Jump to content

Try (Pink song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 176.36.202.39 (talk) at 04:58, 20 February 2013. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

"Try"
Song
B-side"My Signature Move"

"Try" is a song recorded by American singer songwriter Pink, released as the second single from her sixth studio album, The Truth About Love (2012). It was written by Busbee and Ben West, and produced by Greg Kurstin. The song is a rock ballad, about taking risks with love no matter the consequences. It received mostly positive reviews from music critics who noted that it is one of the standout tracks on the album and called it a hit. Commercially, the song was a success, reaching the top-ten in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, while reaching the top-twenty in most countries. The Floria Sigismondi-directed video features shots of a paint-covered Pink and her male counterpart expressing their frustrations through dramatic dance moves. "Try" is one of the 22 songs added to the 2013 Grammy Nominees album.

Background and release

Pink confirmed she was writing for then untitled sixth album, The Truth About Love in February 2012.[1] An early version of the album's lead single, a song called "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)," was leaked online on July 1, 2012, resulting in the single being released a week earlier than planned.[2][3] Rachel Raczka from The Boston Globe noted that "Try" the second single from The Truth About Love also leaked in September 2012.[4] The song was once sang by GoNorthToGoSouth, a band fronted by Ben West and Michael Busbee.[5] Pink's version of the song premiered on radio on September 6, 2012.[6] "Try" was amongst one of five lyrics videos that Pink uploaded on 12 September, along with album tracks "Slut Like You", "Just Give Me a Reason" (featuring Nate Ruess from fun.), "How Come You're Not Here" and "Are We All We Are".[7] Critics have pointed out the similarities between the artwork of "Try" and that of Kylie Minogue's 2007 album X.[8][9]

Composition

"Try"
A sample of "Try"
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Try" was written by Ben West and Busbee, while production was handled by Greg Kurstin, who also produced her previous single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)".[10] It is a rock ballad, modelled on 80's FM Rock, built around two-volume arrangement, whereby the verses are quiet and the chorus is loud, according to Idolator's Carl Willot.[11][12] Lyrically, it is an ode to taking risks with love, no matter the consequences. It also talks about hanging onto one's dreams and aspirations even if it means taking risks. "Where there is desire there is gonna be a flame," sings Pink on the chorus. "Where there is a flame someone's bound to get burned. But just because it burns doesn't mean you're gonna die. You gotta get up and try."[13] The song is written in the key of B minor with a moderate tempo of 104 beats per minute. "Try" follows a chord progression of Bm−G−D−D/A, and Pink's vocals span from D4 to D5.[14]

Critical reception

The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production. Andrew Hampp of Billboard commented "With a melody reminiscent of ‘Whataya Want From Me,‘ the 2009 hit she penned for Adam Lambert, the single already pairs well sonically with Pink's catalog.[13] Josh Langhoff of PopMatters called it "an ode to romantic persistence over crisp ‘Hysteria‘ guitars."[15] John Murphy of musicOMH wrote that Try "demonstrates that she has a voice that not enough people give her credit for. For want of a better phrase, it's a full-on power ballad, with yet more references to love going wrong, and the sort of thing you can imagine someone like Kelly Clarkson pulling off in her sleep."[16] Amy Sciarretto of Pop Crush also saw similarities with Clarkson, writing "It`s a belter with a soulful voice, and she sounds like Kelly Clarkson with this song. The midtempo track finds Pink mourning, lamenting and musing on a relationship that is breaking down at its core. It hurts, but this song is a salve over the wound."[17]

Dean Piper of Mirror Online wrote that "The stand out track and an obvious international radio hit is Try. Think how big and fabulous Who Knew was – try is on the same wavelength."[18] Sarah Rodman of Boston Globe called it a "keeper and an urging-to-victory battle cry,"[19] Robert Copsey of Digital Spy described it as "a ballad of the stadium-filling, lighter-waving variety."[20] while Caryn Ganz of Spin called it a "breakup salve."[21] Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the song 4 out of possible 5, writing that "Although she may not be treading new ground sonically, her passionate tones and solid determination will continue her chart presence - and rightly so."[22] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine was less positive, writing that "the midtempo ‘Try‘, doesn't push Pink forward either, and it's marred by singsong lyrics."[23] Greg Kot of Chicago Tribune also shared the same thought, writing "No one, not even Pink, can save lyrics such as these."[24]

Commercial performance

The song debuted at number 5 in Germany. After her performance at Europe's biggest television show, Wetten, dass..?, in Freiburg,[25] the song reached number 1 in the German Download Charts. In the United Kingdom, "Try" debuted at number 163 on the UK Singles Chart on September 16, 2012 (for the week ending September 22, 2012), due to digital downloads after album's release. On November 11, 2012 (for the week ending date November 17, 2012), "Try" reached number 40, and went on to peak at number 8 on December 9, 2012 (for the week ending date December 15, 2012).

