Get ready for a country-pop earworm with a delightfully deranged music video that will stick with you!
The Song
"Stuck Like Glue" is a vibrant and catchy track by American country music duo Sugarland, released on July 26, 2010. It served as the lead single from their highly anticipated fourth studio album, The Incredible Machine, which followed on October 19, 2010. The song was co-written by Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland, along with Kevin Griffin and Shy Carter.
The track is notable for its upbeat, cheerful, and sometimes quirky sound, incorporating unexpected reggae beats in its bridge, a deliberate choice by the duo to broaden country music's appeal. Nettles described the reggae break as a natural fit, allowing for a more melodic, "sing-songy" spoken-word style. Producers for the song included Nettles, Bush, and Byron Gallimore.
The Artist
Sugarland is an American country music duo consisting of lead vocalist Jennifer Nettles and multi-instrumentalist Kristian Bush. Formed in Douglas, Georgia, the group initially began as a trio in 2002 with Kristen Hall, who later departed in 2006. Known for their dynamic live performances and genre-bending approach, Sugarland has consistently pushed the boundaries of country music, incorporating elements of pop and rock.
Prior to Sugarland, Nettles fronted bands like Soul Miner's Daughter, and Bush was one half of the duo Billy Pilgrim. Their collaboration in Sugarland has garnered them numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards, solidifying their status as a prominent act in modern country music. Their album The Incredible Machine, from which "Stuck Like Glue" originates, showcased their exploration of a broader pop-country sound and a steampunk-inspired aesthetic.
Chart Performance
"Stuck Like Glue" quickly made a significant impact on the charts upon its release. It debuted at number 44 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on August 7, 2010. The following week, it made a strong entry onto the Billboard Hot 100 at number 20. The single also reached number 53 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart.
The song's success continued, becoming the 11th most downloaded country music song of all time by April 2011. It was also the best-selling song by a country duo until it was surpassed by Florida Georgia Line's "Cruise" in April 2013. In the UK, "Stuck Like Glue" entered the Top 100 at number 74 on February 13, 2011.
Cultural Impact
"Stuck Like Glue" was lauded for its fresh and "oddball" sound, with critics praising Jennifer Nettles' vocal stylings and the song's overall production. Its infectious melody and unexpected reggae break contributed to its distinctiveness and wide appeal, making it a "sassy song to make you feel good."
The music video, in particular, sparked conversation and became a memorable part of the song's cultural footprint due to its quirky and slightly deranged narrative. The song's popularity extended beyond radio play, topping the list of most-requested country dance club songs of 2010, marking the first time a female singer had achieved the number one spot on this annual ranking. It remains one of Sugarland's most recognizable tracks.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Stuck Like Glue," directed by Declan Whitebloom, features Jennifer Nettles playing a "crazy stalker" and Kristian Bush as her henchman.
- Actor Ryan McPartlin, known for his role as Devon Woodcomb (aka "Captain Awesome") in the NBC series Chuck, plays the object of Nettles' affection in the video.
- Nettles likened her video persona to the Dolores Umbridge character from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, describing the character as "sweet and colorful... and yet she is crazy and deranged, which makes it even creepier."
- Kristian Bush is a big fan of the show Chuck and reportedly tried to get Sugarland on the show.
- The song came about after Kevin Griffin and Shy Carter approached Sugarland with a song they thought would fit the duo, and Nettles and Bush then co-wrote the second verse and the reggae-infused bridge.