Sugarland is here to “Stay”

Song Review:  “Stay” by Sugarland

I’m still new to the Country-music genre, but one song that has absolutely blown me away is “Stay” by the country duo, Sugarland.  If you ask any of my friends they would tell you that I’m not picky when it comes to music.  I usually like everything so would that make me a bad music critic, or a good one?  Anyway, if there is something I do particularly like about a band, it’s when they have a song that strays away from the sound they’re known for.  For example, I’m not an Evanescence fan, but I have to admit I love their power-ballad “My Immortal.”  This works the same way with “Stay,” Sugarland’s stripped down, acoustic ballad.  From a band who seems to be all about fun, this single takes a 180 degree turn to the emotionally charged side, and I couldn’t be more pleased that they did so.

“Stay” is a song about an affair, but sung in the perspective of the mistress, an angle that is quite unique and refreshing.  Jennifer Nettles pours her heart and soul into this almost acapella song, because of how quiet the acoustic guitar is playing in the background.  I cannot stress enough of the power this song possesses.  Just view some of these lyrics:

“What do I have to do to make you see she can’t love you like me?  Why don’t you stay?  I’m down on my knees.  I’m so tired of being lonely.  Don’t I give you what you need?”

Again, I’ll reiterate by saying the perspective of this song is what makes it stand out from all of the other love songs.  Nettles sings as the mistress in an affair that involves a man cheating on his wife, and her voice is haunting with pure rawness.  It’s impossible to listen to “Stay” and not feel anything for her.  And yes, I’ve youtubed some live performances of the song and it only strengthens the intensity of this single.

The song was an extremely risky move on the behalf of Nettles, but her boldness resulted in a outcry of praise by Country fans all over the world.  This undoubtedly set up the success of their new album, Love on the Inside (which I still haven’t picked up yet, but I will soon!).  One final note about “Stay,” I love how the last chorus of the song displays some chance that she understands the husband will never leave his wife for her, but then concludes that regardless she still loves him and will wait for him.  Absolutely brilliant.