Handwritten (The Gaslight Anthem album)

As of July 2010, Brian Fallon said he was working on new material for a fourth album.{{cite news |last=Sterdan |first=Darryl |url=http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/music/2010/07/13/14698731.html |title=Gaslight Anthem Kicks Up A Gear |newspaper=Toronto Sun |publisher=Sun Media |date=July 13, 2010}} Subsequently, Fallon stated on his blog that the band would start writing their record in January 2011.{{cite web |url=http://cassettesinthemailbox.blogspot.com/2010/12/band-is-blowing-dixie-double-four-time.html |title=The Band is Blowing Dixie, Double Four Time... |publisher=Cassettes In The Mailbox |date=December 5, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708030613/http://cassettesinthemailbox.blogspot.com/2010/12/band-is-blowing-dixie-double-four-time.html |archivedate=July 8, 2011 |accessdate=February 23, 2012}} However, prior to playing at Pinkpop in June 2011, Fallon stated that they had just started working on the new album and that it would not be released for at least a few months.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAeYJnKmx2w |title=[3FM Pinkpop 2011] Brian en Alex van The Gaslight Anthem in de studio |publisher=YouTube |date=July 13, 2011}} In the same interview, Fallon said the band's next record would sound closer to their breakthrough record, The '59 Sound, rather than American Slang.{{cite web |last=O'Donnell |first=Kevin |url=https://www.spin.com/2011/05/gaslights-brian-fallon-radical-side-project/ |title=Gaslight's Brian Fallon on "Radical" Side-Project |work=Spin |date=May 26, 2011 |accessdate=May 27, 2011}} During this time, Fallon was also working with good friend Ian Perkins, putting the finishing touches on their side project the Horrible Crowes.

On October 6, 2011, the Gaslight Anthem announced via Facebook that they had officially signed with Mercury Records. They stated that they were sorry to leave their friends at SideOneDummy Records, but felt that the change was necessary for their musical career.

On October 14, 2011, the Gaslight Anthem announced that their last show before going into the studio to record their new album would be on December 9 at the Asbury Park Convention Hall.{{cite web|url=http://gaslightanthem.com/2011/10/december-9th-2011-in-asbury-park/ |title=New Show Added |publisher=gaslightanthem.com |accessdate=December 13, 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115005610/http://gaslightanthem.com/2011/10/december-9th-2011-in-asbury-park/ |archivedate=November 15, 2011 }}

On January 12, 2012, the band announced via their Twitter feed that they would be recording the following week in Nashville.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/gaslightanthem/status/157624143406317569 |title=Heading to record in Nashville ... |publisher=Twitter |date=January 12, 2012 |accessdate=January 16, 2012}} Recording took place at Blackbird Studios, Nashville.{{cite magazine |last=Scaggs |first=Austin |url=http://i.imgur.com/3NUOH.jpg |title=Gaslight Anthem Rip It Up And Start Again in Nashville |magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=Wenner Media |date=March 29, 2012 |accessdate=March 21, 2012}} On February 17, 2012, they announced that recording of original songs for the album had been completed and they would soon be recording b-sides and covers.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/gaslightanthem/status/170680293676687361 |title=Every song done! Now recording ... |publisher=Twitter |date=February 17, 2012 |accessdate=February 23, 2012}} It was announced on February 22, 2012, via the band's Twitter feed that their fourth album would be titled Handwritten.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/gaslightanthem/status/172508678975520768 |title=We're gonna call our new record ... |publisher=Twitter |date=February 22, 2012 |accessdate=February 23, 2012}}

The band announced on their official Facebook page on April 26, 2012, that the album's lead single would be "45", and it would be receive its worldwide premiere as Zane Lowe's Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1 on April 30.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/thegaslightanthem/posts/10150740317623305 |title=Finally! We are... |publisher=Facebook |date=April 26, 2012 |accessdate=April 30, 2012}}

On April 30, 2012, the band announced that the album would be released July 23, 2012, in the UK and July 24 in the US.

