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{{short description|2021 single by AJR}}
{{short description|2021 single by AJR}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Way Less Sad
| name = Way Less Sad
| cover = Way_Less_Sad.jpeg
| cover = Way_Less_Sad.jpeg
| alt = The official cover artwork for "Way Less Sad".
| alt = The official cover artwork for "Way Less Sad".
| caption = Cover artwork for the Cash Cash remix of "Way Less Sad"
| caption = Cover artwork for the Cash Cash remix of "Way Less Sad"
| border = yes
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[AJR (band)|AJR]]
| artist = [[AJR]]
| album = [[OK Orchestra]]
| album = [[OK Orchestra]]
| released = {{start date|2021|05|17|mf=yes}}
| released = {{start date|2021|02|17|mf=yes}}
| recorded = 2021
| recorded = 2012, 2019–2020
| studio =
| studio =
| genre = * [[Pop music|Pop]]<ref name="Crimson">{{cite web|url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2021/3/3/ajr-way-less-sad-review/|title="Way Less Sad" Review: AJR Shares a Message We All Need to Hear Right Now|publisher=The Harvard Crimson|last=Lee|first=Eliana|date=March 3, 2021|accessdate=March 18, 2021}}</ref>
| genre = [[Pop music|Pop]]
* [[hip hop music|hip hop]]<ref name="Vulture">{{cite web |last1=Harding|first1=Charlie|last2=Sloan|first2=Nate|url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/03/ajr-interview-bang-ok-orchestra-way-less-sad.html|title=How a Broadway-Inspired Banger Took Over the Pop Charts|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|date=March 30, 2021|access-date=November 12, 2023}}</ref>
| length = 3:26
| length = 3:26
| label = [[S-Curve Records|S-Curve]]
| label = * AJR Productions
* [[BMG Rights Management|BMG]]<ref name="BMG" group="‡">{{cite web |author=BMG|url=https://www.bmg.com/us/news/AJR-ok-orchestra.html|title=US: AJR release new album OK ORCHESTRA|website=[[BMG Rights Management]]|language=|date=March 26, 2021|accessdate=June 3, 2024}}</ref>
| writer = * [[AJR (band)|Jack Met]]
* [[S-Curve Records|S-Curve]]<ref name="S-Curve">{{cite web |author=Rumor Mill|url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=325294|title=A Recap Of Radio Add Recaps|website=[[Hits (magazine)|Hits Daily Double]]|language=en|date=February 23, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref>
* [[AJR (band)|Adam Met]]
* [[Black Butter Records|Black Butter]]<ref name="BB">{{cite magazine |author=Billboard|url=https://www.billboard.com/video/ajrs-way-less-sad-watch-now/|title=AJR's "Way Less Sad" {{!}} Watch Now!|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|language=en|date=May 20, 2021|accessdate=March 25, 2024}}</ref>
* [[AJR (band)|Ryan Met]]
| writer = * Adam Met
* Jack Met
* Ryan Met
* [[Paul Simon]]
* [[Paul Simon]]
| producer = Ryan Met
| producer = Ryan Met
| prev_title = My Play
| prev_title = [[My Play]]
| prev_year = 2020
| prev_year = 2020
| next_title = [[World's Smallest Violin]]
| next_title = [[World's Smallest Violin]]
Line 26: Line 32:
}}
}}


"'''Way Less Sad'''" is a song by American [[Pop music|pop]] band [[AJR (band)|AJR]]. It was released on February 17, 2021 via [[S-Curve Records]] as the fourth single from the band's fourth studio album ''[[OK Orchestra]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.beyondthestagemagazine.com/ajr-drop-new-single-way-less-sad-ahead-of-fourth-album/|title=AJR Drop New Single 'Way Less Sad' Ahead Of Fourth Album|website=Beyond The Stage|last=Sandoval|first=Ivy|date=February 17, 2021|accessdate=March 18, 2021}}</ref>
"'''Way Less Sad'''" is a song by American [[Pop music|pop]] band [[AJR]]. It was released on February 17, 2021, via the band's label AJR Productions and [[BMG Rights Management|BMG]]. It was additionally released through [[S-Curve Records]] for radio airplay and through [[Black Butter Records]] for international releases. The song was the fourth single for the band's fourth studio album ''[[OK Orchestra]]'', appearing as the twelfth track. It samples the song "[[My Little Town]]" by American [[folk rock]] duo [[Simon & Garfunkel]] and builds off unused demos intended for Norwegian DJ [[Kygo]] and American rapper [[Cardi B]].


