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| studio =
| studio =
| venue =
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| genre =
| genre = *[[Hip pop]]
*[[Indie music|indie]]
*[[Synthpop|synth-pop]]
*[[Ballad|ballad]]
| length = 4:25
| length = 4:25
| label = Self-released
| label = Self-released
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| studio =
| studio =
| venue =
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| genre =[[Alternative rock]]
| genre = *[[Hip pop]]
*[[Indie music|indie]]
*[[Synthpop|synth-pop]]
*[[Ballad|ballad]]
| length = 4:23
| length = 4:23
| label = {{flatlist|
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==Composition==
==Composition==
According to the [[sheet music]] published at Musicnotes.com by [[EMI Music Publishing]], "Holding on to You" is written in the [[time signature]] of [[Time signature#Most frequent time signatures|common time]], with a moderate [[tempo]] of 90 [[Tempo#Beats per minute|beats per minute]].<ref name="musicnotes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0119665&intcmp=Recommended|title=Twenty One Pilots "Holding On to You" Sheet Music in B Major – Download & Print|date=|website=Musicnotes.com|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> "Holding on to You" is an [[alternative rock]] song composed in the [[Key (music)|key]] of [[B Major]], while Tyler Joseph's [[vocal range]] spans from the low-note of [[F (musical note)|F{{music|sharp}}<sub>4</sub>]] to the high-note of [[B (musical note)|B<sub>5</sub>]].<ref name="musicnotes.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=AltPress|date=2017-01-27|title=11 alternative music videos with the best choreography, ranked - Page 2 of 2|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/11_alternative_music_videos_with_the_best_choreography_ranked/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Alternative Press|language=en-US}}</ref> The song has a basic sequence of B<sub>sus2</sub>/G{{music|sharp}}–B<sub>sus2</sub>/F{{music|sharp}}–B/E–B<sub>sus2</sub> in the verses, E–G{{music|sharp}}m–B–G{{music|sharp}}m–F{{music|sharp}}–C{{music|sharp}}m at the chorus and G{{music|sharp}}m–F{{music|sharp}}/–A{{music|sharp}}–B during the bridge as its [[chord progression]].<ref name="musicnotes.com"/>
"Holding on to You" is an [[Hip pop|hip-pop]] song that runs for a duration of three minutes and eight seconds.<ref name="musicnotes.com"/><ref name="LeRoy"/> The track expresses erratic yet catchy music, transforming from sensitive [[Indie music|indie]] [[synth-pop]]-inspired [[balladry]] to energetic [[hip-hop]] while realizing the band's [[pop]] sensibilities.<ref name="Levy"/><ref name="Pettigrew"/> According to the [[sheet music]] published at Musicnotes.com by [[EMI Music Publishing]], it is written in the [[time signature]] of [[Time signature#Most frequent time signatures|common time]], with a moderate [[tempo]] of 90 [[Tempo#Beats per minute|beats per minute]].<ref name="musicnotes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0119665&intcmp=Recommended|title=Twenty One Pilots "Holding On to You" Sheet Music in B Major – Download & Print|date=|website=Musicnotes.com|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> "Holding on to You" is composed in the [[Key (music)|key]] of [[B Major]], while Tyler Joseph's [[vocal range]] while Tyler Joseph's [[vocal range]] spans three [[Musical note|notes]] from a low [[F (musical note)|F{{music|sharp}}<sub>4</sub>]] to a high of [[B (musical note)|B<sub>5</sub>]].<ref name="musicnotes.com"/> The song has a basic sequence of B<sub>sus2</sub>/G{{music|sharp}}–B<sub>sus2</sub>/F{{music|sharp}}–B/E–B<sub>sus2</sub> in the verses and outro, changes to E–G{{music|sharp}}m–B–F{{music|sharp}}–C{{music|sharp}}m at the chorus, and follows to G{{music|sharp}}m–F{{music|sharp}}/A{{music|sharp}}–B–E during the interlude and follows G{{music|sharp}}m–F{{music|sharp}}–E–B at the bridge as its [[chord progression]].<ref name="musicnotes.com"/>


