Random Access Memories
{{Short description|2013 studio album by Daft Punk}}
{{about|the Daft Punk album|the type of computer memory|random-access memory}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Random Access Memories
| type = studio
| artist = Daft Punk
| cover = File:Daft_Punk_-_Random_Access_Memories.png
| alt =
| released = {{Start date|df=yes|2013|05|17}}
| recorded = 2008–2012
| studio = * Gang (Paris)
- Electric Lady (New York City)
- Henson (Los Angeles)
- Conway (Los Angeles)
- Capitol (Hollywood)
| genre = * Disco
| length = 74:39
| label = Columbia
| producer = * Thomas Bangalter
| prev_title = Tron: Legacy Reconfigured
| prev_year = 2011
| next_title = Homework (Remixes)
| next_year = 2022
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Random Access Memories
| type = studio
| single1 = Get Lucky
| single1date = 19 April 2013
| single2 = Lose Yourself to Dance
| single2date = 13 August 2013
| single3 = Doin' It Right
| single3date = 3 September 2013
| single4 = Instant Crush
| single4date = 22 November 2013
| single5 = Give Life Back to Music
| single5date = 31 January 2014
}}
}}
Random Access Memories is the fourth and final studio album by the French electronic music duo Daft Punk, released on 17 May 2013 through Columbia Records. It pays tribute to late 1970s and early 1980s American music, particularly from Los Angeles. This theme is reflected in the packaging and promotional campaign, which included billboards, television advertisements and a web series. Recording sessions took place from 2008 to 2012 at Henson, Conway and Capitol Studios in California, Electric Lady Studios in New York City, and Gang Recording Studio in Paris, France.
Following the minimal production of their previous album, Human After All (2005), Daft Punk recruited session musicians with the help of Chris Caswell to perform live instrumentation and limited the use of electronic instruments to drum machines, a custom-built modular synthesizer and vintage vocoders. It combines disco, progressive rock and pop, with contributions by Paul Jackson Jr., Giorgio Moroder, Chilly Gonzales, Julian Casablancas, Paul Williams, Caswell, Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Todd Edwards, Panda Bear and DJ Falcon.
Random Access Memories is the only Daft Punk album to top the US Billboard 200, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. It also topped the charts in twenty other countries. Its lead single, "Get Lucky", topped the charts in more than 30 countries and became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. The album appeared on several year-end lists, and won in several categories at the 2014 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Dance/Electronica Album, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. "Get Lucky" also won the awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked Random Access Memories number 295 on their list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".{{cite magazine| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/daft-punk-random-access-memories-4-1062938/|year=2020| title=500 Greatest Albums of All Time Rolling Stone's definitive list of the 500 greatest albums of all time| magazine=Rolling Stone| access-date=2020-09-28}}
Background
In 2008, after finishing their Alive 2006/2007 tour, Daft Punk began working on new material in Paris, recording demos for approximately six months. They were pleased with the compositions, but dissatisfied with their process of sampling and looping, as they had done for their previous albums. As Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk stated, "We could play some riffs and stuff but not keep it [up] for four minutes straight." Daft Punk put these demos aside and started work on the Tron: Legacy film soundtrack,Torres, Andre. "Quantum Leap", Wax Poetics Issue 55 (Summer 2013). which Bangalter described as "very humbling".{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Chris|title=Tron: Legacy{{'}}s orchestral score reveals a new side of Daft Punk|url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/article/135516-tron-legacys-orchestral-score-reveals-a-new-side-of-daft-punk/|work=PopMatters|date=6 January 2011|access-date=7 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426082245/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/article/135516-tron-legacys-orchestral-score-reveals-a-new-side-of-daft-punk/|archive-date=26 April 2013}} For their next album, Daft Punk decided to work extensively with live musicians. They spoke with Chris Caswell, a well-connected musician in the industry who had previously composed arrangements for Legacy, and commissioned him to gather a group of experienced session artists to perform for the record.{{Citation |title=Daft Punk - Memory Tapes - Episode 8 - Paul Williams & Chris Caswell (Official Video) | date=6 December 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1ZTngbyBrc |access-date=2023-12-16 |language=en}} According to Bangalter, "We wanted to do what we used to do with machines and samplers, but with people." They avoided the use of samples, with the exception of the closing track "Contact".{{cite magazine|last=Weiner|first=Jonah|title=Exclusive: Daft Punk Reveal Secrets of New Album|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-daft-punk-reveal-secrets-of-new-album-20130413|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=13 April 2013|date=13 April 2013|quote=Without warning, a nearly two-minute video popped up on jumbotron screens flanking the festival's various stages, in which Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers and the Daft Punk robots rock out in heavily sequined getups to 'Get Lucky'|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414094118/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-daft-punk-reveal-secrets-of-new-album-20130413|archive-date=14 April 2013}}
{{Quote box
| quote = The idea was really having this desire for live drums, as well as questioning, really, why and what is the magic in samples? [...] It occurred to us it’s probably a collection of so many different parameters; of amazing performances, the studio, the place it was recorded, the performers, the craft, the hardware, recording engineers, mixing engineers, the whole production process of these records that took a lot of effort and time to make back then.
| author = —Thomas Bangalter, regarding the album's conception
| width = 30em
| align = right
| quoted = 1
}}
The album features Chic frontman Nile Rodgers. According to Rodgers, the collaboration was "something we've talked about for a long time. We've respected each other endlessly."{{cite web|last=Tregoning|first=Jack|title=Exclusive: Daft Punk's new album Random Access Memories is 'smoking'|url=http://www.inthemix.com.au/news/54886/Exclusive_Daft_Punks_new_album_Random_Access_Memories_is_smoking|work=In The Mix|publisher=InTheMix.com|access-date=30 March 2013|date=23 March 2013|quote=[Nile] Rodgers has one word for the final product: 'It’s smoking.'|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328115248/http://www.inthemix.com.au/news/54886/Exclusive_Daft_Punks_new_album_Random_Access_Memories_is_smoking|archive-date=28 March 2013}} Daft Punk visited Rodgers' home for an informal jam session.{{cite web|last=Mann|first=Tom|title=Chic: Interview with Nile Rodgers|url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/31745/Chic|work=Faster Louder|publisher=FasterLouder.com|access-date=31 March 2012|date=3 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308110821/http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/31745/Chic|archive-date=8 March 2012}} Musician Paul Williams announced in a 2010 interview that he had worked with the group, after Daft Punk had been introduced to Williams by a sound engineer with whom they were mutually acquainted.{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Amy |last2=Battan |first2=Carrie |title=Listen: Lost Daft Punk Track 'Drive'|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/44021-listen-lost-daft-punk-track-drive/|work=Pitchfork|date=16 September 2011|quote=Plus: Daft Punk apparently collaborating with songwriting legend Paul Williams|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504130455/http://pitchfork.com/news/44021-listen-lost-daft-punk-track-drive/|archive-date=4 May 2013}}{{cite web|last=Muentes|first=Eddie|title=Paul Williams on Hit Records Nightlife Video hosted by Eddie Muentes|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiGTc_KdJlc|publisher=YouTube|access-date=5 April 2013|format=YouTube video|date=14 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216013027/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiGTc_KdJlc|archive-date=16 February 2013}}{{cite web|last1=Ghosn|first1=Joseph |last2=Wicker |first2=Olivier|title=Daft Punk Revient Avec Random Access Memories|url=http://obsession.nouvelobs.com/musique/20130418.OBS6224/random-access-memories-par-daft-punk.html|work=Obsession|access-date=18 April 2013|language=fr|date=18 April 2013|quote=Exclu: Les morceaux de Random Access Memories commentés par Daft Punk.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420100659/http://obsession.nouvelobs.com/musique/20130418.OBS6224/random-access-memories-par-daft-punk.html|archive-date=20 April 2013}}
In May 2012, Daft Punk's collaboration with Giorgio Moroder was announced. Moroder had recorded a monologue about his life for use in a track on the album. Rodgers was also present during the Moroder recording session.{{cite web|title=Giorgio Moroder Recorded With Daft Punk|url=http://www.urb.com/2012/05/25/breaking-giorgio-moroder-recorded-with-daft-punk/|work=URB Magazine|date=25 May 2012|access-date=10 February 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201075033/http://www.urb.com/2012/05/25/breaking-giorgio-moroder-recorded-with-daft-punk/|archive-date=1 February 2013}} Moroder clarified that he was not involved in the composition of the track or its use of a synthesizer: "They did not let me get involved at all. Thomas asked me if I wanted to tell the story of my life. Then they would know what to do with it."{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/News/giorgio_moroder_discusses_his_contribution_to_daft_punks_random_access_memories|title=Giorgio Moroder Discusses His Contribution to Daft Punk's Random Access Memories|work=Exclaim!|date=15 May 2013|access-date=16 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611094743/http://exclaim.ca/News/giorgio_moroder_discusses_his_contribution_to_daft_punks_random_access_memories|archive-date=11 June 2013}} Daft Punk had been in contact with Moroder in relation to a possible contribution for the Tron: Legacy score, but this never happened.{{cite web|last=Azoury|first=Philippe|title=Daft Punk Héritiers very disco|url=http://obsession.nouvelobs.com/musique/20130426.OBS7296/daft-punk-heritiers-very-disco.html|work=Obsession|access-date=28 April 2013|language=fr|date=27 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429180035/http://obsession.nouvelobs.com/musique/20130426.OBS7296/daft-punk-heritiers-very-disco.html|archive-date=29 April 2013}}
Chilly Gonzales stated in an interview that his contribution was recorded in a one-day session: "I played for hours and they're gonna grab what they grab and turn it into whatever."{{cite web|url=http://www.fielddayfestivals.com/field-day-festival-radio/ |title=Field Day Radio Episode 10|publisher=Field Day Festival |date=2 June 2012|access-date=10 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925010404/http://www.fielddayfestivals.com/field-day-festival-radio/|archive-date=25 September 2012}} He explained that Daft Punk prompted him at the piano in the same manner that a film director coaches an actor, and Gonzales left the Los Angeles studio without knowledge of what the final product would sound like.{{cite web|last=Courveille|first=Guillaume|title=Gaillac. Chilly Gonzales: "Je suis un homme de mon temps"|url=http://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2013/03/27/1592276-chilly-gonzales-je-suis-un-homme-de-mon-temps.html|work=La Dépêche du Midi|access-date=15 April 2013|language=fr|date=27 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020701/http://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2013/03/27/1592276-chilly-gonzales-je-suis-un-homme-de-mon-temps.html|archive-date=3 December 2013}} He had previously recorded a cover version of Daft Punk's song "Too Long" that appeared on their 2003 album Daft Club.
Pharrell Williams collaborated with Daft Punk and Rodgers by providing vocals for two tracks on Random Access Memories. As a member of the Neptunes, Pharrell had previously provided a remix of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" that appeared on Daft Club. The Neptunes and Daft Punk also co-produced N.E.R.D.'s song "Hypnotize U".{{cite web|title=Daft Punk Produce New N.E.R.D. Track|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/40227-daft-punk-produce-new-nerd-track/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=21 May 2013|first=Tom|last=Breihan|date=29 September 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520065945/http://pitchfork.com/news/40227-daft-punk-produce-new-nerd-track/|archive-date=20 May 2013}}
Recording
File:Electric Lady Studios 2013.jpg, one of the five studios where the album was recorded]]
Daft Punk recorded Random Access Memories in secrecy. Recording took place at Henson Recording Studios, Conway Recording Studios and Capitol Studios in California, Electric Lady Studios in New York City, and Gang Recording Studio in Paris.Random Access Memories (liner notes). Daft Punk. Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. 2013. Having worked with keyboardist and arranger Chris Caswell on Tron: Legacy, Daft Punk enlisted him and connected with engineers and other session players.{{cite web |last=Weiss |first=David |url=http://www.sonicscoop.com/2013/05/27/icons-mick-guzauski-on-engineering-and-mixing-daft-punks-random-access-memories/ |title=Icons: Mick Guzauski on Engineering and Mixing Daft Punk's Random Access Memories |access-date=2014-01-29 |website=Sonic Scoop |date=27 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203131133/http://www.sonicscoop.com/2013/05/27/icons-mick-guzauski-on-engineering-and-mixing-daft-punks-random-access-memories/ |archive-date=2014-02-03 }}{{cite web|title=Chris 'Kazz' Caswell – Conductor/Musician|url=http://www.chriscaswell.com/casweb/ConductorMusician/tabid/57/Default.aspx|access-date=26 April 2013|date=26 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217034615/http://www.chriscaswell.com/casweb/ConductorMusician/tabid/57/Default.aspx|archive-date=17 February 2013}} They wanted to avoid the more compressed sounds of drum machines in favor of "airy open" drum sets of the 1970s and 80s, which they considered the most appealing era of music. They said the session players were enthusiastic about reuniting in the context of the new album and the prestige of the studio locations.