The song's lyrics discuss having optimism amidst a poor state of mental health, instrumentally backed by upbeat [[Pop music|pop]] music with [[hip hop music|hip hop]] influence. A music video for "Way Less Sad" was released alongside the song, featuring the band performing in various [[New York City]] locations. The single was a commercial success, with numerous radio adds helping it chart in three countries and amass hundreds of millions of streams on [[Spotify]]. It was used by [[ESPN]] as an anthem for the [[2021 Major League Baseball season|2021 MLB season]] and would later be remixed by [[Cash Cash]].
==Composition and content==
AJR created the song in the living room of their apartment in [[New York City|New York]]. In an interview with [[ABC News Radio]], they said, "So much of last year felt apocalyptic and this year we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things aren't back to normal yet, but we should be celebrating the small wins, even if they seem trivial."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2021/3/3/ajr-way-less-sad-review/|title="Way Less Sad" Review: AJR Shares a Message We All Need to Hear Right Now|publisher=The Harvard Crimson|last=Lee|first=Eliana|date=March 3, 2021|accessdate=March 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2021/2/17/ajr-shares-new-ok-orchestra-song-way-less-sad.html|title=AJR shares new 'OK ORCHESTRA' song, "Way Less Sad"|publisher=[[ABC News Radio]]|last=Johnson|first=Josh|date=February 17, 2021|accessdate=March 18, 2021}}</ref>


==Promotion==
"Way Less Sad" is a happy pop song with lyrics that describe the path of discussing mental health.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.euphoriazine.com/blog/2021/02/music/tracks-ajr-way-less-sad/|title=AJR — Way Less Sad|website=Euphoria. Magazine|last=Taylor|first=Danielle|date=February 19, 2021|accessdate=March 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bgfalconmedia.com/falcon_media_brands/wbgu-fm/ajr-releases-new-single-way-less-sad/article_ce0dabf0-716a-11eb-a014-43c7a4dd910c.html|title=AJR releases new single "Way Less Sad"|publisher=BG Falcon Media|last=Line|first=Brittany|date=February 17, 2021|accessdate=March 18, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007053106/https://www.bgfalconmedia.com/falcon_media_brands/wbgu-fm/ajr-releases-new-single-way-less-sad/article_ce0dabf0-716a-11eb-a014-43c7a4dd910c.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
AJR released "[[Bang! (AJR song)|Bang!]]", "[[Bummerland]]", and "[[My Play]]" as singles throughout 2020, opening pre-orders for their fourth studio album, ''[[OK Orchestra]]'', alongside the latter on December 22, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nattress|first=Katrina|url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2020-12-21-ajr-announce-new-album-ok-orchestra/|title=AJR Announce New Album 'OK ORCHESTRA'|website=[[iHeartRadio]]|language=en|date=December 21, 2020|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref> A fourth single was later teased on [[Twitter]], previewing the song's pre-chorus and music video on January 28 and February 7 before the release of "Way Less Sad" on February 17, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sandoval|first=Ivy|url=https://www.beyondthestagemagazine.com/ajr-drop-new-single-way-less-sad-ahead-of-fourth-album/|title=AJR Drop New Single "Way Less Sad" Ahead Of Fourth Album|website=Beyond the Stage|language=en|date=February 21, 2021|accessdate=March 25, 2024}}</ref> After the release of the song, AJR gave a press release with [[ABC News Radio]], stating that "so much of last year felt apocalyptic and this year we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things aren't back to normal yet, but we should be celebrating the small wins, even if they seem trivial".<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson|first=Josh|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2021/2/17/ajr-shares-new-ok-orchestra-song-way-less-sad.html|title=AJR shares new 'OK ORCHESTRA' song, "Way Less Sad"|publisher=[[ABC News Radio]]|date=February 17, 2021|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007053106/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2021/2/17/ajr-shares-new-ok-orchestra-song-way-less-sad.html|accessdate=March 18, 2021}}</ref>
The song features a trumpet with an upbeat tempo, sampled from [[Simon %26 Garfunkel|Simon and Garfunkel]]’s “[[My Little Town]]”.<ref>{{cite web |title=SWITCHED ON POP MAR. 30, 2021 How a Broadway-Inspired Banger Took Over the Pop Charts |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/03/ajr-interview-bang-ok-orchestra-way-less-sad.html |website=Vulture |date=30 March 2021 |access-date=2 February 2023}}</ref>

==Background and composition==
In 2012, AJR created an upbeat [[disco]] song, sampling the final trumpet riff of [[Simon & Garfunkel]]'s "[[My Little Town]]" as its primary hook.<ref name="Elvis">{{cite web |last=Gold|first=Allie|url=https://elvisduran.iheart.com/featured/elvis-duran/content/2021-03-26-ajr-sample-paul-simon-in-latest-single-way-less-sad-tease-upcoming-tour/|title=AJR Sample Paul Simon In Latest Single 'Way Less Sad' + Tease Upcoming Tour|website=[[Elvis Duran and the Morning Show|Elvis Duran]]|date=March 26, 2021|accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> In 2019, [[Kygo]] reached out to the band with a finished instrumental and asked for lyrical writing. They created the chorus of "don't you love it? No, I ain't happy yet, but I'm way less sad", but this was rejected.<ref name="Vulture"/> In 2020, [[Atlantic Records]] asked AJR if they could produce material for [[Cardi B]]. The band reworked their previous disco song into a [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] song titled "Winning",<ref name="Vulture"/> but this demo was denied by Cardi B in favor of "[[WAP (song)|WAP]]". Atlantic offered the song to another rapper, but AJR withdrew the song for themselves.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hernandez|first=Valerie|url=https://www.binnews.com/alternate/amp/2021-05-28-ajr-talks-childhood-way-less-sad-cardi-b-and-more/|title=AJR Talks Childhood, 'Way Less Sad,' Cardi B, And More!|website=[[Black Information Network]]|language=en|date=May 28, 2021|accessdate=March 25, 2024}}</ref> The band began writing a song around the previously written chorus for Kygo, combining it with "Winning" as the song's instrumental to create "Way Less Sad".<ref>{{cite web |last=Tynes|first=Jacqueline|url=https://www.nickiswift.com/418841/the-real-meaning-behind-way-less-sad-by-ajr/|title=The Real Meaning Behind 'Way Less Sad' By AJR|website=[[Nicki Swift]]|language=en|date=March 27, 2023|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref>

