Wanted (Hunter Hayes song)

Last updated
"Wanted"
Hunter Hayes - Wanted.png
Single by Hunter Hayes
from the album Hunter Hayes
ReleasedMarch 5, 2012 (2012-03-05)
Genre
Length3:48
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Hunter Hayes singles chronology
"Storm Warning"
(2011)
"Wanted"
(2012)
"Somebody's Heartbreak"
(2012)

"Wanted" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Hunter Hayes. It was released in March 2012 as the second single from his debut album Hunter Hayes (2011). Hayes co-wrote the song with Troy Verges. [1] The song was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the 2013 Grammy Awards. [2] It is the second best-selling song by a male solo country singer in the US as of April 2014. [3] Billboard ranked it the third-greatest country single of all time according to chart performance. [4]

Contents

Upon release, "Wanted" was met with generally positive reviews and went on to be certified 4× Platinum in the US for sales of over 3.6 million. When the song topped the Hot Country Songs chart, Hayes broke the record held since 1973 by Johnny Rodriguez's "You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me)" as the youngest male artist to reach number one. [5] The single was a moderate crossover hit in 2013 when it climbed to the top 15 on both the Adult Pop Songs and Adult Contemporary charts.

Content

Hunter told Taste of Country about writing the song: "At the time, I was trying to tell somebody something, but I couldn't figure out how to say it. So I wanted to say it in music because I knew it would be a little more impactful. I wanted to say we are great in this relationship together, and I feel like it could even get better." [1]

The song is a ballad expressing a desire to make a lover feel "wanted" by the narrator. It is in C major and an approximate tempo of 84 beats per minute. [6]

Critical reception

Billy Dukes of Taste of Country gave the song 4.5 out of 5 stars. Dukes wrote, "It’s a mature lyric that will wrap around the hearts of country loving women nationwide." He added, "It's familiar without being generic and catchy without being syrupy." [7] Giving it five out of five stars, Matt Bjorke of Roughstock wrote: "While 'Storm Warning' was a great opening salvo, 'Wanted' is the song that is going to make Hunter Hayes one of the music world’s most talented artists to arrive in years – that’s right – years." [8]

Music video

The music video was unveiled in early March 2012. It was directed by BirdmachineBird (Patrick Hubik and Traci Goudie). The video won an American Country Award for Best Music Video in 2012. Everything in the video except for all the stuff that is red is black and white. [9]

Chart performance

"Wanted" debuted at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the week of February 27, 2012. [10] It also debuted at number 99 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for the week of May 12, 2012. It also debuted at number 100 on the Canadian Hot 100 for the week of September 15, 2012. For the week of September 29, 2012, "Wanted" became Hayes' first number one single. Twenty-one weeks later, it returned to number one on the same chart. It also debuted at number 40 on the US Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart for the week of November 17, 2012, on which chart it eventually peaked at number 12. "Wanted" also reached number 13 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and displayed longevity on the chart by staying on the chart for 46 weeks. As of February 2016, the song has sold 3,766,000 copies in the United States, where it is certified 4× Platinum by RIAA. [3] "Wanted" has also been certified 2× Platinum by Music Canada.

Legacy

The song's appearance at number one made Hayes the youngest solo male artist (by three months and one week) to top the Hot Country Songs chart, surpassing a record set in 1973 by Johnny Rodriguez's "You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me)". [5] The song became the second best-selling song by a male country solo artist in April 2014. [11] In 2016, Billboard ranked "Wanted" at number three on a "Greatest of All Time" Country Songs chart behind Florida Georgia Line's "Cruise" and Leroy Van Dyke's "Walk on By". [4]

Charts

Certifications and sales

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [26] 2× Platinum160,000*
United States (RIAA) [27] 5× Platinum3,766,000 [3]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Die Young</span> 2010 single by the Band Perry

"If I Die Young" is a song written by Kimberly Perry, and recorded by American country music trio The Band Perry. It was released on June 8, 2010, as the second single from the group's self-titled debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jump Right In</span> 2013 single by Zac Brown Band

"Jump Right In" is a song recorded by American country music group Zac Brown Band. It was released in February 2013 as the third single from the group's third major-label album, Uncaged. The song was written by Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, and Jason Mraz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just a Kiss (song)</span> 2011 single by Lady Antebellum

"Just a Kiss" is a song recorded by American country music group Lady Antebellum. It was released on May 2, 2011, as the lead single from the band's album Own the Night (2011). Dallas Davidson collaborated with band members Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood to write the song, taking inspiration from the members' personal experiences. Produced by Paul Worley, "Just a Kiss" was among the last songs recorded for the album, and is a mid-tempo country ballad with lyrics that speak of a romantic relationship between two new couples. Professional reviews for "Just a Kiss" have been mostly positive, commending on the song's theme and musical arrangement and also praising Lady Antebellum's performance, and it features lead vocals from both Scott and Kelley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Storm Warning (song)</span> 2011 single by Hunter Hayes

