Whiskey and Rain explained

Whiskey and Rain
Cover:Whiskey and Rain.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Michael Ray
Ep:Higher Education
Released:
  • September 25, 2020
  • October 26, 2020 (country radio)[1]
Genre:Country
Label:Warner Bros. Nashville
Producer:Ross Copperman
Prev Title:Her World or Mine
Prev Year:2019
Next Title:Holy Water
Next Year:2022

"Whiskey and Rain" is a song recorded by American country music singer Michael Ray. It was released on September 25, 2020 as the lead single from his upcoming fourth studio album, and released to country radio on October 26, 2020.[1] The song reached number one on the Country Airplay chart dated January 22, 2022, giving Ray his second number one single on the chart.[2] The song was co-written by Jesse Frasure and Josh Thompson, and produced by Ross Copperman.[3]

Content

"Whiskey and Rain" describes someone drowning their sorrows in a glass of something strong, and Ray pointed out the song's vibe draws to mind some of his country forebears.[4]

He told website Everything Nash: “I guess I always knew that I wanted more of a traditional country sound. That’s what I grew up on, what I listen to, to this day. And I just always felt like that was the record I wanted to make. It took this year, I guess, to really realize that on my own. So this song, it was just that catchy, hooky melody, that throwback to the Gary Allan. It sounds like Gary Allan, Dwight Yoakam — all of that. It just stood out. And really, we felt was a great way to introduce this new record and new sound.”[5]

Composition

"Whiskey and Rain" is a song with a 90s country vibe. Frasure tweaked the demo with a sibilant, '80s-pop drum sound and light, flute-tinted piano chords.[6]

Music video

The music video was released on October 29, 2020, directed by Sean Hagwell, and he brings the song’s throwback style to life. The video revealed Ray riding out the storm.[7]

Ray told to CMT about the message from this video: “We wanted the video to show that going through rough spots in life can open you up to different people and their situations. Maybe you can listen to their stories for a while. I think the video reflects the depth of the song, and it shows how sometimes the negative things in life can bring people together.”[8]

Charts

"Whiskey and Rain" reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart dated January 22, 2022, becoming Ray's second number one on that chart, and his first since his debut single "Kiss You in the Morning" in August 2015.[2] Having taken 65 weeks to reach number one, it tied a record previously set in June 2020 by Travis Denning's "After a Few" for the slowest ascent to the top.[9] It also became Ray's first Top 40 single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 37.[10]

Year-end charts

Chart (2021)! scope="col"
Position
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[11] 55
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[12] 60
Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Position
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[13] 46
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[14] 59
US Radio Songs (Billboard)[15] 70

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Future Releases for Country Radio Stations. All Access. July 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20201009044509/https://www.allaccess.com/country/future-releases. October 9, 2020.
  2. Country Airplay - Week of January 22, 2022. Billboard. January 19, 2022.
  3. Web site: Michael Ray Releases ’90s-Inspired New Single ‘Whiskey And Rain’. Country Now. Wendowski. Andrew. September 25, 2020. July 21, 2021.
  4. Web site: Raise a glass: Michael Ray releasing new single, "Whiskey and Rain". ABC News Radio. September 22, 2020. July 21, 2021.
  5. Web site: Michael Ray Shares the Story Behind ‘Whiskey and Rain’ Video [EXCLUSIVE]]. Everything Nash. January 18, 2021. July 21, 2021.
  6. Web site: Makin' Tracks: Michael Ray Blends Multiple Retro Eras Into New Country Single 'Whiskey and Rain'. Billboard. Roland. Tom. November 11, 2020. July 21, 2021.
  7. Web site: Michael Ray Washes Heartbreak Away in 'Whiskey and Rain' Video. Sounds Like Nashville. Parton. Chris. November 2, 2020. July 21, 2021.
  8. Web site: Michael Ray’s "Whiskey and Rain" Soaks Up the ’90s Country Influence. https://web.archive.org/web/20201126070658/http://www.cmt.com/news/1826994/michael-rays-whiskey-and-rain-soaks-up-the-90s-country-influence/. dead. November 26, 2020. CMT. Shelburne. Craig. November 9, 2020. July 21, 2021.
  9. Web site: Michael Ray’s ‘Whiskey and Rain’ Storms to No. 1 on Country Airplay Chart. Asker. Jim. January 19, 2022. January 19, 2022. Billboard. subscription.
  10. Web site: Michael Ray Chart History: Hot 100. Billboard. January 25, 2022.
  11. Web site: Country Airplay Songs – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 2, 2021.
  12. Web site: Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 2, 2021.
  13. Web site: Country Airplay – Year-End 2022. Billboard. December 1, 2022.
  14. Web site: Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2022. Billboard. December 1, 2022.
  15. Web site: Radio Songs – Year-End 2022. Billboard. December 31, 2022.

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