Need a Favor explained

Need a Favor
Cover:Jelly Roll - Need a Favor.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Jelly Roll
Album:Whitsitt Chapel
Released:December 9, 2022
Genre:Country rock
Length:3:17
Label:BBR
Producer:Austin Nivarel
Prev Title:Dead Man Walking
Prev Year:2021
Next Title:Save Me (Remix)
Next Year:2023

"Need a Favor" is a song by American musician Jelly Roll, released on December 9, 2022, as the lead single from his ninth studio album Whitsitt Chapel (2023). Jelly Roll co-wrote the song with Rob Ragosta, Joe Ragosta and Austin Nivarel, the latter of whom produced it. The song was sent to country radio on February 13, 2023.[1]

Composition and lyrics

"Need a Favor" is a country rock song[2] which centers on a man being on the verge of losing himself and praying for God to do him a favor, but also admitting he does not deserve it and hoping to repent for his past actions.[3] [4] Jelly Roll sings in the chorus, "I only talk to God when I need a favor / And I only pray when I ain't got a prayer / So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I / To expect a Savior o-o-oh / If I only talk to God when I need a favor / But God I need a favor / Amen... Amen".

Critical reception

Lesley Janes of The Nash News wrote, "The combination of rock and country is easy to find on this song. He speaks with raw authenticity that it's impossible not to believe every word he sings. Everyone needs a helping hand at times, and Jelly Roll is able to capture that perfectly on this track. The line, "Who the Hell am I to expect a savior," brings true humility to the forefront." Jess of Taste of Country wrote, "Both sonically and lyrically, the song feels like a prime track for the soundtrack of an upcoming Yellowstone episode."

Live performances

Jelly Roll performed the song at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.[5] He also performed the song with Wynonna Judd at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards.

Accolades

Organization! scope="col"
YearCategoryResult
People's Choice Country Awards2023The Song of 2023
The Music Video of 2023
Country Music Association Awards2023Single of the Year
Music Video of the Year
Billboard Music Awards2023Top Rock Song
IHeartRadio Music Awards2024Rock Song of the Year
CMT Music Awards2024Video of the Year
Male Video of the Year
CMT Performance of the Year
Academy of Country Music Awards2024Single of the Year

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2023–24)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australia Hitseekers (ARIA)[6] 19
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[7] 17

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[8] 81
US Billboard Hot 100[9] 34
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[10] 47
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[11] 5
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[12] 8
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[13] 3
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[14] 6

Notes and References

  1. Web site: "Future Releases for Country Radio Stations New Music Artist Free Song" . 5 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230213154113/https://www.allaccess.com/country/future-releases . February 13, 2023 . February 13, 2023.
  2. Web site: Janes . Lesley . Jelly Roll "Need a Favor" Song Review . The Nash News . 5 June 2023 . December 9, 2022.
  3. Web site: Jelly Roll Admits Spiritual Hypocrisy in Gritty 'Need a Favor' . Taste of Country . 5 June 2023 . December 16, 2022.
  4. Web site: O'Connell . Madeleine . Jelly Roll To Impact Country Radio With ‘Need A Favor’ . Country Now . 5 June 2023 . January 13, 2023.
  5. Web site: Jelly Roll - "Need a Favor" . https://web.archive.org/web/20230601013659/https://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/video-clips/tk2sxu/cmt-music-awards-2023-jelly-roll-need-a-favor . dead . June 1, 2023 . . 5 June 2023 . April 2, 2023.
  6. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 20 November 2023. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1759. 25. November 20, 2023.
  7. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. January 1, 2024. December 29, 2023.
  8. Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  9. Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  10. Adult Pop Airplay Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  11. Country Airplay Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 21, 2023.
  12. Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  13. Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 26, 2023.
  14. Rock & Alternative Airplay Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 26, 2023.

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