The song demonstrates Tyler Joseph’s [[rapping]] abilitites, which he performs with a catchy delivery.<ref name="Yi"/><ref name="Kerrang"/> Alongside rapping, the musical composition also contains grandiose sung choruses that harbor spirit-lifting sentiments.<ref name="Yi"/><ref name="Kerrang"/><ref name="McCollum">{{cite web|author=McCollum, Brian|title=Twenty One Pilots Get Ambitious at Compelling Detroit Show|url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2018/10/25/twenty-one-pilots-little-caesars-arena/1756128002/|work=[[Detroit Free Press]] |publisher= |date=October 25, 2018|accessdate=October 29, 2018}}</ref> "Holding On To You" features the duo bending the mainstream pop conventions towards introspective means, expressing upbeat rhythms, skittering rap, and euphoric refrains.<ref name="Law"/> The song is built on a sleek groove and immense beats while and it expresses catchy [[Musical hook|hooks]] imbued with [[electro-pop]].<ref name="Thomas"/> Dun’s drumming provides a rhythm, playing in a [[Punk rock|punk]]-inspired fashion.<ref name="Olivier">{{Cite web|author=Olivier, Bobby |url=https://www.nj.com/life-and-culture/erry-2018/10/b176840ca5461/twenty-one-pilots-blazing-new.html|title=Twenty One Pilots' Blazing New 'Bandito' Tour is a Stylish Triumph: Review|work=[[NJ.com|NJ]]|date=2018-10-31|accessdate=}}</ref> In addition, the track contains a mixture of squelchy [[synth]]s, zippy keyboards and melodic guitars.<ref name="Rahman"/><ref name="Leijon">{{Cite web|author=Leijon, Erik| url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/concert-review-twenty-one-pilots-reflect-musically-mishmashed-times/|title=Concert review: Twenty One Pilots reflect musically mishmashed times|work=[[Montreal Gazette]]|date=2019-05-23}}</ref> The musical composition shifts from being a [[Indie music|indie]] [[synth-pop]]-inspired [[ballad]] to a banging [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] number with rapped verses.<ref name="Levy"/><ref name="Rys">{{cite web |author=Rys, Dan|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/macklemore-machine-gun-kelly-rule-mtvu-woodie-awards-90819/|title=Macklemore, Machine Gun Kelly Rule mtvU Woodie Awards|title=Twenty One Pilots: Inside the Biggest New Band of the Past Year|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=[[Jann Wenner]] |date=March 15, 2013 |accessdate=January 14, 2016}}</ref>
Alex Darus of ''[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]'' wrote that the track addresses "taking shotgun of your own life and holding onto your values,"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/list/twenty-one-pilots-zodiac-signs/|title=Find out which Twenty One Pilots song matches your zodiac sign|last=Darus|first=Alex|date=July 27, 2018|website=Alternative Press|language=en-US|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> while ''[[Kerrang!]]'' stated that it was about "taking back control of your own mind, lost to mental health."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/the-10-best-twenty-one-pilots-lyrics-so-far/|title=The 10 Best twenty one pilots Lyrics So Far|date=July 23, 2018|website=Kerrang!|language=en-GB|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref>

Lyrically, “Holding On To You” is an [[ode]] to self-control.<ref name="Poffenberger">{{cite web|author=Poffenberger, Robby|title=Twenty One Pilots|url=https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/twenty-one-pilots/Content?oid=2995000|work=[[City Weekly]] |publisher= |date=September 23, 2015|accessdate=}}</ref> The song exhibit both sensitive balladry and sensational introspection.<ref name="Levy"/><ref name="Law"/> It addresses the idea of taking shotgun of your own life and holding onto one's values.<ref name="Darus">{{Cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/list/twenty-one-pilots-zodiac-signs/|title=Find out which Twenty One Pilots song matches your zodiac sign|last=Darus|first=Alex|date=July 27, 2018|website=[[Alternative Press]]|language=en-US|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> The song's lyrical content has thoughtful lines and a sentiment about taking back control of your a mind lost to mental health.<ref name="Kerrang"/> "Holding On To You" suggests a different take when it comes tp battling depression, one with a more overtly spiritual subtext.<ref name="LeRoy"/> The song's lyrics undoubtedly encourages listertens to fight self-doubt, with Tyler Joseph instructing, 'Take the pain / Ignite it / Tie a noose around your mind / Loose enough to breathe fine and tie it'<ref name="Carter">{{cite web|author=Carter, Emily|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/how-twenty-one-pilots-changed-my-life/|title=How twenty one pilots Changed My Life… — Kerrang!|work=[[Kerrang!]]|date=November 23, 2016|accessdate=April 25, 2020}}</ref>They illustrae Joseph's usage of clever [[wordplay]] regarding [[Beat (music)|music beats]] and [[heartbeat]]s while encouraging listeners to look inward and dance to their own tune: 'It ain’t the speakers that bump hearts, it’s our hearts that make the beat.<ref name="Kerrang"/> His lyrical themes primary take-away lesson being to listen to your heart.<ref name="Kerrang"/> Additionally, Joseph passionately criticizes meaningless music, delivering the lines, "When we gonna stop with it / Lyrics that mean nothing / We were gifted with thought / Is it time to move our feet to an introspective beat."<ref name="Yi"/>

==Critical reception==
Following its release, "Holding on to You" received favorable reviews from contemporary [[music critic]]s.<ref name="Rahman">{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2012/12/18/twenty-one-pilots-vessel-stream|title=Stream the new Twenty One Pilots album 'Vessel' here -- EXCLUSIVE|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|author=Rahman, Ray |date=December 18, 2012|accessdate=July 4, 2015}}</ref> Georgina Langford-Biss of [[MTV UK]] claimed, "twenty one pilots slyly snuck into the mainstream with the weirdly awesome 'Holding On To You'." <ref name="Langford-Biss">{{cite web|author=Langford-Biss, Georgina|title=Here's 21 Reasons Why We Love twenty one pilots|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/twenty-one-pilots/news/21-reasons-why-we-love-twenty-one-pilots|work=[[MTV UK]] |publisher= |date=May 3, 2016|accessdate=}}</ref> Piet Levy from ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]'' described the song as "erratic but always catchy music. 'Holding On to You' was transformed from a sensitive, [[Death Cab for Cutie]]-style ballad to a hip-hop banger.<ref name="Levy">{{cite web|author=Levy, Piet|title=Twenty One Pilots get tattoos during the Rave’s Eagles Ballroom Show|url=http://archive.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/twenty-one-pilots-get-tattoos-during-the-raves-eagles-ballroom-show-b99602140z1-339115211.html/|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]] |publisher=[[Journal Media Group]] |date=2015-08-31 |accessdate=}}</ref> Complimenting its "silky groove" ''[[AllMusic]]''{{'}}s Fred Thomas cites "Holding on to You" as one of three "relentlessly catchy single-ready standouts" featured on the duo's major label debut album, ''[[Vessel]]''.<ref name="Thomas"/> Regarding its opening trio, he continued saying, "These three songs encapsulate the band's unique calling card, offering up the best examples of what makes their approach different from any number of bands working in similar territory, with enormous beats and full-force electro-pop running through hooks modeled for [[Top 40 radio]], each element punctuated by Joseph's down-to-earth sentiments coming through in the form of caffeinated rap codas.<ref name="Thomas">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/vessel-mw0002456790 |title=Vessel - Twenty One Pilots: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: AllMusic |author=Thomas, Fred |accessdate=June 19, 2015}}</ref> Graham Clark of ''[[The Yorkshire Times]]'' likened the song to being a mixture of the increasingly successful American duo [[Capital Cities]] and [[Of Monsters and Men]].<ref name="Clark">{{cite web|url=http://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Album-Review-Twenty-One-Pilots--Vessel|title=Yorkshire News: Album Review: Twenty One Pilots - Vessel|author=Clark, Graham|work=[[The Yorkshire Times]]|publisher=yorkshiretimes.co.uk|date=September 5, 2013|accessdate=July 4, 2015}}</ref> Writing for [[idobi Radio|idobi]], after panning the awkward [[Rapping#Flow|flow]] of "[[Ode to Sleep]]" and claiming it left one doubting his [[rapping]] ability, Catherhine Yi conceded that Joseph’s quickly redeems himself on "Holding Onto You." She remarked, "... you can truly feel his passion as he criticizes meaningless music, spitting out lines like “When we gonna stop with it / Lyrics that mean nothing / We were gifted with thought / Is it time to move our feet to an introspective beat.” The song also continues the trend of catchy, grandiose choruses that will lift your spirits every time you hear them.<ref name="Yi">{{cite web|url=http://idobi.com/review/album-review-twenty-one-pilots-vessel/|title=twenty - one - pilots – Vessel: Album Review|work=idobi.com|author=Yi, Catherine |date=January 8, 2013|accessdate=July 4, 2015}}</ref>

''[[Kerrang!]]''{{'}}s Sam Law considered "Holding on to You" to be the fifth best song by Twenty One Pilots. He stated, "Another ''Regional At Best'' relic buffed up to high shine on ''Vessel'', "Holding On To You" sees every ounce of the boys’ early influence and unfettered creativity poured into four-and-a-half minutes of feeling. Bending the machinery of [[mainstream pop]] (upbeat rhythms, scattergun rap, euphoric choruses) to their own, far more introspective ends, this was a warning shot from [[modern rock]] revolutionaries ready to crumble traditional genre boundaries and capture the mood of a new generation."<ref name="Law">{{cite web|author=Law, Sam|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/the-20-greatest-twenty-one-pilots-songs-ranked/|title=The 20 Greatest twenty one pilots Songs — Ranked|work=[[Kerrang!]]|date=April 24, 2020|accessdate=April 25, 2020}}</ref> ''Kerrang!'' also praised its lyrical content, writing, "There’s plenty of thoughtful lines in this song about taking back control of your own mind, lost to [[mental health]], but this one stands out in both sentiment and catchy delivery."<ref name="Kerrang">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/the-10-best-twenty-one-pilots-lyrics-so-far/|title=The 10 Best twenty one pilots Lyrics So Far|date=July 23, 2018|website=Kerrang!|language=en-GB|access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> Dan Leroy of ''[[Alternative Press]]'' opined the song was wisely reclaimed from ''[[Regional At Best]]'' (2011). He continued saying, "Another successful [[hip-pop]] hybrid, "Holding On To You" offers a different Joseph take on battling depression––this time with a more overtly spiritual subtext––and became the duo’s first national hit."<ref name="LeRoy">{{Cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/the_top_10_twenty_one_pilots_songs_of_all_time1 |title=The 10 best twenty one pilots songs |last=LeRoy |first=Dan |date=September 2, 2015 |website=Alternative Press |access-date=March 10, 2017}}</ref> Jason Pettigrew, from the same publication, ranked "Holding on to You" as the their best song. He stated, "This is the answer to the eternal question: What do twenty one pilots sound like? Everything about the band’s character, musical methodology, pop sensibility and [[raison d’etre]] are fully realized on this song. The perfect [[Gateway drug effect|gateway drug]] with all the elements of where they’ve been and where they will escape from for parts unknown."<ref name="Pettigrew">{{Cite news|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/twenty-one-pilots-songs-ranked/|title=Twenty One Pilots Songs Ranked In All Of Their Pop Majesty|date=September 26, 2019|work=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|last=Pettigrew|first=Jason|access-date=October 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930235509/https://www.altpress.com/features/twenty-one-pilots-songs-ranked/|archive-date=September 30, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Music video ==
== Music video ==
The music video for "Holding On To You" was directed by Jordan Bahat and released on November 15.<ref name="HOT">{{cite web |url=http://www.promonews.tv/2012/11/22/twenty-one-pilots-holding-on-to-you-by-jordan-bahat/ |title=Twenty One Pilots 'Holding On to You' by Jordan Bahat |publisher=Promo News |date=November 22, 2012 |accessdate=April 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216063415/http://www.promonews.tv/2012/11/22/twenty-one-pilots-holding-on-to-you-by-jordan-bahat/ |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/twenty_one_pilots_release_holding_on_to_you_video1 |title=twenty one pilots release "Holding On to You" video |magazine=Alternative Press |date=November 15, 2012 |accessdate=April 29, 2013}}</ref> It was the very first first official music video that Twenty One Pilots had ever released.<ref name="AltPress">{{Cite news|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/11_alternative_music_videos_with_the_best_choreography_ranked/2/|title=11 alternative music videos with the best choreography, ranked - Alternative Press|last=|first=|date=January 27, 2017|work=Alternative Press|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> The video features contemporary dancers wearing skeleton facepaint bob and weave their bodies around Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun as they perform the song. At its climax, the dancers pull a rope tied around Joseph’s neck as he yells, “This ain't a noose, this is a leash/And I have news for you: You must obey me.” Once the rope breaks, the dancers are sent into an abyss as a skull-faced ballerina dressed in all-black pointed shoes, tights, and a [[tutu]] gracefully does a performance.<ref name="AltPress">{{Cite news|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/11_alternative_music_videos_with_the_best_choreography_ranked/2/|title=11 alternative music videos with the best choreography, ranked - Alternative Press|last=|first=|date=January 27, 2017|work=Alternative Press|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>
The music video for "Holding on to You" shows [[Tyler Joseph]] singing with several skeleton face painted dancers around him, and [[Josh Dun]] playing drums alongside them. The dancers are said to represent Joseph's thoughts, and how he's trying to hold on to the good part of his mind, and trying to rid the evil part.


The video was ranked at number two on [[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]' 11 alternative music videos with the best [[choreography]] list.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/11_alternative_music_videos_with_the_best_choreography_ranked/|title=11 alternative music videos with the best choreography, ranked - Alternative Press|last=|first=|date=January 27, 2017|work=Alternative Press|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>
The video was ranked at number two on [[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]' 11 alternative music videos with the best [[choreography]] list.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/11_alternative_music_videos_with_the_best_choreography_ranked/|title=11 alternative music videos with the best choreography, ranked - Alternative Press|last=|first=|date=January 27, 2017|work=Alternative Press|access-date=November 16, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

Revision as of 23:58, 28 June 2020

"Holding on to You"
Song by Twenty One Pilots
from the album Regional at Best
ReleasedJuly 8, 2011
Genre
Length4:25
LabelSelf-released
Songwriter(s)
  • Tyler Joseph
  • Maurice Gleaton
  • Charles Hammond
  • Robert Hill
  • Deangelo Hunt
  • Bernard Leverette
  • Gerald Tiller
  • Jamall Willingham
Producer(s)Twenty One Pilots
"Holding on to You"
Single by Twenty One Pilots
from the album Vessel
ReleasedSeptember 11, 2012
Recorded2011
Genre
Length4:23
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Tyler Joseph
  • Maurice Gleaton
  • Charles Hammond
  • Robert Hill
  • Deangelo Hunt
  • Bernard Leverette
  • Gerald Tiller
  • Jamall Willingham
Producer(s)Tyler Joseph
Twenty One Pilots singles chronology
"Holding on to You"
(2012) 		"Guns for Hands"
(2013)
Audio sample
Music video
"Holding on to You" on YouTube

"Holding on to You" is a song written and recorded by American musical duo Twenty One Pilots, for their second studio album Regional at Best. A partially re-recorded version of the song appeared on their third studio album, Vessel. "Holding on to You" was released as the first single from Vessel in the iTunes Store worldwide on September 11, 2012 but was first released on Twenty One Pilots’s PureVolume account on September 7, 2012.[1] A video for the song was released on November 15.[2] The video was directed by Jordan Bahat.[3] The song impacted alternative radio on December 4, 2012,[4] and released to mainstream radio on June 11, 2013.[5] It is the band's debut single.

Background

In an interview with SiriusXM, Tyler Joseph, the lead singer of Twenty One Pilots, revealed that he was considering ending his career in music, but continued as he was excited about a track he was working on called "Entertain my Faith";[6] however, its name was changed to "Holding on to You" when Joseph could not decide on a better title. While originally unsatisfied by the title, he has since grown used to it. "I remember the riff..." Joseph says while talking about the conception of "Holding on to You", "on the piano, on the keys. I'm very visual when I write music and I remember I accidentally jumped over a few notes when I was trying to figure out just the riff and I didn't think it worked. Then I listened to it again and actually the riff anticipates the chord progression in a really nice way and then I fell in love with it."[7] "Holding on to You" contains lyrical elements from the chorus of "Lean wit It, Rock wit It" by Dem Franchize Boyz. The track's vocals on the album Regional at Best were recorded in Joseph's basement, and the same ones were used for their first major-label release Vessel.[8]

Composition

"Holding on to You" is an hip-pop song that runs for a duration of three minutes and eight seconds.[9][10] The track expresses erratic yet catchy music, transforming from sensitive indie synth-pop-inspired balladry to energetic hip-hop while realizing the band's pop sensibilities.[11][12] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, it is written in the time signature of common time, with a moderate tempo of 90 beats per minute.[9] "Holding on to You" is composed in the key of B Major, while Tyler Joseph's vocal range while Tyler Joseph's vocal range spans three notes from a low F♯4 to a high of B5.[9] The song has a basic sequence of Bsus2/G♯–Bsus2/F♯–B/E–Bsus2 in the verses and outro, changes to E–G♯m–B–F♯–C♯m at the chorus, and follows to G♯m–F♯/A♯–B–E during the interlude and follows G♯m–F♯–E–B at the bridge as its chord progression.[9]

The song demonstrates Tyler Joseph’s rapping abilitites, which he performs with a catchy delivery.[13][14] Alongside rapping, the musical composition also contains grandiose sung choruses that harbor spirit-lifting sentiments.[13][14][15] "Holding On To You" features the duo bending the mainstream pop conventions towards introspective means, expressing upbeat rhythms, skittering rap, and euphoric refrains.[16] The song is built on a sleek groove and immense beats while and it expresses catchy hooks imbued with electro-pop.[17] Dun’s drumming provides a rhythm, playing in a punk-inspired fashion.[18] In addition, the track contains a mixture of squelchy synths, zippy keyboards and melodic guitars.[19][20] The musical composition shifts from being a indie synth-pop-inspired ballad to a banging hip-hop number with rapped verses.[11][21]

Lyrically, “Holding On To You” is an ode to self-control.[22] The song exhibit both sensitive balladry and sensational introspection.[11][16] It addresses the idea of taking shotgun of your own life and holding onto one's values.[23] The song's lyrical content has thoughtful lines and a sentiment about taking back control of your a mind lost to mental health.[14] "Holding On To You" suggests a different take when it comes tp battling depression, one with a more overtly spiritual subtext.[10] The song's lyrics undoubtedly encourages listertens to fight self-doubt, with Tyler Joseph instructing, 'Take the pain / Ignite it / Tie a noose around your mind / Loose enough to breathe fine and tie it'[24]They illustrae Joseph's usage of clever wordplay regarding music beats and heartbeats while encouraging listeners to look inward and dance to their own tune: 'It ain’t the speakers that bump hearts, it’s our hearts that make the beat.[14] His lyrical themes primary take-away lesson being to listen to your heart.[14] Additionally, Joseph passionately criticizes meaningless music, delivering the lines, "When we gonna stop with it / Lyrics that mean nothing / We were gifted with thought / Is it time to move our feet to an introspective beat."[13]

