What makes Heathens by Twenty One Pilots notable?

'Heathens' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks, marking it as one of the band's most commercially successful singles. Its association with a major film heightened its cultural relevance and sparked conversations around mental health themes in popular music. By 2016, Twenty One Pilots had gained significant traction following their breakthrough album 'Blurryface'. 'Heathens' was released as part of the 'Suicide Squad' soundtrack, positioning the band at a peak moment in their career and expanding their reach into mainstream pop culture.

How many songs are on Heathens?

Heathens has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Heathens

Twenty One Pilots · 2016

3 min · 1 track · alternative rock

Dark, moody soundscapes blend with introspective lyrics and a haunting melody that captures the complexities of mental struggle.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heathens — The track serves as a powerful commentary on societal perceptions of outsiders, using dark imagery to explore themes of acceptance and identity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The song's haunting melody and layered harmonies create a compelling listening experience, reflecting its themes effectively.

What we noticed

The song features a steady, mid-tempo beat that underpins the haunting melody throughout its duration.
Layered vocal harmonies create a sense of depth, with the lead vocals often accompanied by subtle backing vocals that enhance the emotional weight.
The structure follows a traditional verse-chorus format, but the bridge introduces a shift in dynamics, building tension before returning to the chorus.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Gained significant traction and recognition after the success of 'Blurryface'.
Themes: Suicide Squad soundtrack· societal judgment
Career context: By 2016, Twenty One Pilots had gained significant traction following their breakthrough album 'Blurryface'. 'Heathens' was released as part of the 'Suicide Squad' soundtrack, positioning the band at a peak moment in their career and expanding their reach into mainstream pop culture.
Stylistic neighbors: Panic! at the Disco· Fall Out Boy· Imagine Dragons

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Heathens

A shift occurs when the narrator directly addresses listeners, urging them to embrace their flaws amidst a backdrop of uncertainty.

This direct address creates an intimate connection and emphasizes vulnerability, making the message of acceptance more impactful.