I'll Be (Edwin McCain song)

Last updated

"I'll Be"
Edwin McCain I'll Be Cd.jpg
Single by Edwin McCain
from the album Misguided Roses
B-side "Grind Me in the Gears"
ReleasedSeptember 8, 1998 (1998-09-08) [1]
Length4:27
Label Lava
Songwriter(s) Edwin McCain
Producer(s) Matt Serletic
Edwin McCain singles chronology
"See the Sky Again"
(1997)
"I'll Be"
(1998)
"What Matters"
(1998)
Music video
I'll Be on YouTube

"I'll Be" is a song written and performed by American singer Edwin McCain. The song was serviced to US radio in October 1997 and was commercially released on September 8, 1998, as the first single from his second album, Misguided Roses (1997). McCain recorded an acoustic version of the song for his follow-up album, Messenger . The radio version of "I'll Be", which was released on a CD single with "Grind Me in the Gears" as the B-side, differs from the album version. Its opening melody is played with electric guitar (as opposed to acoustic on the album) and the vocal and saxophone lines differ. Upon its release, the song reached number five in the United States and number 52 in Canada.

Contents

On December 22, 1999, McCain recorded a version with Warren Haynes on the live concert album from the 11th Annual Christmas Jam, a benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity in Asheville, North Carolina. The album is titled Wintertime Blues: The Benefit Concert. [2] In 2015, McCain re-recorded "I'll Be" for his EP Phoenix. [3]

Content

Although "I'll Be" has become a popular wedding song, McCain said "it's really more of a prayer" written in a moment of personal desperation after a break-up, the idea being that "maybe if I write my future, it'll come true." [4]

McCain said, "It was the end of a relationship for me, and it was also an admission of my inability to function in a relationship, hence the love suicide line. And it was the hope that I would be better, grow and be better as a person. I was struggling with some personal problems at the time, as well, so it was all of those things. It was this admission of failure and this prayer that I could be a better person, wrapped up as sort of the end of a relationship kind of thought. And it was something that I said to a girl that I'd been going out with. I knew that she was waiting, and I always said to her, 'Don't ever look back on this in any other way than I'll be your biggest fan.' You know, 'I'll always be a fan.'" [5]

Chart performance

In the United States, "I'll Be" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart on the issue dated February 28, 1998, and went on to peak at number four there in November, in its 39th week on the chart. [6] Under the chart rules at the time, which required songs to have a physical single release, "I'll Be" was initially ineligible for the Billboard Hot 100, but on September 8, 1998, a "very limited pressing" of the song was issued, making it then eligible; [1] it debuted at number seven on the Hot 100 on the issue dated September 26, 1998, and ultimately peaked at number five the following week. [7] While it was only McCain's second single to chart, it became his first and only top-10 hit and his biggest hit. [7]

Track listings

US CD single [8]

  1. "I'll Be" – 4:28
  2. "Grind Me in the Gears" – 4:22
  3. "I'll Be" (full-length music video)

US 7-inch single [9]

  1. "I'll Be" – 4:28
  2. "Grind Me in the Gears" – 4:22

European CD single [10]

  1. "I'll Be" (edit)
  2. "Solitude"
  3. "I'll Be" (LP version)

Digital download [11]

  1. "I'll Be" (LP version) – 4:26
  2. "I'll Be" (acoustic version) – 4:37
  3. "I'll Be" (video) – 4:07

Charts

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesOctober 1997 Mainstream rock radio Lava [26]
September 8, 1998
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
[1]

Kian Egan version

"I'll Be"
Kian Egan Ill Be.jpeg
Single by Kian Egan
from the album Home
ReleasedMay 12, 2014 (2014-05-12)
Length4:00
Label Rhino
Songwriter(s) Edwin McCain
Producer(s) Brian Rawling
Kian Egan singles chronology
"Home"
(2014)
"I'll Be"
(2014)
Music video
I'll Be on YouTube

