Try (Pink song)

Background and release

Pink confirmed she was writing lyrics and composing music for her then untitled sixth album, which she titled The Truth About Love eventually released, in September 2012. An early version of the album's lead single, a song called "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)," was leaked online on July 1, 2012, resulting in the single being released a week earlier than planned. Rachel Raczka from The Boston Globe noted that "Try," the second single from The Truth About Love, also leaked in September 2012. The song was originally sung by GoNorthToGoSouth, a band fronted by Ben West and Michael Busbee. Originally they thought about giving the song to Kelly Clarkson then Daughtry, Adam Lambert recorded it but it wasn't the right fit. The song was then eventually pitched to Pink. Pink's version of the song premiered on radio on September 6, 2012. "Try" was amongst one of five lyrics videos that Pink uploaded on September 12, along with album tracks "Slut Like You," "Just Give Me a Reason" featuring Nate Ruess from fun., "How Come You're Not Here," and "Are We All We Are."

Composition

"Try" was written and composed by Ben West and Busbee, while production was handled by Greg Kurstin, who also produced her previous single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)." It is a pop rock ballad, modelled on 1980s FM Rock, built around two-volume arrangement, whereby the verses are quiet and the chorus is loud, according to Idolator's Carl Willot. Lyrically, it is an ode to taking risks with love, no matter the consequences. It also talks about hanging onto one's dreams and aspirations even if it means taking risks. "Where there is desire there is gonna be a flame," sings Pink on the chorus. "Where there is a flame someone's bound to get burned. But just because it burns doesn't mean you're gonna die. You gotta get up and try." Written and composed in the key of B minor with a moderate tempo of 104 beats per minute, "Try" follows a chord progression of G-D-A-Bm (VI-III-VII-I) and Pink's vocals span two octave and a major third from D₃ to F#₅ (harmony).

Critical reception

The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production. Andrew Hampp of Billboard commented "With a melody reminiscent of ‘Whataya Want from Me,’ the 2009 hit she penned for Adam Lambert, the single already pairs well sonically with Pink's catalog. Josh Langhoff of PopMatters called it "an ode to romantic persistence over crisp ‘Hysteria’ guitars." John Murphy of musicOMH wrote that ‘Try’ "demonstrates that she has a voice that not enough people give her credit for. For want of a better phrase, it's a full-on power ballad, with yet more references to love going wrong, and the sort of thing you can imagine someone like Kelly Clarkson pulling off in her sleep." Amy Sciarretto of Pop Crush also saw similarities with Clarkson, writing, "It's a belter with a soulful voice, and she sounds like Kelly Clarkson with this song. The midtempo track finds Pink mourning, lamenting and musing on a relationship that is breaking down at its core. It hurts, but this song is a salve over the wound."

Dean Piper of Mirror Online wrote: "The stand out track and an obvious international radio hit is ‘Try.’ Think how big and fabulous ‘Who Knew’ was – ‘Try’ is on the same wavelength." Sarah Rodman of Boston Globe called it a "keeper and an urging-to-victory battle cry," Robert Copsey of Digital Spy described it as "a ballad of the stadium-filling, lighter-waving variety." while Caryn Ganz of Spin called it a "breakup salve." Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the song 4 out of possible 5, writing: "Although she may not be treading new ground sonically, her passionate tones and solid determination will continue her chart presence - and rightly so." However, Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine was less positive, writing that "the midtempo ‘Try’ doesn't push Pink forward either, and it's marred by singsong lyrics." Greg Kot of Chicago Tribune also shared the same thought, writing: "No one, not even Pink, can save lyrics such as these."

Commercial performance

"Try" debuted after the album's release at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, on the week ending October 6, 2012. The song also debuted on the Adult Pop Songs chart, at number 29. Following Pink's highly-praised 2012 American Music Awards performance, "Try" rose from number 50 to number 18 on the Hot 100. The song peaked at number nine in its 15th week, and has sold over 2 million copies in the US as of July 2013.

In Canada, the song debuted at number 26, on the Canadian Hot 100 chart issue date October 6, 2012. A week later, the song dropped to number 86, becoming the "Biggest Free Faller" of that week. After staying out for a week, the song re-entered at number 60 on the chart issue dated October 27, 2012. On the chart issue dated November 10, 2012, the song rose to number 25, becoming the "Greatest Gainer" of the week. On the week of November 10, 2012, it rose to number 18 remaining there for two weeks but rising again on the week of December 1, 2012 to number 12 becoming the greatest gainer once again.

In the United Kingdom, "Try" debuted at number 163 on the UK Singles Chart on September 16, 2012, due to digital downloads after album's release. On November 11, 2012, "Try" reached number 40, and went on to peak at number eight on December 9, 2012. The song debuted at number five in Germany. After her performance at Television program, Wetten, dass..?, in Freiburg, the song reached number two on the charts. In France, "Try" charted lowly, debuting at number 87 on the charts, before falling to number 173. After two weeks, the single re-entered at number 81, before climbing to number 24. The song maneged to peak at number 15. In Australia, "Try" debuted at number eight, on the ARIA Singles Chart. A few weeks later, it jumped up to number six, where it remained for two consecutive weeks. It became her 20th top-ten single in Australia. In New Zealand, "Try" debuted at number 21 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and so far has peaked at number seven, for two consecutive weeks a higher peak than her previous single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)," which peaked at number eight.

Surprisingly, "Try" re-entered the Italian Chart ("FIMI") at number 88 in Week 25 (from 16-06-2014 to 22-06-2014), and reached number 10 the following week. On Week 28, the song peaked at number 5.

