Blow (Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars song)
{{short description|2019 single by Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{use British English|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Blow
| cover = Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars - Blow.png
| alt = Black text, spelling the word "Blow" with white background
| type = Single
| artist = Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars
| album = No.6 Collaborations Project
| released = 5 July 2019
| recorded =
| studio = Glenwood Place (Burbank, California)
| genre =
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=29}}
| label =
| writer =
- Ed Sheeran
- Chris Stapleton
- Bruno Mars
- Brody Brown
- Frank Rogers
- J.T. Cure
- Bard McNamee
- Gregory McKee
| producer = Bruno Mars
| chronology = Ed Sheeran
| prev_title = Beautiful People
| prev_year = 2019
| title = Blow
| title2 = Best Part of Me
| next_title = Antisocial" / "South of the Border
| next_year = 2019
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = Chris Stapleton
| type = single
| prev_title = Millionaire
| prev_year = 2018
| title = Blow
| year = 2019
| next_title = Love Me Anyway
| next_year = 2019
}}
{{Extra chronology
| artist = Bruno Mars
| type = single
| prev_title = Please Me
| prev_year = 2019
| title = Blow
| year = 2019
| next_title = Leave the Door Open
| next_year = 2021
}}
{{External music video|{{YouTube|s93NCuXt7x4|"Blow"}}}}
}}
"Blow" (stylised in all uppercase) is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and American singer-songwriters Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars. It was released on 5 July 2019 through Asylum and Atlantic Records, along with "Best Part of Me", as the fourth and fifth singles respectively from his compilation album No.6 Collaborations Project (2019). "Blow" was co-written by Sheeran, Stapleton, Mars, Brody Brown, Frank Rogers, J.T. Cure, Bard McNamee and Gregory McKee. Mars produced the song and played all the instruments except the bass. "Blow" is a rock, blues rock and hard rock song. Lyrically it is about a lover who leaving someone spurned crazy; it is mixed with gun references and sexual innuendo.
Music critics gave "Blow" mixed reviews, with some praising the singer's vocals and the song's hard rock sound, while others criticised the lyrics calling the sound dated. The song reached number 60 on Billboard Hot 100 and 39 on the Canadian Hot 100, being certified platinum by Music Canada (MC). It also peaked at number three on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, number four on Canada Rock and number 21 on the Australian Singles Charts. In the music video which is directed by Mars and Florent Dechard, Sheeran, Stapleton and Mars are replaced by an all-female rock band. The song was performed at The Viper Room.
Background
During an interview with Charlamagne tha God discussing his No.6 Collaborations Project (2019), Ed Sheeran revealed that he had been inspired by Christina Aguilera's collaboration with Lil' Kim, Mýa and Pink on "Lady Marmalade" (2001). As a result, he worked with Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars. He said it would be "fun" to be on a record with them. The first person he reached out to was Mars who said, "Let's just do a song."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8513219/ed-sheeran-charlamagne-that-god-interview|title=Ed Sheeran Teases Bruno Mars Track On 'No. 6 Collaborations Project' in New Interview|last=Saponara|first=Michael|magazine=Billboard|date=28 May 2019|access-date=18 January 2020}} The track's title was announced on 18 June 2019 as well as the guest artists who would record it.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ed-sheeran-announces-tracklisting-special-guests-new-album-no-6-collaborators-project-2510718/amp|title=Ed Sheeran announces tracklisting and special guests for new album 'No.6 Collaborators Project'|first=Rhian|last=Daly|work=NME|date=18 June 2019|access-date=20 June 2019}} On 2 July 2019, Sheeran teased the release of "Blow" on Instagram.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8518549/ed-sheeran-beautiful-people-acoustic-video-abbey-road|title=Ed Sheeran Shares Acoustic Performance of 'Beautiful People' at Abbey Road|last= Shafer|first=Ellise|magazine=Billboard|date=2 July 2019|access-date=14 August 2019}}
