Low (Sara Evans song) explained

Low
Cover:Sara Evans--Low.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Sara Evans
Album:Billy: The Early Years
Released:[1]
Label:RCA
Prev Title:Love You with All My Heart
Prev Year:2008
Next Title:Feels Just Like a Love Song
Next Year:2009

"Low" is a song written by Morgane Hayes, Stephanie Lewis and Shane Stevens. It was first recorded by American country artist Sara Evans. It was released as a single in 2008 via RCA Records and issued on the soundtrack for the film, . The song became a minor hit on the Billboard country songs chart and received positive reviews.

Background

In a 2008 interview, Sara Evans explained her reasoning for recording "Low": "Any time you're creating music, you don't want to record the same song over and over again. You want something your fans never heard. And I never to get stale."[2] Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe described "Low" as a song about perseverance that featured mixtures of country and bluegrass instrumentation.[3] The song was originally composed by country music songwriters Morgane Hayes, Stephanie Lewis and Shane Stevens. "Low" was produced by Victoria Shaw and Paul Worley.[4]

Critical reception

"Low" received positive reviews from critics and writers following its release. Jared Johnson of Allmusic highlighted the song as an "album pick" in his review of its corresponding album, Billy: The Early Years. Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe praised its acoustic instrumentation and traditional style, calling it "a wonderful surprise." He also found the song's lyrics to be strong. He concluded by stating: "Evans deserves to reclaim her status as an A-list country star with this. In a career that's been full of distinctive and memorable singles, this is one of the best."[3] Country Standard Times Dan MacIntosh called Evans' song, "a passionate lyric to sink her teeth into."[5] Russ Breimeier of Christianity Today described the track as "pleasant" and "modern" in his review of the album it was released on.[6]

Release and music video

"Low" was released as a single on September 29, 2008 to country radio via RCA Records. It was released as a CD single.[7] In conjunction with its release, it was announced that "Low" would be issued as the first single in promotion of the soundtrack for the film, . The film was based on the life of Billy Graham. To help promote the single, Evans and country artist Josh Turner attended the world premiere of the film in October 2008.[8] "Low" appeared on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for two weeks in October 2008 before peaking at number 59 that same month.[9] "Low" was Evans' first single since 2004 to peak outside of the Billboard country top 40.[7] In October 2008, the official soundtrack album was released, which included the single.[4] Following its release, a music video of the single was issued directed by Robby Benson and Roger Pistole.[10]

Track listing

CD single[7]

Notes and References

  1. Aircheck Add Dates. Country Aircheck. September 22, 2008. 108. May 23, 2024.
  2. Web site: White . Sue . Country artist Sara Evans comes Sep. 25, 2008, to the Temple Theatre . . 31 October 2020.
  3. Web site: Coyne . Kevin John . Review: Sara Evans, "Low" . Country Universe . 31 October 2020.
  4. Billy: The Early Years (CD Liner Notes and Album Information) . . October 7, 2008.
  5. Web site: MacIntosh . Dan . Billy: The Early Years soundtrack (Arista Nashville, 2008) Various Artists . Country Standard Time . 31 October 2020.
  6. Web site: Breimeier . Russ . Billy: The Early Years Original Motion Picture Soundtrack . . 31 October 2020.
  7. Book: Whitburn, Joel. Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc.. 2008. 978-0-89820-177-2.
  8. News: Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley on Billy Graham Film Soundtrack . https://web.archive.org/web/20210210221005/http://www.cmt.com/news/1593841/alan-jackson-brad-paisley-on-billy-graham-film-soundtrack/ . dead . February 10, 2021 . 31 October 2020 . . August 29, 2008.
  9. Web site: "Low" chart history . . 31 October 2020.
  10. Web site: Director . Roger Pistole.com . 31 October 2020.