Background

The video was filmed on August 27, 2012. Pink stated that the video is one of the most beautiful music videos of her career. It was released on October 10, 2012. It was directed by Floria Sigismondi and choreographed by the Golden Boyz (who have worked with the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears) and stunt choreographer, Sebastien Stella. It was inspired by the Apache dance, a highly-stylized Parisian street performance. "Making this video was the most fun I've ever had in my entire career," said Pink. "I never wanted it to end. It's my favorite video ever."

Pink took to her Twitter page to record her mother, Judith's, reaction after showing her the risqué dance moves on the clip. "My mom, after seeing the new video... 'Wow, honey. I'm speechless. And uncomfortable. No one can ever say you play it safe.'" Pink's love interest is played by Broadway dancer Colt Prattes.

A reenactment of the video was performed during the 2012 American Music Awards where Pink received a standing ovation and was praised by critics for her ever-growing artistry. Billboard ranked "Try" the second best performance of the night, with the first being "Gangnam Style".

Synopsis

The video is summed up in two locations: The indoor sequence where Pink performs a dramatic dance routine with her partner Colt Prattes, and the outdoor scene where they collide into one another in a desert. The video features flashes of color and is heavily metaphorical, portraying an unhealthy, tormented relationship through artistic usage of the two performers' bodies.

Reception

James Montgomery of MTV News praised the video, writing of it: "Despite the weighty subject matter, the clip also manages to be as restrained as the sinewy bodies it showcases. In a lot of ways, it reminds you of Sigur Ros' arty 'Fjögur píanó' piece — you know, the one with the naked Shia LaBeouf — only minus the erudite sense of self importance. This is, first and foremost, a pop video, only it aspires to be so much more. And in that regard, it is the kind of video that only Pink would make. She is certainly a huge star, and yet, she delights in continually pushing past the restraints of the pop genre. 'Try' certainly works as a video, and yet, one could also see it being performed on the stage, accompanied by an orchestra. It is big, it is beautiful, it is definitely a work of art, and it is uniquely, unquestionably Pink. She pushes herself — and, really, the entire concept of what a pop video can be — to the limit, and pulls it off with effortless grace. Your move, everyone else."

Sam Lansky of Idolator wrote: "Although Pink’s videos are often driven by self-consciousness and irony, she plays it totally straight in this one, giving an emotive performance that communicates volumes, all while executing impressively acrobatic dance moves." Jason Lipshut of Billboard pointed out that watching Pink and Prattes "engage in heart-wringing physical movements" makes it "easy to see why the pop star so thoroughly enjoyed the shoot." Katie Hasty of HitFix felt the video allowed Pink to show off "her showmanship and physical abilities," adding, "It’s very powerful, particularly since both performers hold their own in the give-and-take of command…Plus the styling is rad."

Live performances

Pink performed Try for the first time live on The X Factor Australia on October 2, 2012. A reenactment of the video was performed during the 2012 American Music Awards where Pink received a standing ovation and received overwhelming praise from critics and celebrities for her ever-growing artistry. Entertainment Weekly wrote: "As usual, Pink took the night to new heights," giving the performance an A. Idolator ranked it as the best performance of the night saying: "It was the evening’s only moment that fans will still be discussing years from now." Los Angeles Times stated that Pink stole the show. Examiner described the performance as "powerful" and "flawless."ABC News praised Pink for singing live throughout the strenuous choreography & said the performance was "arresting." Yahoo said that the performance was "extraordinary" and suggested that this performance rivaled Pink's "Glitter in the Air" performance at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Philadelphia Weekly wrote: "P!nk wowed the crowd and national audience with the most stunningly artistic and challenging performance of the night." Following her performance, CNN wrote an article praising her "a true pop artist" further stating: "While Christina Aguilera has a tendency to oversing, Britney Spears can't sing, and Lauryn Hill sorta stopped singing, Pink has managed to carve a brilliant 13-year-career by being something that is incredibly rare these days -- an artist. A complete artist." Billboard ranked the performance 2nd best of the night behind Psy's Gangnam Style labeling Pink as "the quintessential entertainer."

Following the performance, many celebrities took to their Twitter accounts to appreciate Pink. Nicole Scherzinger said: "Pink rules AMA's (sic).Thinking outside of the box n having the balls and talent to do it! Brilliant n beautiful performance!" Carly Rae Jepsen tweeted: "Pink Your performance was amazing!" Jenny McCarthy said: "As usual... @Pink was best live performance. That's talent." Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum wrote: "I wish everyone could've seen the Pink performance in person....truly inspired and BLOWN AWAY!!!" Billy Mann wrote: "No offense but...tonight's show could've been listed as: "@PINK (w special guest, the #AMAs)." Claude Kelly exclaimed: "listen....THAT. IS. HOW. IT. IS. DONE. @Pink just made your eyes and ears her bitch. (sic)" Editor of Billboard Bill Werde wrote: "Creativity, daring, skill & a voice: is there really any argument that theres a more consistently compelling live pop act than Pink?" Harry Styles of One Direction said: "Just got shown Pink 's AMA performance...incredible." Members of The Wanted stated: "Pink was unbelievable, she gave the performance of the night. She's so incredible and such an amazing professional." Brandy described the performance as "unforgettable."

On December 8, 2012 Pink performed the song on Wetten, dass..? ("Wanna bet that..?") in Germany and recreated the music video on stage.

On January 26, 2014 Pink performed "Try" at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

Track listing

1. "Try" – 4:07
2. "My Signature Move" – 3:44

Credits and personnel

As adapted from CD single liner credits.

Cover versions