The Hard Way (Pnau and Khalid song) explained

The Hard Way
Cover:Pnau and Khalid - The Hard Way.png
Type:single
Artist:Pnau and Khalid
Album:Hyperbolic
Length:3:03
Label:Etcetc
Producer:Pnau
Chronology:Pnau
Prev Title:You Know What I Need
Prev Year:2022
Next Title:Stars
Next Year:2023

"The Hard Way" is a song by Australian electronic trio Pnau and American singer Khalid, released through Etcetc on 10 March 2023.

In a statement, Pnau's Nick Littlemore, said "We are so very excited to share this with you. Working with Khalid has been an absolute dream, we hope this song shall live in your hearts like it does ours." About the song, Khalid said "It's just awesome; it's feel-good but then the lyrics have that melancholy, bittersweet thing about them, it's that juxtaposition, that the lyrics are heartbreakingly sad but if you listen to the song, you can't help but smile."

Critical reception

Triple J said "On the track, the Sydney trio brings an unapologetically big and sugary synth-pop hit, coupled with a melancholic lyrical performance from Khalid."[1]

Conor Lochie from Tone Deaf said "The sublime synth-pop number conjures nostalgic memories of wholehearted '80s music. Khalid's compelling voice sings forlorn, lovelorn words, surrounded by splendid and splashy melodies. It's just the right mixture of upbeat rhythm and melancholic lyricism."[2]

Buddy Iahn from The Music Universe said "It's big scale contemporary pop at its finest, with Pnau's sublime synthpop providing the towering melodies and supremely confident hook that allows Khalid's starry vocal majesty to shine. The two artists really lean into each other's vibe to establish a depth of feeling, with Khalid's lovelorn lyricism and sentimental emotions complemented by Pnau's ability to evoke nostalgic '80s sonic elements within a modernistic production."[3]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australian Independent Singles (AIR)[4] 2
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)[5] 15
Latvia Airplay (LAIPA)[6] 12
Netherlands (Single Tip)[7] 16
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[8] 11
Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[9] 3

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[10] 30
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[11] 85
Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[12] 21

Notes and References

  1. Web site: PNAU and Khalid team up on new single 'The Hard Way'. Triple J. 10 March 2023. 30 March 2023.
  2. Web site: PNAU and Khalid learn 'The Hard Way' on new collaboration . Tone Deaf. 10 March 2023. 30 March 2023.
  3. Web site: Khalid, PNAU collaborate for 'The Hard Way' . The Music Universe. 10 March 2023. 30 March 2023.
  4. Web site: Independent Label Singles 20 Mar 2023 . Australian Independent Record Labels Association. 20 March 2023. 30 March 2023.
  5. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of April 19, 2023. Billboard Japan. ja. 19 April 2023.
  6. Web site: Latvijas radio stacijās spēlētākās dziesmas TOP 18. nedēļa. lv. LAIPA. 29 May 2023. 9 May 2023.
  7. Web site: Dutch Single Tip 03/06/2023. dutchcharts.nl. nl. 3 June 2023.
  8. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. 20 March 2023. 30 March 2023.
  9. Web site: OLiS – oficjalna lista airplay. OLiS. pl. 5 June 2023. Select week 27.05.2023–02.06.2023..
  10. Web site: Jaaroverzichten 2023. Ultratop. nl. 7 January 2024.
  11. Web site: Rapports annuels 2023. Ultratop. fr. 7 January 2024.
  12. Web site: Podsumowanie roczne – OLiA. OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. pl. 28 March 2024.

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