{{Music ratings

| MC = 71/100{{cite web |title=The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |website=Metacritic |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/handwritten/the-gaslight-anthem/critic-reviews |accessdate=2015-10-05}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Heaney |first=Gregory |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |work=AllMusic |publisher=All Media Network |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/handwritten-mw0002366366 |accessdate=2012-07-25}}

| rev2 = Alternative Press

| rev2Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite magazine |last=Heisel |first=Scott |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |magazine=Alternative Press |url=http://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/the_gaslight_anthem_handwritten |accessdate=2012-07-25}}

| rev3 = The A.V. Club

| rev3Score = B+{{cite news |last=Heller |first=Jason |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |date=2012-07-24 |newspaper=The A.V. Club |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-gaslight-anthem-handwritten-1798173591 |access-date=2012-07-25}}

| rev4 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev4Score = B+{{cite magazine |last=Maerz |first=Melissa |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |date=2012-07-18 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20612868,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122210032/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20612868,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 22, 2013 |accessdate=2012-07-25}}

| rev5 = NME

| rev5Score = 8/10{{cite magazine |last=Cooper |first=Leonie |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |date=2012-07-30 |magazine=NME |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/the-gaslight-anthem--2/13489 |accessdate=2012-07-31}}

| rev6 = Pitchfork Media

| rev6Score = 5.7/10{{cite web |last=Deusner |first=Stephen |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |date=2012-07-26 |publisher=Pitchfork Media |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16856-handwritten/ |accessdate=2012-07-31}}

| rev7 = Punknews.org

| rev7Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |last=Yancey |first=Bryne |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |date=2012-07-24 |publisher=Punknews.org |url=http://www.punknews.org/review/11368/the-gaslight-anthem-handwritten |accessdate=2012-07-25}}

| rev8 = Rolling Stone

| rev8Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite magazine |last=Rosen |first=Jody |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |date=2012-07-19 |magazine=Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/handwritten-20120719 |accessdate=2012-07-25}}

| rev9 = Sputnikmusic

| rev9Score = 4/5{{cite web |last=Knott |first=Adam |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |website=Sputnikmusic |date=2012-07-28 |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/51065/The-Gaslight-Anthem-Handwritten/ |accessdate=2012-07-31}}

| rev10 = Uncut

| rev10Score = 7/10{{cite magazine |last=Mueller |first=Andrew |title=Review: The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten |magazine=Uncut |url=http://www.uncut.co.uk/the-gaslight-anthem-handwritten-review |accessdate=2012-07-25 |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110013043/http://www.uncut.co.uk/the-gaslight-anthem-handwritten-review |url-status=dead }}

}}

Handwritten received mostly positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a "weighted average" rating out of 100 from selected independent ratings and reviews from mainstream critics, the album received a Metascore of 71/100, based on 31 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Handwritten debuted at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 40,000 copies in its first week of release.{{cite web|last=Grow|first=Kory|url=https://www.spin.com/2012/08/who-charted-gaslight-anthem-and-passion-pit-score-top-10-debuts/|title=Who Charted? Gaslight Anthem and Passion Pit Score Top 10 Debuts|work=Spin|publisher=Buzzmedia|date=2012-08-01|accessdate=2015-10-05}} It remains the band's highest positioned album on the Billboard 200 chart and best sales week to date.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6221958/guardians-of-the-galaxy-soundtrack-billboard-200-chart |first=Keith |last=Caulfield |title=Billboard 200: Did 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Soundtrack Stay at No. 1? |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=2014-08-20 |accessdate=2015-10-05}}

