Counting Blue Cars

Last updated
"Counting Blue Cars"
Counting Blue Cars.jpg
Single by Dishwalla
from the album Pet Your Friends
B-side
  • "The Other Side of the World"
  • "Until I Wake Up"
  • "Date with Sarah" (instrumental)
  • "Sarah Without Sarah" (acoustic)
ReleasedFebruary 27, 1996 (1996-02-27)
Genre Alternative rock [1] [2]
Length4:51
Label A&M
Songwriter(s)
  • Scot Alexander
  • Rodney Browning Cravens
  • Greg Kolanek
  • J. R. Richards
  • George Pendergast
Producer(s)
  • Phil Nicolo
  • Dishwalla
Dishwalla singles chronology
"Haze"
(1996)		"Counting Blue Cars"
(1996)		"Charlie Brown's Parents"
(1998)
Music video
"Counting Blue Cars" on YouTube

"Counting Blue Cars (Tell Me Your Thoughts on God)" is a song by American alternative rock band Dishwalla from their 1995 A&M Records album Pet Your Friends . It is their only hit song, peaking at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topping the same magazine's Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1996. It received two ASCAP awards (1997 and 1998) as the most-played song of the year on radio in the United States.

Contents

Writing and inspiration

Dishwalla lead singer J. R. Richards wrote 'Counting Blue Cars' "rather quickly", telling the "story of a young boy's spiritual journey". He said the lyrics are about a conversation with the child within himself, but was inspired by an actual chat with his 10-year-old neighbor. [3] Richards said:

From that younger perspective, I think we take things in a much more honest way because we are not being biased by how we're supposed to all think the same. So this idea of God, being an omnipotent being, could be a male or female. We always refer to God as a male, so why not make it a female? I started creating imagery to describe this journey, trying to think about what it was like to be a kid and the things that you would do. It quickly came together—I didn't think too much about it. But it did end up being one of the songs that really affected people both positively and negatively. I never thought I'd ever have a song I'd get death threats for writing. [4]

As quoted, Richards received death threats after the single's release from listeners who were upset about God's depiction as a female in the song.

Chart performance

"Counting Blue Cars" was highly popular on the radio, peaking at number four on pop airplay and number five on Hot AC airplay in 1996. It became a number-one Modern Rock Track for one week in June 1996 and a number two Mainstream Rock Track. It peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showed longevity by remaining on the chart for nearly a year at 48 weeks. In March 2022, the song received a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for digital sales and streams of over 500,000 units. [5]

Track listings and formats

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [5] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesFebruary 27, 1996CD A&M [5]
April 9, 1996 Contemporary hit radio [30]
JapanDecember 9, 1996CD [31]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hate to Say I Told You So</span> 2000 single by the Hives

"Hate to Say I Told You So" is the first single from Swedish rock band the Hives' second studio album, Veni Vidi Vicious. It was first released as a single on 4 December 2000 and was later re-released in several countries in 2002. It is internationally known as the Hives' signature song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Best Things in Life Are Free</span> 1992 single by Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson

"The Best Things in Life Are Free" is a duet between American singers Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson, recorded for the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced soundtrack to the 1992 American film Mo' Money, starring Damon Wayans. The song was composed by Jam, Lewis, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch. The song was released as the soundtrack's lead single on May 12, 1992, by Perspective Records and A&M Records. Additionally, the song was remixed by David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, and CJ Mackintosh. The duet became a major hit in several countries, peaking at number two in Australia and the United Kingdom, number six in Ireland and New Zealand, number eight in Canada and Germany, and number 10 in the United States. Its music video was directed by Paris Barclay, but didn't feature Vandross and Jackson. The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stupid Girl (Garbage song)</span> 1996 single by Garbage

"Stupid Girl" is a song by Scottish and American rock band Garbage from their self-titled debut studio album (1995). The song was written and produced by band members Duke Erikson, Shirley Manson, Steve Marker and Butch Vig. "Stupid Girl" features lyrics about a young woman's ambivalence and is a musical arrangement centered on a repetitive bassline and a drum sample from the Clash's 1980 song "Train in Vain".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mint Car</span> 1996 single by The Cure

"Mint Car" is a song by English rock band the Cure, released as the second single from their tenth studio album Wild Mood Swings in June 1996. It reached the top 20 in Finland and Iceland and peaked at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everyday Is a Winding Road</span> 1996 single by Sheryl Crow

