"Good Luck, Babe!" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan. It was released as a single on April 5, 2024, through Amusement Records and Island Records. She wrote the song along with Justin Tranter and its producer Dan Nigro. A synth-pop track, the lyrics of "Good Luck, Babe!" reference compulsory heterosexuality, describing a woman trying to deny her romantic feelings for Roan and women in general.
"Good Luck, Babe!" | ||||
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Single by Chappell Roan | ||||
B-side | "Read & Make Out (Demo)" | |||
Released | April 5, 2024 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:38 | |||
Label |
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Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Dan Nigro | |||
Chappell Roan singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Good Luck, Babe!" on YouTube |
"Good Luck, Babe!" received critical acclaim from music critics, who included it on several mid-year rankings of the best songs of 2024. Praised by Billboard as a "well-deserved breakthrough", "Good Luck, Babe!" became Roan's breakout song and a sleeper hit, steadily rising the charts following various live performances including Coachella and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in June 2024. With the track, Roan earned her fastest song to hit 100 million streams on Spotify. "Good Luck, Babe!" became Roan's first top-ten hit, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside of the United States, "Good Luck, Babe" topped the charts in Ireland, and peaked within the top ten of the charts in Australia, Canada, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, and on the Global 200.
Background and release
editIn April 2024, Roan sent an email to fans stating that her new single "Good Luck, Babe!" would be released on April 5, 2024, writing that the song is "about wishing good luck to someone who is denying fate."[1] She added that it would be the "first song of the next chapter," following the release of her debut studio album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess in September 2023.[2][3] Amusement Records and Island Records released the single through streaming and digital download on April 5, 2024.[4] An accompanying lyric video for "Good Luck, Babe!" was released that day.[5] Inspired by early Internet culture imagery, the video includes extensive use of the Comic Sans font.[6] The song was later released as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl on June 28, 2024.[7]
Writing and composition
editRoan wrote the song with Justin Tranter and Dan Nigro, stating that she "was just wanting to write a big anthemic pop song," and that it "was a bitch to write."[8] Lyrically, the song speaks about compulsory heterosexuality, with Roan describing a relationship with a woman who tries to deny her romantic feelings for Roan and for women in general.[9]
Critical reception
edit"Good Luck, Babe!" received acclaim upon release,[10][11] with many declaring it a breakthrough hit. Critics were particularly enthused by Roan's powerful vocal showcase, observing that it was symbolic of her concurrent ascent in popularity.[12][13] Sydney Brasil of Exclaim! opined that the song was "a more realized version of her baroque pop vision, both airy and devastating in its delivery.”[14] Stephen Daw from Billboard praised the combination of Nigro's production with Roan's vocal performance, writing, "The maximalist production—featuring chunky '80s synths and a multi-piece string section—fuels Roan's octave-jumping voice... As frustration, flirtation and self-confidence ooze from every syllable of Roan's impeccable delivery, it's no wonder why audiences are clamoring for more of the superstar's exceptional artistry".[12] Several commentators drew comparisons of Chappell Roan to the likes of prominent musicians of the 1980s, such as Kate Bush, Wham!, and Cyndi Lauper.[15] Shaad D'Souza of The New York Times compared Roan's vocals to those of singer Liza Minnelli, positing that the song highlights a theatrical element to how she delivers her narrative lyrics.[16]
Speaking for NPR, Sheldon Pearce chose the track as the best pop song of the year, writing of the refrain: "'You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling' is such a monumental read that feels like a gut punch. It's the kind of direct emotional attack that you can't escape even as a bystander".[17] Mary Kate Carr of The A.V. Club similarly praised the songwriting as an improvement from her debut album and "brimming with righteous anger".[18] Other critics praised the vivid storytelling of the bridge;[19] Jason P. Frank of Vulture praised it as a strong case against a current trend of artists omitting a bridge to shorten tracks.[20]
Publication | List | Rank | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
Billboard | The 50 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far) | 3 | [12] |
Consequence | 100 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far) | 7 | [21] |
Los Angeles Times | The 24 best songs of 2024 so far | N/A | [22] |
The New York Times | The 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far) | N/A | [23] |
Rolling Stone | The Best Songs of 2024 So Far | N/A | [13] |
NPR | The best songs of 2024 (so far) | N/A | [17] |
The A.V. Club | 25 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far) | N/A | [18] |
Commercial performance
editUpon release, "Good Luck, Babe!" debuted at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week ending April 20, 2024, becoming Roan's first entry on the chart and an eventual sleeper hit. The song peaked at number six on the chart dated August 17, 2024.[24] It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on May 29, 2024, for sales exceeding 500,000 units.[25] It also peaked at seven on Billboard's Pop Airplay chart and 13 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart.
