Reflektor |work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |last=Deusner |first=Stephen M. |date=September 9, 2013 |accessdate=September 23, 2013}}</ref> [[indie rock]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/music-reviews/reflektor-cd-single | title="Reflektor" (CD Single) Music Review | publisher=[[Common Sense Media]] | accessdate=February 13, 2016}}</ref> and [[disco]] song.<ref name="Pitchfork review">{{cite web | url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/15999-arcade-fire-reflektor/ | title=Arcade Fire: "Reflektor" | publisher=''[[Pitchfork Media]]'' | date=September 9, 2013 | accessdate=February 22, 2016 | author=Cohen, Ian}}</ref> The track's lyrical content is, in part, influenced by the differences between [[Haiti]]an life and that of the [[Western world]], with vocalist and guitarist [[Win Butler]] noting, "I think that life [in Haiti] is incredibly difficult and it's more amazing to see people that don't have access to food or clean water throw a party. It's not like I'm trying to sing about their experiences. I was more learning from what I saw and applying it to my own life, lyrically. I'm not trying to tell other people's stories. We're just trying to allow an experience to change you."<ref name="rollingstone">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/win-butler-reveals-secret-influences-behind-arcade-fires-reflektor-20131022 |title=Win Butler Reveals Secret Influences Behind Arcade Fire's 'Reflektor'|first=Patrick |last=Doyle |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=October 22, 2013 |accessdate=October 24, 2013}}</ref>
"Reflektor" is a [[dance-rock]],<ref name="Paste review">{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2013/09/arcade-fire-reflektor.html |title=Arcade Fire - Reflektor |work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |last=Deusner |first=Stephen M. |date=September 9, 2013 |access-date=September 23, 2013}}</ref> [[indie rock]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/music-reviews/reflektor-cd-single | title="Reflektor" (CD Single) Music Review | date=September 25, 2013 | publisher=[[Common Sense Media]] | access-date=February 13, 2016}}</ref> and [[disco]] song.<ref name="Pitchfork review">{{cite web | url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/15999-arcade-fire-reflektor/ | title=Arcade Fire: "Reflektor" | publisher=[[Pitchfork Media]] | date=September 9, 2013 | access-date=February 22, 2016 | author=Cohen, Ian}}</ref> The track's lyrical content is, in part, influenced by the differences between [[Haiti]]an life and that of the [[Western world]], with vocalist and guitarist [[Win Butler]] noting, "I think that life [in Haiti] is incredibly difficult and it's more amazing to see people that don't have access to food or clean water throw a party. It's not like I'm trying to sing about their experiences. I was more learning from what I saw and applying it to my own life, lyrically. I'm not trying to tell other people's stories. We're just trying to allow an experience to change you."<ref name="rollingstone">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/win-butler-reveals-secret-influences-behind-arcade-fires-reflektor-20131022 |title=Win Butler Reveals Secret Influences Behind Arcade Fire's 'Reflektor'|first=Patrick |last=Doyle |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=October 22, 2013 |access-date=October 24, 2013}}</ref>
{{clear}}
==Reception==
⚫
===Critical===
⚫
"Reflektor" received widespread critical acclaim. ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' awarded the song a 9.1/10 rating, commenting that it "pretty much kicks ass".<ref name="Paste review"/> ''[[Pitchfork Media|Pitchfork]]'' awarded the song the "Best New Track" tag, labelling the song a "sleek, dark disco epic that doesn't belong to the 1970s, '80s, '90s-- or any decade".<ref name="Pitchfork review"/> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' praised it, saying "Arcade Fire are the most important band of the last decade, and the music lives up to their universe-affirming mandate. "Reflektor" turns a shared sense of isolation into communion with a sleek, surging track that seamlessly integrates arty rock and diagonal funk, breaking down [Arcade Fire]'s epic sound without scrimping on its essential cathartic thrust."<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Dolan |first=Jon |title=Jon Dolan's Four-and-a-Half Star Review of Reflektor |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/reflektor-20130910 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913010009/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/reflektor-20130910 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 13, 2013 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 12, 2013}}</ref> ''[[American Songwriter]]'' also praised the song saying "All seven-plus minutes of the song feel absolutely vital, even if the arrangement suggests something more hedonistic. It's a neat trick they pulled there."<ref>{{cite web|last=Terich |first=Jeff |title=Arcade Fire, David Bowie Triumph On "Reflektor" |url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/09/arcade-fire-david-bowie-triumph-on-reflektor/ |work=[[American Songwriter]] |date=September 10, 2013 |access-date=September 12, 2013}}</ref> ''[[NME]]'' placed the song at number two on their "50 Best Tracks of 2013" list, with only [[Daft Punk]]'s "[[Get Lucky (Daft Punk song)|Get Lucky]]" finishing above it. The song also made Sam Skuse's prestigious 'Top 20 Songs of the Decade' list, placing at number 11.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.nme.com/photos/nme-s-50-best-tracks-of-2013/326746#/photo/50 | title=NME's 50 Best Tracks Of 2013 | magazine=NME | date=November 26, 2013 | access-date=February 20, 2016}}</ref>