Sheeran, Chris Stapleton and Mars wrote the track in a basement in Nashville.{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/ed-sheeran-chris-stapleton-bruno-mars-blow/|title=Chris Stapleton Collaborates With Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars on Rocking Anthem, "Blow" (Listen)|last=Krol|first=Jacklyn|work=Taste of Country|date=5 July 2019|access-date=18 January 2020}} Sheeran said that the trio recorded various songs, but the single's rock sound came from Stapleton. Sheeran explained, "It was purely by accident with Stapleton... he played us the riff".{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/ed-sheeran-album-no-6-collaborations-project-a4188761.html|title=Ed Sheeran's No 6 Collaborations Project: Each song broken down by the singer himself|last=Chambers|first=Georgia|work=Evening Standard|date=12 July 2019|access-date=18 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://people.com/music/ed-sheeran-no-6-collaboration-explained/|title=Ed Sheeran Explains Everything You Need to Know from Each Song on No. 6 Collaborations Project|last=Cursto|first=Justin|work=People|date=12 July 2019|access-date=18 January 2020}} However Sheeran and Mars had several arguments while working on the song, and "Bruno never stopped reminding him just which one of them had sold more records."{{cite web|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2019/7/15/ed-sheeran-says-bruno-mars-tried-to-one-up-him-on-record-sal.html|title=Ed Sheeran says Bruno Mars tried to one-up him on record sales: "I've got two diamond singles!"|last=Dresdale|first=Andrea|publisher=ABC NewsRadio|date=15 July 2019|access-date=18 January 2020|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022222316/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2019/7/15/ed-sheeran-says-bruno-mars-tried-to-one-up-him-on-record-sal.html|url-status=dead}} Sheeran affirmed that people did not expect that kind of song from him and are surprised when they listen to it.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/ed-sheeran-5-things-iheartradio-interview-1203266313/|title=Ed Sheeran Is Married, and Other Things We Learned from his iHeartRadio Interview|last=Nissen|first=Dano|work=Variety|date=12 July 2019|access-date=18 January 2020}} Mars said it was a "privilege" working with Sheeran and Stapleton saying, "You never know what you're gonna land on when you collaborate with other musicians". He and Sheeran said they had fun recording the song.{{cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/life/ed-sheeran-bruno-mars-and-chris-stapleton-team-up-for-rock-jam-blow/|title=Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars And Chris Stapleton Team Up For Rock Jam 'Blow'|last=Njoku|first=Chisom|work=The Guardian (Nigeria)|date=6 July 2019|access-date=18 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ed-sheeran-releases-two-new-tracks-upcoming-no-6-collaborations-project-2524450|title=Ed Sheeran releases two new tracks from his upcoming 'No.6 Collaborations' project|last=Aubrey|first=Elizabeth|work=NME|date=5 July 2019|access-date=5 July 2019}}
Production and release
"Blow" was written by Sheeran, Stapleton, Mars, Brody Brown, Frank Rogers, J.T. Cure, Bard McNamee and Gregory McKee. Mars was a producer and he played the guitar, drums and the moog. Brown played the bass. Charles Moniz and Joe Rubel, with engineering assistant Jacob "The Menace" Dennis, engineered the song. The track was mixed by Manny Marroquin at Larrabee Sound Studios, Los Angeles with Chris Galland serving as a mixing engineer assisted by Robin Florent and Scott Desmarais. It was mastered by Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis Mastering in London.
"Blow" premiered on 5 July 2019, on Australian radio station KIIS 106.5.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/KIIS1065/status/1145870221875400704|title=Ed Sheeran has been teasing his new song Blow with Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton for THIS FRIDAY! #KeepKIISLoud to hear it FIRST when it drops!|via=Twitter|date=1 July 2019|access-date=18 January 2020}} Atlantic and Asylum Records released the song on the same day, along with Sheeran and Yebba's "Best Part of Me" (2019), to digital download and streaming services in various countries.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8518788/ed-sheeran-bruno-mars-blow-best-part-of-me|title=Ed Sheeran Drops Bruno Mars-Assisted 'Blow' and 'Best Part of Me'|author=Billboard Staff|magazine=Billboard|date=5 July 2019|access-date=5 July 2019}} Atlantic released the single on 8 July 2019, to several radio formats including active rock, contemporary hit radio and Hot AC radio stations in the United States. On 10 July 2019, the single was re-released to active rock.
