| "Genghis Khan" | ||||
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| Single by Miike Snow | ||||
| from the album iii | ||||
| Released | 3 December 2015 | |||
| Genre | Electropop | |||
| Length | 3:32 | |||
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| Miike Snow singles chronology | ||||
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"Genghis Khan" is a song performed by Swedish indie pop band Miike Snow from their third studio album, iii (2016). Written and produced by the band alongside Henrik Jonback, the song was conceived when lead singer Andrew Wyatt felt like a tyrant while in a long-distance relationship, comparing his cruelty to that of Mongolian emperor Genghis Khan. Wyatt did not want to commit to the relationship, while simultaneously not wanting her being involved with anybody else. Wyatt believed the public could relate to this irrational jealousy, recognizing it as a truth of human nature. Musically, "Genghis Khan" is an electropop song with funk and R&B influences and lyrics which see the protagonist likening his jealousy to the behavior of the Mongolian emperor.
"Genghis Khan" was released as iii's second single on 3 December 2015 through Jackalope and Atlantic. It attracted generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom regarded it a focal point on iii and commended its catchiness, although some critiqued its subject matter. Commercially, it is among the band's most successful singles and appeared on several Billboard charts, achieving its highest peak at number six on Alternative Airplay. The song received a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). "Genghis Khan" became Miike Snow's first song to chart in their native Sweden, peaking at number eight on the Heatseeker chart. The single also peaked at number 86 in Canada, where it was certified gold, and at number 44 in Australia.
The accompanying music video for "Genghis Khan", directed by Ninian Doff, depicts a love story between a villain and a James Bond-esque spy. The visual was met with acclaim from commentators, who applauded its theme and choreography. It received two UK Music Video Awards and a Webby Award nomination. Miike Snow has performed live renditions of "Genghis Khan" on several occasions, including Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the radio program Morning Becomes Eclectic. In 2016, American duo MS MR performed a live cover of the song for Triple J's Like a Version.