Tim + Faith
{{short description|2023 song by Madeline Merlo}}
{{infobox song
| name = Tim + Faith
| cover = Tim + Faith.jpg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Madeline Merlo
| album =
| released = {{start date|2023|09|15}}
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = Country
| length = 3:50
| label =
| writer =
- Madeline Merlo
- Jerry Flowers
- Parker Welling
- Stephony Smith
- Zach Crowell
| producer = Zach Crowell
| prev_title = Slide
| prev_year = 2022
| next_title = Broken Heart Thing
| next_year = 2024
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|RyBkdtrXDKY|"Tim + Faith"}}}}
}}
"Tim + Faith" is a song co-written and recorded by Canadian country music artist Madeline Merlo. She wrote the song with Jerry Flowers, Parker Welling, and producer Zach Crowell.{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/2ImzdPjUj4Ejjr1Qj5VZhv?si=aPNFCy8BRpWxYJWHF-voNw|title=Tim + Faith - Single by Madeline Merlo|work=Spotify|date=September 15, 2023|access-date=November 29, 2023}} The song samples Tim McGraw's 1997 hit "It's Your Love", written by Stephony Smith. The title is a tribute to country music artists and married couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbrmusicgroup.com/award-winning-songwriter-songland-winner-madeline-merlo-delivers-latest-emotive-track-tim-faith-via-bbr-music-group-wheelhouse-records/|title=Award-Winning Songwriter and Songland Winner Madeline Merlo Delivers Her Latest Emotive Track "Tim + Faith" Via BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records|date=September 15, 2023|work=BBR Music Group|access-date=November 29, 2023}}
Background
Merlo described "Tim + Faith" as her "first real love song" and "a song about a love song".{{cite web|url=https://www.abbynews.com/entertainment/lower-mainland-country-star-releases-new-single-4452823|title=Lower Mainland country star releases new single|first=Colleen|last=Flanagan|work=The Abbotsford News|date=September 22, 2023|access-date=November 29, 2023}} The idea of the song is a couple hearing a song — Tim McGraw's "It's Your Love" — which "brings them back" to old memories together.
She stated that the song was sonically inspired by the country music of the 1990s decade, which she heard often growing up while preparing to ride horses in a barn in British Columbia.{{cite web|url=https://www.straight.com/music/madeline-merlos-new-single-tim-faith-pays-homage-to-two-country-greats|title=Madeline Merlo's new single "Tim + Faith" pays homage to two country greats|first=Sara|last=Harowitz|date=October 26, 2023|work=The Georgia Straight|access-date=November 29, 2023}} The song is also inspired by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, with Merlo noting how the couple have "both been very open and transparent about their relationship and just how much they respect each other—and their loyalty to each other". The line "it's always you and me" is something Merlo stated that she and her husband say to each other often.{{cite web|url=https://canadianbeats.ca/2023/09/21/madeline-merlo-shares-latest-single-tim-faith/|title=Madeline Merlo Releases Emotive New Track "Tim + Faith"|first=Jenna|last=Melanson|date=September 21, 2023|work=Canadian Beats Media|access-date=November 29, 2023}}
Critical reception
Sara Harowitz of The Georgia Straight spoke favourably of "Tim + Faith", noting "catchy instrumentals, crescendoing chorus, lyrics that are meant to be belted". Jenna Melanson of Canadian Beats Media stated that the song "promises to be a captivating addition to Merlo's repertoire, known for her authentic storytelling and powerful vocals". Megan Grisham of Circle All Access said that the song "beautifully captures the essence of Tim and Faith’s legendary love story and their ability to be in the spotlight together", framing the song as "a lighthearted reminder of the magic of ’90s country music and the enduring power of love".{{Cite web|url=https://www.circleallaccess.com/circle-release-of-the-week-madeline-merlos-tim-faith/|title=Circle Release of the Week: Madeline Merlo's "Tim + Faith"|first=Megan|last=Grisham|date=September 15, 2023|work=Circle All Access|access-date=November 29, 2023}} Erica Zisman of Country Swag called "Tim + Faith" one of Merlo's "best yet", opining that she "raises the bar" with this song.{{cite web|url=https://countryswag.com/madeline-merlo-new-song-tim-and-faith/|title=Madeline Merlo Shares New Song "Tim + Faith" Out Now|work=Country Swag|date=September 15, 2023|first=Erica|last=Zisman|access-date=November 29, 2023}}
Music video
The official music video for "Tim + Faith" premiered on YouTube on October 26, 2023.{{cite web|title=Madeline Merlo - Tim + Faith (Official Video)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyBkdtrXDKY|website=YouTube|date=September 15, 2023|format=video|access-date=November 29, 2023}}
Charts
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Chart performance for "Tim + Faith" ! scope="col"| Chart (2023–2024) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| scope="row"| Canada Country (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canada-country/2024-04-06|title=Canada Country chart for April 6, 2024|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 2, 2024|url-access=subscription}}
| 6 |
|---|
References
{{reflist}}
{{Madeline Merlo}}
{{Tim McGraw}}
{{Faith Hill}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tim and Faith}}
Category:BBR Music Group singles
Category:Songs written by Madeline Merlo
Category:Songs written by Jerry Flowers
Category:Songs written by Zach Crowell