Composition
{{listen|filename=Ed_Sheeran,_Chris_Stapleton_and_Bruno_Mars_-_Blow.ogg|title="Blow"
|description=A 20-second sample of "Blow", where Stapleton sings a portion of the chorus.
|pos=left
|format=Ogg}}
File:Jimmy Page with Robert Plant 2 - Led Zeppelin - 1977.jpg and other rock bands.]]
"Blow" is a rock, blues rock and hard rock song.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8518797/first-stream-post-malone-ed-sheeran-dreamville|title=First Stream: New Music From Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, Dreamville & More|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|magazine=Billboard|date=5 July 2019|access-date=14 August 2019}}{{cite magazine|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/hear-ed-sheeran-rock-bruno-mars-chris-stapleton-blow/|title=Hear Ed Sheeran Rock out With Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton on "Blow"|last=Zemler|first=Emily|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=5 July 2019|access-date=5 July 2019|url-access=limited}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/ed-sheeranno-6-collaborations-project-review-starry-collaborations/|title=Ed Sheeran, No 6 Collaborations Project, review: starry combinations produce predictable pop smashes|last=McCormick|first=Neil|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=12 July 2019|access-date=17 July 2019}} It features a "chunky-fun" 80s heavy-metal "distorted electric guitar riff".{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/ed-sheeran-no-6-collaborations-project-review-tracklist-stormzy-eminem-50-cent-justin-bieber-cardi-b-a9002481.html|title=Ed Sheeran, No 6 Collaborations Project review: Bland, sincere and hygienically prepared|last=Brown|first=Helen|work=The Independent|date=12 July 2019|access-date=17 July 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review-ed-sheeran-no-6-collaborations-project-feels-like-playacting/|title=Review: Ed Sheeran's No.6 Collaborations Project Feels Like Playacting|last=Wilson|first=Seth|work=Slant Magazine|date=18 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}} The screeching guitar is accompanied by a lively drumbeat which "bounce[s] off [the] ears" and an extended shouted high note.{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/ed-sheeran-no-6-collaborations-project|title=Ed Sheeran – No. 6 Collaborations Project|last=Padin|first=Malvika|work=Clash|date=15 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.straight.com/music/1265486/ed-sheeran-bruno-mars-and-chris-stapleton-just-put-out-heavy-rock-tune-and-its-time|title=Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Chris Stapleton just put out a heavy rock tune and it's time to accept that genres aren't a thing anymore|work=The Georgia Straight|last=Boddez|first=Ben|date=11 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}} "Blow" is an upbeat track, composed in the key of E-flat minor with a tempo of 92 beats per minute.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2019/07/ed-sheeran-blow-best-part-of-me-bruno-mars-chris-stapleton-yebba/|title=Ed Sheeran Releases Two New Songs With Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, More|last=Arcand|first=Rob|work=Spin|date=5 July 2019|access-date=5 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0198653|title=Ed Sheeran with Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars – Blow Sheet Music in Eb Minor|date=10 July 2019|publisher=Musicnotes|access-date=19 January 2020}} They showcase "Stapleton's familiar howl, a soulful Mars", as well as an uncommon "rough-around-the-edges" Sheeran.{{cite web|url=https://eu.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/07/05/ed-sheeran-new-song-blow-with-chris-stapleton-bruno-mars/1655803001/|title=Chris Stapleton joins Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars for new song, 'Blow': Listen|last=Leimkuehler|first=Matthew|work=The Tennessean|date=5 July 2019|access-date=20 January 2020}}
AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine and Slant Magazine{{'s}} Seth Wilson, respectively described the single as loud and crazy; Erlewine says it is a "churning rocker". Alexis Petridis of The Guardian compared its energy to a mix of Led Zeppelin with Queens of the Stone Age.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jul/12/ed-sheeran-no-6-collaborations-project-review|title=Ed Sheeran: No 6 Collaborations Project review – smarm, charm and a watertight winning formula|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|work=The Guardian|date=13 July 2019|access-date=17 July 2019}} Sarah Murphy of Exclaim! called "Blow" a strange fusion of each artists' genre—pop, rock, soul—with "Led Zeppelin worship".