===Commercial===
⚫
==Critical reception==
⚫
"Reflektor" charted in several countries, peaking within the top 20 in Canada and Ireland. The song was the band's highest-charting song in Canada,<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/279841/arcade-fire/chart?f=793 | title=Arcade Fire – Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart history | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | access-date=February 20, 2016}}</ref> their home country, and their first song on the U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart, where it peaked at number 99.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/279841/arcade-fire/chart?f=379 | title=Arcade Fire – The Hot 100 chart history | magazine=Billboard | access-date=February 20, 2016}}</ref>
⚫
"Reflektor" received widespread critical acclaim. ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' awarded the song a 9.1/10 rating, commenting that it "pretty much kicks ass".<ref name="Paste review"/> ''[[Pitchfork Media|Pitchfork]]'' awarded the song the "Best New Track" tag, labeling the song a "sleek, dark disco epic that doesn't belong to the 1970s, '80s, '90s-- or any decade".<ref name="Pitchfork review"/> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' praised it, saying "Arcade Fire are the most important band of the last decade, and the music lives up to their universe-affirming mandate. "Reflektor" turns a shared sense of isolation into communion with a sleek, surging track that seamlessly integrates arty rock and diagonal funk, breaking down [Arcade Fire]'s epic sound without scrimping on its essential cathartic thrust."<ref>{{cite web|last=Dolan |first=Jon |title=Jon Dolan's Four-and-a-Half Star Review of Reflektor |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/reflektor-20130910 |work=Rolling Stone |accessdate=September 12, 2013}}</ref> ''[[American Songwriter]]'' also praised the song saying "All seven-plus minutes of the song feel absolutely vital, even if the arrangement suggests something more hedonistic. It's a neat trick they pulled there."<ref>{{cite web|last=Terich |first=Jeff |title=Arcade Fire, David Bowie Triumph On "Reflektor" |url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/09/arcade-fire-david-bowie-triumph-on-reflektor/ |work=[[American Songwriter]] |accessdate=September 12, 2013}}</ref> ''[[NME]]'' placed the song at number two on their "50 Best Tracks of 2013" list, with only [[Daft Punk]]'s "[[Get Lucky (Daft Punk song)|Get Lucky]]" finishing above it.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nme.com/photos/nme-s-50-best-tracks-of-2013/326746#/photo/50 | title=NME's 50 Best Tracks Of 2013 | publisher=''NME'' | date=November 26, 2013 | accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref>