Drummer Omar Hakim recalled being asked by Daft Punk to perform on the album, and was surprised by what they wanted of him. He at first assumed they wanted electronic drum work, since Hakim had done some drum programming in his career. Daft Punk instead specified that they were looking to record Hakim performing drum riffs that they had conceived. Rather than play out the entire structure of a song, Hakim would perform individual patterns for extended periods, creating a library for Daft Punk to cull from.{{YouTube|eA6kzUqT4zM|Drummer Omar Hakim: Getting Lucky with Daft Punk }} Retrieved on 6 January 2014. They conveyed their ideas to session musicians via sheet music and in some instances by humming melodies. For example, Bangalter hummed a complex drum and bass line to Hakim, who replicated and improved upon it for "Giorgio by Moroder".{{cite web|last=Dombal|first=Ryan|title=Daft Punk: Cover Story Outtakes|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/50746-daft-punk-cover-story-outtakes/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=15 May 2013|date=15 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607111649/http://pitchfork.com/news/50746-daft-punk-cover-story-outtakes/|archive-date=7 June 2013}}
Most of the vocal sessions took place in Paris, whereas the rhythm sections were recorded in the United States. The album incorporates a variety of accompanying performances including a horn section, woodwind instruments, a string orchestra and choir.{{cite web|last=Stevenson|first=Nick|title=Nick Stevenson: Random Access Memories Review|url=http://www.mixmag.net/words/features/nick-stevenson-random-access-memories|work=Mixmag|date=2013-04-30|access-date=2013-05-05|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505021952/http://www.mixmag.net/words/features/nick-stevenson-random-access-memories|archive-date=2013-05-05}} Orchestral parts were recorded for almost every track, but used for only a few on the completed album.{{cite web|last=Dombal|first=Ryan|title=Cover Story: Daft Punk|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/cover-story/9131-daft-punk/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=14 May 2013|date=14 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517221013/http://pitchfork.com/features/cover-story/9131-daft-punk/|archive-date=17 May 2013}} The use of such performers and places came at great monetary expense, as noted by Bangalter: "There used to be a time where people that had means to experiment would do it, you know? That's what this record is about."{{cite journal|last=Baron|first=Zach|date=May 2013|title=Daft Punk Is (Finally!) Playing at Our House|journal=GQ|url=https://www.gq.com/entertainment/music/201305/daft-punk-random-access-memories-profile-gq-may-2013|volume=83|issue=5|pages=76–82|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726235042/http://www.gq.com/entertainment/music/201305/daft-punk-random-access-memories-profile-gq-may-2013|archive-date=2013-07-26}} He estimated a cost of over one million dollars, but felt that the number was not important.{{cite magazine|last=Weiner|first=Jonah|title=Daft Punk: All Hail Our Robot Overlords|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/daft-punk-all-hail-our-robot-overlords-20130521|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=21 May 2013|date=21 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522163723/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/daft-punk-all-hail-our-robot-overlords-20130521|archive-date=22 May 2013}} Bangalter stated that the sessions were financed by Daft Punk themselves, which allowed them the luxury of abandoning the project if they had so wished. He also said "there are songs on the album that traveled into five studios over two and a half years".
File:Capitol Records sunset.jpg.]]
Various sound effects were newly recorded with the help of film experts from Warner Bros. Bangalter noted one example in which the sound of a busy restaurant was achieved by placing microphones in front of the forks of a group of people. In another instance, the effect of dripping water was recorded on a soundstage.{{cite magazine|last=Mason|first=Kerry|title=Daft Punk: How the Pioneering Dance Duo Conjured Random Access Memories|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/code/1561328/daft-punk-how-the-pioneering-dance-duo-conjured-random-access-memories|magazine=Billboard|access-date=10 May 2013|date=10 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606205752/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/code/1561328/daft-punk-how-the-pioneering-dance-duo-conjured-random-access-memories|archive-date=6 June 2013}} Use of electronics was limited to drum machines that appear on only two tracks, a large custom-built Modcan modular synthesizer performed live by Daft Punk, and vintage vocoders. Asked which Daft Punk member performed the robotic vocals, Bangalter said it did not matter. Daft Punk produced most of the vocoder tracks in their studio in Paris, with later processing by Mick Guzauski at Capitol.{{cite journal|last=Tingen|first=Paul|date=July 2013|title=SOS Interview: Recording Random Access Memories|journal=Sound on Sound (USA)|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul13/articles/daft-punk.htm|issue=9|volume=28|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909070320/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul13/articles/daft-punk.htm|archive-date=2013-09-09}} Moroder elaborated that Daft Punk would take "a week or so" to find an adequate vocoder sound, and an additional few days to record the lyrics.
Although Daft Punk felt that the presets and parameters of digital tools would inhibit creativity and innovation,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/code/1560708/daft-punk-on-edm-producers-theyre-missing-the-tools|title=Daft Punk on EDM Producers: 'They're Missing the Tools'|last=Mason|first=Kerry|magazine=Billboard|date=6 May 2013|access-date=7 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509150055/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/code/1560708/daft-punk-on-edm-producers-theyre-missing-the-tools|archive-date=9 May 2013}} they said Random Access Memories could not have been made without computer technology. The sessions were recorded simultaneously onto Ampex reels and as Pro Tools tracks; Daft Punk and Guzauski would then listen to each recording in both analogue and digital iterations, deciding which of the two they preferred. Subsequently, the elements were edited by Daft Punk with Pro Tools in a manner similar to how they would work with samples.
In an interview with Guitar World in November 2012, the Fourplay member Nathan East said he had contributed to the project.{{cite web|last=Wood|first=James|title=Interview: Bassist Nathan East Discusses Fourplay's New Album and His Days with Eric Clapton|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/interview-bassist-nathan-east-discusses-fourplays-new-album-and-his-days-eric-clapton|work=Guitar World|access-date=21 December 2012|date=29 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204020236/http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-bassist-nathan-east-discusses-fourplays-new-album-and-his-days-eric-clapton|archive-date=4 December 2012}} Pedal steel guitar was performed by Greg Leisz. Daft Punk sought to use it in a way that bordered between electronic and acoustic.{{cite web|last1=Perron|first1=Erwan |last2=Gancel |first2=Alice|title=Daft Punk, interview-fleuve pour la sortie de Random Access Memories|language=fr|url=http://www.telerama.fr/musique/daft-punk-l-interview-fleuve,97155.php|work=Télérama|date=7 April 2013|access-date=7 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509010118/http://www.telerama.fr/musique/daft-punk-l-interview-fleuve,97155.php|archive-date=9 May 2013}} Additional session players included John "J.R." Robinson, Paul Jackson, Jr., James Genus and Thomas Bloch.
Music
= Theme and influences =
Bangalter said the title encapsulates Daft Punk's interest in the past, referencing both random-access memory technology and the human experience: "We were drawing a parallel between the brain and the hard drive–the random way that memories are stored." Daft Punk felt that while current technology allows for an unlimited capacity to store recorded material, the content produced by contemporary artists had diminished in quality. Their goal was to maximize the potential of infinite storage by recording a sprawling amount of elements. They connected this to the title, as they sought to make connections out of the random series of ideas.{{cite journal|last1=Ghosn|first1=Joseph |last2=Wicker |first2=Olivier|date=May 2013|title=Nous avons tenté une aventure humaine|language=fr|journal=Obsession|url=http://obsession.nouvelobs.com/musique/20130426.OBS7299/daft-punk-nous-avons-tente-une-aventure-humaine.html|issue=10|pages=53–59|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807105546/http://obsession.nouvelobs.com/musique/20130426.OBS7299/daft-punk-nous-avons-tente-une-aventure-humaine.html|archive-date=2013-08-07}}
Random Access Memories was described by music critics as a disco album.{{Cite web |url=http://grantland.com/features/looking-daft-punk-new-album-random-access-memories/ |title=We, Robots |last=Hyden |first=Steven |date=20 May 2013 |website=Grantland |access-date=11 October 2017}} Daft Punk sought a "west coast vibe", referencing such acts as Fleetwood Mac, the Doobie Brothers and the Eagles. The record pays homage to Michael Jackson, the Cars, and Steely Dan. The recording of live synthesizers was inspired by progressive rock, with the pop sensibilities of Wizzard and the Move.{{cite journal|last=Manouvere |first=Philippe |date=May 2013 |title=En couverture: Daft Punk |language=fr |journal=Rock & Folk |issue=549 |pages=74–81 |url=http://www.numeriques.info/Rock549/bb6489f7dc4c46f1031ccaf23ba9125e76bb6fbefcde17701df5fe756ef0ef3f71cd5b4f9b96ba455de1d77c6e95a0ab |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420063229/http://www.numeriques.info/Rock549/bb6489f7dc4c46f1031ccaf23ba9125e76bb6fbefcde17701df5fe756ef0ef3f71cd5b4f9b96ba455de1d77c6e95a0ab |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-04-20 }} Daft Punk looked to Rumours by Fleetwood Mac and The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd as models. Bangalter said "the most important records in music, whether it's Led Zeppelin [...] or The White Album or Sgt. Pepper's... or Quadrophenia or Tommy, are the ones that take you on a journey for miles and miles."{{cite journal |last=Perry |first=Kevin EG |date=18 May 2013 |title=Daft Punk: "We don't have egos, we have superpowers" |url=https://archive.org/details/NME_Magazine_18-May_2013/page/n21 |journal=NME |pages=22–27, 44 |via=Internet Archive}}{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Kevin EG |date=14 May 2013 |title=Daft Punk: "We don't have egos, we have superpowers" |url=https://kevinegperry.com/2013/05/14/daft-punk-interview-we-dont-have-egos-we-have-superpowers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602155822/https://kevinegperry.com/2013/05/14/daft-punk-interview-we-dont-have-egos-we-have-superpowers/ |archive-date=2 June 2023 |website=The Collected Works of Kevin EG Perry}}
= Composition =
File:Nile Rodgers 01.jpg appears on three songs, including the lead single, "Get Lucky".]]
Daft Punk created demos for Random Access Memories without a clear plan for an album. Over the course of the sessions, numerous tracks were created and discarded. At one point Daft Punk considered sorting the album into one continuous track, similar to the Prince record Lovesexy. They also considered releasing it as a four-disc box set to accommodate the volume of content. The album lacked structure until the final months of production.
The opening track, "Give Life Back to Music", features guitar by Rodgers and Paul Jackson, Jr., keyboards by Chilly Gonzales, drums by John "J.R." Robinson, and vocals performed by Daft Punk using vocoders.{{cite journal|last=Harrison|first=Andrew|date=June 2013|title=Total Recall|journal=Q|issue=323|pages=88–89}} The song reflects Daft Punk's goal to create a light yet polished and elegant record. According to NME, it begins with "a stupendously vast rock intro that obliterates any trace of Human After All
File:Gonzales-Toronto.JPG was tasked with creating a transition on "Within" that would modulate to the key of subsequent tracks.]]
"Within" was one of the first tracks recorded. It features Gonzales on piano with minimal accompaniment of bass, percussion and vocoder. "Within" tranistions from the key of A minor of the previous three songs to the key of B-flat minor of subsequent tracks. Regarding the lyrics, the critic Nick Stevenson wrote, "A deep vocoder sings about not understanding the world, being lost and not even remembering his own name." Jeremy Abbott of Mixmag wrote: "So many things I don't understand is the prominent lyric and Chilly's chords combined with grazing cymbals make for a beautiful summer lullaby."{{cite web|last=Abbott |first=Jeremy |title=Jeremy Abbott: Random Access Memories Review |url=http://www.mixmag.net/words/features/jeremy-abbott-random-access-memories |work=Mixmag |date=2013-04-30 |access-date=2013-05-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921132923/http://www.mixmag.net/words/features/jeremy-abbott-random-access-memories |archive-date=2013-09-21 }}
File:Julian Casablancas Belfort 2010.jpg singer Julian Casablancas appears on "Instant Crush".]]
