Background and composition
Following the release of Extreme Behavior (2005) and Take It to the Limit (2008), Hinder spent five years touring extensively around the world. [3] When the group took a break from touring in 2009, they struggled to adjust to a slower, more ordinary life. The song reflects on the emotional toll of fame, addiction, and self-destruction after years of near-constant touring. [4] It became one of the group's most introspective tracks, and its writing and recording were part of a period of personal reflection that informed several of the more emotional songs on All American Nightmare, particularly "What Ya Gonna Do." [5] [6]
Austin Winkler described the track as "really personal and hits home," explaining that it was about confronting one's problems rather than drowning them in alcohol. The lyric "What ya gonna do when the whiskey ain’t workin’ no more" was framed as a turning point where self-medication no longer works. [7] Drummer Cody Hanson characterized "What Ya Gonna Do" as a reflection on ending escapism and attempting to become a better person, intentionally leaving the outcome unresolved to mirror the uncertainty of that process. [8]
In a January 2011 interview, Hanson explained that during the band's eight-month break from touring he continued working on demos and developing a home studio that would become Back-Longue Productions in Oklahoma City, alongside collaborator and future lead vocalist Marshal Dutton. [9] [10] Songs like "What Ya Gonna Do" were cited as part of the band's effort to balance heavier material with more melodic, self-reflective tracks.
The track blends mid-tempo hard rock and post-grunge with subtle southern rock and country rock influences, built around emotive guitar lines and a steady drum rhythm beneath Winkler's vocals. [11] Producer Kevin Churko’s involvement, following his work with Ozzy Osbourne and others, contributed to a heavier, more muscular sound compared to the band’s earlier collaborations with Brian Howes. [12]
Hinder announced "What Ya Gonna Do" as the second single from All American Nightmare via their official fan club, Hinder Army, on February 24, 2011. [13] The band supported the album and single on a North American tour throughout spring and summer 2011, where "What Ya Gonna Do" was included in their live setlists. [14]
Universal Republic distributed promotional CD singles to rock radio in May 2011, and the track was released to digital download and streaming platforms as a commercial single. In January 2012, music site Chartjunkie ranked "What Ya Gonna Do" at No. 724 on its list of the top 1,000 songs of 2011. [15]
Critical reception
"What Ya Gonna Do" received mixed to positive reviews from critics, many of whom highlighted it as one of the more mature and introspective moments on All American Nightmare. [16] In a review for Billboard, the song was noted as one of the album's "ballady respites," with Winkler's performance cited as evidence of the band's attempt at emotional growth. [17] Hardrock Haven described it as "a modern-day Johnny Cash rock anthem" and one of the record's standout tracks. [18] Sleaze Roxx similarly praised it as a well-executed ballad with strong radio potential. [19]
Songfacts quoted Winkler discussing the song's theme of confronting personal problems without relying on alcohol, while independent blogs and reviewers characterized it as a heartfelt, radio-friendly rock ballad that showcased a more vulnerable side of the band. [20] [21]
Music video
The official music video premiered on May 24, 2011, on Hinder's official YouTube channel. The video portrays the band coping with exhaustion, regret, and loneliness after years of partying and touring. The narrative alternates between moments of introspection and scenes of excess, ending with the members returning home and facing the realities they had long avoided, a visual counterpart to the song's open-ended question. Rock 108 (KEYJ-FM) featured the video upon release, describing "What Ya Gonna Do" as a power ballad and confirming it as the second single from All American Nightmare while directing listeners to watch the video online. [25]
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