==Music video==
==Music video==
[[File:Arcade Fire - Reflektor music video still.png|thumb|right|A still from the regular "Reflektor" music video, displaying each band member wearing an oversized [[papier-mâché]] head.]]
[[File:Arcade Fire - Reflektor music video still.png|thumb|right|A still from the regular "Reflektor" music video, displaying each band member wearing an oversized [[papier-mâché]] head.]]
A music video for "Reflektor" was released on September 9, 2013 through [[YouTube]].<ref name="HitFix">{{cite web|last=Hasty |first=Katie |title=Arcade Fire's new single 'Reflektor' in full: Watch two music videos |url=http://www.hitfix.com/immaculate-noise/arcade-fires-new-single-reflektor-in-full-watch-two-music-videos |publisher=HitFix |accessdate=September 12, 2013}}</ref> It was directed by [[Anton Corbijn]],<ref name="HitFix"/> with art direction done by [[Anastasia Masaro]].<ref name="Complex VMA">{{cite web | url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/08/2014-mtv-vma-winners | title=2014 MTV VMA Winners | publisher=''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' | date=August 24, 2014 | accessdate=February 20, 2016 | author=Nostro, Lauren}}</ref> The video won the [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction|Best Art Direction]] award at the [[2014 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref name="Complex VMA"/> Katie Hasty of [[HitFix]] summarized the video, stating that "Corbijn's black-and-white version of the "Reflektor" experience has its own quirks, too, as the band dons oversized papier mache heads like puppet versions of themselves, hunting down the Disco Ball Man and putting the doll versions of themselves in a shiny coffin."<ref name="HitFix"/> An interactive music video was also made available to the public, which was directed by Vincent Morisset. However, it was made only accessible through the web browser [[Google Chrome]]. For this video, the user oversees dancer Axelle Munezero's journey through the streets of Haiti.<ref name="HitFix"/>
A music video for "Reflektor" was released on September 9, 2013 through [[YouTube]].<ref name="HitFix">{{cite news|last=Hasty |first=Katie |title=Arcade Fire's new single 'Reflektor' in full: Watch two music videos |url=http://www.hitfix.com/immaculate-noise/arcade-fires-new-single-reflektor-in-full-watch-two-music-videos |work=HitFix |access-date=September 12, 2013}}</ref> It was directed by [[Anton Corbijn]],<ref name="HitFix"/> with art direction done by [[Anastasia Masaro]].<ref name="Complex VMA">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/08/2014-mtv-vma-winners | title=2014 MTV VMA Winners | magazine=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]] | date=August 24, 2014 | access-date=February 20, 2016 | author=Nostro, Lauren}}</ref> The video won the [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction|Best Art Direction]] award at the [[2014 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref name="Complex VMA"/> Katie Hasty of [[HitFix]] summarized the video, stating that "Corbijn's black-and-white version of the "Reflektor" experience has its own quirks, too, as the band dons oversized papier mache heads like puppet versions of themselves, hunting down the Disco Ball Man and putting the doll versions of themselves in a shiny coffin."<ref name="HitFix"/> An interactive music video was also made available to the public, which was directed by Vincent Morisset. However, it was made only accessible through the web browser [[Google Chrome]]. For this video, the user oversees dancer Axelle Munezero's journey through the streets of Haiti.<ref name="HitFix"/>