{{Listen
| filename = Way Less Sad Chorus 1.ogg
| title = "Way Less Sad"
| description = A 28-second sample of "Way Less Sad" by AJR, where the first chorus is heard.
| pos = left
}}
"Way Less Sad" begins with a rhythmic left-hand piano riff that appears in the majority of the song.<ref>{{cite web |last=Faulkner|first=Brent|url=https://themusicalhype.com/11-songs-where-the-boys-are-sad-playlist/|title=11 Songs Where The Boys Are Sad|website=The Musical Hype|language=en|date=October 24, 2022|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref> The chorus enters with a [[Brass instrument|brass]] sample of "My Little Town", [[Roland TR-808|808 bass]], drums, and vocalization from lead singer Jack Met. The instrumentation tones down at the beginning of each verse, lyrically describing failed attempts at happiness and the lowering of standards to accept this.<ref name="Crimson"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Fields|first=Taylor|url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-02-17-ajr-share-new-song-way-less-sad-from-upcoming-new-album-ok-orchestra/|title=AJR Share New Song 'Way Less Sad' From Upcoming New Album 'OK Orchestra'|website=[[iHeartRadio]]|language=en|date=February 17, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref> The song's first chorus begins with only xylophone and vocals before transitioning back into the song's opening chorus, with later choruses directly beginning with the sample rather than xylophone. The lyrics during this portion notice improvement in mental health and find new happiness through previously unappreciated aspects of life.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.euphoriazine.com/blog/2021/02/music/tracks-ajr-way-less-sad/|title=AJR — Way Less Sad|website=Euphoria. Magazine|last=Taylor|first=Danielle|date=February 19, 2021|accessdate=March 18, 2021}}</ref> The band described the song's general tone as an "ironic party song" while making the song's lyrics time-specific, directly mentioning [[Twitter]] to reference the political situation of the United States during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref group="‡">{{cite web |author=ABC Audio|url=https://www.wrmf.com/ajr-explains-why-their-latest-hit-way-less-sad-is-your-song-right-now/|title=AJR explains why their latest hit "Way Less Sad" is "your song right now"|website=97.9 WRMF|language=en|date=April 21, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref>

===Production===
AJR produced the song in the living room of their apartment in [[New York City|New York]].<ref name="Crimson"/> During shows performed for [[The Maybe Man Tour]] in 2024, band member Ryan Met showcased the song's layers in a How We Made segment.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hahne|first=Jeff|url=https://qcnerve.com/ajr-levels-up-with-spectrum-center-show/|title=AJR Levels Up with Spectrum Center Show|website=Queen City Nerve|language=en|date=April 11, 2024|accessdate=April 11, 2024}}</ref> The band used a slowed-down kick, sped-up [[hi-hat]], and flammed [[plate (dishware)|plate]] clattering as a [[clapping|clap]] to create a [[Half-time (music)|half-time]] [[Trap music|trap]] [[Beat (music)|beat]]. Piano and violin were added to the song to create emotion, with extra hi-hats and bass appearing as well. The band adapted the trumpet melody for the song's verses from Ryan telling Jack "would you put your phone down" in response to watching old [[home movie]]s. These movies would later be used to create the chorus lyrics that are used in the band's demo for Kygo, which were repurposed for "Way Less Sad" due to the band failing to create a vocal melody for it.<ref>{{cite web |last=Becker|first=Sarah|url=https://audiophix.com/posts/ajr-live-philadelphia-review-01hv367dbg92|title=AJR live in Philadelphia review: An experience like no other|website=[[FanSided|AudioPhix]]|language=en|date=April 11, 2024|accessdate=April 11, 2024}}</ref>


