G Shi

“Maps” was written by Karen O, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase for Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 2003 debut album, Fever to Tell. The intensely emotional song was inspired by Karen O's relationship with Angus Andrew, frontman of Liars, during a period when their lives were increasingly affected by touring and distance. Released in 2003, “Maps” became the band's commercial breakthrough, reaching No. 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 9 on the Alternative Airplay chart in the United States, while peaking at No. 26 on the UK Singles Chart. Its impact was amplified by Patrick Daughters' unforgettable music video, in which Karen O visibly breaks down in tears while performing. The tears were completely real: Andrew was supposed to appear at the shoot but arrived three hours late, leaving Karen convinced that he might not come at all. She later said that she became genuinely emotional because the song had been written for him.