==Packaging==
==Packaging==

===Artwork===
===Artwork===
The single's [[cover art]]work makes no mention of the band's name, and is instead credited to the fictional band The Reflektors. The front cover features a silhouette image band's core members. The album's back cover features a woman touching one of the band's Haitian [[veve]] images, used previously in a [[guerrilla marketing]] to promote ''[[Reflektor (album)|Reflektor]]'''s forthcoming release.<ref name="12-inch single"/>
The single's [[cover art]]work makes no mention of the band's name, and is instead credited to the fictional band The Reflektors. The front cover features a silhouette image band's core members. The album's back cover features a woman touching one of the band's Haitian [[veve]] images, used previously in a [[guerrilla marketing]] to promote ''[[Reflektor (album)|Reflektor]]'''s forthcoming release.<ref name="12-inch single"/>
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==Track listing==
==Track listing==
* [[Merge Records|Merge]] / Sonovox — MRG484<ref name="12-inch single">{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Reflektors-Reflektor/release/4897203 | title=The Reflektors – Reflektor | publisher=[[Discogs]] | accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref>
* [[Merge Records|Merge]] / Sonovox — MRG484<ref name="12-inch single">{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Reflektors-Reflektor/release/4897203 | title=The Reflektors – Reflektor | date=September 9, 2013 | publisher=[[Discogs]] | access-date=February 20, 2016}}</ref>
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Side A
| headline = Side A
| writing_credits = no
| title1 = Reflektor
| title1 = Reflektor
| length1 = 7:42
| length1 = 7:42
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{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Side B
| headline = Side B
| writing_credits = no
| title1 = Reflektor
| title1 = Reflektor
| note1 = Instrumental
| note1 = Instrumental
Line 90: Line 110:
*[[Régine Chassagne]] – vocals
*[[Régine Chassagne]] – vocals
*[[Richard Reed Parry]] – electric guitar, backing vocals
*[[Richard Reed Parry]] – electric guitar, backing vocals
*William Butler – keyboards, backing vocals
*[[Will Butler]] – keyboards, backing vocals
*[[Tim Kingsbury]] – electric guitar, backing vocals
*[[Tim Kingsbury]] – electric guitar, backing vocals
*[[Jeremy Gara]] – drums
*[[Jeremy Gara]] – drums
Line 97: Line 117:
*[[David Bowie]] – additional vocals
*[[David Bowie]] – additional vocals
*[[Owen Pallett]] – orchestral arrangements
*[[Owen Pallett]] – orchestral arrangements
*[[Colin Stetson]] – horns
*[[Colin Stetson]] – saxophone
*[[Stuart D. Bogie|Stuart Bogie]] – horns
*[[Stuart D. Bogie|Stuart Bogie]] – saxophone
*Willinson Duprate – congas
*Willinson Duprate – congas
*Verrieux Zile – congas
*Verrieux Zile – congas
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{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


⚫
==Chart performance==
==Charts==

⚫
===Chart performance===
⚫
"Reflektor" charted in several countries, peaking within the top 20 in Canada and Ireland. The song was the band's highest-charting song in Canada,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/279841/arcade-fire/chart?f=793 | title=Arcade Fire – Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart history | publisher=''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' | accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref> their home country, and their first song in the U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart (excluding "[[Ready to Start]]" which peaked while in the [[Bubbling Under Hot 100]] chart<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.webcitation.org/6gEQ0bXJ8 | title=Arcade Fire : Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart search | publisher=''Billboard'' | accessdate=March 23, 2016}}</ref>), where it peaked at number 99.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/279841/arcade-fire/chart?f=379 | title=Arcade Fire – The Hot 100 chart history | publisher=''Billboard'' | accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref>