"Everyday Is a Winding Road" is the second single from American singer and songwriter Sheryl Crow's 1996 eponymous album. Neil Finn, lead singer of Crowded House, provides backing vocals. Paul Hester, another member of Crowded House, was the inspiration for the song. The single was issued in the United Kingdom in November 1996 and was released in the United States the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If It Makes You Happy</span> 1996 single by Sheryl Crow

"If It Makes You Happy" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, released as the lead single from her 1996 eponymous album in September 1996. The song peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Crow's final top-10 solo hit in the United States, and at number nine on the UK Singles Chart. It also reached number one in Canada and won Best Female Rock Vocal Performance at the 1997 Grammy Awards. In 2003, Q Magazine ranked "If It Makes You Happy" at number 663 in their list of the "1001 Best Songs Ever".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Long December</span> 1996 single by Counting Crows

"A Long December" is a song by American rock band Counting Crows. The ballad is the second single and 13th track from their second album, Recovering the Satellites (1996). Lead singer Adam Duritz was inspired to write the track after his friend was hit by a motorist and injured, making the song about reflecting on tragedy with a positive disposition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Run-Around (song)</span> 1995 single by Blues Traveler

"Run-Around" is a song by American rock band Blues Traveler, featured on their fourth studio album, Four (1994). The song was the band's breakthrough hit, peaking at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 13 on Canada's RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart. It gave the band their first Grammy Award in 1996, for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santa Monica (Everclear song)</span> 1995 single by Everclear

"Santa Monica" is a song by American rock band Everclear, from their 1995 album Sparkle and Fade. The song was written by the band's lead singer, Art Alexakis. Though it was not commercially released as a single in the United States, radio stations played "Santa Monica" enough for it to reach number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart and number one the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart for three weeks in 1996. It became a top-40 hit in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom; it is the band's highest-charting single in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Strong Enough (Sheryl Crow song)</span> 1994 single by Sheryl Crow

"Strong Enough" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow from her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club (1993). The song reached number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks, number three in Australia, and number one in Canada, becoming her second chart-topper there following "All I Wanna Do". In Australia, the song received a double-platinum certification for sales and streams exceeding 140,000 units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insensitive (song)</span> 1994 single by Jann Arden

"Insensitive" is the second single released from Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden's second studio album, Living Under June (1994). Written by Anne Loree and produced by Ed Cherney, the song became Arden's most successful single, reaching number one in Canada and Australia and number 12 in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You</span> 1996 single by Bryan Adams

"The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams. Adams co-wrote and co-produced the track with Robert John "Mutt" Lange. It was released in May 1996 as the lead single from Adams' seventh studio album, 18 til I Die (1996). The song peaked at number one in Canada, number six in the United Kingdom, and number 52 in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slight Return</span> 1996 single by the Bluetones

"Slight Return" is a song by English indie rock band the Bluetones, released as their first single in February 1995, in blue vinyl, limited to 2000 copies. The song is named after the subtitle for "Voodoo Child " by Jimi Hendrix. It was then re-released on 22 January 1996, as the second single from their 1996 debut album, Expecting to Fly. It was originally issued with "The Fountainhead" as the B-side. "Slight Return" peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and is the band's highest-placing single. Bluetones frontman Mark Morriss said that the title of the song was initially a nickname, but as he was not good with naming songs, it eventually became the official title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Cry Anymore</span> 1995 single by Sheryl Crow

"Can't Cry Anymore" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow from her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club (1993), released through A&M Records. Released in May 1995, the song reached number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Crow's third top-40 hit. In Canada, the song reached number three to become Crow's third consecutive top-three hit, following the number-one singles "All I Wanna Do" and "Strong Enough". Elsewhere, the song had limited success, reaching number 33 in the United Kingdom and number 41 in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roll to Me</span> 1995 single by Del Amitri

"Roll to Me" is a song by Scottish pop rock band Del Amitri, released as the third single from their fourth studio album, Twisted (1995). The song became their biggest hit in the United States when it reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It finished at number 55 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles chart of 1995. In the United Kingdom, it was a moderate hit, peaking at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The World I Know</span> 1995 single by Collective Soul

"The World I Know" is a song by American rock band Collective Soul from their second studio album, Collective Soul (1995). Written by lead singer and guitarist Ed Roland, the song was released as the album's fourth single in October 1995. "The World I Know" peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. In Canada, the song reached number one on the week of March 11, 1996, becoming the band's highest-charting single there.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tattva (song)</span> 1996 single by Kula Shaker

