Sweeter (song)

Last updated

"Sweeter"
Gavin-degraw-sweeter-single.jpg
Single by Gavin DeGraw
from the album Sweeter
ReleasedOctober 31, 2011 (Promotional single) [1]
March 12, 2012 (Official single) [2]
Recorded2011
Genre Pop-funk [3]
Length3:43
Label RCA
Songwriter(s) Gavin DeGraw, Ryan Tedder
Producer(s) Ryan Tedder
Gavin DeGraw singles chronology
"Not Over You"
(2011)		"Sweeter"
(2011)		"Soldier"
(2012)

"Sweeter" is a song by American recording artist Gavin DeGraw, released as the second single of his fourth studio album of the same name. [1] The song was written by DeGraw and Ryan Tedder, and produced by Tedder. [4] The song finds DeGraw fantasizing about another guy's girl and received positive reviews from most music critics. [5] The song has charted on the Dutch chart. [1] The song will be released as the second single of the album in the United States in late March 2012. [6] A music video was filmed in February and premiered on March 15, 2012, on E! News . [7]

Contents

Background and composition

"There is always that risk and trying to get that correct is a fine line. Some people will hate you for sounding vulnerable at all, so you can't win 'em all, right? You have to accept that stuff... The things that make writing challenging are things that make it the most enjoyable."

—Gavin DeGraw talking to Billboard about the song. [5]

The song finds DeGraw fantasizing about another guy's girl. He told Billboard magazine many of the songs on the album "ride the vulnerability spot." [5] Amy Sciarretto wrote for "Artist Direct" that while experimenting with new sounds, it resulted in a "potent, swaggering strut, both musically and lyrically, on sexually charged songs like the R&B-infused "Sweeter"." [8] On the chorus, he sings "I just want to take someone else’s holiday/Sometimes the grass is greener/And someone else’s sugar, someone else’s sugar’s sweeter". [9]

In an interview with Amanda Hensel from "Pop Crush", DeGraw explained the recording sessions with Tedder:

"That day we wrote the song ‘Sweeter,’ which became the title track to the record. We were really excited about it, we felt it has something very gritty about it, but at the same time very soulful. There’s an element of the Black Keys to it, there’s an element of Sly and the Family Stone to it and it still had that anesthetic hook, which we were stoked about." [10]

Critical reception

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from Allmusic picked the song as one of the best tracks, alongside Not Over You and "You Know Where I'm At". [4] Entertainment Weekly 's Melissa Maerz also picked it as one of the album's highlights, calling it a "white-boy gospel track." [11] Andy Baber from musicOMH wrote a positive review for the song, saying that "the album starts promisingly, opening with the pop-funk title track, Sweeter. The chugging guitar and piano combination provides the track with real drive, and when you add DeGraw’s strong and soulful vocals on top, it all makes for a purposeful opening." [12] Kristen Coachman wrote for Seattle Pi that "The guitar in the beginning gets in your head to the point that you cannot help, but groove along to it throughout the song. There's a confident, yet sexy swagger to the track, as DeGraw sings about wanting to get with another guy's girl." [3]

Music video

A still from the video, where DeGraw is on the bed with Genevieve Morton. Sweeter-video.png
A still from the video, where DeGraw is on the bed with Genevieve Morton.

A music video for the song was shot in February. It was shot at 4 am and. On set, Gavin told VH1 News that the video is about a girl being "Under-appreciated by her man. She decides she’s going to get out of the place and grab me on her way out.” With a cheeky grin on his face, he adds, “And I’m a guy, so I’m going to go along with this!". [7] The video premiered on March 15, 2012, on E! News at 7 pm PT/ET and later on E! Online at 5 pm PT/8pm ET. [13] It began airing on his VEVO account on March 16. [14]

The video directed by Lenny Bass and shot in Brooklyn and features Sports Illustrated model Genevieve Morton. The video begins in a bar setting where DeGraw woos Morton away from a less than enthusiastic boyfriend and they take off on an afternoon adventure together. [14]

Chart performance

The song debuted at number ninety on the Netherlands Singles chart on the week of October 22, 2011. [1] In its second week, it reached its peak position of number seventy-six. It stayed for five weeks, descending the charts, until it dropped out. [1] Altogether, the song stayed for seven weeks on the charts. [1]

