How Country Feels (song)

"How Country Feels" is a song recorded by American country music artist Randy Houser. It was released in May 2012 as the first single and title track from his album of the same name.[1] It was written by Vicky McGehee, Wendell Mobley, and Neil Thrasher.[2] The song became famous for being the first song on all stations so far joining Cumulus Media's "Nash FM" format, starting with WNSH in New York in January 2013.

"How Country Feels"
Single by Randy Houser
from the album How Country Feels
Released	May 7, 2012
Genre	Country
Length	3:05
Label	Stoney Creek
Songwriter(s)	Vicky McGehee Wendell Mobley Neil Thrasher
Producer(s)	Derek George
Randy Houser singles chronology
"In God's Time" (2011) "How Country Feels" (2012) "Runnin' Outta Moonlight" (2013)

Critical reception

Billy Dukes of Taste of Country gave the song three and a half stars out of five, writing that "the lyrics are sharp but familiar, and there isn’t a whole lot of attitude until a guitar solo late in the song."[3] Matt Bjorke of Roughstock gave the song a favorable review, calling it "a strong, melodic single that is immediate and hook-filled and sung perfectly."[4]

Commercial performance

"How Country Feels" debuted at number 55 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the week of May 12, 2012.[5] It debuted at number 81 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of November 21, 2012. It debuted at number 55 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart for the week of December 15, 2012. On the Country Airplay chart dated February 2, 2013, "How Country Feels" became Houser's first Number One country hit. The song has sold over a million copies in the US as of March 2015.[6]

Music video

The music video was filmed at Glen Leven Farm in Nashville, Tennessee. It was directed by Wes Edwards and premiered on August 31, 2013.[7]

The video starts off in an office building. A typical female office worker in her cubicle chats with her friend online. The friend ask if she is able to hangout with her and their other friends in the country, but she can't because she is working during the weekend. Her friend sends her a music link, the same song. When she clicks on it she takes off her glasses and enters a daydream of her in the countryside.

She wonders around in the field and accepts a ride with a nice young man with a pick up truck. He takes her to a country cottage with many of his friends are hanging out. As the video progresses, the female worker begins to ditch her work heels in favor for country boots and starts enjoying the fun of being out in the country. Nearing the end Randy Houser is seen as entertainment for the people at the cottage, which is also where he and his group are playing in during the video. As she leans to kiss the young who picked her up, she wakes up in her cubicle thinking it was a dream. But seeing she is still where her boots makes her suggest otherwise.

Charts and certifications

Album Chart (2012–13) Peak position Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[8] 46 Canada Country (Billboard)[9] 1 US Billboard Hot 100[10] 42 US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[11] 6 US Country Airplay (Billboard)[12] 1 Year-end charts Chart (2012) Position US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[13] 70 Chart (2013) Position US Country Airplay (Billboard)[14] 51 US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[15] 46

Certifications Region Certification Certified units/sales Canada (Music Canada)[16] Gold 40,000^^ United States (RIAA)[17] Platinum 1,008,000[6] ^^shipments figures based on certification alone

References

1. Conaway, Alanna (April 22, 2012). "Randy Houser Reveals Forthcoming Album Will Reflect New 'Domesticated' Lifestyle". Taste of Country. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
2. Conaway, Alanna (July 27, 2012). "Randy Houser, 'How Country Feels' – Lyrics Uncovered". Taste of Country. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
3. Dukes, Billy (April 17, 2012). "Randy Houser, 'How Country Feels' – Song Review". Taste of Country. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
4. Bjorke, Matt (April 13, 2012). "The Weekly Single Recap: April 12, 2012". Roughstock. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
5. Morris, Edward (May 5, 2012). "Rascal Flatts' "Banjo" Rings as Week's Top Song". Country Music Television. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
6. Matt Bjorke (March 18, 2015). "Country Music's Top 30 Digital Singles: Week of March 18, 2015". Roughstock.
7. "CMT Hosts Premiere For Randy Houser's "How Country Feels" Video". All Access. August 28, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
8. "Randy Houser Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
9. "Randy Houser Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard.
10. "Randy Houser Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
11. "Randy Houser Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
12. "Randy Houser Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard.
13. "Best of 2012: Hot Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
14. "Best of 2013: Country Airplay". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
15. "Best of 2013: Hot Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
16. "Canadian single certifications – Randy Houser – How Country Feels". Music Canada. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
17. "American single certifications – Randy Houser – How Country Feels". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 15, 2014. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH.