“Centuries” (stylized as “Cen✝uries”) is a song by American rock band Fall Out Boy, released September 9, 2014 as the lead single from their upcoming currently untitled sixth studio album.
Background
“Centuries” was written by Pete Wentz, Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman, Andy Hurley, Justin Tranter, Michael Fonseca and Raja Kumari in mid-2014 and was produced by Omega and J.R. Rotem, the latter of which also co-wrote the track. Stump originally came forward with the song while Fall Out Boy were on the Monumentour with fellow American band Paramore. In an interview with Kerrang!, Wentz described the idea of the song as a “David vs. Goliath story”, stating “We wanted to write a song that empowered people who are a little weird”.
“Centuries” contains a sample of the song “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega, although it was re-recorded by Lolo for “Centuries”, which Stump described as “a tip of the hat” to “Tom’s Diner” and that the band wants to “re-inject” it into pop culture.
Release
Days after the ending of Monumentour, on September 4, 2014, Fall Out Boy released a teaser video depicting the title of the song in Morse code. “Centuries” received its worldwide premiere on BBC Radio 1 on September 8, 2014 before being released worldwide the next day.
Critical reception
“Centuries” has received favourable reviews from music critics, while seeing a mixed reaction from the band’s fanbase. MTV described as the song as “The ultimate battle cry of a track”, while Under the Gun described its hook as the band “Taking yet another step in their evolution from pop punk giants to bonafide pop stars.”
Vidette provided a positive review, stating “‘Centuries’ displays a definite pop vibe and certainly does not reflect much of the band’s earlier albums. Fall Out Boy seems to have produced this song with greater musing in mind than their concept album.” B-Sides on Air also applauded the song, noting how it acknowledges contemporary radio trends and calling it “An infusion of electronic elements to up the ante on the band’s next step in their musical journey”. However, the reviewer criticized Stump’s vocals as “raw” and “overdone”, causing the track to lose its “charm”.
Music video
The official music video, which features the band members in a gladiator-style battle, was released on October 17, 2014. The video was shot on-site at Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Prior to the release of an official music video, Fall Out Boy released a video for “Centuries” filmed in Chicago featuring the use of the mobile app Hyperlapse on September 8, 2014.
Commercial performance
“Centuries” debuted at No. 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on Digital Songs with 133,000 first week sales. It also opened at No. 2 on Hot Rock Songs and No. 14 on Alternative. It has been commissioned to alternative, pop and active rock radio. In Australia it debuted at No. 59 but rose to No. 55 the week after.
On September 10, 2014, ESPN announced that “Centuries” would serve as the official “anthem” for its coverage of the inaugural College Football Playoff, and be incorporated into promotions leading up to the games.
“Centuries” also is being used by WWE as the official theme song of Friday Night SmackDown.
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