Even though is not officially released, the song is being played on many American radio stations and is charting on the Hot Adult Pop Songs chart on the All Access's Mediabase chart and is currently at number forty-five. [15] Officially, the song debuted at number forty on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart. [16] It later, climbed to number thirty-seven. [17] In the third week, the song climbed to number thirty-two. [18] In the fourth week, the song rose to number 28 and it has reached number 18, so far. [18]

Live performances

Gavin performed the song for the first time on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 18, 2012. [9] On May 1, 2012, Gavin performed the song on Dancing with the Stars , where DeGraw was a contestant on the season, but was eliminated. [19] The camera switched back and forth, focusing on DeGraw as he sang while his former partner Karina Smirnoff danced with Louis Van Amstel. [19] Gavin performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on May 21, 2012. [20]

Charts

Chart (2011–12)Peak
position
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [21] 76
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [22] 16
US Adult Top 40 ( Billboard ) [23] 18

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Want to Be</span> 2004 single by Gavin DeGraw and theme song of One Tree Hill

"I Don't Want to Be" is a song by American singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw from his 2003 debut album, Chariot. The song gained exposure after being featured as the opening theme to The CW teen drama series One Tree Hill, and it was released as a radio single on February 17, 2004. It peaked at number 10 in the United States in 2005 and became a top-20 hit in Australia, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gavin DeGraw</span> American singer

Gavin Shane DeGraw is an American singer-songwriter. DeGraw rose to fame with his song "I Don't Want to Be" from his debut album Chariot (2003); the song became the main theme song for The WB/CW drama series One Tree Hill. Other notable singles from his debut album were the title track and "Follow Through".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OneRepublic</span> American pop rock band

OneRepublic is an American pop rock band formed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2002. The lineup currently consists of Ryan Tedder, Zach Filkins, Drew Brown, Brent Kutzle, Eddie Fisher (drums), and Brian Willett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colbie Caillat</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1985)

Colbie Marie Caillat is an American singer-songwriter. She rose to fame through social networking website Myspace. At that time, she was the number one unsigned artist of her genre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bleeding Love</span> 2007 single by Leona Lewis

"Bleeding Love" is a song recorded by British singer Leona Lewis for her debut studio album, Spirit (2007). It was originally written and recorded by American singer Jesse McCartney, and was co-written and produced by American singer Ryan Tedder. "Bleeding Love" was released worldwide during the last quarter of 2007, and the first of 2008, as the album's lead single internationally, and as the second single in Ireland and the United Kingdom. McCartney later included his version of the song as a bonus track on the international edition of his third studio album, Departure (2008). It is Lewis' biggest hit, to date, and remains her signature song. As of 2021, "Bleeding Love" has been streamed over two billion times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In Love with a Girl</span> 2008 single by Gavin DeGraw

"In Love with a Girl" is a song recorded by American singer Gavin DeGraw and was released as the lead single from DeGraw's self-titled second studio album, released on February 5, 2008.

<i>All I Ever Wanted</i> (album) 2009 studio album by Kelly Clarkson

All I Ever Wanted is the fourth studio album by American pop singer Kelly Clarkson, released on March 6, 2009, by RCA Records. After the controversies that surrounded her previous studio album, My December (2007), which was seen as much darker than her other two albums, Clarkson went on to record a more pop-oriented album. In order to do so, she enlisted her previous collaborators Max Martin, Dr. Luke,, Sam Watters and Louis Biancaniello, and new collaborators, Ryan Tedder, Howard Benson and Dre & Vidal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battlefield (song)</span> 2009 single by Jordin Sparks

"Battlefield" is a song by the American singer Jordin Sparks, taken from her sophomore studio album of the same name. It was written by Louis Biancaniello, Ryan Tedder, Sam Watters and Wayne Wilkins, while production of the song was helmed by Tedder and The Runaways. "Battlefield" was released digitally in the United States on May 8, 2009, as the album's lead single. "Battlefield" is a mid-tempo ballad which draws from the genres of pop, R&B, pop rock and soft rock. The song's lyrics revolve around "a tumultuous relationship where neither side wants to compromise." The song's lyrical theme received comparisons to Pat Benatar's "Love Is a Battlefield" (1983), and its production was compared to Benatar's "We Belong" (1984).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Already Gone (Kelly Clarkson song)</span> 2009 single by Kelly Clarkson

"Already Gone" is a song performed by American pop singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson from her fourth studio album, All I Ever Wanted. It is co-written by Clarkson and Ryan Tedder, who also produced it. The song was released as the album's third single in August 2009. Lyrically, "Already Gone" is about the breakup of a relationship; the music consists of an arrangement using a piano, drums, and string instruments.

