Just Pretend (Bad Omens song) explained

"Just Pretend" is a song by American metalcore band Bad Omens for their third studio album, The Death of Peace of Mind (2022). The song was released on August 23, 2022, as the sixth single from the album.

Background

An alternative metal song, it was written and produced by the band's lead vocalist and lead guitarist, Noah Sebastian and Joakim Karlsson, respectively. The song was released as the album's second official radio single in the US. An official music video for the song was released on June 8, 2023, written by Sebastian and directed by Erik Rojas.^{[1] [2]}

"Just Pretend" was a critical and commercial success; as the song built virality on TikTok, it went on to become the band's first major chart success. It became a number-one hit on Billboards Mainstream Rock Songs chart,^[3] and later topped Billboards Alternative Airplay chart as well.^[4] The commercial success of "Just Pretend" earned the band their first certification award, being certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2023. It would eventually be certified platinum in 2024. The single was also certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry on November 15, 2024.

Composition

Speaking to NME, frontman Noah Sebastian revealed that "Just Pretend" was written to be a parody of "butt rock" radio hits, initially comparing it to the likes of Shinedown and Godsmack.^[5] He elaborated:

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2022–24)! scope="col"

Peak position
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[6]	26

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"

Position
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[7]	14
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[8]	11

Notes and References

1. Web site: BAD OMENS unveil music video for "Just Pretend" . 2024-01-02 . lambgoat.com . en.
2. Web site: Enis . Eli . Bad Omens' radio rock hit "Just Pretend" began as radio rock parody . . July 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230709184945/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/bad-omens-radio-rock-hit-just-pretend-began-radio-rock-parody . July 9, 2023 . May 22, 2023.
3. Bad Omens Chart History (Mainstream Rock Airplay). Billboard. September 3, 2023.
4. Bad Omens Chart History (Alternative Airplay). Billboard. September 3, 2023.
5. Web site: Bad Omens: “The goal with this band is to expand people’s musical horizons”. NME. Chaudry. Aliya. May 20, 2023. April 14, 2024.
6. Web site: Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart. Official Charts Company. 26 January 2024. 26 January 2024.
7. Web site: Year End Charts: Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (2023). Billboard. January 6, 2024.
8. Web site: Year End Charts: Rock & Alternative Airplay Songs (2023). Billboard. January 6, 2024.