In 2014, "I'll Be" was covered by Irish musician Kian Egan. The song was included on his debut album, and was released as a single on May 12, 2014, through Rhino Records. [27]

Background and production

In an interview with Digital Spy, Egan said "I chose 'I'll Be' for my second single, as I've always absolutely loved this song. This song means a lot to me and being able to record it was an honour. I'm incredibly excited to be able to perform this for all my fans."[ citation needed ]

Music video

The footage was shot in Egan's hometown of Sligo, in County Sligo, and the singer can be seen strumming a guitar while wandering along the deserted beach. In the visual, Egan also throws pebbles out to sea before meeting up with friends around a campfire.

Artwork

The single cover of the song shows Egan sitting on a plush red sofa and holding a white guitar. [28]

At the height of the song's popularity in 1998, it was featured during a pivotal moment in the first-season finale episode titled "Decisions" on the WB series Dawson's Creek . [29] [30] In the episode of The Office "Here Comes Treble", the song is covered by Andy Bernard's a cappella group. [31]

In the 2022 movie Shotgun Wedding, the song is sung by the cast during the climax of the film. [32]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fly (Sugar Ray song)</span> 1997 single by Sugar Ray

"Fly" is a song by American rock band Sugar Ray. It appears on their 1997 album Floored twice: one version with reggae artist Super Cat and the other without. The song was serviced to US radio in May 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Want to Miss a Thing</span> 1998 single by Aerosmith

"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" is a song recorded by American hard rock band Aerosmith as the theme song for the 1998 science fiction disaster film Armageddon, in which lead singer Steven Tyler's daughter Liv starred. It is one of four songs performed by the band for the film, the other three being "What Kind of Love Are You On", "Come Together", and "Sweet Emotion". The power ballad was written by Diane Warren, who originally envisioned it would be performed by "Celine Dion or somebody like that". The song received its airplay premiere on May 12, 1998, and was officially added to radio a week later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Counting Blue Cars</span> 1996 single by Dishwalla

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nobody's Supposed to Be Here</span> 1998 single by Deborah Cox

"Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" is a song by Canadian recording artist Deborah Cox, released as the lead single from her second studio album, One Wish (1998). Written by Montell Jordan and its producer, Anthony "Shep" Crawford, the song was released on the same day as the album, on September 15, 1998, by Arista Records. It is Cox's most successful song, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and spending a then-record 14 weeks at number one on the Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart. In 2017, Billboard ranked the song at number five on its "Greatest of All Time Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lately (Divine song)</span> 1998 single by Divine

"Lately" is a song by American R&B girl group Divine, released as the group's debut single on August 25, 1998, from their only studio album, Fairy Tales. Written by Christopher Kelly and Will Baker, the Hammond organ-driven R&B song is a pensive reflection on lost love produced by John Howcott and Donald Parks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4 Seasons of Loneliness</span> 1997 single by Boyz II Men

"4 Seasons of Loneliness" is a song by Philadelphia-based vocal quartet Boyz II Men. Written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song was issued as the first single from their fourth studio album, Evolution (1997), on September 8, 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walkin' on the Sun</span> 1997 single by Smash Mouth

"Walkin' on the Sun" is a song by American rock band Smash Mouth from their first album, Fush Yu Mang (1997). Released as their debut single in June 1997, the song was Smash Mouth's first major single, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart. It was also a success abroad, peaking at No. 3 in Canada and Iceland, No. 5 in Italy and Spain, and No. 7 in Australia, where it is certified platinum for shipments exceeding 70,000 units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3AM (Matchbox Twenty song)</span> 1997 single by Matchbox Twenty

"3AM" is the third single and the third track from American rock band Matchbox 20's debut album, Yourself or Someone Like You (1996). Written by Rob Thomas, Jay Stanley, John Leslie Goff, and Brian Yale, the song was inspired by Thomas dealing with his mother's cancer as a teenager. The song was officially serviced to US modern rock radio in October 1997 and was given a commercial release outside North America the following month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Push (Matchbox Twenty song)</span> 1997 single by Matchbox Twenty

