Civilization (Justice song)

"Civilization" is a single by the French band Justice and the first from their second studio album Audio, Video, Disco.^[1] The single, Justice's first via Elektra Records, was initially set to be released on iTunes on 4 April 2011, before becoming available on other digital retailers on April 11.^[2] The track was released early through iTunes France on 28 March and globally through iTunes on 29 March 2011.^[3]

"Civilization"
Single by Justice
from the album Audio, Video, Disco
B-side	Demo (12")
Released	28 March 2011 (2011-03-28)
Recorded	2010–11 in Paris, France
Genre	Electroclash nu-disco
Length	4:11
Label	Ed Banger Because
Songwriter(s)	Gaspard Augé Xavier de Rosnay Ali Love
Producer(s)	Justice
Justice singles chronology
"TThhEe PPaARRtTYY" (2009) "Civilization" (2011) "Audio, Video, Disco" (2011)
Music video
"Justice - Civilization (Official Video)" at YouTube

The track features vocals from British singer Ali Love.^[4] The song was previewed in a two-minute advertisement for Adidas, which was directed by Romain Gavras and later as opening theme of Eurosport's coverage MCE Insurance British Superbikes in 2011 to 2012.^[5] Gavras has worked with Justice previously, directing the music video for their song "Stress" in 2008, and filming a documentary 'A Cross In The Universe' about Justice's American tour in 2008.^[6] The single was re-released on 6 June with remixes from Mr. Oizo and The Fucking Champs.

Critical reception

Eric Magnuson of Rolling Stone gave the single a rating of three-and-a-half stars out of five, complimenting its "high-end baguette beat-down".^[7] He compared the song to a mix of Daft Punk's "Aerodynamic" and The Who's "Baba O'Riley".^[7] Ben Gilbert of Yahoo! Music UK & Ireland gave a positive review, calling the song "fried and fiercesome [sic]".^[8]

Composition

Civilization is in the common time of 4/4. It is played at a tempo of 90 BPM, with a change to 112 BPM on the 17th measure. It is in the key of A minor.

Music video

The music video was created by French director Edouard Salier^[9] and features a very symbolic portrayal of iconic statues and structures falling after the world upturns—presumably—killing all the buffalo. The clip was produced using a labor-intensive combination of CGI and 3D animation. It was nominated for the 2011 MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video.^[10]

Track listing

• Single sided 12" single^[11]

1. "Civilization" – 4:11
2. "Civilization" (demo) – 3:45

• Digital download single^[12]

1. "Civilization" – 4:11

• Digital download EP^[13]

1. "Civilization" – 4:10
2. "Civilization" (demo version) – 3:38
3. "Civilization" (Mr. Oizo Remix) – 3:31
4. "Civilization" (The Fucking Champs Remix) – 4:42
5. "Civilization" (video)

Charts

Chart (2011)	Peak position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[14]	7
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[15]	29
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[16]	83
France (SNEP)[17]	5
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[18]	58
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[19]	30
UK Dance (OCC)[20]	9
UK Singles (OCC)[21]	53

References

1. "Justice releasing 'Civilization' comeback single – video". NME. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
2. "New Justice Single - Civilization". Elektra Records. Archived from the original on 25 March 2011. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
3. "Civilization - Single de Justice". Apple. Retrieved 28 March 2011.
4. "Justice. Ali Love. Civilization". electronic rumours. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
5. "Listen to Justice's New Single". Pitchfork. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
6. Cochrane, Lauren (25 September 2010). "Romain Gavras: Born Free director is no stranger to Stress". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
7. Magnuson, Eric (20 April 2011). "Civilization by Justice". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 27, 2011. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
8. Gilbert, Ben (18 March 2011). "Has Scherzinger got the chart 'X Factor'?". Yahoo! Music UK & Ireland. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
9. "The Creation Of Civilization – The Video". Project Rhythm Seed. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
10. "Lady GaGa Leads 2011 MTV EMA Nominations". MTV UK. September 19, 2011. Archived from the original on September 23, 2011. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
11. "Justice - Civilization". Discogs.com. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
12. "Civilization". Amazon.com. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
13. "Civilization - EP". iTunes. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
14. "Justice – Civilization" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
15. "Justice – Civilization" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
16. "Canadian Hot 100: Week of April 16, 2011". Billboard. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
17. "Justice – Civilization" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 12 April 2011.
18. "Justice – Civilization" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
19. "Justice – Civilization" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
20. "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
21. "Justice: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 April 2011.