The Long Way (song) explained

The Long Way
Cover:Brett Eldredge - The Long Way (single cover).jpg
Type:single
Artist:Brett Eldredge
Album:Brett Eldredge
Recorded:August–September 2016
Studio:The Castle
Genre:Country
Label:Atlantic Nashville
Prev Title:Somethin' I'm Good At
Prev Year:2017
Next Title:Love Someone
Next Year:2018

"The Long Way" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Brett Eldredge for his self-titled third studio album (2017). Matthew J Rogers co-wrote the song, while Ross Copperman co-produced the song with Eldredge.[1] It was first released digitally on May 12, 2017 as a promotional single for the album.[2] "The Long Way" was serviced to American country radio on August 21, 2017 through Atlantic Records and Warner Music Nashville as the second official single from Brett Eldredge.

Content

"The Long Way" is a midtempo country ballad with influences of pop music. The song is "a look into what I want to find in love," according to a press release from Eldredge.[3] Lyrically, the song describes how a lover can get to know their partner on a deeper level by exploring their history and their hometown.[4] "The Long Way" was written at a time where Eldredge was looking for true love and his cowriter, Matt Rogers, was soon to be married, which inspired the romantic lyrics.[5] Certain details were inspired by the writers' upbringings while others were generalized.[5]

Critical reception

Cillea Houghton of Sounds Like Nashville wrote that "The Long Way" is a "standout track" on the album that "allows his voice to shine," and is a "real charmer."[6] Top Country also labelled the song as a highlight of the album, writing, "the emotional melodies intertwine with the lyrics to make the story come to life, like any perfect country song."[7] Taylor Weatherby of Billboard included "The Long Way" on a list of Eldredge's 10 best songs and wrote, "this love song from his latest record proves that he has quite the range -- while also giving further proof that he’s a king at writing lyrics that make you melt."[8]

Music video

The music video was directed by Jim Shea and premiered on CMT, GAC & CMT Music in October 2017. It features Eldredge and Sadie Robertson dancing. The video has since reached over 22 million views. [9]

Chart performance

"The Long Way" debuted at number 41 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated June 3, 2017.[10] The song sold 11,000 copies in its first week, debuting at number 14 on the Country Digital Song Sales component chart.[11] The song re-entered the chart at number 38 for the week of August 26, 2017 and has since reached a peak position of 23.[12] "The Long Way" debuted at number 56 on the Country Airplay chart dated September 9, 2017.[13] The song has sold 137,000 copies in the United States as of March 2018.[14]

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (2018)Position
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[16] 13
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[17] 34

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabel
WorldwideMay 12, 2017Digital downloadAtlantic[18]
United StatesAugust 21, 2017Country radio[19]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Long Way - Brett Eldredge Credits. AllMusic. September 9, 2017.
  2. News: Brett Eldredge Debuts New Single 'The Long Way'. September 9, 2017. Radio.com. CBS Corporation. May 12, 2017.
  3. News: Brickey. Kelly. Brett Eldredge Gets Vulnerable About Love in 'The Long Way'. September 9, 2017. Sounds Like Nashville. SpinMedia. August 11, 2017.
  4. News: Stefano. Angela. Brett Eldredge Shares 'The Long Way' as Next Single [LISTEN]]. September 9, 2017. The Boot. Townsquare Media. August 7, 2017.
  5. News: Dukes. Billy. Lyrics Uncovered: Brett Eldredge, 'The Long Way'. September 9, 2017. Taste of Country. Townsquare Media.
  6. News: Houghton. Cillea. Album Review: Brett Eldredge's Self-Titled Fourth Album . September 9, 2017. Sounds Like Nashville . SpinMedia. August 2, 2017.
  7. News: On Repeat: Brett Eldredge's New Self-Titled Album. September 9, 2017. Top Country. TC Inc.. August 15, 2017.
  8. Weatherby. Taylor. Brett Eldredge's 10 Best Songs: Critic's Picks. September 9, 2017. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. August 14, 2017.
  9. Web site: 17 October 2017. The Long Way. October 21, 2020. Youtube.
  10. Hot Country Songs: The Week of June 3, 2017. Billboard. September 9, 2017.
  11. News: Bjorke. Matt. Top 30 Digital Country Singles Chart: May 23, 2017. September 9, 2017. Roughstock. Cheri Media. May 23, 2017.
  12. Hot Country Songs: The Week of August 26, 2017. Billboard. September 9, 2017.
  13. Chart history for "The Long Way" on Country Airplay. Billboard. September 9, 2017.
  14. News: Top 30 Digital Country Singles: March 28, 2019. Roughstock. Bjorke. Matt. March 28, 2018. May 3, 2018.
  15. Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2017. Billboard. April 12, 2020.
  16. Country Airplay – Year-End 2018. Billboard. December 7, 2018.
  17. Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2018. Billboard. December 7, 2018.
  18. Web site: The Long Way - Brett Eldredge Release Info. AllMusic. September 9, 2017.
  19. Web site: Future Releases for Country Radio Stations. All Access Media Group. September 9, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170815084257/http://www.allaccess.com/country/future-releases. August 15, 2017.