<i>Some Kind of Trouble</i> 2010 studio album by James Blunt

Some Kind of Trouble is the third studio album by the British singer-songwriter James Blunt, released on 8 November 2010. On 6 December 2011, a deluxe version of the album was released, titled Some Kind of Trouble: Revisited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rocketeer (song)</span> 2010 single by Far East Movement featuring Ryan Tedder

"Rocketeer" is a song by American hip hop and electronic music group Far East Movement from their third studio album, Free Wired (2010). The song features vocals by American singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic. It was released in the United States as the second single from the album on October 9, 2010, by Cherrytree and Interscope Records. According to the group, the song regards "flying to make those dreams happen for the one you love". They also cited the song was inspired by themselves as "LA Dreamers living on a dream and never knowing where it would take you".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brighter Than the Sun</span> 2011 single by Colbie Caillat

"Brighter Than the Sun" is a song by American recording artist Colbie Caillat. It was written by Caillat and Ryan Tedder and produced by the latter. The song was released as the second single from Caillat's third studio album, All of You (2011). The song was released to digital download on May 23, 2011, through Universal Republic. The song received a positive reaction from music critics, who complimented its summer feel. The song is certified platinum in the United States and has been successful on many Billboard charts, including the Hot 100, where the song reached the top 50, the Adult Contemporary chart, where the song peaked at number one for a week. "Brighter Than the Sun" also was a top-40 hit in Austria and was the third-biggest song of 2012 on US adult contemporary radio.

<i>Sweeter</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Gavin DeGraw

Sweeter is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw. The album was released in the United States on September 20, 2011, and features tracks co-written with other artists for the very first time, including Ryan Tedder, Butch Walker, and Andrew Frampton. The lead single, "Not Over You", co-written and produced by Ryan Tedder, was released to mainstream radio and to iTunes in May and was a chart success. The album received generally favorable reviews from music critics and received a moderate impact on the charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rumour Has It (Adele song)</span> 2011 song by Adele

"Rumour Has It" is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter Adele for her second studio album, 21 (2011). The song was written by Adele and Ryan Tedder; the latter is also the producer. Adele has stated that the song was not inspired by the media but it was aimed at her own friends who believed 'rumours' they read about her in tabloids. It was released on 5 November 2011 as the fourth single from the album in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Not Over You</span> 2011 single by Gavin DeGraw

"Not Over You" is a song by American recording artist Gavin DeGraw, released as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Sweeter, on May 17, 2011. The song was written by DeGraw and Ryan Tedder, and produced by Tedder. The song peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it DeGraw's most successful song on the chart since his breakout hit "I Don't Want to Be", becoming his fourth Top 40 hit. It also became his first song to reach the top spot on the Adult Pop Songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give Your Heart a Break</span> 2012 single by Demi Lovato

"Give Your Heart a Break" is a song recorded by American singer Demi Lovato for her third studio album Unbroken (2011). It was released on January 23, 2012, by Hollywood Records, as the second and final single from the album. The song was written and produced by Josh Alexander and Billy Steinberg. "Give Your Heart a Break" incorporates drums, violin and strings. The latter two, according to music critics, are reminiscent of those used in Coldplay's "Viva la Vida". Lyrically, the song chronicles the protagonist's attempt to win over her lover who has been hurt in a previous relationship and is fearful of committing again. In 2023, the song was re-recorded for her rock-compilation Revamped featuring Bert McCracken from the rock band The Used.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soldier (Gavin DeGraw song)</span> 2011 single by Gavin DeGraw