{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/ed_sheeran_bruno_mars_and_chris_stapleton_join_forces_on_blow|title=Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton Join Forces on "Blow"|last=Murphy|first=Sarah|work=Exclaim!|date=5 July 2019|access-date=20 January 2020}} According to Jon Caramanica of The New York Times the sound evokes a "raucous quasi-Aerosmith screamfest".{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/17/arts/music/ed-sheeran-no6-collaborations-project-review.html|title=Ed Sheeran, No 6 Collaborations Project, review: starry combinations produce predictable pop smashes|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|work=The New York Times|date=17 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718141939/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/17/arts/music/ed-sheeran-no6-collaborations-project-review.html|archive-date=18 July 2019|url-access=limited}}
Billboard{{'s}} Jason Lipshutz felt the guitar riffs and lyrics seemed to be inspired by the Black Keys' album Let's Rock (2019). Lyrically, the single finds the trio "serenading a love interest" who leaves them insane. Stapleton sings in a verse: "Supernatural woman, supernatural freak / Don't know what you're doin,' got me feelin' weak / Oh, I wanna call you fever, baby, you can set a fire on me... pop it like a pistol, mama".{{cite news|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/337428/p2fb-listen-ed-sheeran-recruits-bruno-mars-and-chris-stapleton-in-new-single-blow#ixzz6BUi2chHj|title=Listen: Ed Sheeran recruits Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton in new single 'BLOW'|author=AFP Relaxnews|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=7 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}} Another lyric is "Pull my trigger, let me blow your mind". Mars says "Baby, tell me, what's your fantasy?" and Sheeran speaks of having a child "with his woman".
Ben Boddez writing for The Georgia Straight felt the recording is another example of the blending of music genres, which started with several newcomers dominating the top of the charts. Boddez opines that rock and roll could make its way into the mainstream by artists like Sheeran making "marketable pop music".
Critical reception
"Blow" has received mixed reviews from music critics. Jason Lipshutz writing for Billboard enjoyed the track as the trio are "vocal pros and adapt to the sound capably", handling the style of the single. Malvika Padin from Clash believes the song "makes up for every failing becoming the perfect end to a long-winded journey." Ben Boddez of The Georgia Straight found Sheeran to have the least influence on the track, but not "out of place", with Mars's production and guitar solo and "powerhouse vocals" being the main focus and Stapleton being comfortable on the "heavier mix". Boddez named the song as "pretty fantastic". All Music's Stephen Thomas Erlewine commended Sheeran's collaborations choices, as it not only reaches new audiences, but also the choice of a "pop star as big as himself."{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/no-6-collaborations-project-mw0003284338|title=No.6 Collaborations Project – Ed Sheeran|last=Thomas Erlewine|first=Stephen|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=29 August 2019}} Mike Nied of Idolator lauded the collaboration as it was "surprising" the singers reached a "common ground on a rock-infused anthem".{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7822072/double-feature-ed-sheeran-drops-blow-best-part-of-me|title=Double Feature! Ed Sheeran Drops 'Blow' & 'Best Part Of Me'|last=Nied|first=Mike|publisher=Idolator|access-date=5 July 2019|date=5 July 2019|archive-date=24 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024053129/https://www.idolator.com/7822072/double-feature-ed-sheeran-drops-blow-best-part-of-me|url-status=dead}} The Tennessean{{'s}} Matthew Leimkuehler was pleased and surprised with the "headbangin" recording. In a mixed review, Lucy Shanker from Consequence of Sound praised Sheeran's change in sound matching Stapleton's style. Shanker affirmed the song worked due to Stapleton being "one of the most talented musicians of this generation" and Sheeran having few verses.{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2019/07/album-review-ed-sheeran-no-6-collaborations-project/|title=Ed Sheeran Fumbles on the Star-Studded No. 6 Collaborations Project|last=Shanker|first=Lucy|work=Consequence of Sound|date=19 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2019}}