==Music video==
==Music video==
{{multiple image
The official music video was released on February 17, 2021. They performed at a number of [[New York City]] well-known locations, including the TWA terminal at the [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] and [[Jane's Carousel]] in Brooklyn.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/AJR-Releases-New-Single-And-Video-Way-Less-Sad-20210217|title=AJR Releases New Single And Video 'Way Less Sad'|website=Broadwayworld|date=February 17, 2021|accessdate=March 18, 2021}}</ref> The video is AJR's fastest growing [[YouTube]] video, grossing over 18 million views as of June 2022.
| align = right
| total_width = 300
| perrow = 2
| image1 = JFK TWA Terminal.jpg
| image2 = Brooklyn Bridge Carousel.jpg
| footer = Filming locations for "Way Less Sad", including [[TWA Flight Center]] and [[Jane's Carousel]]
}}
A music video for "Way Less Sad" was directed by Edoardo Ranaboldo and released on February 17, 2021,<ref>{{cite web |last=Fields|first=Taylor|url=https://www.iheart.com/alternate/amp/2021-02-17-ajr-share-new-song-way-less-sad-from-upcoming-new-album-ok-orchestra/|title=AJR Share New Song 'Way Less Sad' From Upcoming New Album 'OK Orchestra'|website=[[iHeartRadio]]|language=en|date=February 17, 2021|accessdate=March 25, 2024}}</ref> premiering on [[YouTube]] at 10 am [[Eastern Time Zone|EST]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Line|first=Brittany|url=https://bgfalconmedia.com/122485/uncategorized/ajr-releases-new-single-way-less-sad/|title=AJR releases new single "Way Less Sad"|website=BG Falcon Media|language=en|date=February 17, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref> The video [[cut (transition)|cuts]] between several locations in [[New York City]], with the band pushing Jack on a luggage cart at the TWA terminal at the [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]], performing the song in front of and on [[Jane's Carousel]] in Brooklyn, standing on a beach at [[Coney Island]], hanging Jack upside down at a table, and performing in a bedroom.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson|first=Josh|url=https://www.1057thepoint.com/music-news/ajr-shares-new-ok-orchestra-song-way-less-sad/|title=AJR shares new 'OK ORCHESTRA' song, "Way Less Sad"|publisher=[[ABC Audio]]|language=en|date=February 17, 2021|accessdate=March 25, 2024}}</ref>

On [[YouTube]], "Way Less Sad" grossed 606,748 views on its opening day.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith|first=Katy|url=https://anchor.hope.edu/arts/the-mythos-of-ajrs-new-single/|title=The mythos of AJR's new single|website=The Anchor|language=en|date=February 22, 2021|accessdate=March 25, 2024}}</ref> The video was filmed during a week in January 2021. Visual effects were applied to various parts of the video, simulating the band singing underwater and editing multiple versions of Jack on an escalator into the same [[shot (filmmaking)|shot]]. [[Computer-generated imagery]] was additionally used by Caleb Natale to create a ground shot of Ryan walking on the carousel.<ref>{{cite AV media |last=Curl|first=Emily|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xknGgKf_Ei4|title=AJR Breaks Down Scenes From Their Music Video "Way Less Sad"|publisher=[[iHeartRadio]]|language=en|date=March 26, 2021|access-date=March 25, 2024}}</ref>

==Commercial performance==
For the week of February 23, 2021, "Way Less Sad" became the most added song on alternative radio in the United States,<ref>{{cite web |last=Cantor|first=Brian|url=https://headlineplanet.com/home/2021/02/23/ajrs-way-less-sad-erupts-as-alternative-radios-most-added-song/|title=AJR's "Way Less Sad" Erupts As Alternative Radio's Most Added Song|website=Headline Planet|language=en|date=February 23, 2021|accessdate=March 25, 2024}}</ref> receiving over 50 adds.<ref>{{cite web |last=Glauber|first=Karen|url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/post_toasted&id=325360&title=WAY-LESS-SAD|title=Way Less Sad|website=[[Hits (magazine)|Hits Daily Double]]|language=en|date=February 27, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref> In March, along with "[[Bummerland]]", the song was used in American baseball promotions for [[ESPN]] as their official anthem for the [[2021 Major League Baseball season]].<ref name="Elvis"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin|first=Katie|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/03/espn-to-feature-indie-pop-trio-ajrs-way-less-sad-as-mlb-anthem-for-first-half-of-2021-season/|title=ESPN to Feature Indie-Pop Trio AJR's 'Way Less Sad' as MLB Anthem for First Half of 2021 Season|website=[[ESPN|ESPN Press Room U.S.]]|language=en-US|date=March 19, 2021|access-date=November 12, 2023}}</ref> On April 1, 2021, "Way Less Sad" was featured on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'', with the band performing in the woods rather than the studio's stage.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Zemler|first=Emily|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ajr-way-less-sad-kimmel-1149980/|title=AJR Perform 'Way Less Sad' in the Woods on 'Kimmel'|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=April 1, 2021|accessdate=November 12, 2023}}</ref> Later in the month, the song reached 25 million streams on [[Spotify]] after being added to over 200 radio stations.<ref>{{cite web |last=Phenicie|first=Courtney|url=https://cincymusic.com/blog/2021/04/show-announcement-ajr-to-play-the-andrew-j-brady-icon-music-center|title=SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: AJR to Play The Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center|website=CincyMusic|language=en|date=April 12, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref>