Critical reception

Following its release, "Holding on to You" received favorable reviews from contemporary music critics.[19] Georgina Langford-Biss of MTV UK claimed, "twenty one pilots slyly snuck into the mainstream with the weirdly awesome 'Holding On To You'." [25] Piet Levy from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel described the song as "erratic but always catchy music. 'Holding On to You' was transformed from a sensitive, Death Cab for Cutie-style ballad to a hip-hop banger.[11] Complimenting its "silky groove" AllMusic's Fred Thomas cites "Holding on to You" as one of three "relentlessly catchy single-ready standouts" featured on the duo's major label debut album, Vessel.[17] Regarding its opening trio, he continued saying, "These three songs encapsulate the band's unique calling card, offering up the best examples of what makes their approach different from any number of bands working in similar territory, with enormous beats and full-force electro-pop running through hooks modeled for Top 40 radio, each element punctuated by Joseph's down-to-earth sentiments coming through in the form of caffeinated rap codas.[17] Graham Clark of The Yorkshire Times likened the song to being a mixture of the increasingly successful American duo Capital Cities and Of Monsters and Men.[26] Writing for idobi, after panning the awkward flow of "Ode to Sleep" and claiming it left one doubting his rapping ability, Catherhine Yi conceded that Joseph’s quickly redeems himself on "Holding Onto You." She remarked, "... you can truly feel his passion as he criticizes meaningless music, spitting out lines like “When we gonna stop with it / Lyrics that mean nothing / We were gifted with thought / Is it time to move our feet to an introspective beat.” The song also continues the trend of catchy, grandiose choruses that will lift your spirits every time you hear them.[13]

Kerrang!'s Sam Law considered "Holding on to You" to be the fifth best song by Twenty One Pilots. He stated, "Another Regional At Best relic buffed up to high shine on Vessel, "Holding On To You" sees every ounce of the boys’ early influence and unfettered creativity poured into four-and-a-half minutes of feeling. Bending the machinery of mainstream pop (upbeat rhythms, scattergun rap, euphoric choruses) to their own, far more introspective ends, this was a warning shot from modern rock revolutionaries ready to crumble traditional genre boundaries and capture the mood of a new generation."[16] Kerrang! also praised its lyrical content, writing, "There’s plenty of thoughtful lines in this song about taking back control of your own mind, lost to mental health, but this one stands out in both sentiment and catchy delivery."[14] Dan Leroy of Alternative Press opined the song was wisely reclaimed from Regional At Best (2011). He continued saying, "Another successful hip-pop hybrid, "Holding On To You" offers a different Joseph take on battling depression––this time with a more overtly spiritual subtext––and became the duo’s first national hit."[10] Jason Pettigrew, from the same publication, ranked "Holding on to You" as the their best song. He stated, "This is the answer to the eternal question: What do twenty one pilots sound like? Everything about the band’s character, musical methodology, pop sensibility and raison d’etre are fully realized on this song. The perfect gateway drug with all the elements of where they’ve been and where they will escape from for parts unknown."[12]

Music video

The music video for "Holding On To You" was directed by Jordan Bahat and released on November 15.[3][27] It was the very first first official music video that Twenty One Pilots had ever released.[28] The video features contemporary dancers wearing skeleton facepaint bob and weave their bodies around Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun as they perform the song. At its climax, the dancers pull a rope tied around Joseph’s neck as he yells, “This ain't a noose, this is a leash/And I have news for you: You must obey me.” Once the rope breaks, the dancers are sent into an abyss as a skull-faced ballerina dressed in all-black pointed shoes, tights, and a tutu gracefully does a performance.[28]

The video was ranked at number two on Alternative Press' 11 alternative music videos with the best choreography list.[29]

Track listing

Digital download / stream
No.TitleLength
1."Holding on to You" (single edit)3:22
Extended Play
No.TitleLength
1."Holding on to You"4:23
2."Holding on to You" (live at the LC Pavilion)5:36
3."Can't Help Falling in Love" (originally by Elvis Presley)2:38
4."The Run and Go"3:49

Personnel

  • Tyler Joseph – vocals, piano, bass guitar, guitar, synthesizers
  • Josh Dun – drums, percussion, backing vocals

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2013) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[30] 77
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[31] 33
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[32] 10
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[33] 32

Year-end charts

Chart (2013) Position
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[34] 96
US Alternative Songs (Billboard)[35] 33

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[36] Platinum 1,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Format Label
Worldwide[1] September 11, 2012
Fueled by Ramen
United States[37] June 11, 2013 Top 40 radio

