"Try" | ||||
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Single by Pink | ||||
from the album The Truth About Love | ||||
B-side | "My Signature Move" | |||
Released | September 6, 2012 | |||
Recorded | 2012 | |||
Genre | Pop rock | |||
Length | 4:07 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Greg Kurstin | |||
Pink singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Try" on YouTube |
"Try" is a song recorded by American singer Pink, which she released as the second single from her sixth album, The Truth About Love (2012). The song was originally written and composed by Busbee and Ben West, who recorded it in 2010 under the moniker GoNorthToGoSouth. [1] Pink's version of the song was produced by Greg Kurstin, who also produced four other songs on the album.
Pink's version of "Try" was both a commercial and critical success. It reached number one in Spain and Slovakia, as well as the top-10 in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The song also reached the top-20 in several other countries. The Floria Sigismondi-directed video features shots of a paint-covered Pink and her male love interest, expressing their frustrations through contemporary dance.
In February 2012, Pink confirmed she was writing lyrics and composing music for her then-untitled sixth album. [2] An early version of the album's lead single, a song called "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)," was leaked online on July 1, 2012, resulting in the single being released a week earlier than planned. [3] [4] Rachel Raczka from The Boston Globe noted that "Try," the second single from The Truth About Love, also leaked in September 2012. [5]
The songwriters originally thought about giving the song to Kelly Clarkson, then Daughtry; Adam Lambert recorded it, but according to Busbee, he "just wasn't the right fit." The song was then eventually pitched to Pink. [6] Pink's version of the song premiered on radio on September 6, 2012. [7] "Try" was amongst five lyrics videos that Pink uploaded on September 12, along with album tracks "Slut Like You," "Just Give Me a Reason" featuring Nate Ruess from fun., "How Come You're Not Here," and "Are We All We Are." [8]
"Try" was written and composed by Ben West and Busbee, while production was handled by Greg Kurstin, who also produced her previous single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)." [9] It is a pop [10] ballad [11] modelled on 1980s FM Rock, built around two-volume arrangement, whereby the verses are quiet and the chorus is loud, according to Idolator's Carl Willot. [12] [13] Lyrically, it is an ode to taking risks with love, no matter the consequences. It also talks about hanging onto one's dreams and aspirations, even if it means taking risks. "Where there is desire there is gonna be a flame," sings Pink on the chorus. "Where there is a flame, someone's bound to get burned. But just because it burns, doesn't mean you're gonna die. You gotta get up and try, try, try." [14] The song was originally composed in the key of A# major, with a moderate tempo of 103 beats per minute. Pink's version, however, sees the key lifted to D major – four semitones higher – with a slightly faster tempo of 104 beats per minute. "Try" follows a chord progression of VI-III-VII-I, and Pink's vocals span two octave and a major third from D3 to F#5 (harmony). [15]
The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production. Andrew Hampp of Billboard commented "With a melody reminiscent of 'Whataya Want from Me,' the 2009 hit she penned for Adam Lambert, the single already pairs well sonically with Pink's catalog." [14] Josh Langhoff of PopMatters called it "an ode to romantic persistence over crisp 'Hysteria' guitars." [16] Amy Sciarretto of Pop Crush wrote, "It's a belter with a soulful voice, and she sounds like Kelly Clarkson with this song. The midtempo track finds Pink mourning, lamenting and musing on a relationship that is breaking down at its core. It hurts, but this song is a salve over the wound." [17]
Dean Piper of Mirror Online wrote: "The stand out track and an obvious international radio hit is 'Try.' Think how big and fabulous 'Who Knew' was – 'Try' is on the same wavelength." [18] Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe called it a "keeper and an urging-to-victory battle cry," [19] Robert Copsey of Digital Spy described it as "a ballad of the stadium-filling, lighter-waving variety." [11] while Caryn Ganz of Spin called it a "breakup salve." [20] Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the song 4 out of possible 5, writing: "Although she may not be treading new ground sonically, her passionate tones and solid determination will continue her chart presence - and rightly so." [21] However, Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine was less positive, writing that "the midtempo 'Try' doesn't push Pink forward either, and it's marred by singsong lyrics." [22] Greg Kot of Chicago Tribune also shared the same thought, writing: "No one, not even Pink, can save lyrics such as these." [23]
"Try" debuted after the album's release at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, on the week ending October 6, 2012. [24] The song also debuted on the Adult Pop Songs chart, at number 29. [25] Following Pink's highly-praised 2012 American Music Awards performance, "Try" rose from number 50 to number 18 on the Hot 100. The song peaked at number nine in its 15th week, and has sold over 2 million copies in the US as of July 2013. [26]
In Canada, the song debuted at number 26, on the Canadian Hot 100 chart issue date October 6, 2012. [27] A week later, the song dropped to number 86, becoming the "Biggest Free Faller" of that week. [28] After staying out for a week, the song re-entered at number 60 on the chart issue dated October 27, 2012. [29] On the chart issue dated November 10, 2012, the song rose to number 25, becoming the "Greatest Gainer" of the week. [30] On the week of November 10, 2012, it rose to number 18 remaining there for two weeks but rising again on the week of December 1, 2012 to number 12 becoming the greatest gainer once again.
