Fans had been “Losing Sleep” the past two weeks as RCA recording artist Chris Young dropped teasers of his latest single, and on Friday they were engulfed with the lead-off track from his upcoming untitled album. However , for the everyday country fan, the new tune was met with mixed reviews and a bit of disappointment. And for as much as we adore and praise Chris Young (see our socials for proof), admittedly we can see why.
Co-written by Young, Chris DeStefano, and Josh Hoge, the sexy new tune isn’t a stray from Young’s signature style – low lights, romance, and sex. The tune’s chorus is dripping in sensual admissions of a perfect romantic evening with the one you love where everything but sleep is happening; add in his unimaginable sexy vocals and well ….. a cold shower might be needed:
Fall into me, let me breathe the air you breathe
I can take you anywhere you wanna be
When it comes to us, every single touch, is something special
When we’re wrapped up in those sheets
Yeah, we’re winning, we’re losing
When we’re losing sleep
Although “Losing Sleep” suits Young’s incredible repertoire of seduction, it has also added to the lack of depth, emotion and lack of authentic country that generated a large portion of Young’s fan-base. The road traveled seems to be paved with heavy pop influences, and while this style is popular with some country music singers, it’s a far cry from why fans love Young. The guitar riff has been overwhelming compared to that of Justin Bieber’s hit “Love Yourself” and regardless that Young once stated to Taste of Country “When I open my mouth, it’s pretty damn country,” we have to respectfully disagree in regards to this single.
Lyrically, the verses are too broken up and too instrumentalized – there’s not enough of Young’s charismatic style to cover up for the lack of wording – wording that should showcase his tremendous vocals: (Light a candle/ Turn all the lights down low/ Baby, let’s just lose control, lose control/ I can handle every single curve, you know/ That I love you, let me show you, oh). Case in point: “Who I am With You” and “Tomorrow,” even his latest hit “Sober Saturday Night” exemplify his amazing range, their verses more fluid and had instrumental influences that sat naturally in the background. “Losing Sleep” has an instrumental feel too much in the forefront and too heavy in the breaks – his vocals, while impeccable, cannot makeup for the choppiness of the verses. The heavy instrument, break-in wording is why it leans close to the Pop genre, leaving some fans a bit unhappy and disappointed.
While posts on his Facebook page, as well as reviews on sites like iTunes, have been mostly positive, there have been a number of respectful disappointed ones as well. Some of the negative seem to center on one thing; not being country enough. From Facebook one fan writes in part: “Chris, I am one of your biggest fans, I have seen you in concert more than 30 times in several states. I also think you’re one of the best country singers around today. So, it pains me to say I am not a fan of this new song. It doesn’t showcase your voice at all and it’s a bit on the Pop side. I always liked the fact that out of all the country stars, you were keeping it country. I am still a fan, just not of this song”.
From iTunes: “I was hoping for a return back to actual meaningful songs. Nope, looks like we’re not going to return to the days of “Voices” or “Neon” anytime soon”.
With the bad, there is good. A majority of his fans love the new song and it’s sound with ringing endorsements:
“Love the new single by Chris Young. Really different and refreshing”
“One of your best songs yet”
Every fan of every artist of every genre can agree – some songs are hits, and some are misses. And to admit that is OK. And it’s logical for an artist to adapt and evolve – essentially they need to to move their careers through the decades. And as stated prior, we have a deep respect and admiration for the musical prowess Young possess’, so this review was considered with a lot of attention and care. But formulating the general consensus of The Country Note, we’re not “Losing Sleep” over this new single. Maybe, like others, we were hoping that after acquiring the success of I’m Comin Over, Young would integrate more of his authentic country into his current format (especially since that sound is making a comeback).
Summary: The song itself is not bad, but for him, it doesn’t work. It doesn’t showcase his incredible vocals, it encompasses no emotion, no growth. Most country music fans know that Chris Young is MUCH better than this, so we anticipate hearing the upcoming album in hopes to prove us wrong.
We want to hear what you have to say. Have a listen and hear it for yourself.
I do love most every song Chris has released but I am not a fan of this one yet. Maybe after listening to it a few times it will grow on me
Respectfully, I disagree with this review wholeheartedly. It took a couple of listens, but I love Losing Sleep now! Change is hard for some folks to accept. While Losing Sleep may not be some folks’ idea of who Chris Young should be….it is where he wants to be as an artist and I am loving being on this journey with him. I respect and appreciate that. I, for one, can’t wait to see what other surprises Chris has in store for us. I’m sure we will love whatever road he choses. He is one of the best male vocalists and most dynamic and versatile performers out there. He doesn’t talk, mumble or yell his lyrics, man can actually carry a tune and that is more than I can say for many other country stars.