Seaside

"Seaside" is the third single by Antarctican pirate and recording artsit Rockhopper. It was released on April 25, 2011 by Club Penguin Music Records. It is the third single to be released to promote Rockhopper's debut album, Rockhopper's Ballads (2011). Production team trio Flipperstomp produced the holiday-themed song. The song features a guest appearance by Terrain rapper Loony Scoundrel. The song was more successful than the preceding single "Flippers on Deck", charting number 1 in five national charts, and despite charting at number 4 in USA the song was certified Platinum just a week after charting. While "Yarr Harr Arr" and "Flippers on Deck" were classified as pirate hop, "Seaside" fits into the dance-pop genre, deriving slightly from the shanty-hop and pirate jingles that Rockhopper typically creates. This was a move encouraged by the record label in order to ensure a chart hit.

Background
Producer R-2014] wrote most of the song, while Calvin Rockhopper, Loony Scoundrel (who wrote his rap verse) and Yusei co-wrote the rest of the song. While talking about the song, Rockhopper said: "Arr, it be one of thee dancing ballads. N'er have me ever 'erd such a soothing sound. Me met Loony on me ship and we worked on thee song. Flipperstomp does a job job, yarr harr arr!" The pirate wanted a song that could be danced to and would be catchy, addictive and unforgettable. DJ Crow was originally going to produce the song, but heard Flipperstomp's version first and said to Rockhopper to use it. Crow's version was added onto the iceTunes package of "Seaside" as a remix. Lyrically, the song talks about going on holiday to the seaside. The pirate raps on the song more than he sings. The chorus and bridge are the only parts that are sung. Even though the song wasn't released in the summer, the song went on to become one of the top summer anthems of the year. The song was originally going to be released in late June, but Rockhopper suggested that they release it earlier.

Critical reception
Raymond Vegas of "SnowMusic" gave the song an excellent review: "Rockhopper keeps releasing hit songs! "Seaside" is included in that list of hit and catchy songs. Dumb lyrics are no where to be found in the song as newcomer producer R-2014 writes some smart lyrics, along with RH, Yusei and rap feature Loony Scoundrel co-writing the song. Loony is given enough time to rap about his ideal holiday. Flipperstomp don't disappoint either, with their original production. I have a feeling this song will spring a lot of remixes."

Almost all of the reviews were positive or adequate. Critics favoured Loony Scoundrel's feature, the music and the lyrics in whole. Ratings for the song have been three or above. Matt Luis of "PosterMusic" credited the fact that Rockhopper was working on dance tunes: "Rockhopper has so far not disappointed us. Loony's verse works perfectly with the edgy, upbeat production. Personally, I have no negatives to deliver on the song."

Music video
"Seaside"'s music video was shot in the Sub-Antarctic Islands - most notably; Ed Island, Sunday Harbor, the Seraphim Isles and Palm Island. The video premiered on WaddleTube on April 5, 2011. Shooting took over 1 month to complete, as the crew had to travel a lot between the islands. Most of the video takes place on the coast of the islands. During each verse, Rockhopper is shown with a tablet computer that shows the four islands he will go to or has gone to. When he taps the specific island he and everyone else with him is teleported to that island. Rockhopper sits down on the beach chairs as his party continues. Everyone then goes to the swimming pool deep inside the Seraphim Isles where Loony arrives. Currently the video has reached over 20 million views.

Track listing

 * Digital download
 * 1) "Seaside" (Album Version) (featuring Loony Scoundrel) – 4:34
 * 2) "Seaside" (No Rap Edit) – 3:49
 * 3) "Seaside" (DJ Crow Remix) (featuring Loony Scoundrel) – 4:56
 * 4) "Seaside" (Midnight Mix) (featuring Loony Scoundrel) – 5:23
 * 5) "Seaside" (Club Mix) (featuring Loony Scoundrel) – 6:44
 * 6) "Seaside" (Instrumental) – 4:34