In the United Kingdom, "Try" debuted at number 163 on the UK Singles Chart on September 16, 2012, due to digital downloads after album's release. On November 11, 2012, "Try" reached number 40, and went on to peak at number eight on December 9, 2012. [31] The song debuted at number five in Germany. After her performance on the TV program Wetten, dass..? in Freiburg, the song reached number two on the charts. [32] In France, "Try" charted low, debuting at number 87 on the charts, before falling to number 173. [33] After two weeks, the single re-entered at number 81, before climbing to number 24. The song managed to peak at number 15. [33] In Australia, "Try" debuted at number eight, on the ARIA Singles Chart. [34] A few weeks later, it jumped up to number six, where it remained for two consecutive weeks. [34] It became her 20th top-ten single in Australia. [34] In New Zealand, "Try" debuted at number 21 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and so far has peaked at number seven, for two consecutive weeks a higher peak than her previous single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)," which peaked at number eight. [35]
Surprisingly, "Try" re-entered the Italian Chart ("FIMI") at number 88 in Week 25 (from 16-06-2014 to 22-06-2014), and reached number 10 the following week. [36] On Week 28, the song peaked at number 5. [37]
The video was filmed in August. [38] Pink stated that the video is one of the most beautiful music videos of her career. It was released on October 10, 2012. [39] It was directed by Floria Sigismondi and choreographed by the Golden Boyz (who have worked with the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears) and stunt choreographer, Sebastien Stella. It was inspired by the Apache dance, a highly-stylized Parisian street performance. "Making this video was the most fun I've ever had in my entire career," said Pink. "I never wanted it to end. It's my favorite video ever." [40]
Pink took to her Twitter page to record her mother, Judith's, reaction after showing her the risqué dance moves on the clip. "My mom, after seeing the new video... 'Wow, honey. I'm speechless. And uncomfortable. No one can ever say you play it safe.'" Pink's love interest is played by Broadway dancer Colt Prattes. [40]
A reenactment of the video was performed during the 2012 American Music Awards where Pink received a standing ovation and was praised by critics for her ever-growing artistry. Billboard ranked "Try" the second best performance of the night, with the first being "Gangnam Style". [41]
The video intersperses scenes from two locations: a sparsely furnished house where Pink performs a dramatic dance routine with Prattes, and a desert setting where they collide into one another. The video features flashes of color and is heavily metaphorical, portraying an unhealthy, tormented relationship through artistic usage of the two performers' bodies. [40]
James Montgomery of MTV News praised the video, writing of it: "Despite the weighty subject matter, the clip also manages to be as restrained as the sinewy bodies it showcases. In a lot of ways, it reminds you of Sigur Ros' arty 'Fjögur píanó' piece — you know, the one with the naked Shia LaBeouf — only minus the erudite sense of self importance. This is, first and foremost, a pop video, only it aspires to be so much more. And in that regard, it is the kind of video that only Pink would make. She is certainly a huge star, and yet, she delights in continually pushing past the restraints of the pop genre. 'Try' certainly works as a video, and yet, one could also see it being performed on the stage, accompanied by an orchestra. It is big, it is beautiful, it is definitely a work of art, and it is uniquely, unquestionably Pink. She pushes herself — and, really, the entire concept of what a pop video can be — to the limit, and pulls it off with effortless grace. Your move, everyone else." [10]
