Man to Man (Gary Allan song) explained

Man to Man
Cover:Gary Allan - Man to Man cd single.png
Type:single
Artist:Gary Allan
Album:Alright Guy
Released:September 30, 2002
Recorded:2001
Genre:Country
Length:3:43
Label:MCA Nashville
Producer:Tony Brown
Mark Wright
Prev Title:The One
Prev Year:2002
Next Title:Tough Little Boys
Next Year:2003

"Man to Man" is a song written by Jamie O'Hara and recorded by American country music artist Gary Allan. It was released in September 2002 as the third and final single from Allan's 2001 album Alright Guy. The song became his first number one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in March 2003 and peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Content

The song's narrator tells his significant other's ex-boyfriend that it was his fault that she had left him and that it's too late to get her back. He states that they should have a conversation "man to man."

Critical reception

Rick Cohoon of Allmusic in his review, states that the lyrics are "harsh and realistic" but "maybe a bit too glib for Allan’s good." Cohoon states that "‘You want her back, and it’s too late/why don’t we call a spade a spade’ summarizes the song’s tone, but comes across as too abrasive." He states that the writing makes it seem like the situation could have happened to the writer, Jamie O'Hara.[1]

Chart positions

"Man to Man" debuted at number 45 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs for the week of October 5, 2002.

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. Allmusic: "Man to Man" review
  2. Book: Lwin, Nanda. Nanda Lwin. 2003. The Essential 2002 Chart Yearbook. Music Data Canada. 74. 1-896594-15-8.
  3. Web site: Best of 2003: Country Songs . . . 2003. July 13, 2012.