Released December 15, 2014 Recorded 2014 Length 3:29 | Format Digital download Genre Pop rock, soul Label Republic Records | |
"Wasted Love" is the debut single by American pop singer and The Voice Season 7 runner up Matt McAndrew. The song was written by Sterling Fox, Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk, Shimon Moore of the hard rock band Sick Puppies, and Mike Fiorentino. This would be McAndrew's first single released on a major label.
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The single debuted at number 14 on the Billboard's Hot 100 with opening sales of 209,000 units sold. This is the highest mark ever achieved by a The Voice recording artist to date.
Production
The song was originally written in Toronto, Ontario in October 2014. After hearing the song the week before The Voice Season 7 finale, Matt and his coach Adam Levine decided it would be a great song for him to sing. The song was produced in New York several days before the finale by Sterling Fox, with additional production by Andrew Horowitz and Koby Hass.
Background and development
Season 7 of The Voice was the first time the show had all four contestants debut singles prior to the inaugural season of the show and Season 5 which Tessanne Chin debut Tumbling Down written by Ryan Tedder.
Critical reception
Immediately after its release, the song shot to #1 on the US iTunes singles chart.
Ashley of The Hollywood Reporter wrote Levine's Matt McAndrew unveiled the heartbreaking original “Wasted Love,” from writers Sterling Fox, Chantal Kreviazuk, Shimon Moore and Mike Fiorentino. It blended his palpable emotions onstage with the shouts that he's made a name on so far.
Caila Ball of Idolator wrote Matt McAndrew shines with his performance of “Wasted Love.” It’s the standout among the three finalists’ originals, and puts him on the cusp of checking that tattoo box on his arm he’s left open for when he signs a record deal. Despite the completely out of place flames on the stage, Matt McAndrew does not disappoint. He has Adam singing along in the audience, and the potential for an actual hit on his hands.
Reception
Upon its release, the video received positive response from critics. Music Times stated "The dramatic, heartbreaking ballad got a suitable dramatic music video. Shot in the expansive Hollywood hills, McAndrew performs in front of the beautiful city, singing straight to the camera and playing the piano. But, it seems as though he and his "Wasted Love" will be forever wasted... tragic."
Live performances
On December 15, 2014, the finale night of Season 7 of The Voice McAndrew performed his single.