Sam Lansky of Idolator wrote: "Although Pink's videos are often driven by self-consciousness and irony, she plays it totally straight in this one, giving an emotive performance that communicates volumes, all while executing impressively acrobatic dance moves." [42] Jason Lipshut of Billboard pointed out that watching Pink and Prattes "engage in heart-wringing physical movements" makes it "easy to see why the pop star so thoroughly enjoyed the shoot." [43] Katie Hasty of HitFix felt the video allowed Pink to show off "her showmanship and physical abilities," adding, "It's very powerful, particularly since both performers hold their own in the give-and-take of command…Plus the styling is rad." [44]
Pink performed Try for the first time live on The X Factor Australia on October 2, 2012. [45] A reenactment of the video was performed during the 2012 American Music Awards where Pink received a standing ovation and received overwhelming praise from critics and celebrities for her ever-growing artistry. Entertainment Weekly wrote: "As usual, Pink took the night to new heights," giving the performance an A. [46] Idolator ranked it as the best performance of the night saying: "It was the evening's only moment that fans will still be discussing years from now." [47] The Los Angeles Times stated that Pink stole the show. [48] Examiner described the performance as "powerful" and "flawless." ABC News praised Pink for singing live throughout the strenuous choreography & said the performance was "arresting." [49] Yahoo said that the performance was "extraordinary" and suggested that this performance rivaled Pink's "Glitter in the Air" performance at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards [50] Philadelphia Weekly wrote: "P!nk wowed the crowd and national audience with the most stunningly artistic and challenging performance of the night." [51] Following her performance, CNN wrote an article calling her "a true pop artist," further stating: "While Christina Aguilera has a tendency to oversing, Britney Spears can't sing, and Lauryn Hill sorta stopped singing, Pink has managed to carve a brilliant 13-year-career by being something that is incredibly rare these days -- an artist. A complete artist." [52] Billboard ranked the performance 2nd best of the night behind Psy's Gangnam Style, labeling Pink as "the quintessential entertainer." [41]
Following the performance, many celebrities took to their Twitter accounts to appreciate Pink. Nicole Scherzinger said: "Pink rules AMA's (sic).Thinking outside of the box n having the balls and talent to do it! Brilliant n beautiful performance!" [53] Carly Rae Jepsen tweeted: "Pink Your performance was amazing!" [54] Jenny McCarthy said: "As usual... @Pink was best live performance. That's talent." [55] Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum wrote: "I wish everyone could've seen the Pink performance in person....truly inspired and BLOWN AWAY!!!" [56] Billy Mann wrote: "No offense but...tonight's show could've been listed as: "@PINK (w special guest, the #AMAs)." Claude Kelly exclaimed: "listen....THAT. IS. HOW. IT. IS. DONE. @Pink just made your eyes and ears her bitch. (sic)" [57] Editor of Billboard Bill Werde wrote: "Creativity, daring, skill & a voice: is there really any argument that theres a more consistently compelling live pop act than Pink?" [58] Harry Styles of One Direction said: "Just got shown Pink 's AMA performance...incredible." [59] Members of The Wanted stated: "Pink was unbelievable, she gave the performance of the night. She's so incredible and such an amazing professional." [60] Brandy described the performance as "unforgettable."
On December 8, 2012 Pink performed the song on Wetten, dass..? ("Wanna bet that..?") in Germany and recreated the music video on stage. [61]
On January 26, 2014 Pink performed "Try" at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
After receiving the award for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the 2019 Brit Awards (February 20, 2019), Pink performed "Try". The song was performed in a medley along with her newest single "Walk Me Home", "Just like Fire", "Just Give Me a Reason" (featuring Bastille singer Dan Smith) and concluding with "What About Us". During "Try" Pink was joined by a dancer with rain pouring down on the stage.
