Gravity (Papa Roach song)

"Gravity" was released on October 23, 2015, as the third single from Papa Roach's eighth studio album F.E.A.R. (released January 27, 2015). The song was written by Jacoby Shaddix and Jerry Horton, with production by Kevin Churko. It was one of the few tracks on the album to feature a guest vocalist, with Maria Brink of In This Moment contributing powerful harmonies. The single was serviced to rock radio stations and later received a music video directed by David Brodsky, which premiered on November 10, 2015.¹

The song explores themes of emotional struggle, addiction, and the search for hope, with lyrics like "I'm holding on to gravity" symbolizing the pull of despair. Musically, it blends heavy guitar riffs with melodic verses and a soaring chorus, showcasing a more accessible sound compared to the band's earlier nu metal work. Critics noted the track's radio-friendly appeal and the chemistry between Shaddix and Brink.²

"Gravity" peaked at number 22 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and number 39 on the Rock Airplay chart, becoming a moderate hit. It received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its emotional intensity and the vocal interplay. The song was also included in the setlist for the band's 2015–2016 tours, often performed as a duet with Brink during live shows.³

The official music video for "Gravity" was directed by David Brodsky and features the band performing in a dark, atmospheric setting interspersed with scenes of Shaddix and Brink singing in close proximity. The video's visual style complements the song's themes of isolation and connection, and it has accumulated over 10 million views on YouTube.⁴

Despite its moderate chart success, "Gravity" holds a special place in Papa Roach's discography as one of the few songs to feature a female vocalist. The collaboration with Maria Brink came about after the two bands toured together, and Brink's contribution was recorded in a single day. Additionally, the song's bridge features a spoken-word section by Shaddix, a stylistic choice that harkens back to the band's earlier rap-rock roots. The track was also used in the soundtrack of the video game Rocksmith 2014 as downloadable content.⁵

Nu metal

A subgenre of alternative metal that combines heavy metal with elements of hip hop and grunge.

Post-grunge

A rock subgenre that emerged in the 1990s, characterized by melodic vocals and heavy guitar riffs.

Mainstream Rock chart

A Billboard chart that ranks the most-played rock songs on U.S. rock radio stations.