Never Say Never (Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson song)

"Never Say Never" is a song by American country music singers Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson. It was released on November 19, 2021, as the second single from Swindell's fourth studio album Stereotype. Swindell co-wrote the song with Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill, and it was produced by Zach Crowell.[2] It peaked at number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in April 2022, becoming Swindell's seventh number one single, and Wilson's second.

"Never Say Never"
Single by Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson
from the album Stereotype
Written2018
ReleasedNovember 19, 2021 (2021-11-19)
GenreCountry rock[1]
Length2:56
LabelWarner Nashville
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Zach Crowell
Cole Swindell singles chronology
"Single Saturday Night"
(2020)
"Never Say Never"
(2021)
"She Had Me at Heads Carolina"
(2022)
Lainey Wilson singles chronology
"Things a Man Oughta Know"
(2020)
"Never Say Never"
(2021)
"Heart Like a Truck"
(2022)
Music video
"Never Say Never" on YouTube

Background and content

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On November 18, 2021, Swindell and Wilson announced the collaboration on social media,[3] "Never Say Never" is the first duet between the two artists. Swindell stated in a press release: "I wrote 'Never Say Never' with Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill in 2018 about a relationship you just can't stay away from, I have been a fan of Lainey Wilson's for a while now and what she brings to this song is everything it needed". Wilson said: "'Things a Man Oughta Know' was such an incredible ride, I can’t wait to get this next song out into the world and see where it leads".[4]

Composition

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Billy Dukes of Taste of Country wrote that the producer Zach Crowell "adds a swirl of emotions with steel guitar, keys and a thundering rhythm section" that contrasts Swindell's previous work.[5]

Critical reception

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Music and Tour News commented that Wilson's presence "give[s] the stellar song an added dimension" and the two artists "sound absolutely fantastic together on the smash-hit".[6]

Music video

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The music video was released on January 12, 2022, and directed by FlyHi Films’ Michael Monaco. The video was filmed in Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary located at the suburb of Knoxville, Tennessee. It tells a story about "a forbidden relationship between a prison guard with an inmate".[7]

Charts

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Certifications

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Certifications for "Never Say Never"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[16] Gold 40,000
United States (RIAA)[17] Platinum 1,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

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Release history for "Never Say Never"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various November 19, 2021 Warner Nashville [18]
United States November 22, 2021 Country radio [19]

References

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  1. ^ Farthing, Lydia (December 2, 2021). "Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson Join Forces On Fiery Duet, 'Never Say Never' [Interview]". Music Row. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  2. ^ Jo Black, Lauren (November 22, 2021). "Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson Are Most-Added at Country Radio with New Duet, 'Never Say Never'". Country Now. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  3. ^ Scott, Shelby (November 18, 2021). "Cole Swindell Releases 'Never Say Never' Single with Lainey Wilson". Outsider. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  4. ^ Wendowski, Andrew (November 18, 2021). "Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson Release "Never Say Never" Duet, An Arena-Ready Anthem Destined To Top The Charts". Music Mayhem Magazine. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  5. ^ Dukes, Billy (November 22, 2021). "Cole Swindell + Lainey Wilson's Smoldering 'Never Say Never' Recalls the Best Bad Decisions [Listen]". Taste of Country. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  6. ^ "Cole Swindell Releases 'Never Say Never' With Lainey Wilson". Music and Tour News. November 22, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  7. ^ Jo Black, Lauren (January 12, 2022). "WATCH: Couple Finds Forbidden Love In Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson's 'Never Say Never' Video". Country Now. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  8. ^ "Cole Swindell Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  9. ^ "Cole Swindell Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  10. ^ "Cole Swindell Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  11. ^ "Cole Swindell Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  12. ^ "Cole Swindell Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  13. ^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  14. ^ "Country Airplay – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  15. ^ "Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  16. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson – Never Say Never". Music Canada. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  17. ^ "American single certifications – Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson – Never Say Never". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  18. ^ "Never Say Never - Single by Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson". November 19, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021 – via Apple Music.
  19. ^ "Future Releases for Country Radio Stations". All Access. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.