Wow (Beck song)

"Wow" (occasionally stylized as "WOW") is a song by American musician Beck. It is the second single from his thirteenth studio album Colors. Billboard ranked "Wow" at number 60 on their Billboard's 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016" list.^[2]

"Wow"
Single by Beck
from the album Colors
Released	June 2, 2016
Genre	Trap^[1]
Length	3:40
Label	Capitol Fonograf
Songwriter(s)	Beck Hansen Cole M. Greif-Neill
Producer(s)	Beck Cole M.G.N.
Beck singles chronology
"Dreams" (2015) "Wow" (2016) "Dear Life" (2017)
Music video
"Wow" on YouTube

Background

Hip hop artist Chance the Rapper was originally intended to make a guest appearance on the track: Beck told NME, "Four or five months ago we tried to get Chance on 'Wow.' I'm not sure what happened with that."^[3] A version with rapper Lil Yachty was also recorded.^[4]

Usage in media

The song was featured in a 2017 Acura MDX car commercial that debuted in September 2016.^[5][6]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2016)	Peak position
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)^[7]	8
Japan (Billboard Japan Hot 100)^[8]	98
Japan Airplay (Billboard Japan Radio Songs)^[9]	19
Mexico Ingles Airplay (Billboard)^[10]	35
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)^[11]	12
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)^[12]	5
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)^[13]	10
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)^[14]	13

Year-end charts

Chart (2016)	Position
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)^[15]	29
US Alternative Songs (Billboard)^[16]	30
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)^[17]	40
US Rock Airplay Songs (Billboard)^[18]	34

Release history

Country	Date	Format	Label	Ref.
Worldwide	June 2, 2016	Digital download	Capitol Fonograf	^[19]
Italy	July 1, 2016	Contemporary hit radio	Universal	^[20]

Certifications

Certifications for "Wow"

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)^[21]	Gold	500,000
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

1. "Beck goes trap on OG Maco-sampling new single 'WOW'". 2 June 2016.
2. "Billboard's 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016: Critics' Picks". Billboard. December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
3. "Beck Interview: Superstar Talks About New Single 'Wow'". NME. 2016-06-03. Retrieved 2016-10-27.
4. "Beck on Besting Beyonce at the Grammys, Rappers Like Lil Yachty and His Happy New Album". Billboard. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
5. Acura – MDX – Anthem. YouTube. 6 September 2016.
6. Acura – MDX – Wake. YouTube. 6 September 2016.
7. "Beck – Wow" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
8. Billboard Japan Hot 100 | Charts | Billboard JAPAN (retrieved June 23, 2016)
9. Billboard Japan Radio Songs | Charts | Billboard JAPAN (retrieved June 23, 2016)
10. "Beck Chart History (Mexico Ingles Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
11. "Beck Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
12. "Beck Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
13. "Beck Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
14. "Beck Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
15. "Adult Alternative Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. 9 December 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
16. "Alternative Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. 2 January 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
17. "Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. 2 January 2013. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
18. "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. 13 December 2013. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
19. "Beck - Wow Single Date". iTunes. June 2, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
20. "Beck - Wow Radiodate". radioairplay.fm. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
21. "American single certifications – Beck – Wow". Recording Industry Association of America.