Elsewhere, the track topped the singles chart in Ireland and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, becoming her highest-charting single. It also peaked within the top ten in several territories, including Singapore (4), Australia (5), New Zealand (7), Canada (8), Iceland (10), and on the Global 200 (10). It received gold certifications by Music Canada, the Portuguese Phonographic Association (AFP), and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), and a platinum certification by Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ).
Impact
editUpon charting on the Billboard Hot 100, Hannah Jocleyn, writing for the publication, posited that the song's overt LGBT themes represented a breakthrough not just for Roan's career but a wider movement of young LGBT pop artists.[15] Other observers agreed, arguing that chart-topping "queer anthems" are imbued with subtext, blurring the lines between homosexual and heterosexual relationships at the expense of LGBT themes. Many argued that Roan's inclusion of such themes spoke to her authenticity as an artist.[26] Juliana Tanner of The Michigan Daily echoed such optimism, commending Roan for not leaving any room for ambiguity in her homosexuality, despite facing cynicism in the past, and avoiding fetishization of lesbian relationships for male audiences.[27]
Live performances and cover versions
editRoan added "Good Luck, Babe!" to the set list of the Midwest Princess Tour, debuting it at her first Coachella set in April 2024.[28] Her first televised performance of the song was in June 2024, when she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[29]
In June 2024, Sabrina Carpenter covered "Good Luck, Babe!" as part of a set for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge; Carpenter had previously shared that she was a fan of the song.[30] The song has also been covered by various artists including Girl in Red, Jonas Brothers, Peach PRC, Freya Ridings and Wallows.[citation needed]
Charts
edit
Weekly chartsedit
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Monthly chartsedit
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Certifications
editRegion | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Canada (Music Canada)[71] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ)[72] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
Portugal (AFP)[73] | Gold | 5,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI)[74] | Gold | 400,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[75] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
editRegion | Date | Format(s) | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | April 5, 2024 |
|
[4] | |
June 28, 2024 | 7-inch single | [7] |
References
edit- ^ Blistein, Jon (April 3, 2024). "Chappell Roan Lectured at Harvard and Bid Farewell to Olivia Rodrigo's 'Guts' Tour". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 9, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Chelosky, Danielle (April 5, 2024). "Chappell Roan - "Good Luck, Babe!"". Stereogum. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
- ^ McCarthy, Lauren (April 4, 2024). "Chappell Roan steals the show". Nylon. Archived from the original on April 16, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "Good Luck, Babe! - Single". April 5, 2024. Archived from the original on June 9, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ White, Marie (April 13, 2024). "Review: 'Good Luck Babe!' is a mini masterpiece". The Eastern Echo. Archived from the original on April 14, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ LaPointe, Cassidy (April 6, 2024). "Chappell Roan's "Good Luck, Babe!" takes a glimpse into comp-het, identity, and denying fate". Off the Record Press.
Its lyric video, posted on YouTube, contains 80s Microsoft-esque visuals: sparkly comic sans, 8-bit gifs, and PowerPoint presentation transitions.