On the other hand, Chris Willman of Variety said that despite "Blow" being "intriguing on paper" it is "pastiche", with the three artists being together on a "Rock of Ages" joke. Willman dubbed it as a "bogged down moment".{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/ed-sheeran-album-review-no-6-collaborations-project-1203265887/|title=Album Review: Ed Sheeran's 'No.6 Collaborations Project|last=Willman|first=Chris|work=Variety|date=12 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}} NME{{'s}} Nick Levine criticized Sheeran's vocals as they sound like "terrible hair metal come-ons" and dubbed the guitar solo as ironic. Levine concluded that "Blow" is "a fun piece of dress-up".{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/ed-sheehan-no-6-collaborations-project-track-by-track-review|title=Ed Sheeran – 'No. 6 Collaborations Project': a track-by-track review|last=Levine|first=Nick|work=NME|date=12 July 2019|access-date=17 July 2019}} Seth Wilson from Slant Magazine was disapproval towards the lyrics, as they "make L.A. Guns seem like Nobel laureates". Wilson concluded that "Blow" shows the problem with the album, in that "Sheeran opts to avoid his strengths." Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph called the song "retrogressive and fake", with the single objective of expand "the demographic of everyone involved." Winston Cook-Wilson writing for Spin described the song as "assaultive" and "puzzling", saying that there is "nothing fun about the actual process of listening".{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2019/07/ed-sheeran-blow-bruno-mars-chris-stapleton-video-watch/|title=Video: Ed Sheeran – "BLOW" ft. Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton|last=Cook-Wilson|first=Winston|work=Spin|date=8 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}}
Commercial performance
"Blow" debuted at number 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100 with 26,000 downloads, 7.5 million streams and 1.5 million radio impressions in its first full tracking week. The single debuted at its number three peak on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. This was Stapleton and Mars's first appearance on the chart, and Sheeran's first since 2013. The song also debuted at number one on Rock Digital Songs, marking each artist's first leader.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8520443/ed-sheeran-chris-stapleton-bruno-mars-rock-charts-blow|title=Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars Invade Rock Charts With 'Blow'|last=Rutherford|first=Kevin|magazine=Billboard|date=17 July 2019|access-date=14 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717231726/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8520443/ed-sheeran-chris-stapleton-bruno-mars-rock-charts-blow|archive-date=17 July 2019}} "Blow" debuted at its peak of number 39 on the Canadian Hot 100 and peaked at number four on Canada Rock, spending twenty-five weeks there. It was certified platinum by Music Canada (MC). It appeared at number 31 in Australia and entered at its peak, number 21, on the Scottish Single Charts. On the Czech Republic and Slovakia single charts, the song peaked at number 53 and 56, respectively. Despite only charting at number 35 on the United Kingdom's Streaming Chart, "Blow" was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Music video
Sheeran announced the music video was set to be released on 30 June 2019, however it was delayed until 8 July 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-07-01-ed-sheeran-teases-bruno-mars-chris-stapleton-duet-for-friday-release/|title=Ed Sheeran Teases Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton Duet For Friday Release|first=Hayden|last=Brooks|publisher=iHeartRadio|date=1 July 2019|access-date=1 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/ed-sheeran-drops-new-video-for-blow-featuring-bruno-mars-and-chris-stapleton-1203260862/|title=Ed Sheeran Drops New Video for 'Blow,' Featuring Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton|author=Variety Staff|work=Variety|date=8 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}} It was directed by Mars and Florent Dechard and shot in three days.{{cite web|url=https://www.videostatic.com/watch-it/2019/07/08/ed-sheeran-w-chris-stapleton-bruno-mars-blow-bruno-mars-dir|title=Ed Sheeran w/ Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars "Blow" (Bruno Mars & Florent Dechard, dir.)|last= Gottlieb|first=Steven|publisher=VideoStatic|date=8 July 2019|access-date=26 November 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5475900/ed-sheeran-video-blow-bruno-mars-chris-stapleton|title=Ed Sheeran drops music video for 'Blow,' featuring Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton|last=Wallis|first=Adam|work=Global News|date=9 July 2019|access-date=21 January 2020}} One of the actresses featured in the video, Jordan Kelly DeBarge, affirmed: "Please believe me when I say blood sweat and tears went into the making of this masterpiece".