"Try" also debuted after the album's release at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, on the week ending 6 October 2012.[26] The song also debuted on the Adult Pop Songs chart, at number 29.[27] Following Pink's highly-praised AMA performance, "Try" rose from #50 to #18 on the Hot 100. The song peaked at #9 in its 15th week.

In Canada, the song debuted at number 26, on the Canadian Hot 100 chart issue date October 6, 2012.[28] A week later, the song dropped to number 86, becoming the "Biggest Free Faller" of that week.[29] After staying out for a week, the song re-entered at number 60 on the chart issue dated October 27, 2012.[30] On the chart issue dated November 10, 2012, the song rose to number 25, becoming the "Greatest Gainer" of the week.[31] On the week of November 10, 2012 it rose to number 18 remaining there for 2 weeks but rising again on the week of December 1, 2012 to number 12 becoming the greatest gainer once again.

In Australia, "Try" debuted at number 8, on the ARIA Singles Chart.[32] A few weeks later, it jumped up to number 6, where it remained for two consecutive weeks.[32] It became her twentieth top-ten single in Australia.[32] In New Zealand, "Try" debuted at number 21 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and so far has peaked at number 7, for two consecutive weeks a higher peak than her previous single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)", which peaked at number 8.[33] In France, "Try" charted lowly, debuting at number 87 on the SNEP charts, before falling to number 173.[34] After two weeks, the single re-entered at number 81, before climbing to number 24, its peak position, so far.[34]

Music video

Background, filming, and release

The video was filmed in August 2012.[35]. Pink stated that the video is one of the most beautiful music videos of her career. It was released on October 10, 2012.[36] It was directed by Floria Sigismondi and choreographed by the Golden Boyz (who have worked with the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears) and stunt choreographer, Sebastien Stella. It was inspired by the Apache dance, a highly-stylized Parisian street performance. "Making this video was the most fun I've ever had in my entire career," said Pink. "I never wanted it to end. It's my favorite video ever."[37]

Pink took to her Twitter page to record her mother, Judith's, reaction after showing her the risqué dance moves on the clip. "My mom, after seeing the new video... 'Wow, honey. I'm speechless. And uncomfortable. No one can ever say you play it safe.'" Pink's chiseled and shirtless love interest is played by Broadway dancer Colt Prattes.[37]

Synopsis

The video is summed up in two locations: The indoor sequence where Pink performs a dramatic dance routine with her partner Colt Prattes, and the outdoor scene where they collide into one another in a desert. The video features flashes of color and is heavily metaphorical, portraying an unhealthy, tormented relationship through artistic usage of the two performers' bodies.[37]

A reenactment of the video was performed during the 2012 American Music Awards where Pink received a standing ovation and was praised by critics for her ever-growing artistry. Billboard ranked "Try" the second best performance of the night, with the first being "Gangnam Style".[38]

As of February 2013, "Try" has been viewed more than 55,000,000 times on Pink's official Vevo channel on YouTube.

Reception

James Montgomery of MTV News praised the video, writing "Despite the weighty subject matter, the clip also manages to be as restrained as the sinewy bodies it showcases. In a lot of ways, it reminds you of Sigur Ros' arty 'Fjögur píanó' piece — you know, the one with the naked Shia LaBeouf — only minus the erudite sense of self importance. This is, first and foremost, a pop video, only it aspires to be so much more. And in that regard, it is the kind of video that only Pink would make. She is certainly a huge star, and yet, she delights in continually pushing past the restraints of the pop genre. 'Try' certainly works as a video, and yet, one could also see it being performed on the stage, accompanied by an orchestra. It is big, it is beautiful, it is definitely a work of art, and it is uniquely, unquestionably Pink. She pushes herself — and, really, the entire concept of what a pop video can be — to the limit, and pulls it off with effortless grace. Your move, everyone else."[39]