- ^ a b "Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!". Discogs. Archived from the original on August 18, 2024. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ^ Spanos, Brittany (April 5, 2024). "Chappell Roan Won't Tempt Fate on New Single 'Good Luck, Babe!'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 16, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Cramer, Jude (April 9, 2024). "The writer of this gay anthem has a heartwarming message for queer folks". Into More. Archived from the original on April 16, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Montgomery, Alexander (June 26, 2024). "Hot To Go! Chappell Roan's Billboard Breakthrough". Men's Journal. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
This song, with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, has resonated with listeners, earning widespread acclaim.
- ^ Mikaela, Keyali (April 8, 2024). "Chappell Roan's "Good Luck, Babe!": A Captivating Journey Through Queer Love and Self-Discovery". Next Wave Magazine. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
Released amidst a flurry of critical acclaim
- ^ a b c Daw, Stephen (June 18, 2024). "The 50 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far): Staff List". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ a b Spanos, Brittany (June 12, 2024). "The Best Songs of 2024 So Far". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ Brasil, Sydney (April 5, 2024). ""Good Luck, Babe!" Is Chappell Roan at Her Most Fully Realized". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ a b Jocelyn, Hannah (April 18, 2024). "Not Just 'Luck': Why Queer Pop Star Chappell Roan Broke Through to the Hot 100, And Why It Matters". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ D’Souza, Shaad (May 22, 2024). "Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan Saw a Gap in Pop, and Filled It". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ a b Cills, Hazel; Pearce, Sheldon; Hilton, Robin (June 18, 2024). "The best songs of 2024 (so far)". NPR.com (Podcast). NPR. Event occurs at 02:30. Archived from the original on June 22, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ a b Carr, Mary Kate (June 12, 2024). "25 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ Lindsay, Benjamin (June 21, 2024). "Chappell Roan Gets Standing O for Late Night Debut Performance of 'Good Luck, Babe!". The Wrap. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
- ^ Frank, Jason P (June 21, 2024). "Chappell Roan Is A Drag Songbird". Vulture. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
- ^ Siroky, Mary (June 11, 2024). "100 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)". Consequence. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ Wood, Mikael (June 7, 2024). "The 24 best songs of 2024 so far". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ Zoladz, Lindsay (June 20, 2024). "The 40 Best songs of 2024 (So Far)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ a b "The #Hot100 top 10 (chart dated Aug. 17, 2024)". Retrieved August 12, 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
- ^ Sofia, Natalie (June 9, 2024). Felix, Aleena (ed.). "Good Luck Babe!, and the Potential of Pop Albums". Rock & Art. Archived from the original on June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ Tanner, Juliana (June 11, 2024). "'Good luck, babe': The search for a lesbian soundtrack". The Michigan Daily. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ "Chappell Roan on Her First-Ever Coachella and the Magic of Makeup". Vogue. April 14, 2024. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
- ^ "Chappell Roan Discusses Meteoric Rise, Performs "Good Luck, Babe!" on Fallon: Watch". Pitchfork. June 21, 2024. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
- ^ Mier, Tomás (June 18, 2024). "Sabrina Carpenter Covers Chappell Roan's 'Good Luck, Babe' After Saying She Had It on 'Loop'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 19, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
- ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
- ^ "Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ "Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of August 17, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c Chappell Roan — Good Luck, Babe!. TopHit. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ "ARC 100 – date: 5. August 2024". HRT. August 5, 2024. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 31. týden 2024 in the date selector. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
- ^ "Chappell Roan: Good Luck, Babe!" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ^ "Top Singles (Week 33, 2024)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
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- ^ "Billboard Global 200: Week of August 10, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
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- ^ "TOP 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 31 (26/07/2024-01/08/2024)". RIM. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024 – via Facebook.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 32, 2024" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ^ "Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
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- ^ "Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week 29 (12 - 18 Jul 2024)". RIAS. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 202432 into search. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
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