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Weekly charts | Year-end charts
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Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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Australia (ARIA) [131] | 7× Platinum | 490,000‡ |
Austria (IFPI Austria) [132] | Gold | 15,000* |
Belgium (BEA) [133] | Gold | 15,000* |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [134] | Diamond | 250,000‡ |
Canada (Music Canada) [135] | 6× Platinum | 480,000‡ |
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [136] | Gold | 15,000^ |
Finland (Musiikkituottajat) [137] | Gold | 19,433 [137] |
Germany (BVMI) [138] | Platinum | 300,000^ |
Italy (FIMI) [139] | 4× Platinum | 120,000‡ |
Mexico (AMPROFON) [140] | 2× Platinum+Gold | 150,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ) [141] | 2× Platinum | 60,000‡ |
Portugal (AFP) [142] | Gold | 10,000‡ |
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [143] | Platinum | 60,000‡ |
Sweden (GLF) [144] | Platinum | 40,000‡ |
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [145] | 2× Platinum | 60,000^ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [146] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
United States | — | 2,000,000 [26] |
Streaming | ||
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [147] | Platinum | 1,800,000† |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
Country | Date | Format | Label |
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Italy | October 19, 2012 | Contemporary hit radio [148] | Sony Music |
United States | October 29, 2012 | Hot AC radio [149] | RCA Records |
Contemporary hit radio [150] | |||
Germany [62] | November 16, 2012 | CD single | Sony Music |
United Kingdom [63] | Digital download | RCA Records |
Alecia Beth Moore, known professionally as Pink, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is known for her rock-influenced pop songs and powerful voice.
"Get the Party Started" is a song by American singer Pink, released on October 16, 2001, as the lead single from her second album, Missundaztood (2001). It received positive reviews and became an international success and reached the top ten in many countries, peaking at number one in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Romania, Spain, and the Walloon region of Belgium. The song was Pink's biggest-selling song at that time. The song was originally intended for Madonna’s 2000 album “Music” but her team turned it down. It was later given to Pink who made it an hit!
"Stupid Girls" is a song recorded by American singer Pink from her fourth studio album I'm Not Dead (2006). It was released in February 2006 as the first single from her third studio album on LaFace Records. The song marked Pink's return to LaFace Records under Zomba Label Group via Sony BMG, after Arista Records consolidated LaFace's operations into its own in mid-2001. "Stupid Girls" was written by Pink, Billy Mann, Niklas Olovson, and Robin Mortensen Lynch. Mann and MachoPsycho both produced the track. The song introduces a more provocative, feminist, and explicit side of Pink. Lyrically, it condemns sexism and encourages intelligence in women.
"Who Knew" is a song by American singer Pink from her fourth studio album, I'm Not Dead (2006). Written by Pink, Max Martin and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, the song was originally released on May 8, 2006, by the LaFace label to radio as the album's second single, but was only a moderate success. The song saw more success upon its re-release in the United States in June 2007. Musically, "Who Knew" is a pop song. Lyrically, it regards the loss of a good friend of hers.
"God Is a DJ" is a song by American singer Pink from her third album, Try This (2003). It was released as the album's second single on November 17, 2003. It is about letting go, loving life and living it to the fullest. It peaked at number six in the Dutch Top 40 and number eleven on the UK Singles Chart. The song appears on the soundtrack of the 2004 film Mean Girls.
"Trouble" is a song by American musician Pink for her third studio album Try This. It was written by Tim Armstrong and Pink and features a prominent guitar riff. The song was released as the album's lead single peaking at number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two on the Canadian Singles Chart and number seven on the UK Singles Chart; a subsequent cover in 2005 by Shakin' Stevens was also commercially successful in the UK, peaking at number 20. The song won Pink a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 2004.
American singer and songwriter Pink has released nine studio albums, one live album, five video albums, six compilation albums, 59 singles, six promotional singles, and 51 music videos. Throughout her career, Pink has sold 60 million albums, 75 million singles and 2.4 million DVDs worldwide. According to RIAA, she has sold 18 million albums and 13.5 million digital singles. She is also UK's second best-selling female artist of the 21st century. Billboard ranked her as the fifth top female artist of the 2000s, eighth top female artist of the 2010s and the 59th greatest artist of all time. Official Charts Company hailed her as UK's most played female artist of the 21st century.
"Please Don't Leave Me" is a song from American singer Pink and the third single taken from her fifth studio album Funhouse. It was released on February 16, 2009. The song received strong airplay in Australia and New Zealand, as well as being added to the BBC Radio 1 A-List playlist in the UK. The music video for "Please Don't Leave Me" was directed by Dave Meyers and was leaked online, along with the single's cover art, before the song's official announcement as a single. In the United States, the song managed to reach the Top 20, peaking at 17. The song was featured in Suburgatory.