Sam Lansky of Idolator wrote that "Although Pink’s videos are often driven by self-consciousness and irony, she plays it totally straight in this one, giving an emotive performance that communicates volumes, all while executing impressively acrobatic dance moves."[40] Jason Lipshut of Billboard pointed out that watching Pink and Prattes "engage in heart-wringing physical movements" makes it "easy to see why the pop star so thoroughly enjoyed the shoot."[41] Katie Hasty of HitFix felt the video allowed Pink to show off "her showmanship and physical abilities," adding, "It’s very powerful, particularly since both performers hold their own in the give-and-take of command…Plus the styling is rad."[42]

Track listing

Digital download / CD single[43][44]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Try"Busbee, Ben WestGreg Kurstin4:07
2."My Signature Move"Pink, Butch Walker, Jake SinclairButch Walker3:44
Total length:7:51

Credits and personnel

As adapted from CD single liner credits.[45]

Charts and certifications

Release history

Country Date Format Label
Australia[81] September 6, 2012 Mainstream radio
United States[82] October 29, 2012 Hot AC radio RCA Records
October 30, 2012 Top 40/Mainstream radio
Germany[43] November 16, 2012 CD single Sony Music
United Kingdom[44] November 16, 2012 Digital download RCA Records

References

  1. ^ "@Pink status, 29 February 2012". Pink's Twitter Account. Twitter. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
  2. ^ McCabe, Kathy (4 July 2012). "Demo version of pop star Pink's new single Blow Me (One Last Kiss) leaked". Herald Sun. Australia. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
  3. ^ ""Blow Me" Music Download". MTV3 Download. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  4. ^ Raczka, Rachel (2012-09-12). "Pink and Eminem collaborate for 'Here Comes the Weekend'". The Boston Globe. New York Times Company. Retrieved 2012-09-12.
  5. ^ Copsey, Robert (2012-09-05). "Pink's new single 'Try' demo leaks online?". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 2012-09-12.
  6. ^ Copsey, Robert (2012-09-07). "Pink premieres new single 'Try' - listen". Digital Spy. (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 2012-10-16.
  7. ^ "Pink Releases Lyric Videos To Five New Songs From Album 'The Truth About Love'". Capital FM. (Global Radio Group). 2012-09-07. Retrieved 2012-09-12.
  8. ^ http://www.popjustice.com/thenews/heres-the-artwork-for-what-were-assuming-is-pinks-new-single/97604/
  9. ^ http://chartrigger.blogspot.com/2012/09/kylie-minogue-did-pinks-try-cover-art.html
  10. ^ "P!nk - The Truth About Love (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  11. ^ Adams, Cameron (2012-09-12). "The truth about Pink's new album". News.com.au. (News Limited). Retrieved 2012-09-12.
  12. ^ Willot, Carl (2012-09-07). "Give Pink A "Try": Hear The Ethereal Single". Idolator. (Buzz Media). Retrieved 2012-09-12.
  13. ^ a b Hampp, Andrew (September 14, 2012). "Pink, 'The Truth About Love': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. New York. Retrieved September 18, 2012.
  14. ^ http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0109825
  15. ^ Langhoff, Josh (September 20, 2012). "P!nk: The Truth About Love". PopMatters. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
  16. ^ Murphy, John (September 17, 2012). "Pink - The Truth About Love - musicOMH". musicOMH. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  17. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (September 18, 2012). "PINK, 'THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE' – ALBUM REVIEW". Pop Crush. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  18. ^ Piper, Dean (September 5, 2012). "First listen: Pink's back with bang, says Dean Piper". Daily Mirror. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  19. ^ Rodman, Sarah (September 18, 2012). "CD Review Pink, 'The Truth About Love'". Boston Globe. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  20. ^ Copsey, Robert (September 17, 2012). "Pink: 'The Truth About Love' - Album review". Digital Spy. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  21. ^ Ganz, Caryn (October 5, 2012). "Pink, 'The Truth About Love' (RCA)". Spin. New York. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  22. ^ Corner, Lewis (November 20, 2012). "Pink: 'Try' - Single review". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 24, 2012.
  23. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (September 12, 2012). "Pink: The Truth About Love". Slant Magazine. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  24. ^ Kot, Greg (September 17, 2012). "Album review: Pink, 'The Truth About Love'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 18, 2012.
  25. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yJMDWkoPiE
  26. ^ "US Singles Top 100 (October 6, 2012)". A Charts. October 6, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  27. ^ "Chart Highlights: Aerosmith Returns To AC Chart". Billboard. October 29, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  28. ^ "Canada Singles Top 100 (October 6, 2012)". A Charts. October 6, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  29. ^ "Canada Singles Top 100 (October 13, 2012)". A Charts. October 13, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  30. ^ "Canada Singles Top 100 (October 27, 2012)". A Charts. October 13, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  31. ^ "Canada Singles Top 100 (November 10, 2012)". A Charts. October 13, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  32. ^ a b c d e "P!nk – Try". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  33. ^ a b "P!nk – Try". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  34. ^ a b c "P!nk – Try" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 2012-07-16.