"Tattva" is a song by British psychedelic rock band Kula Shaker, released as the band's debut single. It was first released in the United Kingdom in 1996 as "Tattva ", then re-issued on 24 June 1996 as a re-recording from their debut album, K (1996), with a different sleeve and track listing. The re-recording reached number four on the UK Singles Chart, number 11 on the Canadian RPM Alternative 30 chart, and number 10 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. In Melody Maker, critic Neil Kulkarni declared "Tattva" and follow-up release "Grateful When You're Dead" to be "the two worst singles of '96".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give Me One Reason</span> 1995 single by Tracy Chapman

"Give Me One Reason" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. It was included on her fourth studio album, New Beginning (1995), and was released as a single in various territories between November 1995 and March 1997, her first since 1992's "Dreaming on a World". The song is Chapman's biggest US hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It is also her biggest hit in Australia, where it reached number three as well, and it topped the charts of Canada and Iceland. Elsewhere, the song reached number 16 in New Zealand, but it underperformed in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 95 in March 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Follow You Down</span> 1996 single by Gin Blossoms

"Follow You Down" is a song by American rock band Gin Blossoms, and the first single released from their album Congratulations I'm Sorry. It was released as a double A-side single with "Til I Hear It from You" in the United States. The song received a fair amount of radio play and has been featured in several films, including How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. It reached number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 in a 46-week stay on the chart. It also became the band's second number-one single in Canada, after "Til I Hear It from You", and reached number 30 in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">As Long as It Matters</span> 1996 single by Gin Blossoms

"As Long as It Matters" is a song by American power pop band Gin Blossoms. It was released in July 1996 via A&M Records as the third single from their third studio album, Congratulations I'm Sorry (1996). The song was written by Phillip Rhodes, Jesse Valenzuela, and Robin Wilson and produced by John Hampton and the band.

References

  1. ↑ Cosores, Philip (July 4, 2017). "Ranking: Every Alternative Rock No. 1 Hit from Worst to Best". Consequence of Sound . p. 10. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  2. ↑ Casalena, Em (October 26, 2024). "5 Iconic One-Hit Wonders of the '90s Alternative Scene". American Songwriter . Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  3. ↑ Bambarger, Bradley (May 18, 1996). "The Modern Age". Billboard .
  4. ↑ Wiser, Carl (June 12, 2018). "Dishwalla Founding Frontman JR Richards : Songwriter Interviews". Songfacts. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 "American single certifications – Dishwalla – Counting Blue Cars". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  6. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (US CD Single liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. 31458 1462 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (US Cassette Single liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. 31458 1462 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (European CD single liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. 581 934-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (UK 7-inch vinyl single liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. 581 978-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (US maxi CD single liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. 581 935-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (European maxi CD Single liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. 581 935-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (Tell Me All Your Thoughts on God) (US CD single liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. 581 343-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (Tell Me All Your Thoughts on God) (German maxi CD Single liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. 581 343-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (US CD single liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. 31458 1461 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ↑ Counting Blue Cars (Japanese EP liner notes). Dishwalla. A&M Records. 1996. POCM-1195.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3041." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  17. ↑ "Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Issue 3025." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  18. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard . August 17, 1996. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Adult Pop Airplay" . Billboard. October 26, 1996. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Mainstream Rock Airplay" . Billboard. June 1, 1996. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Alternative Airplay". Billboard. June 29, 1996. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Pop Airplay" . Billboard. September 28, 1996. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Adult Alternative Airplay" . Billboard. July 13, 1996. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  24. ↑ "The Year in Music 1996 – Hot 100 Singles". Billboard . Vol. 108, no. 52. December 28, 1996. p. YE-32. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved June 3, 2022– via Google Books.
  25. ↑ "The Year in Music 1996 – Hot Adult Top 40 Singles & Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 108, no. 52. December 28, 1996. p. YE-86. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved June 3, 2022– via Google Books.
  26. ↑ "The Year in Music 1996 – Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 108, no. 52. December 28, 1996. p. YE-76. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved June 3, 2022– via Google Books.
  27. ↑ "The Year in Music 1996 – Hot Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 108, no. 52. December 28, 1996. p. YE-78. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved June 3, 2022– via Google Books.
  28. ↑ "Airplay Monitor Best of '96: Top 40/Mainstream Titles". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 4, no. 53. December 27, 1996. p. 30.
  29. ↑ "Airplay Monitor Best of '96: Triple A Tracks". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 4, no. 53. December 27, 1996. p. 24.
  30. ↑ "Selected New Releases" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1140. April 5, 1996. p. 33. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  31. ↑ "カウンティング・ブルー・カーズ/ディッシュ・ワラ" [Counting Blue Cars/Dishwalla] (in Japanese). PolyGram. Archived from the original on March 1, 1997. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.