During the 2015–16 season, the New Jersey Devils began using "Howl" as the team's goal song.{{Cite web |title=Gotta Hear It: New Jersey Devils unveil new goal song |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/new-jersey-devils-new-goal-song-2015-16-change-gaslight-anthem-howl-gary-glitter-hear-listen/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=www.sportsnet.ca |language=en}} On February 17, 2024, the Devils played the Philadelphia Flyers at MetLife Stadium. Before the game, it was announced that The Gaslight Anthem would perform "Howl" live every time the Devils scored, in a game the Devils went on to win 6–3.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-08 |title=The Gaslight Anthem to perform Devils' goal song at Stadium Series {{!}} NHL.com |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/gaslight-anthem-to-perform-new-jersey-goal-song-at-metlife-stadium |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=www.nhl.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Jackson.Baird |date=2024-02-18 |title=The Nicos Lead The Way In New Jersey Devils' Massive 6-3 Win Over Philadelphia Flyers in 2024 Stadium Series |url=https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2024/2/18/24076108/nicos-lead-way-in-new-jersey-devils-massive-6-3-win-over-philadelphia-flyers-in-2024-stadium-series |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=All About The Jersey |language=en}}

The Gaslight Anthem released a music video for their track "Here Comes My Man" featuring actress Elisha Cuthbert.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/gaslight-anthem-advocate-romance-in-here-comes-my-man-20121026|title=The Gaslight Anthem, 'Here Comes My Man'|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=2017-05-21|archive-date=February 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225143609/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/gaslight-anthem-advocate-romance-in-here-comes-my-man-20121026|url-status=dead}}

{{Track listing

| total_length = 40:50

| all_writing = Brian Fallon, Alex Rosamilia, Alex Levine, and Benny Horowitz, except where noted{{cite AV media notes |title=Handwritten |others=The Gaslight Anthem |year=2012 |type=CD booklet |publisher=Mercury Records |id=B0017213-02 |location=New York City}}

| title1 = "45"

| length1 = 3:23

| title2 = Handwritten

| length2 = 3:58

| title3 = Here Comes My Man

| length3 = 3:35

| title4 = Mulholland Drive

| length4 = 3:53

| title5 = Keepsake

| length5 = 4:02

| title6 = Too Much Blood

| length6 = 5:07

| title7 = Howl

| length7 = 2:04

| title8 = Biloxi Parish

| length8 = 3:46

| title9 = Desire

| length9 = 3:15

| title10 = Mae

| length10 = 4:07

| title11 = National Anthem

| length11 = 3:40

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Deluxe edition bonus tracks

| total_length = 51:11

| title12 = Blue Dahlia

| length12 = 4:28

| title13 = Sliver

| note13 = Kurt Cobain; originally performed by Nirvana

| length13 = 2:06

| title14 = You Got Lucky

| note14 = Tom Petty, Mike Campbell; originally performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

| length14 = 3:47

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Amazon.co.uk and US iTunes bonus track

| title12 = Teenage Rebellion

| length12 = 4:28

}}

;The Gaslight Anthem

• Brian Fallon – lead vocals, guitar
• Alex Rosamilia – guitar, backing vocals
• Alex Levine – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Benny Horowitz – drums, percussion, backing vocals

;Additional musicians

• Ian Perkins – guitar, backing vocals
• Brendan O'Brien – guitar, backing vocals, Hammond B-3 organ, piano, percussion
• Patrick Warren – string arrangement, keyboard on "National Anthem"

;Production

• Brendan O'Brien – record producer, mixing engineer
• Nick DiDia – recording engineer
• Bob Ludwig – audio mastering
• Danny Clinch – photography
• El Jefe Design – art direction, design, layout

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Gaslight Anthem|title=Handwritten|award=Silver|type=album|relyear=2012|certyear=2013|certmonth=7|id=11531-2301-2|date=July 22, 2013|salesamount=80,163|salesref={{cite web|last=Jones|first=Alan|url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/official-charts-analysis-nico-vinz-hold-no-1-single-spot-with-am-i-wrong-selling-62-750/059346|title=Official Charts Analysis: Nico & Vinz hold No.1 single spot with Am I Wrong selling 62,750|work=Music Week|date=August 18, 2014|accessdate=November 23, 2015|url-access=subscription }}}}

|}

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{{The Gaslight Anthem}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2012 albums

Category:Albums produced by Brendan O'Brien (record producer)

Category:The Gaslight Anthem albums

Category:Mercury Records albums

Category:Hard rock albums by American artists

Category:Hardcore punk albums by American artists