The Heart of Dixie (song)
"The Heart of Dixie" is a song written by Brett James, Troy Verges and Caitlyn Smith, and recorded by American country music artist Danielle Bradbery.[1] It was released on July 16, 2013 as her debut single after being crowned the winner of the fourth season of The Voice, and the lead single of her eponymous debut album Danielle Bradbery.[2]
"The Heart of Dixie" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Danielle Bradbery | ||||
from the album Danielle Bradbery | ||||
Released | July 16, 2013 | |||
Recorded | 2013 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:29 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Brett James | |||
Danielle Bradbery singles chronology | ||||
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Composition
The song is in the key of G♭ major and has a moderate tempo of 84 beats per minute. The verses are in 7
4 time signature (3+4+3+4) before changing to 4
4 in the chorus [3]
Critical reception
Billy Dukes of country music blog Taste of Country gave the song a mixed review, stating that although Bradbery's "natural sweetness" shines in her "admirable" performance, the sixteen-year-old lacks the experience and conviction needed to be a good musical storyteller.[4] Roughstock responded more positively to the song, which contributor Matt Bjorke felt was right "in her element" and left him feeling "excited to hear what she has in store for her full-length debut album". Bjorke lauded the "timeless arrangement" as well as Bradbery's delivery, which he described as having "the confidence of someone... twice her age".[5] Nashville Gab gave the song an A− rating for "[tapping] into what Danielle does best" and highlighting her "effortless" and "authentic" vocals. The blog cited such influences as The Dixie Chicks and Carrie Underwood in declaring "The Heart of Dixie" exemplary of "country-pop at its finest".[6]
Music video
The music video was directed by Shane Drake and premiered September 23, 2013.[7] The Music video starts off with Bradbery arriving at the Butterfly Hollow along with her friends. There are scenes where Dixie is packing up her things and hitting the road. Bradbery eventually meets an older Dixie who is the owner of Butterfly Hollow.
Chart performance
"The Heart of Dixie" debuted at number 60 on the U.S. Billboard Country Airplay chart for the week of July 27, 2013.[8] As of March 2014, The song has sold 375,000 copies in the US.[9]
Chart (2013–2014) | Peak position |
---|---|
Canada Country (Billboard)[10] | 46 |
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[11] | 60 |
US Billboard Hot 100[12] | 58 |
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[13] | 12 |
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[14] | 16 |
Year-end charts
Chart (2014) | Position |
---|---|
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[15] | 65 |
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[16] | 68 |
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
United States (RIAA)[17] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
References
- Whitaker, Sterling (Jul 5, 2013). "Danielle Bradbery Reveals Title, Cover Art + Release Date for Debut Single". The Boot. Townsquare Media. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
- Sciarretto, Amy (Jul 6, 2013). "Danielle Bradbery Announces Debut Single 'The Heart of Dixie'". Taste of Country. Townsquare Media. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
- Bradbery, Danielle (10 December 2013). "Danielle Bradbery "The Heart of Dixie" Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved 2016-06-27.
- Dukes, Billy (Jul 8, 2013). "Danielle Bradbery, 'The Heart of Dixie' – Song Review". Taste of Country. Townsquare Media. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
- Bjorke, Matt (Jul 8, 2013). "Single Review: Danielle Bradbery - The Heart Of Dixie". Roughstock. Cheri Media. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
- Scott, Jason (Jul 9, 2013). "Danielle Bradbery, 'The Heart of Dixie' - Single Review". Nashville Gab. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
- Bjorke, Matt (September 20, 2013). "Danielle Bradbery to release Debut Music Video For "The Heart Of Dixie" On September 23, 2013". Roughstock. Archived from the original on September 22, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
- "Chart Highlights: Justin Timberlake Tops Adult Pop Songs; Pearl Jam Returns". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
- "Country Chart News - The Top 30 Digital Singles - March 26, 2014: Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, Dan + Shay. Jerrod Niemann Top 10, Scotty McCreery Sales Increase". Archived from the original on March 27, 2014.
- "Danielle Bradbery Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard.
- "Danielle Bradbery Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
- "Danielle Bradbery Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- "Danielle Bradbery Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard.
- "Danielle Bradbery Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
- "Billboard Country Update for December 15, 2014" (PDF). Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. December 15, 2014. p. 17. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
- "Best of 2014: Hot Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
- "American single certifications – Danielle Bradbery – The Heart of Dixie". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 25, 2017.