"House of Gold" is a song by American alternative duo Twenty One Pilots. It was among several songs from their previous EPs to be included on the track-listing of their major-label debut studio albumVessel. "House of Gold" is an alternative folk and pop rock song driven by ukelele that is built on aching melody and stomping drums. Tyler Joseph wrote and dedicated the song to his mother, Kelly Joseph. "House of Gold" received generally favorable reviews from contemporary music critics. The song was release as a single from the debut album, impacting radio on August 6, 2013. The accompanying music video for "House of Gold" was directed by Warren Kommers and released on October 4, 2013. "House of Gold" has since been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Background
After expanding their audience with a series of videos directed by their friend Mark Eshelman, Twenty One Pilots grew and captured the attention of the major record labels. In 2012, once they signed to the Atlantic subsidiary label Fueled by Ramen, the band released their Three Songs EP and begin working with record producer Greg Wells on their debut studio album, Vessel. "House of Gold" was released as the fourth song on the track-listing of their major-label debut album. A mixture of songs from their previous EPs in addition to new tracks, Vessel was released in January 2013 and featured "House of Gold" as one of its singles. Using the Hawaiian instrument ukelele, lead singer Tyler Joseph wrote the "House of Gold" for his mother and dedicated the song to her. After walking into a used music store, Joseph saw and purchased a ukulele even though he had no idea how to play. He figured the instrument was meant for him because it was small and he has small hands. He was able to learn how to play the ukulele, learning a few chords. In an interview with Rock Sound, Joseph briefly explained how 'House Of Gold' is about his mother. He said, "... it means a lot to me and for me to reveal exactly what the song is about would be a little too vulnerable but I love my mom very much and I want to always be there for her like she was for me and this song is about that."
Composition
"House of Gold" is an alternative folk and pop rock song that lasts for a duration of two minutes and forty-three seconds. As one of their slower numbers, it has a folkaccompaniment driven ukulele while Joseph's sings with dreary emo pop-like vocal stylings. According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Alfred Publishing Co., Inc, the song is written in the time signature of common time, with a moderate tempo of 116 beats per minute. "House of Gold" is composed in the key of C Major while Tyler Joseph's vocal range spans one octave and four notes, from a low of F4 to a high of C6. The song has a basic sequence of C–F–Am–G–C–F–C–G/B–C during its chorus and verses and follows F–A/E–Dm–Bm/D–F/C–C–F–C/E at the bridge. Its ukelele-driven track retains a memorable aching melody as well as stomping drums. Lyrically, "House of Gold" is a folksy song about Tyler Joseph's mother.
Release and promotion
"House of Gold" was among several songs taken from their previous EPs to be included on the track-listing of their major-label debut studio album Vessel. It was released as a single from the duo's major-label debut album, impacting radio on August 6, 2013. The single's accompanying music video was directed by Warren Kommers and filmed at Will Smith's ranch. It depicts the duo being severed in half while still managing to play their instruments. On October 4, the music video for "House of Gold" was released.
Critical reception
"House of Gold" received generally favorable reviews from contemporary music critics. Rock Sound Magazine deemed "House of Gold" as the band's "latest banger". Likewsie, Graham Clark from The Yorkshire Times said, "Things really get into gear with House of Gold, if you like the group Train, then this track will make sense. It has a nagging melody that sticks in your head all day. They will be playing this track in years to come at the bigger venues they are surely destined to play." Stuffs Kylie Klein Nixon claimed the song "brings more barn stomp than even The Decemberists would know what to do with." Comparing Joesphe's vocal stylinhs to that of the band Bright Eyes, AllMusics Fred Thomas described "House of Gold" as "uncharacteristically folky."
Twenty One Pilots performed "House of Gold" during an appearance at the Fuse News Waffle House at Bonnaroo Music Festival on June 14, 2013. Lead singer Tyler Joseph began the live performance with a dedication to his mom. On August 8, 2013, Twenty One Pilots performed "House of Gold" on Conan in their late night debut.
Track listing
Personnel
Tyler Joseph – vocals, ukulele, piano, keyboard, synthesizers, programming
