Wondering Why

Last updated
"Wondering Why"
The Red Clay Strays - Wondering Why.jpg
Single by the Red Clay Strays
from the album Moment of Truth
ReleasedMarch 9, 2022
Genre Country
Length3:52
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
  • Brandon Coleman
  • Dan Couch
  • Drew Nix
Producer(s) The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays singles chronology
"Doin' Time"
(2022)		"Wondering Why"
(2022)		"Sunshine" (Western AF version)
(2023)

"Wondering Why" is a song by American country rock band the Red Clay Strays, released on March 9, 2022 as the second single from their debut studio album Moment of Truth (2022). A sleeper hit, it found success after going viral on the video-sharing app TikTok in late 2023 and is the band's first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 93 [1] and peaking at number 71.

Contents

Background

The Red Clay Strays' guitarist Drew Nix and lead singer Brandon Coleman, along with songwriter Dan Couch, were inspired to write the song by the notion that the band's commitment to success in music had taken a toll on their romantic partners. According to Nix, "We were like, 'Our women have the short end of the stick of this. I wonder why they even like us.'" [2]

Self-released in March 2022, [3] "Wondering Why" began receiving wider exposure when a video of the Red Clay Strays performing a live version was posted on TikTok on September 3, 2023. [1] [3] The song soundtracked over 60,000 clips on TikTok by the end of 2023 [1] and 71,000 TikTok videos in January 2024. [2] Its popularity has also led to many singers posting their own covers of the song on the platform. [1] In June 2024, it had amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify. [4]

Composition

Described as a "bluesy", [2] the song depicts an unlikely romantic relationship between an upper-class woman and working-class man. [2] [5]

Critical reception

Jessica Nicholson of Billboard gave a positive review, writing that Brandon Coleman's "gruff, impassioned vocal shines here as always, bolstered by the group's exemplary musicianship." [5]

Chart

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [12] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

"For Me" is a song by American rapper Loe Shimmy, released on March 22, 2024 from his third studio album Zombieland 2 (2024). An official remix of the song with American singer Brent Faiyaz was released on November 7, 2024 as the fifth single from Shimmy's fourth studio album Nardy World, which was released a day later. It is his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting and peaking at number 78.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Addison Rae</span> American singer, songwriter and actress (born 2000)

Addison Rae Easterling is an American social media personality, singer, actress, and dancer. Rae rose to fame on TikTok and amassed over 88 million followers, making her the fifth most-followed individual on the platform. She later transitioned into different ventures like music and acting by starring in major film studio productions, collaborating with significant music producers, and having her own makeup brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Dracula</span> Australian trap metal music artist

Samuel Wellings, known professionally as Kim Dracula, is an Australian alternative/indie music artist from Hobart, Tasmania whose songs have achieved popularity on TikTok. They are known both for original work and for metal covers of songs not typically associated with the genre. They became popular on YouTube for their authorial song "Make Me Famous" from their album A Gradual Decline In Morale. Dracula was previously the drummer of multiple bands. They were also the vocalist of Australian heavy metal band Jesterpose, which formed in 2017 and released the EP COVID-19 in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ernest (singer)</span> American country musician

Ernest Keith Smith, known mononymously as just Ernest, is an American country music singer-songwriter. He has released three studio albums: Locals Only (2019), Flower Shops (2022), and Nashville, Tennessee (2024). He has also written songs recorded by Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Chris Lane, and Jelly Roll. His songs are produced by Joey Moi.

Sadie Jean Wilcox is an American singer-songwriter. She has released one EP, Simple Like 17 (2023).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back End (song)</span> 2022 single by Finesse2tymes

"Back End" is a song by American rapper Finesse2tymes, released on July 22, 2022, as the lead single from his mixtape 90 Days (2022). Produced by DJ X.O. and Avo, it is one of the songs that propelled Finesse2tymes to fame and his first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 98 and peaking at number 86.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qué Onda</span> 2023 single by Calle 24, Chino Pacas and Fuerza Regida

"Qué Onda" is a song by the regional Mexican group Calle 24, Mexican singer-songwriter Chino Pacas and American regional Mexican band Fuerza Regida. It was released on August 30, 2023 and was produced by Angel Tumbado and Jesús Ortiz Paz. It is the former's breakout single, peaking at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Taha Othman Ahmad, known professionally as Odetari, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He started producing and releasing music at 13. His music became popular on TikTok in 2023 and his songs "Good Loyal Thots", "Narcissistic Personality Disorder", "Look Don't Touch", "I Love You Hoe", and "GMFU" all reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and were each certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Víctima</span> 2023 single by Xavi

"La Víctima" is a song by American singer-songwriter Xavi, which was released as a single on August 17, 2023, through Interscope. The song achieved virality through TikTok, which lead to becoming the singer's breakthrough single, debuting at number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number 46. Prior to the release of "La Diabla", which would be the singer's second breakthrough single, the song would debut at number 46 on the US Hot Latin Songs chart, eventually peaking at number three on the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Take Ya Bitch</span> 2023 single by Lil Mabu and Chrisean Rock