"Soldier" is a song by American recording artist Gavin DeGraw, taken from his fourth studio album, Sweeter. It was released into the iTunes Store on September 6, 2011, as a promotional single. It was released as the third and final single from the album in the United States, on September 24, 2012. The song was written by DeGraw and produced by Butch Walker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Favorite Song (Colbie Caillat song)</span> 2012 single by Colbie Caillat featuring Common

"Favorite Song" is a song by American recording artist Colbie Caillat. It was written by Caillat and Ryan Tedder, and produced by Tedder and it features American rapper Common. The song was released as the third single from her third studio album All of You (2011). it was released on May 8, 2012. Musically, the song is a guitar-driven pop, hip-hop jam, and the lyrics speak about being in love with someone and desiring that the person feels the same. The song is a metaphor for wanting to be the object of someone’s affection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Settle Down (No Doubt song)</span> 2012 single by No Doubt

"Settle Down" is a song by American rock band No Doubt. It is the first single from their sixth studio album Push and Shove (2012). Written by Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont, and produced by Spike Stent, it was released on July 16, 2012 by Interscope Records. The song is a combination of many styles, such as reggae, ska, dancehall, Latin and Caribbean-tinged beats, merging with American pop and rock music. Lyrically, the song is about confidence and about feeling good, adjusting yourself to unfamiliar circumstances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feel Again</span> 2012 single by OneRepublic

"Feel Again" is a song recorded by American rock band OneRepublic for their third studio album Native (2013). It was released as the lead single from the album on August 3, 2012. It was written and produced by Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, Drew Brown and Noel Zancanella.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "charts.nz – Gavin DeGraw – Sweeter". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw: Sweeter | The Official RCA Records Site". RCA Records . Sony Music Entertainment . Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  3. 1 2 Coachman, Kristen (September 20, 2011). "Music Review: Gavin DeGraw – Sweeter". Blog Critics. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  4. 1 2 Thomas Erlewine, Stephen (September 20, 2011). "Sweeter – Gavin DeGraw – Allmusic". Allmusic – Rovi Corporation . Retrieved September 22, 2011.
  5. 1 2 3 "Sweeter by Gavin DeGraw – Songfacts". Songfacts. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  6. ↑ "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and More!". FMQB. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
  7. 1 2 George, Kat (March 13, 2012). "Gavin DeGraw Takes Us Behind The Scenes On The Set Of "Sweeter"". VH1 News . Archived from the original on March 15, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
  8. ↑ Sciarretto, Amy (May 17, 2011). "Gavin DeGraw to Release "Sweeter" on August 9th". Artist Direct. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
  9. 1 2 TJ (March 29, 2012). "Video: Gavin DeGraw Performs "Sweeter" On 'Jay Leno'". Neon Limelight. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  10. ↑ Hensel, Amanda (January 20, 2012). "Gavin DeGraw Talks 'Sweeter' and Ryan Teddet, Denies Being a Sex Symbol". Pop Crush. Retrieved April 1, 2012.
  11. ↑ Maerz, Melissa (August 31, 2011). "Sweeter (2011) - Review - Music Reviews and News". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved September 22, 2011.
  12. ↑ Baber, Andy. "Gavin DeGraw – Sweeter – album reviews – musicOMH". MusicOMH . Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  13. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw's "Sweeter" Music Video Premiere: Watch Now! | E! Online". E! Online . Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  14. 1 2 ""Sweeter" Video Premiere Tonight | The Official Gavin DeGraw Site". Gavin Degraw.com. March 15, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  15. ↑ "ONLY MEMBERS – Hot AC 7-Day Report | Published (U.S.) Panel | Rolling Chart | Mediabase 24;7 Charts". All Access. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw Music News & Info | Billboard.com". Billboard. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw Album & Song Chart History | Billboard.com". Billboard. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  18. 1 2 "Gavin DeGraw Music News & Info | Billboard.com". Billboard. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
  19. 1 2 Sciarretto, Amy (May 1, 2012). "Gavin DeGraw Returns to 'DWTS' Stage to Perform 'Sweeter'". Popcrush. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw Performs "Sweeter"". YouTube/Jimmy Kimmel Live! . May 21, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw – Sweeter" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  22. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard.
  23. ↑ "Gavin DeGraw Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard.
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.