"Storm Warning" is the debut song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Hunter Hayes. It was released in May 2011 as the first single from his debut album Hunter Hayes. Hayes co-wrote the song with Gordie Sampson and busbee. The song garnered positive reviews from critics who praised Hayes' lyricism and vocal performance. "Storm Warning" peaked at numbers 14 and 78 on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot 100 charts respectively. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of 500,000 units in the country. An accompanying music video for the single, directed by Brian Lazzaro, features Hayes performing various instruments while singing the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Girl (Carrie Underwood song)</span> 2012 single by Carrie Underwood

"Good Girl" is a song by American country music artist Carrie Underwood. The song was written by Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley and Underwood. It was released by Arista Nashville as the lead single from Underwood's fourth studio album, Blown Away (2012).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Somebody's Heartbreak</span> 2012 single by Hunter Hayes

"Somebody's Heartbreak" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Hunter Hayes. It was released in October 2012 as the third single from his debut studio album, Hunter Hayes. Hayes co-wrote the song with Andrew Dorff and Luke Laird. "Somebody's Heartbreak" is about an aspiring lover being invited to break this person's heart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Side of the Bed</span> 2013 single by Little Big Town

"Your Side of the Bed" is a song recorded by American country music group Little Big Town. It was released April 8, 2013, as the third single from their fifth studio album, Tornado. The song was written by the group alongside Lori McKenna. They debuted the song at the 2013 ACM Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want Crazy</span> 2013 single by Hunter Hayes

"I Want Crazy" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Hunter Hayes. It is one of five songs recorded for Hunter Hayes (Encore), the deluxe edition of Hayes' self-titled debut album. Hayes debuted the song at the Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, 2013, and it was released the next day as the lead single for the reissue of Hunter Hayes and fourth from the album overall. Hayes wrote the song with Lori McKenna and Troy Verges. A new mix of the song produced by Ryan Tedder was released in the UK on April 17, 2015 as the third single from his international debut album, I Want Crazy (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hey Girl (Billy Currington song)</span> 2013 single by Billy Currington

"Hey Girl" is a song written by Rhett Akins, Chris DeStefano, and Ashley Gorley and recorded by American country music artist Billy Currington. It was released in March 2013 as the first single from Currington's 2013 album We Are Tonight. The song became Currington's seventh number one hit on the U.S. Billboard Country Airplay chart. It also peaked at numbers 5 and 39 on the Hot Country Songs and Billboard Hot 100 charts, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wasting All These Tears</span>

"Wasting All These Tears" is a song recorded by American country music singer Cassadee Pope, written by Caitlyn Smith and Rollie Gaalswyk. It was released as Pope's debut solo single from her debut solo studio album Frame by Frame on May 31, 2013. It is the first song by Pope to reach Gold status, and has since been certified Platinum as of March 5, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everybody's Got Somebody but Me</span> 2013 single by Hunter Hayes featuring Jason Mraz

"Everybody's Got Somebody but Me" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Hunter Hayes for his eponymous debut album, Hunter Hayes (2011). While recording new material for (Encore), the expanded re-issue of his debut, Hayes also re-recorded three of the tracks, including a new duet version of "Everybody's Got Somebody But Me" featuring guest vocals by singer Jason Mraz. Atlantic Nashville released the Encore version of the song as the fifth single from the album, and second from the (Encore) edition, on September 3, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chillin' It</span> 2013 single by Cole Swindell

"Chillin' It" is the debut single by American country music artist Cole Swindell. Swindell co-wrote the song with Shane Minor. Swindell released the song independently in March 2013 as a digital download. In July 2013, Swindell signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records. Warner Bros. assumed promotion of the single and released it to country radio in August 2013. It is included on Swindell's self-titled debut album, which was released on February 18, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Is How We Roll</span> 2014 single by Florida Georgia Line

"This Is How We Roll" is a song recorded by American country music duo Florida Georgia Line with fellow country music singer Luke Bryan. It is the fifth and final single from Florida Georgia Line's debut studio album, Here's to the Good Times, although it is only included on the 2013 This Is How We Roll re-release. Cole Swindell assisted the artists in writing the song. A remix, featuring Jason Derulo and Bryan was released on June 7, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Invisible (Hunter Hayes song)</span> 2014 single by Hunter Hayes

"Invisible" is a song recorded by American country music artist Hunter Hayes. It was the lead single from his second studio album Storyline (2014). Hayes co-wrote the song in a collaboration with Bonnie Baker and Katrina Elam, while the production was handled by Hayes and Dann Huff. The song was debuted at the 2014 Grammy Awards on January 26, 2014, and was released to digital retailers the same day.