{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! Chart (2013)
! Chart (2013)
! Peak<br />position
! Peak<br />position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Australia ([[ARIA Singles Chart|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue1230.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20130924235527/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20130924-1506/Issue1230.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-09-24|title=The ARIA Report: Issue 1230 (Week Commencing 23 September 2013)|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|page=4|access-date=12 March 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
⚫
{{singlechart|Flanders Tip|35|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|accessdate=February 20, 2016}}
|align="center"|96
|-
⚫
{{singlechart|Flanders Tip|35|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|access-date=February 20, 2016}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Wallonia Tip|38|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|accessdate=February 20, 2016}}
{{singlechart|Wallonia Tip|38|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|access-date=February 20, 2016}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"| Canada ([[Canadian Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2013-09-28 | title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs Charts : The Week of September 28, 2013 | publisher=''Billboard'' | accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref>
!scope="row"| Canada ([[Canadian Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2013-09-28 | title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs Charts : The Week of September 28, 2013 | magazine=Billboard | access-date=February 20, 2016}}</ref>
|align="center"|20
|align="center"|20
|-
|-
!scope="row"| Canada [[Billboard charts#Canadian charts|Rock]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.webcitation.org/6fRgBbNE7 | title=Arcade Fire – Reflektor : Chart search | publisher=''Billboard'' | accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref>
!scope="row"| Canada [[Billboard charts#Canadian charts|Rock]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ss_chart_search_title%3A%22Reflektor%22&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A1243&refine=1 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527182220/https://www.webcitation.org/6fRgBbNE7?url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts%3Ff%5B0%5D=ss_chart_search_title:%22Reflektor%22&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id:1243&refine=1 | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 27, 2024 | title=Arcade Fire – Reflektor : Chart search | magazine=Billboard | access-date=February 20, 2016}}</ref>
|align="center"|8
|align="center"|8
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Czech Republic Modern Rock ([[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|IFPI]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ifpicr.cz/hitparada/21/arcade-fire/reflektor/151821|title=CZ - Radio - Top 20 Modern Rock - Reflektor |publisher=[[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|IFPI Czech Republic]]|accessdate=June 22, 2023|language=Czech}}</ref>
⚫
{{singlechart|France|67|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|accessdate=February 20, 2016}}
| 15
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Irish|20|year=2013|week=37|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 12, 2014}}
{{singlechart|France|67|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|access-date=February 20, 2016}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Scotland|51|date=2013-09-15|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 23, 2017}}
{{singlechart|Irish|20|year=2013|week=37|rowheader=true|access-date=July 12, 2014}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Spain|42|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|accessdate=September 18, 2013}}
{{singlechart|Scotland|51|date=2013-09-15|rowheader=true|access-date=June 23, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|UKsinglesbyname|44|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 12, 2014}}
{{singlechart|Spain|42|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|access-date=September 18, 2013}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardhot100|99|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 12, 2014}}
{{singlechart|UKsinglesbyname|44|artist=Arcade Fire|song=Reflektor|rowheader=true|access-date=July 12, 2014}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardadultalternativesongs|11|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 12, 2014}}
{{singlechart|Billboardhot100|99|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|access-date=July 12, 2014}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardalternativesongs|17|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 12, 2014}}
{{singlechart|Billboardadultalternativesongs|11|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|access-date=July 12, 2014}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardrocksongs|14|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 12, 2014}}
{{singlechart|Billboardalternativesongs|17|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|access-date=July 12, 2014}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardrockairplay|24|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 12, 2014}}
{{singlechart|Billboardrocksongs|14|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|access-date=July 12, 2014}}
|-
⚫
{{singlechart|Billboardrockairplay|24|artist=Arcade Fire|rowheader=true|access-date=July 12, 2014}}
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 167: Line 189:
! Position
! Position
|-
|-
! scope="row"| US Hot Rock Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2013/hot-rock-songs |title=Hot Rock Songs: Year End 2013 |work=Billboard |accessdate=December 21, 2014}}</ref>
! scope="row"| US Hot Rock Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2013/hot-rock-songs |title=Hot Rock Songs: Year End 2013 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 21, 2014}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 71
| style="text-align:center;"| 71
|-
|-
|}
|}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Arcade Fire|title=Reflektor|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2013|certyear=2022|access-date=February 24, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|nosales=true|noshipments=true}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


{{Arcade Fire}}
{{Arcade Fire}}
{{Good article}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2013 singles]]
[[Category:2013 singles]]
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[[Category:Songs written by Richard Reed Parry]]
[[Category:Songs written by Richard Reed Parry]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Anton Corbijn]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Anton Corbijn]]
[[Category:Black-and-white music videos]]
[[Category:Libera Award for Video of the Year]]
[[Category:Songs about social issues]]

Latest revision as of 20:33, 31 May 2024

"Reflektor"
Six people with no faces standing, with "The Reflektors" written sideways to the right.
Single by Arcade Fire
from the album Reflektor
B-side"Instrumental version"
ReleasedSeptember 9, 2013 (2013-09-09)
Recorded2013
StudioSonovox (Montreal)
Genre
Length
  • 7:34 (album version)
  • 4:59 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Arcade Fire singles chronology
"Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)"
(2011) 		"Reflektor"
(2013) 		"Afterlife"
(2013)

"Reflektor" is a song by the Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire. It was released on September 9, 2013, as the first single from and the title track to the band's fourth studio album. Produced by James Murphy, Markus Dravs and the band itself, the song features a guest vocal appearance by David Bowie and was released on a limited edition 12" vinyl credited to the fictional band The Reflektors. Two music videos were made for the song, one regular and one interactive, both being released on the day of the song's release. "Reflektor" was met with positive reviews, with critics often complimenting its musical approach. It also came second in NME's list of best singles of 2013. The song had a positive commercial performance, charting in several countries.