"Way Less Sad" charted in Canada,<ref name="CHR"/> New Zealand,<ref name="RMNZ"/> and the US, spending 15 weeks on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] after debuting on the chart on May 8, 2021. It would peak on July 17 at number 54,<ref name="Hot100"/> alongside reaching 85 million Spotify streams.<ref>{{cite web |author=Isthmus|url=https://isthmus.com/events/ajr-sept-7/|title=AJR, Sasha Sloan, Daisy the Great|website=[[Isthmus (newspaper)|Isthmus]]|language=en|date=July 12, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref> It was additionally performed alongside "[[Bang! (AJR song)|Bang!]]" at the [[2021 Billboard Music Awards|2021 ''Billboard'' Music Awards]] on May 23, where the latter won the award for [[Billboard Music Award for Top Rock Song|Top Rock Song]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Havens|first=Lyndsey|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/ajr-bang-billboard-music-awards-9576875/|title=AJR Perform 'Bang!' & 'Way Less Sad' at 2021 Billboard Music Awards|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|language=en|date=May 23, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref> "Way Less Sad" had amassed over 100 million streams in total by June 2022,<ref>{{cite web |author=Beat|url=https://beat.com.au/eclectic-pop-trio-ajr-are-coming-to-australia-in-august/|title=Eclectic pop trio AJR are coming to Australia in August|website=[[Beat Magazine]]|language=en|date=June 15, 2022|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref> earning a Platinum certification in the US on December 9.<ref name="RIAA"/>

==Cash Cash remix==
A remix of "Way Less Sad" by American [[electronic music]] group [[Cash Cash]] was released on June 29, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Anthenelli|first=Matthew|url=https://www.the360mag.com/ajr-way-less-sad-cash-cash-remix/|title=AJR - Way Less Sad Cash Cash Remix|website=360 Magazine|language=en|date=June 29, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref> The remix is at a faster tempo, adding [[dance music|dance]] components to the song.<ref group="‡">{{cite web |author=ABC Audio|url=https://www.1057thepoint.com/music-news/listen-to-new-remix-of-ajrs-way-less-sad/|title=Listen to new remix of AJR's "Way Less Sad"|website=105.7 The Point|language=en|date=June 29, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref>

==Track listings==
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}
'''Digital download / streaming single'''
# "Way Less Sad" – 3:26
{{col-2}}
'''Digital download / streaming single'''
# "Way Less Sad (Cash Cash Remix)" – 2:44
# "Way Less Sad" – 3:26
{{col-end}}

==Personnel==
Credits adapted from [[Tidal (service)|Tidal]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/188684294/credits|title=Credits / Way Less Sad (Cash Cash Remix) / AJR|publisher=[[Tidal (service)|Tidal]]|date=February 17, 2021|accessdate=March 26, 2024}}</ref>


{{div col}}
==Other uses==
* Adam Met – instruments, composer
The song, along with Bummerland, was used in American baseball promotions for [[ESPN]] as their official anthem for the [[2021 Major League Baseball season]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 19, 2021|title=ESPN to Feature Indie-Pop Trio AJR's 'Way Less Sad' as MLB Anthem for First Half of 2021 Season|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/03/espn-to-feature-indie-pop-trio-ajrs-way-less-sad-as-mlb-anthem-for-first-half-of-2021-season/|access-date=March 20, 2021|website=ESPN Press Room U.S.|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Jack Met – lead vocals, instruments, composer
* Ryan Met – vocals, instruments, composer, [[Record producer|producer]], [[Programming (music)|programming]]
* [[Paul Simon]] – composer
* [[Chris Gehringer]] – [[Mastering (audio)|mastering]]{{efn|name=Way|"Way Less Sad" only}}
* Joe Zook – [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]]{{efn|name=Way}}
* Alba Avoricani – additional vocals{{efn|name=Way}}
* Danny Ferenbach – violin,{{efn|name=Way}} trumpet
* [[Cash Cash]] – remixer{{efn|name=Remix|"Way Less Sad (Cash Cash Remix)" only}}
{{div col end}}
{{notelist}}