"Instant Crush" was based on a demo that Daft Punk presented to the Strokes singer Julian Casablancas; he became enthused upon hearing it and provided vocals. The song contains rock influences and a guitar solo. The critic John Balfe considered it "appropriately Strokes-ish, even if [Casablancas'] trademark drawl is fed quite substantially through a vocoder".{{cite web|last=Balfe|first=John|title=First Listen – Daft Punk's Random Access Memories|url=http://entertainment.ie/music/news/First-Listen-Daft-Punks-Random-Access-Memories/183185.htm|publisher=entertainment.ie|access-date=5 May 2013|date=3 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506192736/http://entertainment.ie/music/news/First-Listen-Daft-Punks-Random-Access-Memories/183185.htm|archive-date=6 May 2013}} De Homem-Christo said: "It is true that it is not his usual register, it is the way Julian reacted to the track so for us it is even more exciting."{{cite web|last=McCabe|first=Kathy|title=Daft Punk's human touch in new album Random Access Memories|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/daft-punk-find-the-human-touch/story-fn93z1ud-1226638326325|access-date=9 May 2013|date=9 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510062809/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/daft-punk-find-the-human-touch/story-fn93z1ud-1226638326325|archive-date=10 May 2013}} "Lose Yourself to Dance", featuring Pharrell Williams, was the result of a desire to create dance music with live drummers. Robinson appears as session player. A vocoder chant of "come on" appears alongside Williams's singing.
"Touch" features lyrics and vocals by Paul Williams. Daft Punk said it was the most complex piece, comprising more than 250 different elements. It was composed with Williams's frequent collaborator Chris Caswell, who arranged a counter-melody for the string accompaniment.{{Cite web |date=2014-02-13 |title=Chris Caswell on Playing the GRAMMYs with Daft Punk and The Beatles — SonicScoop |url=https://sonicscoop.com/chris-caswell-on-playing-the-grammys-with-daft-punk-and-the-beatles |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=sonicscoop.com |language=en-US}} As Pitchfork observed, "the song warps and bends, floating through genres, epochs, and emotions with a sense of hallucinatory wonder" and recalls the Beatles song "A Day in the Life". In Rolling Stone, Will Hermes wrote: "It's completely ridiculous. It's also remarkably beautiful and affecting." Louis Lepron of Kombini saw the multitude of styles and science fiction aesthetics as a homage to musical films including Phantom of the Paradise, the soundtrack of which Williams had composed.{{cite web|last=Lepron|first=Louis|title=Album Review: Daft Punk – Random Access Memories|url=http://www.konbini.com/en/music/album-review-daft-punk-random-access-memories/|publisher=Konbini.com|access-date=25 April 2013|date=24 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922191425/http://www.konbini.com/en/music/album-review-daft-punk-random-access-memories/|archive-date=22 September 2013}} The opening ferences scene in the film in which the title character's voice is gradually enhanced in a studio booth. De Homem-Christo said "Touch" is "like the core of the record, and the memories of the other tracks are revolving around it".
"Get Lucky" features more vocals from Pharrell Williams. Williams said the title phrase did not refer simply to sex, but also the potential of finding chemistry with another person. When he first heard the song, Williams said it evoked the image of a "peachy color[ed]" sunrise on an exotic island. Daft Punk discussed the concept of the song "Beyond" with Paul Williams, who translated the ideas into lyrics. It begins with an orchestral string section and timpani before settling into what NME called "reupholstered Warren G 'Regulate' grooves". Stevenson described "Beyond" as "a lot like the sample used in Nate Dogg and Warren G's ‘Regulate’", Michael McDonald's song "I Keep Forgettin'",{{cite news|last=Keens|first=Oliver|title=Daft Punk – 'Random Access Memories' album review|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/music/daft-punk-random-access-memories-album-review|access-date=27 November 2013|newspaper=Time Out|date=9 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020700/http://www.timeout.com/london/music/daft-punk-random-access-memories-album-review|archive-date=3 December 2013}} which he said was "no bad thing". He said the vocoded lyrics detail "the existential world beyond oceans and mountains – a land beyond love".
File:Todd Edwards crop.jpg's contribution to "Fragments of Time" added electronic elements to the initially contemporary song.]]
Daft Punk described "Motherboard" as a "futuristic composition that could be from the year 4000". One critic, Louis Lepron observed its similarity to the style of Sébastien Tellier. Todd Edwards said the lyrics of "Fragments of Time" were inspired by his desire to capture the moments and emotions he experienced during the recording sessions in California. At Daft Punk's request, he implemented his signature "cut-up" method of production into a portion of the song, which they used as the chorus.{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf2bu0P_4Vo |title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 2: Todd Edwards|work=The Creators Project|publisher=YouTube|date=8 April 2013|accessdate=8 April 2013}} Bangalter felt this contribution "helped save" the track, as Daft Punk had felt the more "contemporary-sounding" song was lacking in electronic elements.{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Emma|title=Todd Edwards – Red Bull Music Academy|url=http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/lectures/todd-edwards|work=Red Bull Music Academy|accessdate=18 May 2013|date=May 2013|quote=57:58 – Thomas wanted me to see if I could put some cut-ups in there [...] he gave me like the biggest compliment because he's like [...] you actually helped kind of save the track [...] because it was so contemporary sounding, it didn't have any vibe that was kind of along the electronics line.}} "Doin' It Right" was the last song recorded, and features vocals by Noah Lennox, known professionally as Panda Bear. Initiated by Lennox's desire to collaborate with Daft Punk, the song was recorded over a span of four days.{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8jmBbG4T6c |title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 5: Panda Bear |work=The Creators Project|via=YouTube|date=24 April 2013|access-date=17 August 2013}} Lennox said he wanted to create a song that was neither Panda Bear nor Daft Punk and "hit a target that was perfectly in the middle of us". Daft Punk referred to it as the only purely electronic track, with a modern style.
{{Listen
| filename = Apollo 17 Eugene Cernan Describes a Bright Flashing Object.ogg
| title = Eugene Cernan describes a "Bright Object"
| description = "Contact" features a recording from the Apollo 17 mission, where astronaut Eugene Cernan observes a "Bright object" from a window of his capsule.
}}
The closing track, "Contact", was co-produced by DJ Falcon. It features a sample of the song "We Ride Tonight" by the Australian rock band the Sherbs, which Bangalter and Falcon had sampled as Together during a DJ set at a 2002 show in Amsterdam.{{cite web|title=Stream an early version of 'Contact', the DJ Falcon-featuring closer from Daft Punk's Random Access Memories|url=https://www.factmag.com/2013/05/01/stream-an-early-version-of-contact-the-dj-falcon-featuring-closer-from-daft-punks-random-access-memories/|publisher=factmag.com|access-date=15 February 2019|date=1 May 2013}} It incorporates a NASA excerpt from the Apollo 17 mission, in which Eugene Cernan observes a flashing object from a window of his capsule. Falcon, who played modular synthesizer on the track, said the studio speakers blew out when they played the completed version.
The Japan-exclusive bonus track "Horizon" is a slow-tempo composition reminiscent of Pink Floyd. It features a consistent guitar strum while additional instruments are progressively layered over, including bass guitar and drums. The song is stylistically different from other tracks, and is one of the few to feature no vocals.{{cite magazine |last=Coulehan |first=Erin |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/daft-punk-bonus-track-horizon-surfaces-20130522 |title=Daft Punk Bonus Track 'Horizon' Surfaces |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=22 May 2013 |access-date=18 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924194446/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/daft-punk-bonus-track-horizon-surfaces-20130522 |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}{{cite web |last=Gracie |first=Bianca |url=http://www.idolator.com/7459842/daft-punk-horizon-random-access-memories-bonus-track |title=Daft Punk Slow It Down With "Horizon": Hear The Spacey 'Random Access Memories' Bonus Track |publisher=Idolator. Spin Media |date=22 May 2013 |access-date=18 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511160544/http://www.idolator.com/7459842/daft-punk-horizon-random-access-memories-bonus-track |archive-date=11 May 2015 }}
Promotion and release
In January 2013, de Homem-Christo revealed that Daft Punk were in the process of signing with Sony Music Entertainment through the Columbia Records label, and that the album would be released in early 2013. A report from The Guardian followed specifying a release date of May 2013.{{cite news |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/jan/28/daft-punk-to-release-album |title=Daft Punk to release studio album after signing deal with Columbia |date=28 January 2013 |access-date=24 March 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922035351/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/jan/28/daft-punk-to-release-album |archive-date=22 September 2013 }} On 26 February 2013, Daft Punk's official website and Facebook page announced the signing to Columbia with a picture of their helmets and a Columbia logo.{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Amy |last2=Snapes |first2=Laura|title=Daft Punk Confirm Alliance With Columbia|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/49696-daft-punk-confirm-signing-to-columbia/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=26 February 2013|date=26 February 2013|quote=Daft Punk have confirmed their alliance with Columbia Records. [...] The duo of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo are due to release a new album this year, according to Nile Rodgers.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501210909/http://pitchfork.com/news/49696-daft-punk-confirm-signing-to-columbia/|archive-date=1 May 2013}} Billboards and posters featuring the helmets and logo then appeared in several major cities.{{cite web|last=Batte|first=Elliott|title=Daft Punk Posters Pop Up Across the Globe – Album and Tour Just Around the Corner?|url=http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/178000/9|publisher=Stereoboard.com|date=20 March 2013|access-date=9 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615063412/http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/178000/9|archive-date=15 June 2013}}
On 2 March, a 15-second television ad aired during Saturday Night Live (SNL) depicting an animated, stylized version of the band's logo and the aforementioned image of the helmets.{{cite web |work=Pitchfork |title=Watch: Daft Punk Air Mysterious Advertisement During "Saturday Night Live" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/49754-daft-punk-air-mysterious-advertisement-during-saturday-night-live/ |date=2 March 2013 |access-date=24 March 2013 |first=Amy |last=Phillips |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430182125/http://pitchfork.com/news/49754-daft-punk-air-mysterious-advertisement-during-saturday-night-live/ |archive-date=30 April 2013 }}{{cite magazine|last=Gensler|first=Andy|title=Daft Punk 'Get Funky' in New Teaser Ad for Random Access Memories|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/code/1554361/daft-punk-get-funky-in-new-teaser-ad-for-random-access-memories|magazine=Billboard|access-date=30 March 2013|date=24 March 2013|quote=[...] Daft Punk's follow-up to 2005's Human After All will be released May 21 on the group's Daft Life imprint through Columbia Records, and is now available for pre-order on iTunes.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327023849/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/code/1554361/daft-punk-get-funky-in-new-teaser-ad-for-random-access-memories|archive-date=27 March 2013}} The music featured in the ad was a result of the collaboration with Rodgers, who noted that various fan remixes of the clip appeared online after the airing.{{cite magazine|last=Serwer|first=Jesse|title=Nile Rodgers: Daft Punk Collaboration 'Felt Unbelievably Natural'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/nile-rodgers-talks-daft-punk-and-adam-lambert-collaborations-20130323|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=30 March 2013|date=23 March 2013|quote=Disco legend discusses his new projects at Miami's Winter Music Conference|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325224155/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/nile-rodgers-talks-daft-punk-and-adam-lambert-collaborations-20130323|archive-date=25 March 2013}} A second TV ad also premiered that was similar to the first on Saturday Night Live, but with a different music clip and the title Random Access Memories in place of the stylized Daft Punk logo. During the first night of Coachella Festival 2013, a third trailer debuted that featured Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams and Rodgers performing, as well as a list of collaborators.{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Amy|title=Daft Punk Confirm Julian Casablancas, Panda Bear, Pharrell, More Collaborations with Coachella Video|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/50293-daft-punk-confirm-julian-casablancas-panda-bear-pharrell-more-collaborations-with-coachella-video/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=13 April 2013|date=12 April 2013|quote=The video confirmed that Random Access Memories will indeed have a star-studded list of collaborators: the Strokes' Julian Casablancas, Animal Collective's Panda Bear, Pharrell, Paul Williams, Nile Rodgers, Giorgio Moroder, Chilly Gonzales, DJ Falcon, and Todd Edwards.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415123621/http://pitchfork.com/news/50293-daft-punk-confirm-julian-casablancas-panda-bear-pharrell-more-collaborations-with-coachella-video/|archive-date=15 April 2013}} The trailer also aired during Saturday Night Live the following evening, but without a list of collaborators.{{cite magazine|title=Daft Punk Tease New Album at Coachella, During 'Saturday Night Live', Reveal Guests|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/1557425/daft-punk-tease-new-album-at-coachella-during-saturday-night-live|magazine=Billboard|access-date=14 April 2013|date=14 April 2013|quote=Random Access Memories was recorded in Paris, L.A. and New York and is slated to include a second Pharrell-sung track called 'Lose Yourself to Dance', according to Rolling Stone.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417233731/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/1557425/daft-punk-tease-new-album-at-coachella-during-saturday-night-live|archive-date=17 April 2013}}
The gradual rollout of promotion was inspired by advertising of the past, reflecting the theme of the album. Daft Punk approached Columbia with a specific agenda for the campaign; Rob Stringer of the label recalled Daft Punk showing him the book Rock 'n' Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip as an example of what they wanted. Bangalter felt that physical billboards are more affecting than banner ads and that "SNL is this part of American culture with a certain timelessness to it." The campaign was handled by a small group led by Daft Punk and manager Paul Hahn, with assistance from Kathryn Frazier of the public-relations firm Biz 3.{{cite web|last=Buerger|first=Megan|title=Daft Punk's Stealth Start for a Summer Hit|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324744104578471414206589292|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=10 May 2013|date=9 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109153701/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324744104578471414206589292|archive-date=9 January 2015}} The duo had pursued Columbia in particular because of its long-standing history, as expressed by Bangalter: "It felt interesting conceptually to write this story with a record company like Columbia, with a 125-year legacy."