References

  1. ^ a b "Holding On to You". iTunes US. Apple Inc. Archived from the original on September 17, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2015.
  2. ^ "twenty one pilots release "Holding On to You" video". Alternative Press. November 15, 2012. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  3. ^ a b "Twenty One Pilots 'Holding On to You' by Jordan Bahat". Promo News. November 22, 2012. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  4. ^ "AllAccess.com Alternative eWeekly". AllAccess. November 27, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  5. ^ "Airplay Archive: CHR". FMQB. Archived from the original on November 1, 2009. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  6. ^ twenty one pilots - Holding On To You (SiriusXM Session) on YouTube
  7. ^ "Track by track analysis of Vessel by Tyler Joseph". Source from YouTube, recorded for Spotify. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  8. ^ Ragogna, Mike (January 14, 2013). "Vessel : Chatting With Twenty One Pilots' Tyler Joseph, Plus Reintroducing The Johnny Stallings Arts Program and Six Market Blvd". Huffington Post. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  9. ^ a b c d "Twenty One Pilots "Holding On to You" Sheet Music in B Major – Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  10. ^ a b c LeRoy, Dan (September 2, 2015). "The 10 best twenty one pilots songs". Alternative Press. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  11. ^ a b c d Levy, Piet (August 31, 2015). "Twenty One Pilots get tattoos during the Rave's Eagles Ballroom Show". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Journal Media Group.
  12. ^ a b Pettigrew, Jason (September 26, 2019). "Twenty One Pilots Songs Ranked In All Of Their Pop Majesty". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  13. ^ a b c d Yi, Catherine (January 8, 2013). "twenty - one - pilots – Vessel: Album Review". idobi.com. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
  14. ^ a b c d e f "The 10 Best twenty one pilots Lyrics So Far". Kerrang!. July 23, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  15. ^ McCollum, Brian (October 25, 2018). "Twenty One Pilots Get Ambitious at Compelling Detroit Show". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  16. ^ a b c Law, Sam (April 24, 2020). "The 20 Greatest twenty one pilots Songs — Ranked". Kerrang!. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  17. ^ a b c Thomas, Fred. "Vessel - Twenty One Pilots: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards: AllMusic". Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  18. ^ Olivier, Bobby (October 31, 2018). "Twenty One Pilots' Blazing New 'Bandito' Tour is a Stylish Triumph: Review". NJ.
  19. ^ a b Rahman, Ray (December 18, 2012). "Stream the new Twenty One Pilots album 'Vessel' here -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
  20. ^ Leijon, Erik (May 23, 2019). "Concert review: Twenty One Pilots reflect musically mishmashed times". Montreal Gazette.
  21. ^ Rys, Dan (March 15, 2013). "Twenty One Pilots: Inside the Biggest New Band of the Past Year". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  22. ^ Poffenberger, Robby (September 23, 2015). "Twenty One Pilots". City Weekly.
  23. ^ Darus, Alex (July 27, 2018). "Find out which Twenty One Pilots song matches your zodiac sign". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  24. ^ Carter, Emily (November 23, 2016). "How twenty one pilots Changed My Life… — Kerrang!". Kerrang!. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  25. ^ Langford-Biss, Georgina (May 3, 2016). "Here's 21 Reasons Why We Love twenty one pilots". MTV UK.
  26. ^ Clark, Graham (September 5, 2013). "Yorkshire News: Album Review: Twenty One Pilots - Vessel". The Yorkshire Times. yorkshiretimes.co.uk. Retrieved July 4, 2015. {{cite web}}: no-break space character in |title= at position 10 (help)
  27. ^ "twenty one pilots release "Holding On to You" video". Alternative Press. November 15, 2012. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  28. ^ a b "11 alternative music videos with the best choreography, ranked - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. January 27, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  29. ^ "11 alternative music videos with the best choreography, ranked - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. January 27, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  30. ^ "Twenty One Pilots – Holding On to You" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  31. ^ "Twenty One Pilots Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  32. ^ "Twenty One Pilots Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  33. ^ "Twenty One Pilots Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  34. ^ "Hot Rock Songs: Year End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
  35. ^ "Alternative Songs: Year End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  36. ^ "American single certifications – Twenty One Pilots – Holding On to You". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  37. ^ "Future Releases". Archived from the original on April 22, 2011. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
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