==Charts==
==Charts==
Line 50: Line 111:
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardcanadarock|45|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=March 23, 2021}}
{{single chart|refname="CHR"|Billboardcanadachrtop40|45|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardcanadahotac|32|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}
! scope="row"| New Zealand Hot Singles ([[Recorded Music NZ|RMNZ]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/hotsingles?chart=5176|title=NZ Hot Singles Chart|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref>
| 33
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|54|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=July 13, 2021}}
{{single chart|Billboardcanadarock|41|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=October 10, 2023}}
|-
! scope="row"| New Zealand Hot Singles ([[Recorded Music NZ|RMNZ]])<ref name="RMNZ">{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/hot-singles/2021-08-27|title=NZ Hot Singles Chart|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref>
| 33
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|23|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=February 1, 2022}}
{{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|23|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=February 1, 2022}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|10|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=July 7, 2021}}
{{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|10|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=July 7, 2021}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboardalternativesongs|2|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}
|-
{{single chart|refname="Hot100"|Billboardhot100|54|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=July 13, 2021}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardrocksongs|5|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=July 7, 2021}}
{{single chart|Billboardrocksongs|5|artist=AJR|rowheader=true|access-date=July 7, 2021}}
Line 75: Line 142:
! scope="col"| Position
! scope="col"| Position
|-
|-
! scope="row"| US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/adult-pop-songs|title=Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=2 January 2013|access-date=December 2, 2021}}</ref>
! scope="row"| US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/adult-pop-songs|title=Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=June 9, 2024}}</ref>
| 29
| 29
|-
|-
! scope="row"| US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/hot-rock-songs/|title=Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – Year-End 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=2 January 2013|access-date=December 2, 2021}}</ref>
! scope="row"| US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/hot-rock-songs/|title=Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – Year-End 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=June 9, 2024}}</ref>
| 14
| 14
|-
|-
! scope="row"| US Rock Airplay (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/rock-airplay-songs/|title=Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=13 December 2013|access-date=December 2, 2021}}</ref>
! scope="row"| US Rock Airplay (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/rock-airplay-songs/|title=Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=June 9, 2024}}</ref>
| 12
| 12
|}
|}
Line 88: Line 155:
==Certifications==
==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Way Less Sad"}}
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Way Less Sad"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=AJR|title=Way Less Sad|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2022|access-date=December 12, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|refname="RIAA"|artist=AJR|title=Way Less Sad|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2022|access-date=December 12, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

==Release history==
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for "Way Less Sad"
! scope="col"| Region
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Format(s)
! scope="col"| Label
! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| United States
| rowspan="3"| February 17, 2021
| {{hlist|[[Music download|Digital download]]|[[Streaming media|streaming]]}}
| [[BMG Rights Management|BMG]]
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="BMG" group="‡"/>
|-
| [[Radio airplay]]
| [[S-Curve Records|S-Curve]]
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="S-Curve"/>
|-
! scope="row" | Various
| {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}}
| [[Black Butter Records|Black Butter]]
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="BB"/>
|}


==References==
==References==
===Secondary sources===
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
===Primary sources===
In the text, these references are preceded by a double dagger (‡):
{{Reflist|group="‡"}}


{{AJR}}
{{AJR songs}}

{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}


[[Category:AJR (band) songs]]
[[Category:AJR songs]]
[[Category:2021 songs]]
[[Category:2021 songs]]
[[Category:2021 singles]]
[[Category:2021 singles]]
[[Category:Songs written by Paul Simon]]
[[Category:Songs written by Paul Simon]]
[[Category:Pop ballads]]
[[Category:American hip hop songs]]
[[Category:Simon & Garfunkel]]

Latest revision as of 08:01, 20 November 2024

"Way Less Sad"
The official cover artwork for "Way Less Sad".
Cover artwork for the Cash Cash remix of "Way Less Sad"
Single by AJR
from the album OK Orchestra
ReleasedFebruary 17, 2021 (2021-02-17)
Recorded2012, 2019–2020
Genre
Length3:26
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Ryan Met
AJR singles chronology
"My Play"
(2020) 		"Way Less Sad"
(2021) 		"World's Smallest Violin"
(2021)
Music video
"Way Less Sad" on YouTube

"Way Less Sad" is a song by American pop band AJR. It was released on February 17, 2021, via the band's label AJR Productions and BMG. It was additionally released through S-Curve Records for radio airplay and through Black Butter Records for international releases. The song was the fourth single for the band's fourth studio album OK Orchestra, appearing as the twelfth track. It samples the song "My Little Town" by American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel and builds off unused demos intended for Norwegian DJ Kygo and American rapper Cardi B.

The song's lyrics discuss having optimism amidst a poor state of mental health, instrumentally backed by upbeat pop music with hip hop influence. A music video for "Way Less Sad" was released alongside the song, featuring the band performing in various New York City locations. The single was a commercial success, with numerous radio adds helping it chart in three countries and amass hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify. It was used by ESPN as an anthem for the 2021 MLB season and would later be remixed by Cash Cash.