Central to the promotion was the limiting of exposure to the album's content, as well as a focus on face-to-face contact for press previews. As Hahn stated, "There is a minimalism in our approach that creates an absence of information, and we notice our fans tend to throw themselves into the breach, or try to fill the empty spaces." Following a reported leak of the song days earlier, "Get Lucky" was released as a download single on 19 April 2013.{{cite web|last=Montgomery|first=James|title=Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' Gets Very Specific Release Date|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1705910/daft-punk-get-lucky-release.jhtml|publisher=MTV News|access-date=18 April 2013|date=18 April 2013|quote=Spokesperson for Columbia Records confirms to MTV News band's single will be released Friday at 12:01 a.m. ET.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219002047/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1705910/daft-punk-get-lucky-release.jhtml|archive-date=19 February 2014}} On 13 May, a limited-time preview stream of the full album was launched via the iTunes Store.{{cite magazine|title=Listen to Daft Punk's New Album Random Access Memories|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/listen-to-daft-punks-new-album-random-access-memories-20130513|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=13 May 2013|date=13 May 2013|quote=The wait is over: Daft Punk are streaming their new album, Random Access Memories, in full on iTunes.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513235257/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/listen-to-daft-punks-new-album-random-access-memories-20130513|archive-date=13 May 2013}}{{cite web|last=Kovach|first=Steve|title=The New Daft Punk Album Is Streaming For Free On iTunes Right Now|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/new-daft-punk-on-itunes-streaming-2013-5|work=Business Insider|access-date=13 May 2013|date=13 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607073854/http://www.businessinsider.com/new-daft-punk-on-itunes-streaming-2013-5|archive-date=7 June 2013}} In May 2013, Random Access Memories was released on digital storefronts and streaming services.{{cite web |last=Westbrook |first=Caroline |date=5 May 2013 |title=Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' tops first ever Spotify streaming chart |url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/05/21/daft-punks-get-lucky-tops-first-ever-spotify-streaming-chart-3803337/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608042711/http://metro.co.uk/2013/05/21/daft-punks-get-lucky-tops-first-ever-spotify-streaming-chart-3803337/ |archive-date=8 June 2013 |access-date=26 May 2013 |work=Metro News}}
Daft Punk were scheduled to appear on 6 August episode of The Colbert Report to promote Random Access Memories, but were unable because of conflicting obligations regarding their future appearance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. According to Stephen Colbert, Daft Punk were unaware of any exclusivity agreement and were halted by MTV executives the morning prior to the taping.{{cite web|title=Daft Punk Cancel 'Colbert Report' Appearance Due to Contractual Agreement With MTV VMAs|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/51801-daft-punk-cancel-colbert-report-appearance-due-to-contractual-agreement-with-mtv-vmas/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=20 September 2013|first=Evan|last=Minsker|date=6 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053526/http://pitchfork.com/news/51801-daft-punk-cancel-colbert-report-appearance-due-to-contractual-agreement-with-mtv-vmas/|archive-date=21 September 2013}}{{cite news|title=Stephen Colbert: The truth behind that Daft Punk dance party|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/13/showbiz/tv/colbert-daft-punk-ew/index.html|date=13 August 2013|access-date=20 September 2013|publisher=CNN|first=Hillary|last=Busis|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053930/http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/13/showbiz/tv/colbert-daft-punk-ew/index.html|archive-date=21 September 2013}} Colbert nevertheless broadcast an elaborate sketch of himself dancing to "Get Lucky" with various celebrities, including Hugh Laurie, Jeff Bridges, Jimmy Fallon, Bryan Cranston, Jon Stewart, Henry Kissinger, Matt Damon, and the Rockettes.{{cite news |last=Sisario |first=Ben |title=Daft Punk Cancels 'Colbert Show' Appearance Because of MTV Conflict |work=The New York Times |date=7 August 2013 |url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/07/things-get-kind-of-crazy-among-colbert-daft-punk-and-mtv/?_r=1 |access-date=12 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619003440/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/07/things-get-kind-of-crazy-among-colbert-daft-punk-and-mtv/?_r=1 |archive-date=19 June 2015 }}{{cite news |last=Weber |first=Peter |title=Was Stephen Colbert's Daft Punk-MTV takedown a staged hoax? |work=The Week |date=8 August 2013 |url=https://theweek.com/article/index/248035/was-stephen-colberts-daft-punk-mtv-takedown-a-staged-hoax |access-date=12 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812071544/http://theweek.com/article/index/248035/was-stephen-colberts-daft-punk-mtv-takedown-a-staged-hoax |archive-date=12 August 2013 }}
=Artwork packaging=
Unlike the previous studio albums that feature the band's wordmark as the cover art, Random Access Memories is the first and only one to not do so. Instead, it features the band members' signature helmets with the album title written on the top left. The title treatment is reminiscent to that of Michael Jackson's Thriller. The image of the helmets was first revealed on Daft Punk's website, and became a recurring symbol throughout the promotional campaign.
The track titles were initially withheld from online retailers and later revealed through Columbia's Vine account on 16 April 2013, as a video relaying a series of images from the back cover of the record.{{cite web|last1=Minsker|first1=Evan |last2=Phillips |first2=Amy|title=Daft Punk Reveal Random Access Memories Tracklist Via Vine Video|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/50153-daft-punk-reveal-random-access-memories-tracklist-via-vine-video/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=16 April 2013|date=16 April 2013|quote=[...] The French robot duo have shared the album's tracklist via a Vine video which can be watched below. As previously reported, the album features collaborations with the Strokes' Julian Casablancas, Animal Collective's Panda Bear, Pharrell, Paul Williams, Nile Rodgers, Giorgio Moroder, Chilly Gonzales, DJ Falcon, and Todd Edwards.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418143048/http://pitchfork.com/news/50153-daft-punk-reveal-random-access-memories-tracklist-via-vine-video/|archive-date=18 April 2013}} On 13 May, Daft Punk's official Vevo channel posted a video revealing the artwork packaging of the vinyl version of the album, as well as the first few seconds of the opening track.{{cite web|title=Daft Punk – Random Access Memories Unboxed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr12u1tk_rM|publisher=YouTube|access-date=13 May 2013|format=YouTube video|date=13 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514064140/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr12u1tk_rM|archive-date=14 May 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Danton|first=Eric|title=Daft Punk Offer Glimpse of Random Access Memories Vinyl Packaging|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/daft-punk-offer-glimpse-of-random-access-memories-vinyl-packaging-20130513|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=13 May 2013|date=13 May 2013|quote=French duo play a snippet of opener 'Give Life Back to Music'|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515133347/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/daft-punk-offer-glimpse-of-random-access-memories-vinyl-packaging-20130513|archive-date=15 May 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Schneider|first=Marc|title=Daft Punk Reveal Random Access Memories Vinyl: Video and Photos|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/code/1561379/daft-punk-reveal-random-access-memories-vinyl-video-and-photos|magazine=Billboard|access-date=18 May 2013|date=13 May 2013|quote=[...] Set in what resembles a command center filled with towering, illuminated computer servers, the 1:40-long video quickly makes its way to an envelope marked 'confidential'. A pair of be-gloved hands begins a thorough inspection of the album, which ends with a needle-drop on leadoff track, 'Give Life Back to Music'.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607194107/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/code/1561379/daft-punk-reveal-random-access-memories-vinyl-video-and-photos|archive-date=7 June 2013}} Disc labels of the album feature the classic yellow and red Columbia design used on records during the 1970s and '80s, reflecting the album's theme.
Columbia released a deluxe box set of Random Access Memories containing a 56-page hardcover book, the vinyl edition, a partial 70 mm film strip of the "Lose Yourself to Dance" video, and triangle-designed gold and silver plated USB drives, which contain standard and bonus audio as well as video content, respectively.{{cite web|title=Daft Punk Detail Random Access Memories Deluxe Box Set: Robot Design Schematics, Extended Giorgio Moroder Track, Film Strips, More|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/52761-daft-punk-detail-random-access-memories-deluxe-box-set-robot-design-schematics-extended-giorgio-moroder-track-film-strips-more/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=24 October 2013|last=Pelly|first=Jenn|date=24 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027004042/http://pitchfork.com/news/52761-daft-punk-detail-random-access-memories-deluxe-box-set-robot-design-schematics-extended-giorgio-moroder-track-film-strips-more/|archive-date=27 October 2013}}
= ''The Collaborators'' =
File:N.E.R.D @ Pori Jazz 2010 - Pharrell Williams 1.jpg", featuring Pharrell Williams, appear in The Collaborators.]]
A video series called The Collaborators, directed by Ed Lachman and produced by The Creators Project, a partnership between Intel and Vice, was featured on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories website. Eight episodes were released in the series, which features interviews with participating musicians. The episodes were released weekly leading up to the album's launch. All featured album artists appear in the series with the exception of Casablancas, who would go on to appear prominently in the music video for "Instant Crush". Excerpts of the lead single "Get Lucky" appear in the opening and ending of each Collaborators episode as well as excerpts of other songs from the album, corresponding to each featured musician.
The first episode features disco pioneer Moroder speaking about his experiences with the genre such as his records with Donna Summer and experimenting with synthesizers. Moroder also talks about his visit with Daft Punk in their recording studio. The first Daft Punk track he heard was "One More Time" (2000), and especially liked the breakdown middle section. He concluded Daft Punk were "perfectionists" and described the album as "something [...] different. Still dance, still electronic; but [they] give that human touch back."{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYDvxo-M0OQ|title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 1: Giorgio Moroder|work=The Creators Project|publisher=YouTube|date=3 April 2013|access-date=3 April 2013|quote=[...] Thomas and Guy-Manuel, they are perfectionists (4:21 min). They had to do something which is different. Still dance, still electronic; but give that human touch back. (7:40 min)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404225042/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYDvxo-M0OQ|archive-date=4 April 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Cubarrubia|first=RJ|title=Giorgio Moroder: Daft Punk's New Album Is 'A Step Forward' for Dance Music|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/giorgio-moroder-daft-punks-new-album-is-a-step-forward-for-dance-music-20130403|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=3 April 2013|date=3 April 2013|format=YouTube video|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403221559/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/giorgio-moroder-daft-punks-new-album-is-a-step-forward-for-dance-music-20130403|archive-date=3 April 2013}}
Episode two revealed that Edwards had contributed to the album; he said it was difficult keeping his involvement a secret. Edwards had previously collaborated with Daft Punk to create the song "Face to Face" on the 2001 album Discovery. He summarized his experience in the studio recording "Fragments of Time" as being life-changing, as the sessions inspired him to move from New Jersey to California on a permanent basis. Edwards also pointed out the irony of "two androids [...] bringing soul back to music".{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf2bu0P_4Vo|title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 2: Todd Edwards|work=The Creators Project|publisher=YouTube|date=8 April 2013|access-date=8 April 2013|quote=[...] They reversed gears and went back to a time that no one's really focusing on (2:49 min). [...] When the music becomes focused on the effects that are being used or the presets of sounds, it's just computer – there's no soul there. It's kind of ironic: two androids are bringing soul back to music (6:54 min).|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409070525/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf2bu0P_4Vo|archive-date=9 April 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Cubarrubia|first=RJ|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/daft-punks-random-access-memories-channels-fleetwood-mac-doobie-brothers-20130408|title=Daft Punk's Random Access Memories Channels Fleetwood Mac, Doobie Brothers|magazine=Rolling Stone|format=YouTube video|date=8 April 2013|access-date=8 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409014829/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/daft-punks-random-access-memories-channels-fleetwood-mac-doobie-brothers-20130408|archive-date=9 April 2013}}
The third episode features Rodgers, who spoke of his background as a founding member of Chic, as well as his numerous collaborations with other artists throughout his career, such as David Bowie, Madonna, and Duran Duran. He expressed that working with Daft Punk "[felt] like [...] working with contemporaries" and that they motivated each other to excel when collaborating. Rodgers played a portion of "Lose Yourself to Dance", and said Daft Punk had evolved while exploring music's past, suggesting that "they went back to go forward".{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da_Yp9BOCaI|title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 3: Nile Rodgers|work=The Creators Project|publisher=YouTube|date=11 April 2013|access-date=11 April 2013|quote=[...] I feel like I'm working with contemporaries [...] with people who grew up with me and feel it the same way we felt the vibe when we were creating this stuff. It's like they went back to go forward (10:24 min).|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412201242/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da_Yp9BOCaI|archive-date=12 April 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Blistein|first=Jon|title=Nile Rodgers: New Daft Punk Album 'Went Back to Go Forward'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/nile-rodgers-new-daft-punk-album-went-back-to-go-forward-20130411|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=11 April 2013|date=11 April 2013|format=YouTube video|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412101627/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/nile-rodgers-new-daft-punk-album-went-back-to-go-forward-20130411|archive-date=12 April 2013}}
Pharrell Williams participated in the fourth episode. He discussed the organic sound of the album, saying it "feels like the only click track they had was [...] the human heartbeat". He felt that the record can be enjoyed by people of all ages due to the accessible nature of music, and concluded that Daft Punk "could just get back on the spaceship that brought them here and go, and leave us. But they're gracious, they're nice robots. They chose to stay".{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QVtHogFrI0|title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 4: Pharrell Williams|work=The Creators Project|publisher=YouTube|date=15 April 2013|access-date=15 April 2013|quote=[...] Up; is where they belong. We're lucky to hang out [with them] in the planet. They could just get back on the spaceship that brought them here and go, and leave us. But they're gracious, they're nice robots. They chose to stay. (6:26 min)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418175335/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QVtHogFrI0|archive-date=18 April 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Cubarrubia|first=RJ|title=Pharrell: Daft Punk 'Not Bound by Time and Space'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/pharrell-daft-punk-not-bound-by-time-and-space-20130415|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=15 April 2013|date=15 April 2013|format=YouTube video|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417051955/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/pharrell-daft-punk-not-bound-by-time-and-space-20130415|archive-date=17 April 2013}}
File:PANDA BEAR 2010 (cropped).jpg of Animal Collective sang on "Doin' It Right".]]