<i>Storyline</i> (Hunter Hayes album) 2014 studio album by Hunter Hayes

Storyline is the second studio album by American country music artist Hunter Hayes, released on May 6, 2014 through Atlantic Records. As with his previous album, every song is co-written and co-produced by Hayes. However, instead of performing all the instrumentals himself as he did on Hunter Hayes, on this release Hayes opted to feature guest musicians, including his touring band and Paul Franklin, the steel guitar player behind Vince Gill's Bakersfield.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tattoo (Hunter Hayes song)</span> 2014 single by Hunter Hayes

"Tattoo" is a song recorded by American country music artist Hunter Hayes as the second single from his second studio album Storyline (2014). Hayes co-wrote the song in a collaboration with Troy Verges and Barry Dean, while the production was handled by Hayes and Dann Huff. It was released to country radio through Atlantic Records on June 16, 2014 as the second single off the album. "Tattoo" was released as an extended play in the UK as Hayes' international musical debut on October 3, 2014, and was re-released as the second single from his international debut album, I Want Crazy (2015), on March 23, 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hunter Hayes discography</span>

The discography of American country pop and cajun artist Hunter Hayes consists of ten studio albums, one compilation album, five independently released albums, one live extended play, and ten singles. Hayes began his career as a songwriter with Universal Music Publishing Group, moving to Nashville in 2008 and co-writing the song "Play" on Rascal Flatts' 2010 album, Nothing Like This.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">21 (Hunter Hayes song)</span> 2015 single by Hunter Hayes

"21" is a song recorded by American country music singer Hunter Hayes as the lead single from his third studio album The 21 Project (2015). Written by Dallas Davidson, Kelley Lovelace, and Ashley Gorley, the song is Hayes' first to not feature an official writing credit. It was released in the UK on May 21, 2015 before being released to digital retailers in North America on May 26, 2015. It is also included on his second extended play, 21 (2015). "21" impacted country radio on June 8, 2015 and entered the Billboard Country Airplay chart at number 32.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Setting the World on Fire</span> 2016 single by Kenny Chesney featuring Pink

"Setting the World on Fire" is a song written by Ross Copperman, Matt Jenkins, and Josh Osborne and recorded by American country music artist Kenny Chesney as a duet with American singer Pink. It was released to country radio on July 28, 2016 and to digital retailers the following day as the second single from Chesney's 2016 album Cosmic Hallelujah. The song was also promoted to adult and pop radio on September 12, 2016. The song was nominated for the Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yesterday's Song</span> 2016 single by Hunter Hayes

"Yesterday's Song" is a song recorded by American singer Hunter Hayes originally intended to be the lead single for a later cancelled studio album. Hayes co-wrote the track with Barry Dean and Martin Johnson and also assisted Dann Huff with production. It was released to digital retailers on September 23, 2016 and officially impacted American country radio on October 24, 2016.

References

  1. 1 2 "Hunter Hayes, 'Wanted' – Lyrics Uncovered". Taste of Country.
  2. "Awards Nominations & Winners". GRAMMY.com. April 30, 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 Bjorke, Matt (February 16, 2016). "The Top 30 Digital Country Singles: February 16, 2016".
  4. 1 2 3 "Greatest of All-Time Top Country Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  5. 1 2 Jessen, Wade (September 20, 2012). "Hunter Hayes Makes History, Little Big Town Shines on Country Charts". Billboard. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
  6. "'Wanted' sheet music". MusicNotes.com. 15 May 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  7. "Hunter Hayes, 'Wanted' – Song Review". Taste of Country.
  8. "Single Review: Hunter Hayes - "Wanted"". Archived from the original on 2012-04-14. Retrieved 2012-05-16.
  9. "Music Videos « Tacklebox Films". tackleboxfilms.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-01.
  10. "Chart Highlights: Hunter Hayes Debuts on Country Songs (Video)". Billboard. February 27, 2012.
  11. Paul Grein (April 9, 2014). "Chart Watch: 'Happy' Peaked But It's Still Potent". Yahoo Music.
  12. "Hunter Hayes Dupe 1 Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
  13. "Hunter Hayes Dupe 1 Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard.
  14. "Hunter Hayes Dupe 1 Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  15. "Hunter Hayes Dupe 1 Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  16. "Hunter Hayes Dupe 1 Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
  17. "Hunter Hayes Dupe 1 Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  18. "Hunter Hayes Dupe 1 Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
  19. "Best of 2012 - Hot 100 Songs". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2012-12-14.
  20. "Best of 2012: Hot Country Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
  21. "Best of 2013: Hot 100 Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  22. "Adult Contemporary Songs: Page 1". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2013. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  23. "Adult Pop Songs: Page 1". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2013. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  24. "Best of 2013: Hot Country Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  25. "Decade-End Charts: Hot Country Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  26. "Canadian single certifications – Hunter Hayes – Wanted". Music Canada . Retrieved March 17, 2013.
  27. "American single certifications – Hunter Hayes – Wanted". Recording Industry Association of America.