Background and composition

[edit]
David Bowie performed backing vocals on "Reflektor".

The band began working on the track in 2011, with vocalist and guitarist Win Butler noting, "We recorded a little bit in Louisiana with the Haitian percussionists [Willinson Duprate and Verrieux Zile] and we kind of lived with that. It's an incredibly long process."[1] Regular Arcade Fire collaborators Owen Pallett and Colin Stetson provided instrumental parts, alongside English musician David Bowie who provided vocals for the song.[2][3] Regarding Bowie's guest appearance on the track, multi-instrumentalist Richard Reed Parry noted, "It was just after The Next Day had come out. He basically just came by the studio in New York while we were mixing, just to have a listen to the stuff we were doing. He offered to lend us his services because he really liked the song. In fact, he basically threatened us – he was like, 'If you don't hurry up and mix this song, I might just steal it from you!' So we thought, well why don't we go one better, why don't you sing on our version? Thankfully he obliged, and we were really happy about that."[4]

"Reflektor" is a dance-rock,[5] indie rock,[6] and disco song.[7] The track's lyrical content is, in part, influenced by the differences between Haitian life and that of the Western world, with vocalist and guitarist Win Butler noting, "I think that life [in Haiti] is incredibly difficult and it's more amazing to see people that don't have access to food or clean water throw a party. It's not like I'm trying to sing about their experiences. I was more learning from what I saw and applying it to my own life, lyrically. I'm not trying to tell other people's stories. We're just trying to allow an experience to change you."[1]

Reception

[edit]

Critical

[edit]

"Reflektor" received widespread critical acclaim. Paste awarded the song a 9.1/10 rating, commenting that it "pretty much kicks ass".[5] Pitchfork awarded the song the "Best New Track" tag, labelling the song a "sleek, dark disco epic that doesn't belong to the 1970s, '80s, '90s-- or any decade".[7] Rolling Stone praised it, saying "Arcade Fire are the most important band of the last decade, and the music lives up to their universe-affirming mandate. "Reflektor" turns a shared sense of isolation into communion with a sleek, surging track that seamlessly integrates arty rock and diagonal funk, breaking down [Arcade Fire]'s epic sound without scrimping on its essential cathartic thrust."[8] American Songwriter also praised the song saying "All seven-plus minutes of the song feel absolutely vital, even if the arrangement suggests something more hedonistic. It's a neat trick they pulled there."[9] NME placed the song at number two on their "50 Best Tracks of 2013" list, with only Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" finishing above it. The song also made Sam Skuse's prestigious 'Top 20 Songs of the Decade' list, placing at number 11.[10]

Commercial

[edit]

"Reflektor" charted in several countries, peaking within the top 20 in Canada and Ireland. The song was the band's highest-charting song in Canada,[11] their home country, and their first song on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it peaked at number 99.[12]

Music video

[edit]
A still from the regular "Reflektor" music video, displaying each band member wearing an oversized papier-mâché head.