Episode five features Noah Lennox, better known by his stage name Panda Bear, who spoke about his contribution and his history with the band Animal Collective. He first heard of Daft Punk through the music video of the song "Around the World", which introduced him to many aspects of electronic dance music. He added that Homework was one of the few albums he and his older brother both enjoyed. Regarding Random Access Memories, Lennox remarked upon the approach of having live musicians, but structuring their performances in a minimal, sample-like fashion.{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8jmBbG4T6c|title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 5: Panda Bear|work=The Creators Project|publisher=YouTube|date=24 April 2013|access-date=24 April 2013|quote=[...] Instead of sampling an old piece of music, it was like recording things in an old way to make something that kind of sounds like it was sampling something old, but which in turn kind of makes it sound new (7:03 min) [...]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425161039/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8jmBbG4T6c|archive-date=25 April 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Cubarrubia|first=RJ|title=Panda Bear: Daft Punk Make Old Sound New|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/panda-bear-daft-punk-make-old-sound-new-20130424|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=25 April 2013|date=24 April 2013|format=YouTube video|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425211607/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/panda-bear-daft-punk-make-old-sound-new-20130424|archive-date=25 April 2013}}
For the sixth episode, Gonzales recalled Daft Punk's joy listening to the raw session recordings made early in the production, and said it took years to finish the album. He said Daft Punk were aware of how the keys of each song would contribute to the emotional progression of the album as a whole. He therefore performed the piano in the song "Within" to accommodate the cycle. Gonzales concluded by pointing out that Daft Punk rarely collaborate with others, and thus felt that they did so on Random Access Memories to "make the work be transcendent".{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc3I0Ent9Zg|title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 6: Chilly Gonzales|work=The Creators Project|publisher=YouTube|date=30 April 2013|access-date=30 April 2013|quote=[...] [Daft Punk] don't really need any help. And so when they ask for help, it's because they are in such a high level and so advanced, [...] that [they] can ask for help for certain details that are going to make the work be transcendent (7:53 min).|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602043201/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc3I0Ent9Zg|archive-date=2 June 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Cubarrubia|first=RJ|title=Chilly Gonzales Explains Daft Punk Harmonies|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/chilly-gonzales-explains-daft-punk-harmonies-20130430|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=30 April 2013|date=30 April 2013|format=YouTube video|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503030110/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/chilly-gonzales-explains-daft-punk-harmonies-20130430|archive-date=3 May 2013}}
The seventh episode features Stéphane Quême, otherwise known as DJ Falcon, who spoke of first meeting Daft Punk when they began recording their debut album Homework. Quême noted that their sound had since changed and that each of their albums drew from different influences. He felt producers would be able to sample Random Access Memories in the same way Daft Punk had sampled older records in their previous albums.{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gca9hrmVapE|title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 7: DJ Falcon|date=7 May 2013|access-date=7 May 2013|work=The Creators Project|publisher=YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130711044055/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gca9hrmVapE|archive-date=11 July 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Cubarrubia|first=RJ|title=Paul Williams, DJ Falcon Describe Working With Daft Punk|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/paul-williams-dj-falcon-describe-working-with-daft-punk-20130510|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=11 May 2013|date=10 May 2013|format=YouTube video|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605064928/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/paul-williams-dj-falcon-describe-working-with-daft-punk-20130510|archive-date=5 June 2013}}
Episode eight features Paul Williams, who likened Daft Punk's personas to a character from the film Phantom of the Paradise, in which he starred. He also added that their masks hide who they are from the public and allow the listeners to enjoy the music for what it is. Paul Williams worked at Henson Recording Studios, the former studio of A&M Records where he had worked previously, including his compositions for Jim Henson's films featuring the Muppets, such as "Rainbow Connection". He also stated that the song he penned was to be sung from the point of view of an unidentified first person, setting the emotion, but the lyrics came from the music itself. Paul Williams said that he felt vulnerable while writing the record, and said he writes best when he is allowed to be honest and vulnerable, a situation that Daft Punk nurtured. He also stated that his sobriety added a sense of wonder to the song he wrote, as every day for him being sober has been wonderful compared to his prior life of excess.{{cite web|last=Lachman|first=Ed|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C683ACADxkw|title=Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators, Episode 8: Paul Williams|date=10 May 2013|access-date=10 May 2013|work=The Creators Project|publisher=YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130711041049/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C683ACADxkw|archive-date=11 July 2013}}
= Global album launch =
The 79th Annual Wee Waa Show, held on 17 May 2013 in the rural Australian town of Wee Waa, was selected as the venue for the worldwide album launch. The tickets for the Wee Waa album launch were completely sold within thirteen minutes of release, even though it was widely understood that Daft Punk would not be in attendance at the launch. The launch details revealed that the album would be streamed live to the 4,000 audience members.
Sony commissioned the design and construction of a custom-built stage for the Wee Waa album launch event, and the Daft Arts production house assembled a LED circular music space that became Australia's biggest-ever outdoor dance floor. The record label described the creation, which was illuminated by a giant disco ball and complemented by four speaker towers and flood lights, as "Saturday Night Fever meets Close Encounters of the Third Kind".{{cite web|last=McCabe|first=Kathy|title=Daft Punk to launch new record in... Wee Waa|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/daft-punk-to-launch-new-record-in-wee-waa/story-e6frfn09-1226615912863|work=Herald Sun|access-date=9 April 2013|date=9 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409113942/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/daft-punk-to-launch-new-record-in-wee-waa/story-e6frfn09-1226615912863|archive-date=9 April 2013}}{{cite web|last=McCabe|first=Kathy|title=Daft Punk fans descend on Wee Waa for launch of album Random Access Memories|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/daft-punk-fans-descend-on-wee-waa-for-launch-of-album-random-access-memories/story-fni0bvjn-1226645504916|work=Herald Sun|access-date=17 May 2013|date=17 May 2013}} The prelude to the streaming was a pyrotechnic show provided by Father Anthony Koppman and his company "Holy Smoke" from Guyra, New South Wales.{{cite web|title=9 things we learnt from Daft Punk's Wee Waa launch|url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/35724/9-things-we-learnt-from-Daft-Punks-Wee-Waa-launch|work=FasterLouder|access-date=21 May 2013|last=Mahony|first=Melanie|date=18 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608162315/http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/35724/9-things-we-learnt-from-Daft-Punks-Wee-Waa-launch|archive-date=8 June 2013}}
=Re-releases=
{{main|Random Access Memories (10th Anniversary Edition){{!}}Random Access Memories (10th Anniversary Edition)}}
On 22 February 2023, Daft Punk announced that a 10th-anniversary edition of Random Access Memories would be released on 12 May. It has an extra disc of 35 minutes of bonus content, including unreleased demos and outtakes. It includes the version of "Touch" used in the video announcing Daft Punk's disbandment. A Dolby Atmos version of the reissue was also released.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2023 |title=Daft Punk Announce New Random Access Memories Reissue With Unreleased Music |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/daft-punk-announce-new-random-access-memories-reissue-with-unreleased-music/ |access-date=22 February 2023 |website=Pitchfork }} The reissue contained the single, "Infinity Repeating (2013 Demo)", featuring Julian Casablancas and the Voidz. Casablancas discussed the song in interviews in 2014.{{Cite magazine |last=Reed |first=Ryan |date=31 March 2014 |title=Casablancas Reveals Second Daft Punk Collab |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/julian-casablancas-reveals-second-daft-punk-collab-245328/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=26 April 2023}}{{Cite web |date=13 November 2014 |title=Julian Casablancas Says His Second Daft Punk Song Is "Super Bizarre" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/57445-julian-casablancas-says-his-second-daft-punk-song-is-super-bizarre/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=Pitchfork}} Daft Punk called the track their "last song ever" in its press release.{{Cite web |title=Listen to the last Daft Punk song ever, "Infinity Repeating" |url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/05/12/daft-punk-julian-casablancas-infinity-repeating |access-date=12 May 2023 |website=The FADER}} The reissue reached number one on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart and the top 10 on the Billboard 200.{{Cite magazine |last=Murray |first=Gordon |date=25 May 2023 |title=Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories' Returns to No. 1 on Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/daft-punk-random-access-memories-number-1-top-dance-electronic-albums-chart-return/ |access-date=26 May 2023 |magazine=Billboard }}{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Abby |date=25 May 2023 |title=Daft Punk's Random Access Memories returns to No. 1 on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Albums chart |url=https://consequence.net/2023/05/daft-punk-random-access-memories/ |access-date=26 May 2023 |website=Consequence }}
Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition) was released on 17 November 2023. It includes the original 13 album tracks without drums.{{Cite magazine |last=Jones |first=Abby |date=2023-09-28 |title=Daft Punk Announce Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition) |url=https://consequence.net/2023/09/daft-punk-random-access-memories-drumless/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928153842/https://consequence.net/2023/09/daft-punk-random-access-memories-drumless/ |archive-date=2023-09-28 |access-date=2023-09-28 |magazine=Consequence |language=en-US}} The re-release received lukewarm reviews, with Ben Cardew of Pitchfork writing that while some songs sound "bereft of life," the more orchestral songs "feel flush with vivid color."{{cite magazine |last=Cardew |first=Ben |date=2023-11-16 |title=Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition) |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/daft-punk-random-access-memories-drumless-edition/ |url-status=live |magazine=Pitchfork |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116060612/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/daft-punk-random-access-memories-drumless-edition/ |archive-date=2023-11-16 |access-date=2023-11-20}} Jason Heffler of EDM.com gave Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition) a positive review, praising its "kaleidoscopic warmth".{{Cite web |last=Heffler |first=Jason |date=2023-11-17 |title=Listen to the Drumless Version of Daft Punk's Final Album, "Random Access Memories" |url=https://edm.com/music-releases/stream-drumless-version-daft-punk-random-access-memories |access-date=2023-11-27 |website=EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists |language=en}}
Critical reception
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev2 = The A.V. Club
| rev2score = B+{{cite web|last=Mincher|first=Chris|url=https://www.avclub.com/daft-punk-random-access-memories-1798176861|title=Daft Punk: Random Access Memories|work=The A.V. Club|date=21 May 2013|access-date=24 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521122757/http://www.avclub.com/articles/daft-punk-random-access-memories,97969/|archive-date=21 May 2013}}
| rev3 = The Daily Telegraph
| rev3score = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web|last=McCormick|first=Neil|author-link=Neil McCormick|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/10055828/Daft-Punk-Random-Access-Memories-album-review.html|title=Daft Punk, Random Access Memories, album review|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=14 May 2013|access-date=18 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517115741/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/10055828/Daft-Punk-Random-Access-Memories-album-review.html|archive-date=17 May 2013}}
| rev4 = Entertainment Weekly
| rev5 = The Guardian
| rev5score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/may/15/daft-punk-random-access-memories-review|title=Daft Punk: Random Access Memories – review|work=The Guardian|date=15 May 2013|access-date=15 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218182237/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/may/15/daft-punk-random-access-memories-review|archive-date=18 December 2013}}
| rev6 = The Independent
| rev7 = NME