"Mr. Take Ya Bitch" is a song by American rappers Lil Mabu and Chrisean Rock, released on October 17, 2023, alongside a music video. It is the seventh single from Lil Mabu's second mixtape, Young Genius (2024). It is a diss track aimed at rapper Blueface and his manager Wack 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soak City (Do It)</span> 2023 single by 310babii

"Soak City (Do It)" is a song by American rapper 310babii, released on June 3, 2023 as the lead single from his debut EP Lottery Pick (2023) and his studio album Nights and Weekends (2024). It gained traction on the video-sharing app TikTok and is considered his breakthrough hit. The official remix with American rappers Blueface and Tyga featuring Mustard, OhGeesy and BlueBucksClan was released on September 8, 2023. This song is played by the piano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get in with Me</span> 2024 single by Bossman Dlow

"Get in with Me" is a song by American rapper BossMan Dlow, released on January 18, 2024, as a two-track single along with his song "Piss Me Off". Considered his breakout hit, it gained traction on the video-sharing platform TikTok and became his first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 68.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dasha (singer)</span> American country singer-songwriter (born 2000)

Anna Dasha Novotny is an American country and pop singer-songwriter. She has released one EP, $hiny Things (2021), and two studio albums: Dirty Blonde (2023) and What Happens Now? (2024). Her song "Austin" peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cris MJ</span> Chilean singer-songwriter

Christopher Andrés Álvarez García, known professionally as Cris MJ, is a Chilean rapper, singer and songwriter. He gained international fame for his hit single "Una Noche en Medellín" (2022) and its eventual remix (2023) featuring Colombian singers Karol G and Ryan Castro, which peaked at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love You Again</span> 2022 single by Chase Matthew

"Love You Again" is a song by American country music singer Chase Matthew, released on December 9, 2022 as the lead single from his second studio album Come Get Your Memory (2023). A sleeper hit, it gained wider attention in late 2023. In 2024, it became his first song to enter the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 91.

The Red Clay Strays is an American country rock band formed in Mobile, Alabama. They are best known for their 2022 single "Wondering Why", which saw success in late 2023 after going viral on the social media platform TikTok. The song became their first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 71.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Ride (Bryan Martin song)</span> 2022 single by Bryan Martin

"We Ride" is a song by American country music singer Bryan Martin, released on October 28, 2022, as the lead single from his third studio album Poets & Old Souls (2023). A sleeper hit, it received more attention in 2023 after having gained traction on the video-sharing app TikTok, and was released as Martin's debut single to country radio on September 18, 2023. It is Martin's first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 96 and peaking at number 56.

Kameron Joshua Milner, known professionally as 310babii, is an American rapper. He rose to fame in 2023 with the release of his single "Soak City," which debuted him on the Billboard charts. The song's success garnered further attention, leading to the release of his debut EP, Lottery Pick, and earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evergreen (Richy Mitch & the Coal Miners song)</span> 2017 song by Richy Mitch & the Coal Miners

"Evergreen" is a song by American folk rock band Richy Mitch & the Coal Miners, originally released on May 17, 2017, from their debut studio album RMCM. It was a sleeper hit and gained widespread recognition in 2024 due to use on the video-sharing platform TikTok.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Or What</span> 2024 single by NLE Choppa and 41

"Or What" is a song by American rapper NLE Choppa and American hip hop group 41, released on September 5, 2024. Produced by Emrld, Synthetic and Sharkboy, it is 41's first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 91. Rapper Travis Scott revealed that this is his favorite song of 2024.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Zellner, Xander (January 18, 2024). "Hot 100 First-Timers: The Red Clay Strays Arrive With Viral Single 'Wondering Why'". Billboard . Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Nicholson, Jessica (January 18, 2024). "Chartbreaker: There's No 'Wondering Why' The Red Clay Strays Are Positioned For Their Biggest Year Yet". Billboard. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  3. 1 2 Zellner, Xander (November 21, 2023). "10 First-Timers on Billboard's Charts This Week: Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, The Red Clay Strays & More". Billboard. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  4. ↑ "The Red Clay Strays Spotify".
  5. 1 2 Nicholson, Jessica (October 30, 2023). "6 Must-Hear New Country Songs: ERNEST, Alexandra Kay, Shaboozey & More". Billboard. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  6. ↑ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of January 13, 2024". Billboard . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  7. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100: Week of January 20, 2024". Billboard . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Hot Country Songs: Week of May 11, 2024". Billboard . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  9. ↑ "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs: Week of May 11, 2024". Billboard . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  10. ↑ "Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2024". Billboard . Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  12. ↑ "American single certifications – The Red Clay Strays – Wondering Why". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved September 21, 2024.
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.