| "New Slang" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by The Shins | ||||
| from the album Oh, Inverted World | ||||
| B-side | "Sphagnum Esplanade" | |||
| Released | February 2001 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:51 | |||
| Label | Sub Pop | |||
| Songwriter(s) | James Mercer | |||
| The Shins singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"New Slang" is a song by American rock band The Shins, released in February 2001 as the lead single from the group's debut studio album, Oh, Inverted World (2001). Written by guitarist and vocalist James Mercer, it concerns his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico and his experiences there in his late 20s. The lyrics are fueled with "angst and confusion," as Mercer was finding himself constantly depressed and disconnected from his friends and scene.[1][2] The song attracted attention from Sub Pop Records, who issued the song as a single in February 2001. The buzz created by the song led to positive press for the group's debut album, Oh, Inverted World.
The song began to be licensed in a variety of media beginning in 2002, including various television programs and a McDonald's advert that aired during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Although the song never charted on any international charts, it became a sensation following its appearance in the film Garden State (2004), where Sam, a character played by Natalie Portman, referred to it as a song that "will change your life." The band saw increased record sales and visibility as a result. Critics were very positive in their assessments of "New Slang", with many calling it one of the best songs from Oh, Inverted World.
The song's music video was directed by Lance Bangs, and features shots filmed in Albuquerque and Portland, Oregon.