"Push" is a song by American rock band Matchbox Twenty. It was released in 1997 as the second single from their debut album, Yourself or Someone Like You (1996). After landing "Long Day" on several rock radio stations paving the way, "Push" topped the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and became one of the band's signature songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Kiss (Faith Hill song)</span> 1998 song by Faith Hill

"This Kiss" is a song by American country music singer Faith Hill from her third studio album Faith. It was written by Beth Nielsen Chapman, Robin Lerner and Annie Roboff, and produced by Hill and Byron Gallimore. It was released on February 23, 1998, as the album's first single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adia</span> 1998 single by Sarah McLachlan

"Adia" is a song by Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan from her fourth studio album, Surfacing (1997). It was co-written by McLachlan and her longtime producer, Pierre Marchand. McLachlan has said about the song, "...more than anything, it's about my problems in dealing with feeling responsible for everyone else". "Adia" was released as the third North American single from Surfacing on 2 March 1998; in Europe, it served as McLachlan's debut single, receiving a UK release in September 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Every Morning (Sugar Ray song)</span> 1999 single by Sugar Ray

"Every Morning" is a song by American rock band Sugar Ray, released as the lead single from their third studio album, 14:59 (1999). The track is an alternative rock and flamenco pop song that references Malo's "Suavecito" and Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass". Serviced to US radio in December 1998, "Every Morning" was released in Japan in January 1999 and in the United States two months later, making it Sugar Ray's first commercially available single in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lullaby (Shawn Mullins song)</span> 1998 single by Shawn Mullins

"Lullaby" is a song by American rock singer Shawn Mullins from his fourth studio album, Soul's Core (1998). It was released in August 1998 and is Mullins' most successful song to date, reaching number one on the US Billboard Adult Top 40, number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, and number nine on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. It also found success abroad, reaching number nine on the UK Singles Chart, number five in Australia, and number two in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Real World (Matchbox Twenty song)</span> 1998 single by Matchbox Twenty

"Real World" is a song by American rock group Matchbox 20. It was released in March 1998 as the fourth single from their debut album, Yourself or Someone Like You. The single was initially ineligible to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100 due to not receiving a physical release in North America; it instead peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart in August 1998. However, in December 1998, the Hot 100 chart rules were changed to allow airplay-only singles to chart, and "Real World" became the band's first single to enter the listing, debuting and peaking at number 38. Worldwide, "Real World" reached number five in Canada and number 40 in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Were Meant for Me (Jewel song)</span> 1996 single by Jewel

"You Were Meant for Me" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Jewel, released on her first album, Pieces of You (1995). It was written by Jewel and Steve Poltz. It describes a failed relationship and the narrator's inadequate attempts at moving on with her life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Because of You (98 Degrees song)</span> 1998 single by 98 Degrees

"Because of You" is a 1998 song by American vocal group 98 Degrees, released as the second single from their second album, 98 Degrees and Rising (1998). It peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in December 1998. Worldwide, it reached number seven in Canada and also charted in Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

<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.

"I Could Not Ask for More" is a song composed by American songwriter Diane Warren and originally recorded and released in February 1999, by American singer-songwriter Edwin McCain for the original soundtrack of the 1999 romantic drama film Message in a Bottle, starring Kevin Costner, Robin Wright Penn and Paul Newman. It was also on his third studio album Messenger (1999) and became a Billboard-charted top 40 single in the summer of 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet Surrender (Sarah McLachlan song)</span> 1997 single by Sarah McLachlan

"Sweet Surrender" is a song by Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan. It was released in 1997 as the second single from her fourth studio album, Surfacing (1997). The song peaked at number two in Canada and number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 2001, a maxi-single with remixes by DJ Tiësto was released peaking at number six on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart, three years after its original release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someday (Sugar Ray song)</span> 1999 single by Sugar Ray