Promotion

[edit]

AJR released "Bang!", "Bummerland", and "My Play" as singles throughout 2020, opening pre-orders for their fourth studio album, OK Orchestra, alongside the latter on December 22, 2020.[5] A fourth single was later teased on Twitter, previewing the song's pre-chorus and music video on January 28 and February 7 before the release of "Way Less Sad" on February 17, 2021.[6] After the release of the song, AJR gave a press release with ABC News Radio, stating that "so much of last year felt apocalyptic and this year we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things aren't back to normal yet, but we should be celebrating the small wins, even if they seem trivial".[7]

Background and composition

[edit]

In 2012, AJR created an upbeat disco song, sampling the final trumpet riff of Simon & Garfunkel's "My Little Town" as its primary hook.[8] In 2019, Kygo reached out to the band with a finished instrumental and asked for lyrical writing. They created the chorus of "don't you love it? No, I ain't happy yet, but I'm way less sad", but this was rejected.[2] In 2020, Atlantic Records asked AJR if they could produce material for Cardi B. The band reworked their previous disco song into a hip-hop song titled "Winning",[2] but this demo was denied by Cardi B in favor of "WAP". Atlantic offered the song to another rapper, but AJR withdrew the song for themselves.[9] The band began writing a song around the previously written chorus for Kygo, combining it with "Winning" as the song's instrumental to create "Way Less Sad".[10]

"Way Less Sad"
A 28-second sample of "Way Less Sad" by AJR, where the first chorus is heard.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Way Less Sad" begins with a rhythmic left-hand piano riff that appears in the majority of the song.[11] The chorus enters with a brass sample of "My Little Town", 808 bass, drums, and vocalization from lead singer Jack Met. The instrumentation tones down at the beginning of each verse, lyrically describing failed attempts at happiness and the lowering of standards to accept this.[1][12] The song's first chorus begins with only xylophone and vocals before transitioning back into the song's opening chorus, with later choruses directly beginning with the sample rather than xylophone. The lyrics during this portion notice improvement in mental health and find new happiness through previously unappreciated aspects of life.[13] The band described the song's general tone as an "ironic party song" while making the song's lyrics time-specific, directly mentioning Twitter to reference the political situation of the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.[‡ 2]

Production

[edit]

AJR produced the song in the living room of their apartment in New York.[1] During shows performed for The Maybe Man Tour in 2024, band member Ryan Met showcased the song's layers in a How We Made segment.[14] The band used a slowed-down kick, sped-up hi-hat, and flammed plate clattering as a clap to create a half-time trap beat. Piano and violin were added to the song to create emotion, with extra hi-hats and bass appearing as well. The band adapted the trumpet melody for the song's verses from Ryan telling Jack "would you put your phone down" in response to watching old home movies. These movies would later be used to create the chorus lyrics that are used in the band's demo for Kygo, which were repurposed for "Way Less Sad" due to the band failing to create a vocal melody for it.[15]

Music video

[edit]
Filming locations for "Way Less Sad", including TWA Flight Center and Jane's Carousel

A music video for "Way Less Sad" was directed by Edoardo Ranaboldo and released on February 17, 2021,[16] premiering on YouTube at 10 am EST.[17] The video cuts between several locations in New York City, with the band pushing Jack on a luggage cart at the TWA terminal at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, performing the song in front of and on Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn, standing on a beach at Coney Island, hanging Jack upside down at a table, and performing in a bedroom.[18]

On YouTube, "Way Less Sad" grossed 606,748 views on its opening day.[19] The video was filmed during a week in January 2021. Visual effects were applied to various parts of the video, simulating the band singing underwater and editing multiple versions of Jack on an escalator into the same shot. Computer-generated imagery was additionally used by Caleb Natale to create a ground shot of Ryan walking on the carousel.[20]

Commercial performance

[edit]

For the week of February 23, 2021, "Way Less Sad" became the most added song on alternative radio in the United States,[21] receiving over 50 adds.[22] In March, along with "Bummerland", the song was used in American baseball promotions for ESPN as their official anthem for the 2021 Major League Baseball season.[8][23] On April 1, 2021, "Way Less Sad" was featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, with the band performing in the woods rather than the studio's stage.[24] Later in the month, the song reached 25 million streams on Spotify after being added to over 200 radio stations.[25]

"Way Less Sad" charted in Canada,[26] New Zealand,[27] and the US, spending 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 after debuting on the chart on May 8, 2021. It would peak on July 17 at number 54,[28] alongside reaching 85 million Spotify streams.[29] It was additionally performed alongside "Bang!" at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards on May 23, where the latter won the award for Top Rock Song.[30] "Way Less Sad" had amassed over 100 million streams in total by June 2022,[31] earning a Platinum certification in the US on December 9.[32]

Cash Cash remix

[edit]

A remix of "Way Less Sad" by American electronic music group Cash Cash was released on June 29, 2021.[33] The remix is at a faster tempo, adding dance components to the song.[‡ 3]

Track listings

[edit]

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[34]

  1. ^ a b c d "Way Less Sad" only
  2. ^ "Way Less Sad (Cash Cash Remix)" only

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Way Less Sad"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[32] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "Way Less Sad"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
United States February 17, 2021
BMG [‡ 1]
Radio airplay S-Curve [3]
Various
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 Black Butter [4]

References

[edit]

