P!NK
TRY
«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. 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, 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.
Track information
- Released September 6, 2012
- Recorded 2012
- Genre Pop rock
- Label RCA
- Songwriter(s)
Michael BusbeeBen West
Background and release
In February 2012, Pink confirmed she was writing lyrics and composing music for her then-untitled sixth album. 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. Rachel Raczka from The Boston Globe noted that «Try,» the second single from The Truth About Love, also leaked in September 2012.
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. «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.
Live performances
Pink performed Try for the first time live on The X Factor Australia on October 2, 2012. 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. 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. 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. 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. Following her performance, CNN wrote an article praising 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. Billboard ranked the performance 2nd best of the night behind Psy’s Gangnam Style labeling Pink as «the quintessential entertainer.
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! Jenny McCarthy said: «As usual… @Pink was best live performance. That’s talent. Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum wrote: «I wish everyone could’ve seen the Pink performance in person….truly inspired and BLOWN AWAY!!! 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) 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? Harry Styles of One Direction said: «Just got shown Pink ‘s AMA performance…incredible. Members of The Wanted stated: «Pink was unbelievable, she gave the performance of the night. She’s so incredible and such an amazing professional. Brandy described the performance as «unforgettable.»
FEATURED ARTIST
P!NK
Pink is often regarded as the “Pop Royalty” for her distinctive raspy voice and acrobatic stage presence, Pink has sold over 135 million records worldwide (60 million albums and 75 million singles), making her one of the world's best-selling music artists.
MORE FACTS ABOUT P!NK
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
The second single from The Truth About Love was co-written by the LA/Nashville songwriter busbee, who has previously penned hits for Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Alexandra Burke and Adam Lambert. The other co-writer was musician Ben West, who has released a couple of EPs with busbee under the name «GoNorthToGoSouth.
The song is a handclap-heavy ode to hanging onto your 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 be get burned. But just because it burns doesn’t mean you’re gonna die. You gotta get up and try.
The Floria Sigismondi-directed video features shots of a paint-covered Pink and her male counterpart expressing their frustrations through dramatic dance moves, 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.
Pink took to her Twitter page to record her mother’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.