"So What" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her fifth studio album, Funhouse (2008). The song was written by Pink, Max Martin, and Shellback, and produced by Martin. Selected as the album's lead single, "So What" was first released on August 11, 2008, and to mainstream radios on August 25, 2008, through LaFace and Zomba Label Group. The song consists of a martial beat and synth backing. The lyrics are based on her separation from freestyle motocross rider Carey Hart, which occurred six months prior to the release.
"Sober" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Pink, taken from her fifth studio album, Funhouse (2008). It was written by Pink and Kara DioGuardi, with additional writing by Nate "Danja" Hills and Marcella Araica, while production was done by Danja, Tony Kanal and Jimmy Harry. The song was released as the album's second single on November 10, 2008, firstly through digital download and later was added to U.S. radio stations on December 1, 2008. The power pop song talks about the quiet sense of comfort in being sober, with the singer claiming it was about the vices that we choose.
"Funhouse" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her fifth studio album of the same title (2008). It was written by Pink alongside its producers Jimmy Harry and Tony Kanal. Lyrically, the song discusses Pink's separation from Carey Hart. It was released as the fourth single worldwide and fifth Australian single from Funhouse on July 2, 2009, by LaFace Records.
"Raise Your Glass" is a song by American singer Pink from her first greatest hits compilation Greatest Hits... So Far!!! (2010). The song was written by Pink, Max Martin and Karl "Shellback" Schuster, and produced by the latter two, who are responsible for many of Pink's hits. The song celebrates the first decade since Pink's debut in 2000, and is dedicated to her fans who have been supporting her over the years.
Greatest Hits... So Far!!! is the first greatest hits album by American singer-songwriter Pink. It was released on November 12, 2010, by Jive Records, in celebration of Pink's first decade on the music scene. The album features Pink's biggest hits from all her studio albums. Its track list differs depending on region, with four new tracks, only two of which are included in the North American edition.
"Fuckin' Perfect" is a song by American singer Pink from her first greatest hits album Greatest Hits... So Far!!! (2010). It was released on December 14, 2010, by Jive Records as the album's second single. Written by Pink with Max Martin and Shellback, the track is a Power Ballad that encourages people to accept each other for their true identities.
"Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Pink from her sixth studio album, The Truth About Love (2012). Pink wrote the song with its producer Greg Kurstin. The song was released as the lead single from the album on July 2, 2012, by RCA Records, shortly after a demo version leaked on to the internet. It is an uptempo electropop song with synthesizers, keyboards, and bass drums as part of the instrumentation. Lyrically, it finds Pink reflecting on past relationships and life situations.
"True Love" is a song by American singer Pink featuring English singer Lily Allen from the former's sixth studio album, The Truth About Love (2012). It was written by the artists, and producer Greg Kurstin.
"Just Give Me a Reason" is a song recorded by American singer Pink featuring Nate Ruess of the band Fun. The song was chosen as the third single from Pink's sixth studio album, The Truth About Love (2012). Written alongside producer Jeff Bhasker, "Just Give Me a Reason" is a pop ballad about the desire to hold on to a relationship even when it appears to be breaking down.
"Just Like Fire" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for the soundtrack to the 2016 film Alice Through the Looking Glass. Pink co-wrote the song with Max Martin, Shellback, and Oscar Holter, who all serve as producers on the track. The song was released to digital retailers through RCA Records on April 15, 2016, and was serviced to American adult pop radio through RCA and Walt Disney Records on April 18, 2016.
"What About Us" is a song recorded by the American singer-songwriter Pink for her seventh studio album Beautiful Trauma (2017). RCA Records released the song for digital download and streaming on August 10, 2017, as the album's lead single. The song, which was written by Pink, Johnny McDaid, and its producer Steve Mac, is an electronic dance music (EDM) track with upbeat dance production that blends repetitive chords, synthesizers, and drum machine beats. Pink, who was inspired by the politics of the time, composed it as a political protest song with poetic and inclusive lyrics. The song's lyrics explore Pink's belief that the United States' government had failed its people and send a message about those who feel unheard or forgotten.
"Beautiful Trauma" is a song by American singer Pink. She co-wrote the track with its producer Jack Antonoff. It was released through RCA Records on September 28, 2017, as the first promotional single from Pink's seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma (2017). The song was released to American contemporary hit radio as the second official single of the album on November 21, 2017. It has reached number one on Danish, German, and Polish radio.