Through Being Cool (Devo song)

"Through Being Cool"
Single by Devo
from the album New Traditionalists
ReleasedSeptember 18, 1981
Genre
Length3:14
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Devo
Devo singles chronology
"Freedom of Choice"
(1980) 		"Through Being Cool"
(1981) 		"Beautiful World"
(1981)
Music video
"Through Being Cool" on YouTube

"Through Being Cool" is a song by American new wave band Devo, written by Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, and Bob Mothersbaugh. It appears on the album New Traditionalists (1981). The song was a direct attack on new fans who didn't understand Devo's message. The song was also featured in the 1981 animated film Heavy Metal as well as the 2005 superhero comedy Sky High, with the latter version performed by alternative rock band They Might Be Giants. The song is also used as a throwback in NBA 2K8.

Record World said that "a boss bass groove sets the pace for dancers while the rhythm guitars add a funky flavor and keyboard melodies go after pop ears."[1]

Promotional music video

The music video had Devo taking a limited role, focusing on a team of kids clad in Devo "Action Vests" attacking arrogant and ignorant people with "spudguns."

Chart performance

Chart (1981–1982) Position
US Billboard Bubbling Under the Hot 100[2][3] 7
US Hot Dance Club Songs 32

References

  1. ^ "Single Picks" (PDF). Record World. April 10, 1982. p. 8. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
  2. ^ "Devo - Charts & Awards - Billboard Singles". Billboard. Retrieved 2008-06-22.
  3. ^ Whitburn, Joel, Bubbling Under Singles & Albums (1998): 64