Today’s video of the day is Danny Elfman – “In Time” released in 2021.
The video for “In Time” by Danny Elfman brings dark surrealism to the screen. Released in 2021, the track appears on Elfman’s second solo album, Big Mess. This project marks a bold return to solo music after decades of film scoring. Elfman gained fame in the 1980s as the frontman of Oingo Boingo. The band was known for its quirky new wave sound and cult following. After their 1995 split, Elfman focused on film scores, composing for Tim Burton and others. His last pop release was So-Lo in 1984, which featured members of Oingo Boingo. While Big Mess includes collaborators like Steve Bartek and Warren Fitzgerald, it stands apart from past Boingo projects.
“In Time” fits into the album’s intense and personal themes. Big Mess was born unexpectedly during the pandemic. Originally, Elfman planned just two songs for a Coachella performance in 2020. After the show was canceled, he kept writing. The result was a full album of 18 songs, each layered with emotion and chaos. The video matches the song’s haunting tone. Visually rich and disturbing, it reflects the mental unrest felt throughout Big Mess. The album explores identity, anger, and aging. Each track blends rock, industrial, and orchestral sounds. “In Time” stands out with its brooding energy and cryptic lyrics.
The song also highlights the contrast between Elfman’s past and present. Unlike the upbeat energy of Oingo Boingo, this track leans into darkness. Still, it connects to his past through sharp rhythms and theatrical flair. The entire album closes with a new version of “Insects,” a deep cut from Oingo Boingo’s Nothing to Fear. This links Big Mess back to his early work, while pushing his sound forward. Elfman later released a remix album, Bigger. Messier., featuring artists like Trent Reznor and Squarepusher. These versions expand on the original tracks, showing the versatility of the material. The Big Mess deluxe box set was even nominated for a Grammy in 2023. “In Time” is not just a song. It’s part of a larger artistic statement. The video deepens the impact, making Big Mess one of Elfman’s boldest works yet.
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