Secondary sources

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Lee, Eliana (March 3, 2021). ""Way Less Sad" Review: AJR Shares a Message We All Need to Hear Right Now". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Harding, Charlie; Sloan, Nate (March 30, 2021). "How a Broadway-Inspired Banger Took Over the Pop Charts". Vulture. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Rumor Mill (February 23, 2021). "A Recap Of Radio Add Recaps". Hits Daily Double. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Billboard (May 20, 2021). "AJR's "Way Less Sad" | Watch Now!". Billboard. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  5. ^ Nattress, Katrina (December 21, 2020). "AJR Announce New Album 'OK ORCHESTRA'". iHeartRadio. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  6. ^ Sandoval, Ivy (February 21, 2021). "AJR Drop New Single "Way Less Sad" Ahead Of Fourth Album". Beyond the Stage. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  7. ^ Johnson, Josh (February 17, 2021). "AJR shares new 'OK ORCHESTRA' song, "Way Less Sad"". ABC News Radio. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  8. ^ a b Gold, Allie (March 26, 2021). "AJR Sample Paul Simon In Latest Single 'Way Less Sad' + Tease Upcoming Tour". Elvis Duran. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  9. ^ Hernandez, Valerie (May 28, 2021). "AJR Talks Childhood, 'Way Less Sad,' Cardi B, And More!". Black Information Network. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  10. ^ Tynes, Jacqueline (March 27, 2023). "The Real Meaning Behind 'Way Less Sad' By AJR". Nicki Swift. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  11. ^ Faulkner, Brent (October 24, 2022). "11 Songs Where The Boys Are Sad". The Musical Hype. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  12. ^ Fields, Taylor (February 17, 2021). "AJR Share New Song 'Way Less Sad' From Upcoming New Album 'OK Orchestra'". iHeartRadio. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  13. ^ Taylor, Danielle (February 19, 2021). "AJR — Way Less Sad". Euphoria. Magazine. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  14. ^ Hahne, Jeff (April 11, 2024). "AJR Levels Up with Spectrum Center Show". Queen City Nerve. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  15. ^ Becker, Sarah (April 11, 2024). "AJR live in Philadelphia review: An experience like no other". AudioPhix. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  16. ^ Fields, Taylor (February 17, 2021). "AJR Share New Song 'Way Less Sad' From Upcoming New Album 'OK Orchestra'". iHeartRadio. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  17. ^ Line, Brittany (February 17, 2021). "AJR releases new single "Way Less Sad"". BG Falcon Media. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  18. ^ Johnson, Josh (February 17, 2021). "AJR shares new 'OK ORCHESTRA' song, "Way Less Sad"". ABC Audio. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  19. ^ Smith, Katy (February 22, 2021). "The mythos of AJR's new single". The Anchor. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  20. ^ Curl, Emily (March 26, 2021). AJR Breaks Down Scenes From Their Music Video "Way Less Sad". iHeartRadio. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  21. ^ Cantor, Brian (February 23, 2021). "AJR's "Way Less Sad" Erupts As Alternative Radio's Most Added Song". Headline Planet. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  22. ^ Glauber, Karen (February 27, 2021). "Way Less Sad". Hits Daily Double. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  23. ^ Martin, Katie (March 19, 2021). "ESPN to Feature Indie-Pop Trio AJR's 'Way Less Sad' as MLB Anthem for First Half of 2021 Season". ESPN Press Room U.S. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  24. ^ Zemler, Emily (April 1, 2021). "AJR Perform 'Way Less Sad' in the Woods on 'Kimmel'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  25. ^ Phenicie, Courtney (April 12, 2021). "SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: AJR to Play The Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center". CincyMusic. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  26. ^ a b "AJR Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  27. ^ a b "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 2, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  28. ^ a b "AJR Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  29. ^ Isthmus (July 12, 2021). "AJR, Sasha Sloan, Daisy the Great". Isthmus. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  30. ^ Havens, Lyndsey (May 23, 2021). "AJR Perform 'Bang!' & 'Way Less Sad' at 2021 Billboard Music Awards". Billboard. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  31. ^ Beat (June 15, 2022). "Eclectic pop trio AJR are coming to Australia in August". Beat Magazine. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  32. ^ a b "American single certifications – AJR – Way Less Sad". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  33. ^ Anthenelli, Matthew (June 29, 2021). "AJR - Way Less Sad Cash Cash Remix". 360 Magazine. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  34. ^ "Credits / Way Less Sad (Cash Cash Remix) / AJR". Tidal. February 17, 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  35. ^ "AJR Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  36. ^ "AJR Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  37. ^ "AJR Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  38. ^ "AJR Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  39. ^ "AJR Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  40. ^ "AJR Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  41. ^ "AJR Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  42. ^ "AJR Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  43. ^ "Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. December 2, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  44. ^ "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. December 2, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  45. ^ "Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. December 2, 2021. Retrieved June 9, 2024.

Primary sources

[edit]

In the text, these references are preceded by a double dagger (‡):

  1. ^ a b BMG (March 26, 2021). "US: AJR release new album OK ORCHESTRA". BMG Rights Management. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  2. ^ ABC Audio (April 21, 2021). "AJR explains why their latest hit "Way Less Sad" is "your song right now"". 97.9 WRMF. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  3. ^ ABC Audio (June 29, 2021). "Listen to new remix of AJR's "Way Less Sad"". 105.7 The Point. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
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