Dance Apocalyptic
"Dance Apocalyptic" is a song by Janelle Monáe, issued as the second single from her second studio album, The Electric Lady. The song was co-written with Charles Joseph II and Nathaniel Irvin III, and Monae, Chuck Lightning and Nate "Rocket" Wonder providing production. "Dance Apocalyptic" is a dance-pop song with elements of hip-hop, doo-wop, rock, Motown, and new wave. The song is built on kick-drums, keyboards, an electric guitar, scratching and synthesizers. Lyrically, the song is about dancing and liberation.
"Dance Apocalyptic" received widespread positive reviews, with critics noting its catchiness and feel-good lyrics.Composition and lyrics
"Dance Apocalyptic" is a dance-pop, new wave rock, doo-wop, Motown and hip-hop song.Reception
Keith Murphy of Vibe praised the song, calling it an "infectious rave-up" and "the soundtrack to endless summer cookouts".Music video
The music video was directed by Wendy Morgan. The video features Janelle performing in a vintage style club accompanied by a band wearing black and white. in the midpoint of the video, there is a interruption where a news reporter reports on an Apocalypse, similar to the one described in Book of Revelation, with locusts, fires, earthquakes, and the raising of the dead. The video then returns back to Janelle performing as her band destroys their instruments. The video ends with a gang of bikers taking Janelle and her band away.Live performances
On September 9, 2013, Monáe performed the song on the Late Show with David Letterman. She then performed the song on Saturday Night Live on October 26.Track listing
Charts