The Energy

"The Energy" is the lead single from the debut and only major record label album Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris by alternative rock band Audiovent. The song was a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in 2002, and broke into the top 20 of the Billboard Alternative Songs chart as well.

"The Energy"
Single by Audiovent
from the album Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris
Released	April 9, 2002
Recorded	2001
Genre	Alternative rock
Length	4:11
Label	Atlantic
Songwriter(s)	Jason Boyd, Benjamin Einziger, Paul Fried, Jamin Wilcox
Producer(s)	Gavin Mackillop
Audiovent singles chronology
"The Energy" (2002) "Looking Down" (2002)

Background

Majority of the band's major record label debut, Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris, actually originates from the album Papa's Dojo, the early material the band released in their early days under the moniker "Vent".[1] "The Energy" was one of only a few new tracks not originating from those sessions, but rather, written explicitly for the new album.[1] The song was the band's first to be sent to rock radio, and the first single as well.[2] It was also included on the soundtrack for the video games Madden 2003[3], Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure, Splashdown: Rides Gone Wild, and BMX XXX[4].

Themes and composition

Boyd states that the lyrics were inspired by a difficult break up he was going through upon recording the song.[5] Boyd stated that writing the song helped him work through his emotions on the departure.[6]

"'Energy' and a lot of the record was written during the breakup, and that song in particular is about my realization that I can’t be dependent on any one person except myself. It’s just a constant reminder of where I was at that point in my life and now the song just lets me know that I can’t get back there again.”[5]

He explains that "The Energy" is in reference to having the energy to be self-sufficient, and not dependent on any one person.[7] MTV described the lyrics as " a misty reverie to a full-throttle venting session" while describing its sound as having "propulsive guitars, emotionally expressive vocals and galvanic rhythms".[5]

Reception

Margo Whitmire of Billboard magazine praised the track for its "deep lyrics and electric musical energy".[6] Conversely, Allmusic and Uproxx criticized the track for a lack of perceived energy, especially considering the song's title.[3][8]

Personnel

Band

• Jason Boyd - vocals
• Benjamin Einziger - guitar, vocals
• Paul Fried - bass, vocals
• Jamin Wilcox - drums, vocals

Chart performance

Year	Single	Peak chart positions
		US Alt. [9]	US Main. [10]	UK [11]
2002	"The Energy"	17	9	167

References

1. "Audiovent / Interviews / Silent Uproar". silentuproar.com. Retrieved 2014-11-24.
2. "Nights And Weekends - Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris Review". nightsandweekends.com. Retrieved 2014-11-27.
3. "Revisiting The First ‘Madden’ Soundtrack From 2003". uproxx.com. Retrieved 2014-11-27.
4. http://www.gamezone.com/originals/bmx-xxx-soundtrack-unveiled
5. "Lil’ Incubus? Audiovent’s Boyd, Einziger Say No - MTV". mtv.com. Retrieved 2014-11-24.
6. "Audiovent Boosted By Incubus Ties | Billboard". billboard.com. Retrieved 2014-11-24.
7. Metal Masters (2003)
8. "Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris - Audiovent | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards | AllMusic". allmusic.com. Retrieved 2014-11-27.
9. "Audiovent Album & Songs Chart History: Alternative Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on 12 June 2011. Retrieved 2011-06-11.
10. "Audiovent > Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
11. Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart Log UK: A – Azzido Da Bass". Zobbel. Retrieved 2010-06-21.