| rev7score = 10/10{{cite web|last=Perry|first=Kevin EG|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/daft-punk/14423|title=Daft Punk – 'Random Access Memories'|work=NME|date=17 May 2013|access-date=20 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211007/http://www.nme.com/reviews/daft-punk/14423|archive-date=3 March 2016}}
| rev8 = Pitchfork
| rev9 = Rolling Stone
| rev9score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine|last=Hermes|first=Will|author-link=Will Hermes|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/random-access-memories-20130513|title=Daft Punk's Human Touch|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=23 May 2013|issue=1183|access-date=23 May 2013|pages=71–72|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604211711/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/random-access-memories-20130513|archive-date=4 June 2013}}
| rev10 = Spin
| rev10score = 8/10{{cite web|last=Kamps|first=Garrett|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/daft-punk-random-access-memories-columbia/|title=Daft Punk, 'Random Access Memories' (Columbia)|work=Spin|date=17 May 2013|access-date=18 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607160959/http://www.spin.com/reviews/daft-punk-random-access-memories-columbia/|archive-date=7 June 2013}}
}}
Random Access Memories received widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, it has an average score of 87 based on 47 reviews,{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/random-access-memories/daft-punk|title=Reviews for Random Access Memories by Daft Punk|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=31 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528070744/http://www.metacritic.com/music/random-access-memories/daft-punk|archive-date=28 May 2013}} the highest of any Daft Punk album.{{cite web|title=Daft Punk|url=https://www.metacritic.com/person/daft-punk|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=28 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224075957/http://www.metacritic.com/person/daft-punk|archive-date=24 December 2013}}
Q referred to it as "by some margin Daft Punk's best album in a career that's already redefined dance music at least twice. It is, in short, a mind blower." The Independent stated, "Random Access Memories breathes life into the safe music that dominates today's charts, with its sheer ambition ... It's an exciting journey, and one that, for all its musical twists and turns, has its feet planted on the dancefloor."{{cite news|last=Bray|first=Elisa|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-review-daft-punk-random-access-memories-sony-music-8601668.html|title=Album review: Daft Punk, Random Access Memories (Sony Music)|work=The Independent|date=3 May 2013|access-date=14 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507020411/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-review-daft-punk-random-access-memories-sony-music-8601668.html|archive-date=7 May 2013}} Melissa Maerz of Entertainment Weekly called it "a headphones album in an age of radio singles; a bravura live performance that stands out against pro forma knob-twiddling; a jazzy disco attack on the basic house beat; a full collaboration at a time when the superstar DJ stands alone." She concluded her review by saying that "if EDM is turning humans into robots, Daft Punk are working hard to make robot pop feel human again."{{cite magazine|last=Maerz|first=Melissa|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2013/06/25/random-access-memories|title=Random Access Memories|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=14 May 2013|access-date=14 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403142106/http://www.ew.com/article/2013/06/25/random-access-memories|archive-date=3 April 2015}}
Several critics commented on the variety of content. NME said, "There's a creeping notion that every musical idea that's ever been so much as thought up is on this album." In addition, Random Access Memories is ranked No. 497 on NME{{'s}} list, "The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time".{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/the-500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-500-401/323975/4/1 |title=The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time: 500-401 |work=NME |year=2013 |access-date=2013-10-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025220651/http://www.nme.com/photos/the-500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-500-401/323975/4/1 |archive-date=2013-10-25 }} Mark Richardson of Pitchfork echoed this sentiment, calling the record "a mix of disco, soft rock, and prog-pop, along with some Broadway-style pop bombast and even a few pinches of their squelching stadium-dance aesthetic". Richardson praised the engineering and recording, but found that "though everything about RAM, from the session musicians to the guests to the means of production, is meant to sound more 'human,' the album at points sounds more sterile, almost too perfect."{{cite web|last=Richardson|first=Mark|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18028-daft-punk-random-access-memories/|title=Daft Punk: Random Access Memories|work=Pitchfork|date=20 May 2013|access-date=20 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607113345/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18028-daft-punk-random-access-memories/|archive-date=7 June 2013}} Pitchfork named the album the seventh-best of 2013.{{cite web|title=The Top 50 Albums of 2013|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9293-the-top-50-albums-of-2013/5/|work=Pitchfork|access-date=2013-12-18 |date=2013-12-18|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724123400/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9293-the-top-50-albums-of-2013/5/|archive-date=2015-07-24}}
DJ Magazine commented on the shift in Daft Punk's musical style: "While Daft Punk clearly want to move on and evolve, ditching the electronic beats, house and techno that first elevated them to fame, it's that music that forms the bedrock of their best tunes, and still, that's what they're best at making."{{cite web|url=http://www.djmag.com/content/review-daft-punk-random-access-memories|title=Daft Punk: Random Access Memories|date=2 May 2013|access-date=7 May 2013|work=DJ Magazine|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505165628/http://djmag.com/content/review-daft-punk-random-access-memories|archive-date=5 May 2013}} Resident Advisor stated that "it's an album rooted in a now-ancient aesthetic", noting the influence of music born out of California and New York in the 1970s.{{cite web|url=http://www.residentadvisor.net/review-view.aspx?id=12989|last=Rothlein|first=Jordan|date=20 May 2013|title=Random Access Memories review|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031131740/http://www.residentadvisor.net/review-view.aspx?id=12989|archive-date=31 October 2013}} In a five-star review, Heather Phares of AllMusic said that the record "taps into the wonder and excitement" of music from the 1970s and early 1980s. Phares concluded her review by saying, "Random Access Memories is also Daft Punk's most personal work, and richly rewarding for listeners willing to spend time with it."{{cite web|last=Phares|first=Heather|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/random-access-memories-mw0002521619|title=Random Access Memories – Daft Punk|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=16 November 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509095635/http://www.allmusic.com/album/random-access-memories-mw0002521619|archive-date=9 May 2013}}
Aaron Payne of musicOMH wrote, "Daft Punk somehow misplace the wit and the light touch that's pretty much their trademark. Instead, these long epics become somewhat tedious and there is a strong whiff of egoism and self-indulgence ... At over 70 minutes, the album feels rather bloated. Quite a few of the songs are too long, or too empty of ideas, or too willing to repeat themselves, or too willing to play to type".{{cite web|last=Payne|first=Aaron|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/daft-punk-random-access-memories|title=Daft Punk – Random Access Memories|date=9 May 2013|access-date=9 May 2013|work=musicOMH|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603181140/http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/daft-punk-random-access-memories|archive-date=3 June 2013}} Dan Weiss of Paste noted that "none of the admittedly eclectic pilferings of Random Access Memories challenge or defy anything. They all evoke specific eras of film soundtrack or disco trend. The beats have grown less, not more, complex over time."{{cite web|last=Weiss|first=Dan|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2013/05/daft-punk-random-access-memories.html|title=Daft Punk: Random Access Memories|work=Paste|date=21 May 2013|access-date=24 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607024015/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2013/05/daft-punk-random-access-memories.html|archive-date=7 June 2013}}
= Retrospective reviews =
In January 2015, Random Access Memories was placed at number 9 on Billboard's list of "The 20 Best Albums of 2010s (so far)".{{cite magazine |title=Billboard's Top 20 Best Albums of the 2010s (So Far) |url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/6436436/20-best-albums-2010s-half-decade?i=541727 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124101823/http://www.billboard.com/photos/6436436/20-best-albums-2010s-half-decade?i=541727 |archive-date=24 January 2015 |access-date=13 January 2015 |magazine=Billboard}} In 2020, it was ranked at 65 on the 100 Best Albums of the 21st Century list of Stacker.{{cite web |date=23 October 2020 |title=100 Best albums of the 21st century |url=https://stacker.com/stories/4750/100-best-albums-21st-century |access-date=21 June 2021 |website=Stacker}} The same year, Rolling Stone ranked Random Access Memories number 295 on their list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". In 2021, Pitchfork included Random Access Memories on its list of review scores they "would change if they could", adjusting its score from 8.8 out of 10 to 6.8. The Pitchfork critic Philip Sherburne wrote that it "doesn't feel pivotal in the same way that Discovery did" and "didn't push pop music forward".{{Cite web |date=2021-10-05 |title=Pitchfork Reviews: Rescored |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/pitchfork-reviews-rescored/ |access-date=2021-10-05 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}
= Legacy =
In a 2023 interview, Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows cited Random Access Memories as a major inspiration for their album Life Is But a Dream..., praising its approach to analog production and sonic experimentation.{{Cite web|title=M. Shadows Talks Avenged Sevenfold's New Album and Daft Punk's Influence|url=https://www.edm.com/news/avenged-sevenfold-new-album-influenced-by-daft-punk|website=EDM.com|access-date=6 February 2025|date=21 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321120000/https://www.edm.com/news/avenged-sevenfold-new-album-influenced-by-daft-punk|archive-date=21 March 2023}} Shadows credited Daft Punk with broadening his perspective on composition and album structuring, incorporating elements such as extended instrumental sections and dynamic transitions.{{Cite web|title=Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows on Learning From Daft Punk's Approach to Music|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/avenged-sevenfold-daft-punk-random-access-memories-influence|website=NME|access-date=6 February 2025|date=18 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518120000/https://www.nme.com/news/music/avenged-sevenfold-daft-punk-random-access-memories-influence|archive-date=18 May 2023}}
Industry awards
Random Access Memories received Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Best Dance/Electronica Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. The lead single, "Get Lucky", also won for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.{{cite web|title=56th Annual GRAMMY Awards Nominees |url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees |publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences |access-date=10 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204023547/http://www.grammy.com/NOMINEES |archive-date=4 December 2010 }} "Get Lucky" had previously been nominated for Best Song of the Summer at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards and Best Song at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards.{{cite web|title=Best Song of the Summer 2013 MTV Video Music Awards|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2013/best-song-of-the-summer/|publisher=MTV|access-date=10 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203092825/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2013/best-song-of-the-summer/|archive-date=3 December 2013}}{{cite web|title=2013 MTV EMAs: European Music Awards' Winners List|date=10 November 2013|url=http://www.heavy.com/entertainment/2013/11/2013-mtv-emas-european-music-awards-winners-nominees-list/|publisher=Heavy.com|access-date=10 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115073544/http://www.heavy.com/entertainment/2013/11/2013-mtv-emas-european-music-awards-winners-nominees-list/|archive-date=15 November 2013}}
| class="wikitable"
|+Accolades for Random Access Memories ! Year ! Ceremony ! Nominated work ! Recipient(s) ! Category ! Result |
| rowspan="2"| 2013
| rowspan="4"| "Get Lucky" | {{nominated}} |
| MTV Europe Music Awards
| Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams | Best Song | {{nominated}} |
| rowspan="5"| 2014
| rowspan="5"| Grammy Awards | Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers | {{won}} |
| Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
| Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | {{won}} |
| rowspan="3"| Random Access Memories
| Daft Punk | {{won}} |
| Daft Punk
| Best Dance/Electronica Album | {{won}} |
| Peter Franco, Mick Guzauski, Florian Lagatta and Daniel Lerner, engineers; Bob Ludwig, mastering engineer
| Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical | {{won}} |
Sales