  35. ^ http://hitorshit-hos.blogspot.pt/2012/08/pink-shooting-try-music-video.html
  36. ^ "P!nk - Try". YouTube. Retrieved 2012-10-16.
  37. ^ a b c "New Pink video turns a mother speechless". Zme Music. October 11, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  38. ^ http://www.billboard.com/column/american-music-awards/amas-2012-top-5-best-performances-1008019202.story#/column/american-music-awards/amas-2012-top-5-best-performances-1008019202.story
  39. ^ Montgomery, James (October 10, 2012). "Pink's 'Try' Video Paints Passion, Tension And Precision". MTV News. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  40. ^ Lansky, Sam (October 10, 2012). "Pink's "Try" Video: Watch The Daring Dance Clip". Idolator. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  41. ^ Lipshut, Jason (October 11, 2012). "Pink's 'Try' Video: Daring Choreography and Sexy Paint". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  42. ^ Hasty, Katie (October 11, 2012). "Watch: Pink's 'Try' dance video". HitFix. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  43. ^ a b "P!nk - Try" (in German). Sony Music Entertainment. Retrieved October 28, 2012.
  44. ^ a b http://www.amazon.co.uk/Try/dp/B00A3J5T0E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355917561&sr=8-3
  45. ^ P!nk - Try (Single). CD Single [Liner Notes]. RCA Records (Sony Music Entertainment Europe Ltd.) Cat no. 88765-42610-2.
  46. ^ a b "P!nk – Try" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  47. ^ "P!nk – Try" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 2012-12-21.
  48. ^ "P!nk – Try" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 2012-12-21.
  49. ^ "P!nk Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
  50. ^ "ARC, Issue Date: March 26, 2012" (in Croatian). HRT. 2012-03-28. Retrieved 2012-03-31.
  51. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 4. týden 2013 in the date selector.
  52. ^ "P!nk – Try". Tracklisten.
  53. ^ "P!nk: Try" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  54. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  55. ^ "Chart Track: Week 49, 2012". Irish Singles Chart.
  56. ^ "Top Digital Download - Classifica settimanale WK 50 (dal 10/12/2012 al 16/12/2012)" (in Italian). Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  57. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – P!nk" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  58. ^ "P!nk – Try". VG-lista.
  59. ^ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100.
  60. ^ "Official Romania chart". Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  61. ^ "Чарты > 12 ноября 2012 г". Billboard. MSN Russia. November 12, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  62. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  63. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201249 into search.
  64. ^ "Media Guide". Retrieved 11 January 2013.
  65. ^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: September 16, 2012 to September 22, 2012)". Gaon Chart. December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  66. ^ "P!nk – Try" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  67. ^ "P!nk – Try". Singles Top 100.
  68. ^ "P!nk – Try". Swiss Singles Chart.
  69. ^ "Chart 30". Virgin Radio. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  70. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  71. ^ "P!nk Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  72. ^ "P!nk Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  73. ^ "P!nk Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
  74. ^ "P!nk Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  75. ^ "MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 2012" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Retrieved 18 January 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  76. ^ "SNEP Chart" (PDF). Retrieved 03 February 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  77. ^ http://www.mtv.de/charts/52-top-100-jahrescharts-2012
  78. ^ "Italian single certifications – Pink – Try" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Select "Tutti gli anni" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Try" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  79. ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart - 17 December 2012". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Archived from the original on December 17, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  80. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Try')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
  81. ^ http://www.news.com.au/news/pop-superstar-pink-to-visit-oz/story-fnejlvvj-1226471708709
  82. ^ "R&R :: Going for Adds :: Hot AC". Radio and Records. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Try_(Pink_song)&oldid=539175797"