Other meanings of Dopamine
Music
Dopamine is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Børns, released on October 16, 2015, by Interscope Records. The album blends synth-pop, indie pop, and glam rock, drawing comparisons to artists like Prince and Mika. It peaked at number 84 on the US Billboard 200 and received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its lush production and Børns's distinctive falsetto.
Børns, born Garrett Borns, began working on Dopamine after signing with Interscope in 2014, following the success of his debut EP Candy. The album was recorded with producer Tommy English, who co-wrote most tracks, and featured contributions from songwriter Justin Tranter and guitarist Ryan Ogren. The recording sessions took place in Los Angeles, where the duo aimed to craft a sound that was both nostalgic and contemporary, drawing from 1980s pop and glam rock influences.1
The album's sound is characterized by shimmering synthesizers, funky guitar riffs, and Børns's high-pitched falsetto, creating a dreamy, retro-futuristic atmosphere. Lyrically, Dopamine explores themes of love, desire, and hedonism, often using drug-related metaphors to describe romantic obsession. Tracks like "Electric Love" and "10,000 Emerald Pools" became fan favorites, with the former later gaining viral popularity on streaming platforms.
Dopamine was released to positive reviews, with critics noting its polished production and Børns's vocal range. Pitchfork gave the album a 6.5/10, praising its "sun-soaked" melodies but noting a lack of lyrical depth. The album debuted at number 84 on the Billboard 200, and its lead single "Electric Love" reached number 22 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. The album was later reissued with bonus tracks, including a remix of "Electric Love" by ZHU.2
Despite its modest chart performance, Dopamine has had a lasting cultural impact. "Electric Love" was featured in numerous films and commercials, including a 2016 Apple advertisement, and has been streamed over 500 million times on Spotify. The album's cover art, featuring a vintage photograph of Børns, was shot by photographer Neil Krug, known for his work with Lana Del Rey. Additionally, Børns performed several tracks from the album on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers, helping to build his live reputation.3
All chart positions and certifications are based on official sources as of the album's release and subsequent years.
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