Random Access Memories debuted at number one on the French Albums Chart with first-week sales of 195,013 copies (127,361 physical sales and 67,652 digital sales),{{cite web |last=Decant |first=Charles |url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-86143.html |title=Top Albums : Daft Punk écrase Maître Gims, Zaz passe devant Paradis, Shy'm s'envole |language=fr |publisher=Charts in France |date=31 May 2013 |access-date=15 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607160115/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-86143.html |archive-date=7 June 2013 }} earning Daft Punk their first number-one album in France. The next week, it sold 49,600 copies to remain at the top spot with a 75% sales decrease.{{cite web |last=Decant |first=Charles |url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-86275.html |title=Top Albums : Daft Punk s'essouffle fortement mais résiste à Maître Gims |language=fr |publisher=Charts in France |date=7 June 2013 |access-date=15 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610065921/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-86275.html |archive-date=10 June 2013 }} It secured a third consecutive week atop the French chart, withstanding a 29% sales drop to 35,500 copies.{{cite web |last=Decant |first=Charles |url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-86419.html |title=Top Albums : Jenifer s'incline face à Daft Punk mais devance Johnny Hallyday |language=fr |publisher=Charts in France |date=14 June 2013 |access-date=15 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618031453/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-86419.html |archive-date=18 June 2013 }}
Random Access Memories debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart with 165,091 copies sold in its first week,{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Alan |url=http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-daft-punk-lp-sells-165k-to-hit-no-1/054839 |title=Official Charts Analysis: Daft Punk LP sells 165k to hit No.1 |work=Music Week |date=27 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613143750/http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-daft-punk-lp-sells-165k-to-hit-no-1/054839 |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=28 May 2013}} becoming Daft Punk's first UK number-one album{{cite web |last=Lane |first=Daniel |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/daft-punk-score-first-ever-uk-number-1-album-with-random-access-memories-2241/ |title=Daft Punk score first ever UK Number 1 album with Random Access Memories |publisher=Official Charts Company |date=26 May 2013 |access-date=26 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607184257/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/daft-punk-score-first-ever-uk-number-1-album-with-random-access-memories-2241/ |archive-date=7 June 2013 }} and the second fastest-selling artist album of 2013 after One Direction's Midnight Memories.{{cite web |last=Mandle |first=Chris |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/now-thats-what-i-call-music-86-debuts-at-number-1-on-the-official-compilation-albums-chart-2633/ |title=Now That's What I Call Music! 86 debuts at Number 1 on the Official Compilation Albums Chart |publisher=Official Charts Company |date=25 November 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207205628/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/now-thats-what-i-call-music-86-debuts-at-number-1-on-the-official-compilation-albums-chart-2633/ |archive-date=7 December 2013 }}{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Alan |url=http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-one-direction-lp-tops-230k-sales-to-become-2013-s-fastest-seller/056917 |title=Official Charts Analysis: One Direction LP tops 230k sales to become 2013's fastest seller |work=Music Week |date=2 December 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131202135536/http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-one-direction-lp-tops-230k-sales-to-become-2013-s-fastest-seller/056917 |archive-date=2 December 2013 }} {{Subscription required}} It remained at number one on the UK chart the following week, selling 52,801 copies.{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Alan |url=http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-robin-thicke-sets-2013-singles-sales-record/054916 |title=Official Charts Analysis: Robin Thicke sets 2013 singles sales record |work=Music Week |date=3 June 2013 |access-date=5 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923171613/http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-robin-thicke-sets-2013-singles-sales-record/054916 |archive-date=23 September 2016 }} {{Subscription required}} In its third week, it fell to number three on sales of 28,182 copies.{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Alan |url=http://www.musicweek.com/businessanalysis/read/official-charts-analysis-disclosure-pip-qotsa-to-no-1/054976 |title=Official Charts Analysis: Disclosure pip QOTSA to No.1 |work=Music Week |date=10 June 2013 |access-date=15 June 2013}} {{Subscription required}}
In the United States, Random Access Memories debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 339,000 copies, Daft Punk's first number-one album on the chart.{{cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1565020/official-daft-punks-random-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-with-339000 |title=Official: Daft Punk's 'Random' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 With 339,000 |magazine=Billboard |date=28 May 2013 |access-date=28 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607113530/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1565020/official-daft-punks-random-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-with-339000 |archive-date=7 June 2013 }} It maintained the number one spot in its second week, selling 93,000 copies.{{cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1565721/daft-punk-scores-second-week-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-chart |title=Daft Punk Scores Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart |magazine=Billboard |date=5 June 2013 |access-date=5 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608213115/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1565721/daft-punk-scores-second-week-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-chart |archive-date=8 June 2013 }} In its third week, it sold an additional 62,000 copies and fell to number two on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1566508/queens-of-the-stone-age-get-first-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart |title=Queens of the Stone Age Get First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart |magazine=Billboard |date=12 June 2013 |access-date=12 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615024808/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1566508/queens-of-the-stone-age-get-first-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart |archive-date=15 June 2013 }} The vinyl LP was 2013's top-selling LP, with 49,000 US copies shifted.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6422442/vinyl-album-sales-hit-historic-high-2014 |title=Vinyl Album Sales Hit Historic High in 2014, Again |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |magazine=Billboard |date=31 December 2014 |access-date=1 January 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103215403/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6422442/vinyl-album-sales-hit-historic-high-2014 |archive-date=3 January 2015 }} The album had sold 922,000 copies in the US as of January 2014.{{cite web |last=Graham |first=Adam |url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2014-02-06/soundscanner-bruno-mars-super-bowl-boost/ |title=SoundScanner: Bruno Mars Gets Super Bowl Boost, Freeze Freezes Out The Competition |publisher=VH1 |date=6 February 2014 |access-date=11 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207061417/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2014-02-06/soundscanner-bruno-mars-super-bowl-boost/ |archive-date=7 February 2014 }} On 12 May 2023, it was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Following its Album of the Year win at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, Random Access Memories jumped from number 39 to number 10 on the Billboard 200 with a 300% sales increase, selling 30,000 copies that week.{{cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5893985/grammy-awards-rock-charts-daft-punk-returns-to-top-10-on-billboard-200 |title=Grammy Awards Rock Charts, Daft Punk Returns to Top 10 on Billboard 200 |magazine=Billboard |date=5 February 2014 |access-date=15 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301205629/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5893985/grammy-awards-rock-charts-daft-punk-returns-to-top-10-on-billboard-200 |archive-date=1 March 2014 }}
Random Access Memories entered the Canadian Albums Chart at number one with 46,000 copies sold, the biggest one-week sales total in Canada of 2013.{{cite book |last=Tuch |first=Paul |url=https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/67270545/Canadian%20Newsletters/nielsen_music_canadian_update_May29_2013.pdf |title=Daft Punk Score Their First Number One Album |publisher=Nielsen Company |date=29 May 2013 |access-date=3 June 2013 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=TheAmazingPeanuts |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Unreliable source?|sure=y|reason=dropboxusercontent.com is user-generated content|date=May 2024}} It remained at number one the next week, selling 17,000 copies.{{cite web |last=Tuch |first=Paul |url=https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/67270545/Canadian%20Newsletters/nielsen_music_canadian_update_Jun5_2013.pdf |title=Robin Thicke Continues to Lead at Hot 100 & Digital |publisher=Nielsen Company |date=5 June 2013 |access-date=6 June 2013 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=TheAmazingPeanuts |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Unreliable source?|sure=y|reason=dropboxusercontent.com is user-generated content|date=May 2024}} In Japan, it debuted at number three on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart, selling 25,970 copies.
Random Access Memories debuted at number one in several countries across continental Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark (where it sold 5,392 copies in its first week),{{cite web |last=Treo |first=Thomas |url=http://ekstrabladet.dk/musik/dkmusiknyt/article4519623.ece |title=Uventet flop af Emmelie |language=da |work=Ekstra Bladet |publisher=JP/Politikens Hus |date=31 May 2013 |access-date=17 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123153328/http://ekstrabladet.dk/musik/dkmusiknyt/article4519623.ece |archive-date=23 January 2015 }} Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. In Oceania, Random Access Memories debuted at number one in Australia and New Zealand; it was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) in its first week.{{cite web |url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/chart/albums/1174 |title=ARIA Albums Chart |publisher=ARIA Charts |date=27 May 2013 |access-date=26 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302100149/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/chart/albums/1174 |archive-date=2 March 2014 }}{{cite certification|region=New Zealand|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|type=album|id=2013-05-24|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|date=27 May 2013}} As of 2014, Random Access Memories had sold 3.2 million copies worldwide.{{cite web |url=http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/Digital-Music-Report-2014.pdf |title=Top selling global albums |publisher=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry |page=12 |access-date=17 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626030458/http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/Digital-Music-Report-2014.pdf |archive-date=26 June 2014 }} It received the RIAA certification of 2x Multi-Platinum on 12 May 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=daft+punk#search_section |title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA |website=RIAA |access-date=10 July 2023}}
Track listing
{{track listing
| headline = Random Access Memories track listing
| title1 = Give Life Back to Music
| writer1 = {{hlist|Thomas Bangalter|Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo|Paul Jackson, Jr.|Nile Rodgers}}
| length1 = 4:34
| title2 = The Game of Love
| writer2 = {{hlist|Bangalter|de Homem-Christo}}
| length2 = 5:22
| title3 = Giorgio by Moroder
| writer3 = {{hlist|Bangalter|de Homem-Christo|Giovanni Giorgio Moroder}}
| length3 = 9:04
| title4 = Within
| writer4 = {{hlist|Bangalter|Jason "Chilly Gonzales" Beck|de Homem-Christo}}
| length4 = 3:48
| title5 = Instant Crush
| note5 = featuring Julian Casablancas
| writer5 = {{hlist|Bangalter|Julian Casablancas|de Homem-Christo}}
| length5 = 5:37
| title6 = Lose Yourself to Dance
| note6 = featuring Pharrell Williams
| writer6 = {{hlist|Bangalter|de Homem-Christo|Nile Rodgers|Pharrell Williams}}
| length6 = 5:53
| title7 = Touch
| note7 = featuring Paul Williams
| writer7 = {{hlist|Bangalter|Christopher Paul Caswell|de Homem-Christo|Paul Williams Jr.}}
| length7 = 8:19
| title8 = Get Lucky
| note8 = featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
| writer8 = {{hlist|Bangalter|de Homem-Christo|Nile Rodgers|Pharrell Williams}}
| length8 = 6:09
| title9 = Beyond
| writer9 = {{hlist|Bangalter|Caswell|de Homem-Christo|Paul Williams Jr.}}
| length9 = 4:50
| title10 = Motherboard
| writer10 = {{hlist|Bangalter|de Homem-Christo}}
| length10 = 5:41
| title11 = Fragments of Time
| note11 = featuring Todd Edwards
| writer11 = {{hlist|Bangalter|de Homem-Christo|Todd Imperatrice}}
| length11 = 4:39
| title12 = Doin' It Right
| note12 = featuring Panda Bear
| writer12 = {{hlist|Bangalter|de Homem-Christo|Noah Lennox}}
| length12 = 4:11
| title13 = Contact
| writer13 = {{hlist|Bangalter|de Homem-Christo|Stéphane Quême|Garth Porter|Tony Mitchell|Daryl Braithwaite}}
| length13 = 6:23
| total_length = 74:28
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Japanese CD bonus track
| title14 = Horizon
| length14 = 4:25
| writer14 = {{hlist|Bangalter|de Homem-Christo}}
| total_length = 78:50
}}Sample credits
- "Contact" contains a sample from "We Ride Tonight", written by Garth Porter, Tony Mitchell and Daryl Braithwaite and performed by the Sherbs, and an excerpt from the Apollo 17 mission, spoken by Eugene Cernan, courtesy of NASA.
