"Riptide" is a contemporary song from the singer Vance Joy.
It initially featured on the artist's first EP, "God Loves You When You're Dancing", which was released in 2013, and also on his debut album, "Dream Your Life Away", which was launched one year later, in 2014.
The single's release date was May 21st, 2013.
According to the Australian singer, the inspiration for the song's title came from a real motel, "Riptide", which he used to visit along with his family, during his childhood.
The track was written by the singer himself, under his real name, James Keogh.
Everything started in 2008, at his home in Glen Iris, when Keogh began the writing for a song. However, it wasn't until 2012 when he decided to combine the new project he was working on with the old one.
The song was first promoted on the singer's Facebook account, as he commented that it was "...just the first verse and chorus".
However, many people's encouragement he continued with his career. The song was composed in D flat major and the format in which it was eventually released was CD, as well as digital download.
"Riptide" was produced by Joy, alongside the drummer Edwin White, at the Red Door Studios, in Brunswick, in just one day. Additional help with the production came from John Castle.
The song is a mixture of the genres indie folk and indie pop and it was named a "coming of age love story", especially because of the pop references and metaphors. The track led to Vance Joy to be compared Jeff Buckley and Paul Kelly, due to the musical style of the song as well as for his vocals.
"Riptide" received mostly positive feedback from the music critics. The music video, which was directed by Dimitri Basil, consists in the track's lyrics word by word. It was released on April 2nd, 2013 through YouTube.
The single gained much commercial success and it reached many important charts.
It topped Billboard's "Rock Airplay" and "Alternative Songs" charts and it reached number seven on the "US Adult Alternative Songs". It was number two on the "US Hot Rock Songs" chart and it peaked at number ten on the UK Singles Chart. It was also an international success, being present in the charts from Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Israel, Scotland, Canada, Sweden and many others.
"Riptide" was certified five times platinum in Australia, for selling over 350 000 copies, platinum in Canada and Sweden, and gold in the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland.
The single received important international gratification and it stands as one of the best contemporary songs.
Riptide's free piano sheet is available below. Stay tuned for more.