A music video for "Reflektor" was released on September 9, 2013 through YouTube.[13] It was directed by Anton Corbijn,[13] with art direction done by Anastasia Masaro.[14] The video won the Best Art Direction award at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.[14] Katie Hasty of HitFix summarized the video, stating that "Corbijn's black-and-white version of the "Reflektor" experience has its own quirks, too, as the band dons oversized papier mache heads like puppet versions of themselves, hunting down the Disco Ball Man and putting the doll versions of themselves in a shiny coffin."[13] An interactive music video was also made available to the public, which was directed by Vincent Morisset. However, it was made only accessible through the web browser Google Chrome. For this video, the user oversees dancer Axelle Munezero's journey through the streets of Haiti.[13]

Packaging

[edit]

Artwork

[edit]

The single's cover artwork makes no mention of the band's name, and is instead credited to the fictional band The Reflektors. The front cover features a silhouette image band's core members. The album's back cover features a woman touching one of the band's Haitian veve images, used previously in a guerrilla marketing to promote Reflektor's forthcoming release.[15]

Fictional track listing

[edit]

The remainder of the 12" vinyl's artwork suggests that it is a full-length album by The Reflektors. A fictional album track listing, inspired by the song's lyrical content, is featured on its back cover.[15]

Track listing

[edit]
Side A
No.TitleLength
1."Reflektor"7:42
Side B
No.TitleLength
1."Reflektor" (Instrumental)7:42

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Personnel adapted from the single's liner notes.[16]

Chart performance

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[34] Platinum 80,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Doyle, Patrick (October 22, 2013). "Win Butler Reveals Secret Influences Behind Arcade Fire's 'Reflektor'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  2. ^ Jenn, Pelly (September 9, 2013). "David Bowie Confirms Arcade Fire "Reflektor" Collaboration". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  3. ^ Coulehan, Erin (September 10, 2013). "David Bowie Sang on Arcade Fire's 'Reflektor'". Rolling Stone. Brian Szejka. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  4. ^ Bychawski, Adam (September 18, 2013). "David Bowie 'threatened to steal' 'Reflektor' from Arcade Fire". NME. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  5. ^ a b Deusner, Stephen M. (September 9, 2013). "Arcade Fire - Reflektor". Paste. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  6. ^ ""Reflektor" (CD Single) Music Review". Common Sense Media. September 25, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  7. ^ a b Cohen, Ian (September 9, 2013). "Arcade Fire: "Reflektor"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
  8. ^ Dolan, Jon. "Jon Dolan's Four-and-a-Half Star Review of Reflektor". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 12, 2013.
  9. ^ Terich, Jeff (September 10, 2013). "Arcade Fire, David Bowie Triumph On "Reflektor"". American Songwriter. Retrieved September 12, 2013.
  10. ^ "NME's 50 Best Tracks Of 2013". NME. November 26, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  11. ^ "Arcade Fire – Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  12. ^ "Arcade Fire – The Hot 100 chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  13. ^ a b c d Hasty, Katie. "Arcade Fire's new single 'Reflektor' in full: Watch two music videos". HitFix. Retrieved September 12, 2013.
  14. ^ a b Nostro, Lauren (August 24, 2014). "2014 MTV VMA Winners". Complex. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  15. ^ a b c "The Reflektors – Reflektor". Discogs. September 9, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  16. ^ "Reflektor" (single liner notes). Arcade Fire. Merge Records / Sonovox Records. 2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ^ "The ARIA Report: Issue 1230 (Week Commencing 23 September 2013)" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 24, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  18. ^ "Arcade Fire – Reflektor" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  19. ^ "Arcade Fire – Reflektor" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  20. ^ "Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs Charts : The Week of September 28, 2013". Billboard. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  21. ^ "Arcade Fire – Reflektor : Chart search". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  22. ^ "CZ - Radio - Top 20 Modern Rock - Reflektor" (in Czech). IFPI Czech Republic. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  23. ^ "Arcade Fire – Reflektor" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  24. ^ "Chart Track: Week 37, 2013". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  25. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  26. ^ "Arcade Fire – Reflektor" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  27. ^ "Arcade Fire: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  28. ^ "Arcade Fire Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  29. ^ "Arcade Fire Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  30. ^ "Arcade Fire Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  31. ^ "Arcade Fire Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  32. ^ "Arcade Fire Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  33. ^ "Hot Rock Songs: Year End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
  34. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Arcade Fire – Reflektor". Music Canada. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
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