15 Years Later, We’re Still Flying High ✈️
Fifteen years ago today, Mike Posner dropped 31 Minutes To Takeoff — his debut album that changed everything for us as fans. From blasting “Cooler Than Me” all summer, to dancing to “Please Don’t Go,” to getting lost in the smooth vibe of “Bow Chicka Wow Wow,” these songs became part of our lives and memories. Platinum-certified and still sounding as fresh as the day it was released, this record will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Back then, 31 Minutes To Takeoff debuted at number eight on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 29,000 copies. Fast forward to November 16, 2022, and the album earned a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA)—proof that the music has stood the test of time.
What’s always made this album special is that Mike wrote and produced every track, teaming up with a dream list of collaborators: The Smeezingtons (Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine), Benny Blanco, Greg Kurstin, Cisco Adler, Teddy Riley, and more. Even Boyz II Men lend their legendary vocals to “Déjà Vu,” which Mike co-wrote with Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman.
Mike once said he wanted to make music that didn’t sound like anything else out there — and 31 Minutes To Takeoff delivered exactly that. It blends pop, R&B, dance, hip-hop, and electronic elements in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish. From the high-energy hits like “Cooler Than Me,” “Please Don’t Go,” and “Cheated” to the smooth R&B groove of “Bow Chicka Wow Wow,” every track feels like its own moment. There’s also the heartfelt depth of songs like “Save Your Goodbye,” where Mike opens up about his lifelong battle with depression, cleverly disguised in a love song.
For fans, each song carries memories — whether it’s blasting “Cooler Than Me” that summer, looping “Please Don’t Go” on long drives, or smiling at the playful charm of “Bow Chicka Wow Wow.”
Today, we celebrate not just the music, but the journey it started for Mike and his fans. To mark the anniversary, enjoy the official music videos for the album’s unforgettable singles: “Cooler Than Me,” “Please Don’t Go,” and “Bow Chicka Wow Wow (feat. Lil Wayne).”
Happy 15th Anniversary, 31 Minutes To Takeoff! ✈️