In the music video, Sheeran, Stapleton and Mars are replaced by an all-female band including a former America's Next Top Model Cycle 23 contestant Cherish Waters, model/actress DeBarge (who wears a black cowboy hat) and former I Know My Kid's a Star runner up, Cheyenne Haynes.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ed-sheeran-gender-flipped-video-blow-bruno-mars-chris-stapleton-2525741|title=Watch Ed Sheeran's gender-flipped video for 'Blow', featuring Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton|first=Charlotte|last=Krol|work=NME|date=8 July 2019|access-date=14 August 2019}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8518867/ed-sheeran-blow-video-watch|title=Ed Sheeran's 'Blow' Video is a Gender-Flipped Rock Blowout: Watch|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|magazine=Billboard|date=8 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}} Waters, who leads the girl group, gets the crowd excited and lip-syncs the song along with the band in front of a crowd of rock fans during a "raucous" show at The Viper Room, a Los Angeles nightclub.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-ed-sheeran-music-video-blow-856239/|title=Watch Ed Sheeran's Raucous Music Video for 'Blow'|first=Emily|last=Zemler|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=8 July 2019|access-date=14 August 2019|url-access=limited}} The three vocalists are accompanied by Francesca Simone, Venzella Joy and Lauren Dais as bandmates.
Joshua Espinoza of Complex called the video "incredible".{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/07/ed-sheeran-bruno-mars-chris-stapleton-blow-yebba-best-part-of-me|title=Ed Sheeran Drops Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton Collaboration "Blow"|last=Espinoza|first=Joshua|work=Complex|date=5 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}} Cook-Wilson fromSpin described it as "tongue-in-cheek" and "energetic". Billboard{{'s}} Gil Kaufman found the video to have "high-energy".
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of No.6 Collaborations Project.{{cite AV media notes|title=No.6 Collaborations Project|title-link=No.6 Collaborations Project|year=2019|type=CD booklet|publisher=Asylum Records, Atlantic Records|location=United States}}
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{{col-2}}
- Ed Sheeran – vocals, songwriter
- Chris Stapleton – vocals, songwriter
- Bruno Mars – vocals, songwriter, producer, guitar, drums, moog
- Brody Brown – songwriter, bass
- Frank Rogers – songwriter
- J.T. Cure – songwriter
- Bard McNamee – songwriter
- Greg McKee – songwriter
{{col-2}}
- Charles Moniz – engineering
- Joe Rubel – engineering
- Jacob "The Menace" Dennis – engineering assistance
- Manny Marroquin – mixing
- Chris Galland – mix engineering
- Robin Florent – mix engineering assistance
- Scott Desmarais – mix engineering assistance
- Stuart Hawkes – mastering
{{col-end}}
Charts
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{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for "Blow" ! scope="col"| Chart (2019) ! scope="col"| Peak |
{{single chart|Australia|31|artist=Ed Sheeran with Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars|song=Blow|rowheader=true|access-date=20 July 2019|refname="Aus"}} |
{{single chart|Flanders Tip|4|artist=Ed Sheeran with Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars|song=Blow|rowheader=true|access-date=2 August 2019}} |
{{single chart|Wallonia Tip|28|artist=Ed Sheeran with Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars|song=Blow|rowheader=true|access-date=16 August 2019}} |
{{single chart|Canada|39|artist=Ed Sheeran|rowheader=true|access-date=16 July 2019|refname="CanHot100"}} |
{{single chart|Billboardcanadarock|4|artist=Ed Sheeran|rowheader=true|access-date=9 November 2019|refname="CanRock"}} |
{{single chart|Czechdigital|53|year=2019|week=29|rowheader=true|access-date=23 July 2019|refname="Cze"}} |
{{single chart|Germany|93|songid=1889306|artist=Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars|song=Blow|rowheader=true|access-date=19 July 2019}} |
scope="row"| Lithuania (AGATA){{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/savaites-klausomiausi-w16-2-2-2-2-2-3-2-2-2-2-2/|title=Savaitės klausomiausi (TOP 100)|language=lt|publisher=AGATA|date=12 July 2019|access-date=3 December 2019}}
| 75 |
---|