"Someday" is a song by American rock band Sugar Ray. First serviced to American radio in June 1999, the song was released on September 7, 1999, as the second US single and third single overall from the band's third album, 14:59 (1999). The song reached number seven on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Modern Rock Tracks charts, number four on Canada's RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, and number 25 in New Zealand.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Sandiford-Waller, Theda (September 19, 1998). "Hot 100 Singles Spotlight". Billboard . Vol. 110, no. 38. p. 105. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved April 24, 2022 via Google Books. A very limited pressing of Edwin McCain's "I'll Be" (Lava/Atlantic) hit shelves Sept. 8, making the song eligible to appear on next issue's Hot 100.
  2. Answers.com. "Wintertime Blues: The Benefit Concert"
  3. "I'll be (2015)". YouTube .
  4. Better.tv. Edwin McCain interviewed about "I'll Be" (video).
  5. MacIntosh, Dan (October 4, 2011). "Edwin McCain : Songwriter Interviews". Songfacts. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  6. "Edwin McCain Chart History (Radio Songs)". Billboard . Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 "Edwin McCain Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  8. I'll Be (US CD single liner notes). Edwin McCain. Atlantic Records, Lava Records. 1998. 2-84191.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. I'll Be (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Edwin McCain. Atlantic Records, Lava Records. 1998. 7-84191.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. I'll Be (European CD single liner notes). Edwin McCain. Atlantic Records, Lava Records. 1998. 7567-84115-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. "I'll Be – Single by Edwin McCain". iTunes. April 20, 1999.
  12. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 6987." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  13. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 7022." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  14. "Edwin McCain Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  15. "Edwin McCain Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  16. "Edwin McCain Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  17. "Edwin McCain Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  18. "RPM's Top 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks of '98". RPM . December 14, 1998. Retrieved August 31, 2019 via Library and Archives Canada.
  19. "The Year in Music 1998 – Hot 100 Singles". Billboard . Vol. 110, no. 52. December 26, 1998. p. YE-44. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved April 24, 2022 via Google Books.
  20. "Best of '98: Most Played Adult Contemporary Songs". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 6, no. 52. December 25, 1998. p. 56.
  21. "The Year in Music 1998 – Hot Adult Top 40 Singles & Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 52. December 26, 1998. p. YE-96. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved April 24, 2022 via Google Books.
  22. "Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 1998". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 6, no. 52. December 25, 1998. p. 45.
  23. "Best of '98: Most Played Triple-A Songs". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 6, no. 52. December 25, 1998. p. 35.
  24. "1999 The Year in Music – Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 52. December 25, 1999. p. YE-99. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved April 24, 2022 via Google Books.
  25. "Most Played Adult Top 40 Songs of 1999". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 7, no. 52. December 24, 1999. p. 47.
  26. Reece, Doug (June 13, 1998). "Lava's McCain Delivers with Late-Blooming 'Roses'". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 24. p. 13. ...at mainstream rock stations. Even the follow-up, 'I'll Be,' serviced to stations last October...
  27. digitalspy.co.uk. "Kian Egan announces second single 'I'll Be' - listen"
  28. "Kian Egan reveals artwork and name of his second single 'I'll Be'". Reveal.co.uk. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  29. McCain, Edwin (May 19, 2018). "20 years ago 'I'll Be' was on Dawson's Creek. This song had a pretty big part in the season 1 finale and I'm thankful for everyone who watched it back in 1998". Twitter . Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  30. "'Dawson's Creek' gives musician McCain a boost". CNN. September 9, 1998. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  31. Barbuto, Dana (October 23, 2012). "Marshfield native performs on 'The Office,' 'Pitch Perfect'". The Patriot Ledger . GateHouse Media. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  32. Shotgun Wedding (2022) - IMDb , retrieved January 28, 2023