Shook Up the World
"Shook Up the World" is a single by the American rock band Puddle of Mudd. Released as a non-album single on February 9, 2010, in support of the U.S. Winter Olympics Team at the 2010 Winter Olympics. The song would also be released as an exclusive bonus track on a deluxe edition of their 2009 album Volume 4: Songs in the Key of Love & Hate, which would be released on April 15, 2010.
Background and production
"Shook Up the World" was originally recorded for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games with all sale proceeds throughout the duration of the Olympic Games that year from February 12 to February 28, 2010 from the single's sales being directed to Team USA. However, the band missed the submission deadline, and the song went unused in official event materials. The track was written by Wes Scantlin, Paul Phillips, Danny Wimmer, featuring piano contributed by Bill Appelerry who served as the song's producer as well, and the song also featured string arrangements composed by Stevie Blacke.The song's recording took place in 2009, during the same recording sessions for the band's fourth album Volume 4: Songs in the Key of Love & Hate that was released on December 8, 2009, which later in 2010 the band added a Puddle of Mudd website exclusive version of the album that featured "Shook Up the World" as a bonus track, sold exclusively on the band's official website.
The song was officially released as a non-album single on February 9, 2010, via iTunes. It was originally intended for inclusion in the 2010 Winter Olympics, though the deadline was missed. A music video directed by an unspecified director premiered on the band’s YouTube channel later in 2010.
Although the deadline was missed to use the song in the 2010 Winter Olympics, the song was still released on the AT&T [Team USA Soundtrack#AT&T Team USA Soundtrack 2010|AT&T Team USA Soundtrack] compilation album released in February 2010.
When being asked about the band's contribution to the Olympic Games, Scantlin stated:
"Being a part of this collection of great artists in support of Team USA is inspiring. But the greatest reward is knowing that our contribution will help athletes achieve their dreams of Olympic Gold now, and into the future. Here’s to all Team USA athletes who will shake up the world with their performances at the Winter Games in Vancouver!"
Composition and sound
"Shook Up the World" features a mix of blended alternative rock and post-grunge elements consistent with the group's established sound on previous releases. The composition transitions into mid-tempo guitar riffs layered over a steady rhythm section, with bass and drums providing an understated foundation beneath the melodic guitar lines. Lyrically, vocalist Wes Scantlin delivers them in his signature raspy style, with a performance that balances grit and melody to match the song's anthemic tone.Charts
| Chart | Peak position |
| U.S. Rock Digital Song Sales | 45 |
Personnel
- Wes Scantlin – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriting
- Paul Phillips – lead guitar, songwriting
- Doug Ardito – bass guitar
- Ryan Yerdon – drums
- Bill Appelerry – piano
- Stevie Blacke – string arrangement
Technical personnel
- Bill Appelerry – producer, piano, engineering, mixing
- Jack Joseph Puig – mixing
- Ted Jensen – mastering