Personnel
= Featured artists =
- Daft Punk – vocals (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6–9, 12), modular synthesizer (tracks 1, 3, 7, 10, 12, 13),
synthesizer (tracks 2, 5, 8, 9, 14), keyboards (tracks 3, 4, 5, 11), guitar (track 5), production, concept, art direction - Panda Bear – vocals (track 12)
- Julian Casablancas – vocals, lead guitar and co-production (track 5)
- Todd Edwards – vocals and co-production (track 11)
- DJ Falcon – modular synthesizer and co-production (track 13)
- Chilly Gonzales – keyboards (track 1), piano (track 4)
- Giorgio Moroder – voice (track 3)
- Nile Rodgers – guitar (tracks 1, 6, 8)
- Paul Williams – vocals and lyrics (track 7), lyrics (track 9)
- Pharrell Williams – vocals (tracks 6, 8)
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
= Additional musicians =
- Greg Leisz – pedal steel guitar (tracks 1–3, 9–11, 14), lap steel guitar (tracks 7, 9)
- Chris Caswell – keyboards (tracks 1–4, 7–11, 14), orchestration, arrangements
- Paul Jackson, Jr. – guitar (tracks 1–3, 7–11, 14)
- Nathan East – bass (tracks 1–6, 8, 11, 14)
- James Genus – bass (tracks 3, 7, 9–11, 13)
- John "J.R." Robinson – drums (tracks 1,2, 4–6, 14)
- Omar Hakim – drums (tracks 3, 7–9, 11, 13), percussion (track 10)
- Quinn – percussion (tracks 1, 3–5, 7, 10, 11), drums (track 7)
- Thomas Bloch – ondes Martenot (track 7), cristal baschet (track 10)
= Orchestra =
Tracks 3, 7, 9, & 10
- Conductor – Douglas Walter
- Contractor – Joseph Solido
- Violin – Assa Dori, Johana Krejci, Rita Weber, Kevin Connolly, Joel Pargman, Song Lee, Irina Voloshina, Margaret Wooten, Mary K. Sloan, Nina Evtuhov, Miwako Watanabe, Samuel Fischer, Lisa Dondinger, Rafael Rishik, Cynthia Moussas, Sara Perkins, Neel Hammond, Olivia Tsui, Calabria McChesney, Carrie Kennedy, Lisa Sutton, Audrey Solomon
- Viola – Andrew Picken, Alma Fernandez, Rodney Wirtz, Carolyn Riley, Harry Shirinan, Jody Rubin, Roland Kato, Ray Tischer
- Cello – Christina Soule, Paula Hochalter, Vanessa F. Smith, Timothy Loo, Armen Ksajikian
- Double bass – Charles Berghofer, Don Ferrone, Drew Dembowski
- Flute – Greg Huckins, Steve Kajala, Sara Andon
- Oboe – Earl Dumler
- Clarinet – Marty Krystall, Gene Cipriano
- Bass clarinet – Gene Cipriano
- Bassoon – Judith Farmer
- English horn – David Kosoff
- French horn – Nathan Campbell, James Atkinson, Justin Hageman, Stephanie O’Keefe, Danielle Ondarza
- Trumpet – Gary Grant, Warren Luening, Charles Findley, Larry McGuire
- Trombone – Andrew Martin, Charles Morillas, Charles Looper, Bob McChesny
- Bass trombone – Craig Gosnell
- Percussion – Brian Kilgore, Mark Converse
- Booth – Chris Caswell
- Choir (track 7) – Shirley Koesnadi, Alissa M. Cremshaw, Elaina S. Crenshaw, Alexandra Gunn, Jeffery Gunn, Emma S. Gunn, Victor Pineshi, Mariah A. Britt, Joshua Britt, Alycia Grant, Chelsea T. DiBlasi, Jessica Rotter, conducted by Angie Jaree
{{col-2}}
= Production =
- Bob Ludwig – mastering
- Chab (Antoine Chabert) – mastering
- Paul Hahn – management
- Cédric Hervet – creative director, cover art
- Warren Fu – cover art, illustrations
- Mick Guzauski – recording, mixing engineer
- Peter Franco – recording engineer
- Florian Lagatta – recording engineer
- Daniel Lerner – digital audio engineer
{{col-end}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
= Weekly charts =
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2013 weekly chart performance for Random Access Memories ! scope="col"| Chart (2013) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{album chart|Australia|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016}} |
| scope="row"| Australian Dance Albums (ARIA){{cite magazine |url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue1213.pdf |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20130624004913/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20130619-1509/Issue1213.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-06-24 |title=ARIA Dance – Week Commencing 27th May 2013 |magazine=The ARIA Report |issue=1213 |date=27 May 2013 |page=17 |access-date=29 December 2013 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
| 1 |
|---|
| {{album chart|Austria|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=31 May 2013|refname="aut"}} |
| {{album chart|Flanders|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=24 May 2013|refname="bel"}} |
| {{album chart|Wallonia|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=24 May 2013}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardCanada|1|artist=Daft Punk|rowheader=true|access-date=17 December 2014}} |
| scope="row"| Croatian Albums (HDU){{cite web |url=http://www.hdu-toplista.com/index.php?what=arhiva&w=details&id=855 |title=Top Kombiniranih – Tjedan 24. 2013. |trans-title=Top Combined – Week 24, 2013 |language=hr |publisher=Top of the Shops |access-date=20 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102920/http://www.hdu-toplista.com/index.php?what=arhiva&w=details&id=1193 |archive-date=18 May 2015}}
| 6 |
| {{album chart|Czech|1|date=201321|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016|refname="cz"}} |
| {{album chart|Denmark|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016}} |
| {{album chart|Netherlands|2|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016}} |
| {{album chart|Finland|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016|refname="fin"}} |
| {{album chart|France|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016|refname="fra"}} |
| {{album chart|Germany4|1|id=215083|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016|refname="ger"}} |
| scope="row"| Greek Albums (IFPI){{cite web |url=https://ifpi.gr/charts_el.html |title=Official IFPI Charts – Top-75 Albums Sales Chart : 24/2013 |language=el |publisher=IFPI Greece |access-date=25 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625171212/https://ifpi.gr/charts_el.html |archive-date=25 June 2013}}
| 3 |
| {{album chart|Hungary|1|year=2013|week=21|rowheader=true|access-date=10 May 2015}} |
| {{album chart|Ireland|1|year=2013|week=21|rowheader=true|access-date=24 May 2013|refname="ire"}} |
| {{album chart|Italy|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016|refname="ita"}} |
| scope="row"| Japanese Albums (Oricon){{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2013-06-03/ |script-title=ja:2013年05月20日～2013年05月26日のCDアルバム週間ランキング |trans-title=Weekly CD Albums Chart: 2013.05.20~2013.05.26 |language=ja |publisher=Oricon |date=3 June 2013 |access-date=31 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604122423/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2013-06-03/ |archive-date=4 June 2013}}
| 3 |
| scope="row"| Mexican Albums (Top 100 Mexico){{cite web |url=http://www.centrodedesarrollodigital.com/amprofon3/Top100.pdf |title=Top 100 México – Semana Del 13 al 19 de Mayo 2013 |language=es |publisher=Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas |access-date=28 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823040843/http://www.centrodedesarrollodigital.com/amprofon3/Top100.pdf |archive-date=23 August 2013}}
| 1 |
| {{album chart|New Zealand|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016}} |
| {{album chart|Norway|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016|refname="nor"}} |
| {{album chart|Poland|4|id=808|rowheader=true|access-date=31 May 2013}} |
| {{album chart|Portugal|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016|refname="por"}} |
| {{album chart|Scotland|1|date=2013-05-26|rowheader=true|access-date=10 May 2015}} |
| {{album chart|Korea|5|date=2013.06.02-2013.06.08|rowheader=true|access-date=18 May 2015}} |
| {{album chart|Spain|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016|refname="spa"}} |
| {{album chart|Sweden|2|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016}} |
| {{album chart|Switzerland|1|artist=Daft Punk|album=Random Access Memories|rowheader=true|access-date=3 July 2016|refname="swi"}} |
| {{album chart|UK2|1|date=20130526|rowheader=true|access-date=10 May 2015}} |
| {{album chart|Billboard200|1|artist=Daft Punk|rowheader=true|access-date=30 May 2013}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardDanceElectronic|1|artist=Daft Punk|rowheader=true|access-date=30 May 2013}} |
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2021 weekly chart performance for Random Access Memories ! Chart (2021) ! Peak |
| scope="row" | Lithuanian Albums (AGATA){{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/8s/|title=2021 9-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)|language=lt|publisher=AGATA|date=26 February 2021|access-date=2 July 2021}}
| 24 |
|---|
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2022 weekly chart performance for Random Access Memories ! Chart (2022) ! Peak |
| scope="row"| Greek Albums (IFPI){{cite web |url=https://ifpi.gr/charts_el.html |title=Official IFPI Charts – Top-75 Albums Sales Chart (Εβδομάδα: 15/2022) |language=el |publisher=IFPI Greece |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427122410/https://ifpi.gr/charts_el.html|archive-date=27 April 2022}}
| 1 |
|---|
{{col-2}}
= Year-end charts =
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2016 year-end chart performance for Random Access Memories ! scope="col"| Chart (2016) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| Australian Dance Albums (ARIA){{cite web |url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2016/dance-albums-chart |title=ARIA Top 50 Dance Albums for 2016 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=11 June 2021}}
| 25 |
|---|
| scope="row"| Belgian Midprice Albums (Ultratop Wallonia){{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2016&cat=am|title=Rapports annuels 2016 – Mid price|publisher=Ultratop|language=fr|access-date=8 February 2021}}
| 29 |
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2018 year-end chart performance for Random Access Memories ! scope="col"| Chart (2018) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| Australian Vinyl Albums (ARIA){{cite web |url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2018/vinyl-albums-chart |title=ARIA Top 100 Vinyl Albums 2018 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=17 June 2021}}
| 77 |
|---|
| scope="row"| Belgian Midprice Albums (Ultratop Wallonia){{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2018&cat=am|title=Rapports annuels 2018 – Mid price|publisher=Ultratop|language=fr|access-date=8 February 2021}}
| 39 |
| scope="row"| US Top Dance/Electronic Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/dance-electronic-albums |title=Top Dance/Electronic Albums – Year-End 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=6 December 2020}}
| 18 |
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2019 year-end chart performance for Random Access Memories ! scope="col"| Chart (2019) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| Australian Dance Albums (ARIA){{cite web |url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2019/dance-albums-chart |title=ARIA Top 50 Dance Albums for 2019 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|access-date=11 June 2021}}
| 38 |
|---|
| scope="row"| Australian Vinyl Albums (ARIA){{cite web |url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2019/vinyl-albums-chart |title=ARIA Top 100 Vinyl Albums 2019 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=17 June 2021}}
| 82 |
| scope="row"| US Top Dance/Electronic Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2019/dance-electronic-albums |title=Top Dance/Electronic Albums – Year-End 2019 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=6 December 2020}}
| 22 |
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2020 year-end chart performance for Random Access Memories ! scope="col"| Chart (2020) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| Australian Dance Albums (ARIA){{cite web |url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2020/dance-albums-chart |title=ARIA Top 50 Dance Albums for 2020 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=11 June 2021}}
| 36 |
|---|
| scope="row"| US Top Dance/Electronic Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2020/dance-electronic-albums |title=Top Dance/Electronic Albums – Year-End 2020 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=6 December 2020}}
| 17 |
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2024 year-end chart performance for Random Access Memories !Chart (2024) !Position |
| scope="row"| Australian Dance Albums (ARIA){{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2024/dance-albums-chart|title=ARIA Top 50 Dance Albums for 2024|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|access-date=14 January 2025}}
| 28 |
|---|
| scope="row"|US Dance/Electronic Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2024/dance-electronic-albums |title=Dance/Electronic Albums – Year-End 2024|magazine=Billboard|access-date=16 December 2024}}
| 13 |
=Decade-end charts=
{{col-end}}
Certifications and sales
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for Random Access Memories}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|number=2|type=album|certyear=2014|access-date=21 April 2014}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|number=2|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2023|access-date=24 May 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2014|access-date=2 February 2014}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|number=3|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2023|access-date=20 January 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|number=2|type=album|relyear=2013|relmonth=5|certyear=2024|id=13962|access-date=11 June 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Finland|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2014|access-date=29 March 2014|salesamount=17,178}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Diamond|number=2|type=album|relyear=2013|relmonth=5|certyear=2021|access-date=15 May 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Gold|number=3|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2023|access-date=15 February 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Ireland|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories Day|award=Platinum|type=album|certyear=2013|access-date=3 February 2014}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|number=3|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2025|access-date=24 February 2025|id=13903}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2015|certmonth=04|access-date=16 May 2015}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Mexico|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum+Gold|number=4|type=album|relyear=2013}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|number=2|id=2023-05-19|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|type=album}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|number=2|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2014|date=14 May 2014|access-date=14 May 2014}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Portugal|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|relyear=2013|certyear=2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625072722/http://www.artistas-espectaculos.com:80/noticias/pt/|archive-date=2013-06-25|id=201321|access-date=11 November 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|nocert=yes|type=album|salesamount=15,225|salesref=}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2013|id=daft-punk-random-access-memories|access-date=12 August 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2013|certweek=34|position=15|access-date=9 November 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|type=album|relyear=2013|access-date=14 August 2013}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|number=2|type=album|id=8937-1040-2|access-date=19 July 2024|certyear=2024|relyear=2013}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Daft Punk|title=Random Access Memories|award=Platinum|number=2|type=album|relyear=2013|certyear=2023|access-date=12 May 2023|refname="riaa"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{official website|1=https://www.daftpunk.com/}}
- {{Discogs master|556257|type=album}}
{{Daft Punk}}
{{Grammy Award for Album of the Year 2010s}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album}}
{{good article}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Albums produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo
Category:Albums produced by Thomas Bangalter
Category:Albums recorded at Electric Lady Studios
Category:Albums recorded at A&M Studios
Category:Albums recorded at Capitol Studios
Category:Columbia Records albums
Category:Grammy Award for Album of the Year
Category:Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronica Album
Category:Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical