Notion (The Rare Occasions song)

"Notion" is a song by American indie rock band The Rare Occasions, written by lead singer Brian McLaughlin. It was first released independently as part of their Futureproof EP on August 5, 2016. The song went viral on TikTok and YouTube in October 2021, with a slowed version of the song being used in videos portraying nostalgia.^[1] The renewed popularity of the song led the band to re-release it as a single.

"Notion"
Single by the Rare Occasions
from the EP Futureproof
Released	December 2, 2021 (2021-12-02)
Recorded	2016
Length	3:15
Label	Elektra
Songwriter(s)	Brian McLaughlin
Producer(s)	Steve Sacco
The Rare Occasions singles chronology
"Origami" (2021) "Notion" (2021) "Seasick" (2022)

Meaning

"Notion" is about religion, or specifically, not believing in it. The opening lines ("Sure it's a calming notion, perpetual in motion, but I don't need the comfort in any lies") and the ending lines (“Sure it’s a calming notion, but it’s a lie”) describe how religious texts calm people, though what it tells might not be true. In his 2016 review of the EP Futureproof, Mitch Mosk of Atwood Magazine wrote that the song makes one consider that "Life has its ups and its downs, but that isn't a reason to not live each day to our fullest potential."^[2]

Reception

"Notion" entered the UK Singles Chart for two weeks and peaked at number 72.^[3]

Personnel

The Rare Occasions

• Brian McLaughlin – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar, orchestral arrangement
• Peter Stone – lead guitar
• Jeremy Cohen – bass guitar
• Luke Imbusch – drums, percussion

Technical

• Maria Rice – mastering
• Steve Sacco – production, mixing, recording
• Mitchell Haeuszer – recording

Charts

Weekly charts Weekly chart performance for "Notion" Chart (2022) Peak position Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[4] 94 Global 200 (Billboard)[5] 132 Ireland (IRMA)[6] 73 Portugal (AFP)[7] 121 UK Singles (OCC)[8] 72 US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[9] 3 US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[10] 11

Year-end charts Year-end chart performance for "Notion" Chart (2022) Position US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[11] 24

Certifications

Certifications for "Notion"

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Poland (ZPAV)[12]	Gold	25,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[13]	Silver	200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[14]	Platinum	1,000,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

1. Wasylak, Victoria (October 18, 2021). "Boston Thriving: The Rare Occasions top Spotify's 'Viral 50 – USA' chart". Vanyaland. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
2. Mosk, Mitch (August 11, 2016). "Our Take: Daring and Depth on the Rare Occasions' "Futureproof" EP". Atwood Magazine. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
3. "Rare Occasions | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
4. "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of March 5, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
5. "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of February 19, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
6. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – The Rare Occasions". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
7. "The Rare Occasions – Notion". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
8. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
9. "Bubbling Under Hot 100: Week of February 19, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
10. "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs: Week of February 26, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
11. "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
12. "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 18, 2023. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Notion in the search box.
13. "British single certifications – Rare Occasions – Notion". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
14. "American single certifications – The Rare Occasions – Notion". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 1, 2023.

External links

• Notion official music video on YouTube