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The Wolf (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"The Wolf"
Single by Mumford & Sons
from the album Wilder Mind
A-side"Believe"
Released29 June 2015 (2015-06-29)
Recorded2014–2015
StudioAIR Studios (London)
Genre
Length3:41
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)James Ford
Mumford & Sons singles chronology
"Believe"
(2015)
"The Wolf"
(2015)
"Ditmas"
(2015)
Music video
"The Wolf" on YouTube

"The Wolf" is a song by English rock band Mumford & Sons. It was released as the second single from their third studio album Wilder Mind on 9 April 2015 and charted in multiple countries. The official music video for the song was uploaded on 30 June 2015 to the band's Vevo channel on YouTube.

Composition

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"The Wolf" is an alternative rock[2] and garage rock song.[3] The song displays the band's change in sound from heavily folk-inspired to more electric instruments. Most noticeably, the use of the banjo is absent from this song as well as Wilder Mind, the album which the song is featured on.[4]

Music video

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The official music video for the song, lasting three minutes and fifty-five seconds, was uploaded on 30 June 2015 to the band's Vevo channel on YouTube.[5] Directed by Marcus Haney, the video takes place at the 2015 Bonnaroo Music Festival as the band explores its sights and sounds. It also showcases the headlining performance by the band.[6] In the video the band members are dressed in various costumes; Marcus Mumford can be seen wearing a Robin Hood costume, Ted Dwane in giant chicken costume, Winston Marshall in a wedding dress and Ben Lovett in a fox costume. Actor Ed Helms can also be seen in the video; the actor performed at the festival that year alongside Dierks Bentley.[7]

Critical reception

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The single has received positive critical reception. Sputnikmusic labeled the song as a "massive highlight" from Wilder Mind as well as a "beautiful form of alternative rock."[2] Rolling Stone ranked "The Wolf" at number 43 on its annual year-end list to find the best songs of 2015.[8]

Track listing

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7" vinyl

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Side A
No.TitleLength
1."Believe"3:41
Side B
No.TitleLength
1."The Wolf"3:41

Digital download

[edit]
No.TitleLength
1."The Wolf"3:41

Charts and certifications

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Release history

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Region Date Label Format Catalogue no.
Worldwide 9 April 2015
Digital download
18 April 2015 Record Store Day 7" 4730218[9]

References

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  1. ^ Rolling Stone Staff (December 3, 2015). "50 Best Songs of 2015". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 4, 2022. The world's biggest string band discovers electricity and uncorks one of their most muscular anthems without compromising a shred of folk-rock heart.
  2. ^ a b "Review: Mumford and Sons – Wilder Mind". Sputnikmusic. 5 May 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
  3. ^ Dolan, Jon (5 May 2015). "Wilder Mind". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  4. ^ Blistein, Jon (30 June 2015). "Watch Mumford & Sons Take Over Bonnaroo in 'The Wolf' Video". Rollingstone.com. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  5. ^ "Mumford & Sons - The Wolf". YouTube. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  6. ^ "Mumford & Sons Run Wild at Bonnaroo in 'The Wolf' Music Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  7. ^ Times, Music (17 June 2014). "Bonnaroo: Dierks Bentley Jams With 'Hangover' Star Ed Helms". Music Times. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  8. ^ "50 Best Songs of 2015". Rollingstone.com. 3 December 2015.
  9. ^ a b "Mumford & Sons - RSD (Vinyl)". Discogs. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  10. ^ Ryan, Gavin (18 April 2015). "ARIA Singles: Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth Remain On Top". Noise11. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  11. ^ "Mumford & Sons – The Wolf" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  12. ^ "Mumford & Sons – The Wolf" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  13. ^ "Mumford & Sons Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
  14. ^ "Mumford & Sons Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  15. ^ "Mumford & Sons: The Wolf" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  16. ^ "Mumford & Sons – The Wolf" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  17. ^ "Discography Mumford & Sons". irish-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  18. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  19. ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 20, 2015" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  20. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  21. ^ "Mumford & Sons Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  22. ^ "Mumford & Sons Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  23. ^ "Mumford & Sons Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  24. ^ "Mumford & Sons Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  25. ^ "Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2015". Billboard. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  26. ^ "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2015". Billboard. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  27. ^ "British single certifications – Mumford & Sons – The Wolf". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 5 April 2019.