scope="row"| Netherlands (Tipparade){{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/ed-sheeran-w-chris-stapleton-bruno-mars/blow-2-32769|title=Ed Sheeran with Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars – Blow Dutch Tipparade (Week 32)|work=Media Markt Top 40|date=10 August 2019|access-date=10 August 2019|language=nl}}
| 11 |
{{single chart|Dutch100|96|artist=Ed Sheeran with Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars|song=Blow|rowheader=true|access-date=19 July 2019}} |
scope="row"| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ){{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/hot-singles/2019-07-12|title=NZ Hot Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|date=15 July 2019|access-date=12 July 2019}}
| 3 |
{{single chart|Scotland|21|date=20190712|rowheader=true|access-date=13 July 2019|refname="Sco"}} |
{{single chart|Slovakdigital2|56|year=2019|week=29|rowheader=true|access-date=16 July 2019|refname="Sko"}} |
scope="row"| Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan){{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/215?dspy=2019&dspp=29|title=Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 29|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|access-date=19 July 2019}}
| 9 |
{{single chart|UKstreaming|35|song=Blow|artist=Ed Sheeran|date=2019-07-19|rowheader=true|access-date=17 March 2020|refname="UK"}} |
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|60|artist=Ed Sheeran|rowheader=true|access-date=16 July 2019}} |
{{single chart|Billboardrocksongs|3|artist=Ed Sheeran|rowheader=true|access-date=16 June 2019}} |
{{single chart|Billboardrockairplay|36|artist=Ed Sheeran|rowheader=true|access-date=4 August 2021}} |
scope="row"| US Rolling Stone Top 100{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/charts/songs/2019-07-05/|title=Top 100 Songs|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=5 July 2019|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=2 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102205751/https://www.rollingstone.com/charts/songs/2019-07-05/|url-status=dead}}
| 33 |
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+2019 Year-end chart performance for "Blow" ! scope="col"| Chart (2019) ! scope="col"| Position |
scope="row"| US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2019/hot-rock-songs|title=Hot Rock Songs Year-End 2019|magazine=Billboard|access-date=29 January 2020}}
| 26 |
---|
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Blow"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton & Bruno Mars|title=Blow|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2019|certyear=2023|access-date=11 June 2023|refname="MC"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Ed Sheeran feat. Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars|title=Blow|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2023|source=radioscope|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Ed Sheeran/Stapleton/Mars|title=Blow|type=single|award=Silver|relyear=2019|certyear=2022|access-date=26 February 2022|id=17902-5868-1|refname="BPI"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true | noshipments=true | nosales=true}}
Release history
class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Release dates and formats for "Blow" ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format ! scope="col"| Label ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
scope="row"| Various
| 5 July 2019 | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | {{hlist|Atlantic|Asylum}} |
---|
scope="row" rowspan="6"| United States
| rowspan="5"| 8 July 2019 | AAA | rowspan="6"| Atlantic |
Active rock |
Alternative radio |
Contemporary hit radio |
Hot adult contemporary |
10 July 2019
| Active rock |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{YouTube|42SM_TeWE5s|Lyric video}}
{{Ed Sheeran songs}}
{{Chris Stapleton}}
{{Bruno Mars songs}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Atlantic Records singles
Category:American blues rock songs
Category:American hard rock songs
Category:British blues rock songs
Category:British hard rock songs
Category:Chris Stapleton songs
Category:Obscenity controversies in music
Category:Songs written by Bruno Mars
Category:Songs written by Chris Stapleton
Category:Songs written by Christopher Brody Brown
Category:Songs written by Ed Sheeran