Ariana Grande Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Ariana Grande Wiki
Ariana Grande Encyclopedia
1,396
pages
in: Songs, Released songs, Promotional singles,
and 3 more

Changes: Almost Is Never Enough

Back to page
Sign in to edit
No edit summary
Tag: sourceedit
(48 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{AlbumSong
  
{{AlbumSong
−
|name = Almost Is Never Enough
 +
|name = Almost Is Never Enough
−
|image = Yours Truly Artwork.png
 +
|image = {{Yours Truly Album Cover}}
−
|mainartist1 = Ariana Grande
 +
|artist = Ariana Grande
−
|featartist1 = Nathan Sykes
 +
|featured = Nathan Sykes
 
|released = {{Date|month=8|day=19|year=2013}}
  
|released = {{Date|month=8|day=19|year=2013}}
−
|recorded = {{Date|month=3|day=|year=2013}} - {{Date|month=6|day=|year=2013}} at London Bridge Studios, Los Angeles, CA (Ariana Grande) and The Powerhouse Studios, London (Nathan Sykes)
 +
|recorded = {{Date|month=3|day=|year=2013}} - {{Date|month=6|day=|year=2013}}
  +
|studio = London Bridge Studios<br />{{Small|(Los Angeles, California) (Ariana Grande)}}<br />The Powerhouse Studios<br />{{Small|(London, England) (Nathan Sykes)}}
−
|genre = R&B, Soul
 +
|genre = R&B, soul
−
|length = 5:27 {{Small|(album)}}<br />3:30 {{Small|(soundtrack)}}
 +
|length = 5:27 {{Small|(album)}}<br />3:30 {{Small|(soundtrack)}}
⚫
|label = [[Republic Records]]
  
  ⚫
|album = Yours Truly
−
|writer = Al Sherrod Lambert, Ariana Grande, H. "Carmen Reece" Culver, [[Harmony Samuels]], Moses Ayo Samuels, Olaniyi Michael Akinkunmi
  
  ⚫
|label = [[Republic Records]]
−
|producer = H. "Carmen Reece" Culver, Harmony Samuels, Jo Blaq, Mark Asari, Mikey, Mo-Keyz, Talay Riley
 
  +
|writer = Ariana Grande, [[Harmony Samuels]], Carmen Reece, Al Sherrod, Lambert Olaniyi-Akinpelu, Moses Samuels
⚫
|credits = Almost Is Never Enough
  
  +
|producer = Moses Samuels
  ⚫
|credits = Almost Is Never Enough
 
|creditslink = Credits and personnel#Almost Is Never Enough
  
|creditslink = Credits and personnel#Almost Is Never Enough
  ⚫
|previous track = You'll Never Know
⚫
|albumname = Yours Truly
  
  ⚫
|next track = Popular Song
⚫
|prevtrack = You'll Never Know
  
  ⚫
|video = Ariana Grande - Almost Is Never Enough ft. Nathan Sykes
⚫
|nexttrack = Popular Song
  
 
}}
  
}}
  +
"'''Almost Is Never Enough'''" is the tenth track from [[Ariana Grande]]'s debut album ''[[Yours Truly]]''. It features British singer [[Nathan Sykes]]. It was released through [[Republic Records]] on August 19, 2013.
⚫
[[File:Ariana Grande - Almost Is Never Enough ft. Nathan Sykes|thumb|right|260 px]]
  
   
−
'''"Almost Is Never Enough"''' is the tenth track from [[Ariana Grande]]'s debut album ''[[Yours Truly]]''. It features singer [[Nathan Sykes]]. It was released as a promotional single one day before the release of ''The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones'' to capitalise on Grande's popularity in order to drum up anticipation for the film. The song was well-received, with most critics praising Grande's vocal range and control; it debuted at #85 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and peaked at #82. A longer version is included on Grande's debut studio album ''[[Yours Truly (album)|Yours Truly]].''
 +
It was released as a promotional single one day before the release of ''The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones'' to capitalise on Grande's popularity in order to drum up anticipation for the film. The song was well-received, with most critics praising Grande's vocal range and control; it debuted at #85 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and peaked at #82. A longer version is included on Grande's debut studio album ''Yours Truly''.
   
−
==Background==
 +
== Background ==
−
"Almost Is Never Enough" was written by Grande, Harmony Samuels, Carmen Reece, Al Sherrod Lambert, Olaniyi-Akinpelu, and its producer, Moses Samuels. Ariana originally recorded "Almost Is Never Enough" as a solo ballad for her album. Roughly a week later, she received an email from her manager [[Scooter Braun]], who also manages the English boy band The Wanted. In the email was a new version of the song that had Nathan Sykes's vocal added to it. Ariana loved the new version and decided to keep it for her album.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEu3l-efUdw Ariana's interview with Ryan Seacrest]</ref> Especially at 4:39 when Nathan sings that riff. First time she heard it she spent the whole day trying to sing it.<ref>http://ontheteenbeat.com/2013/10/21/13609/</ref>
 +
"Almost Is Never Enough" was written by Grande, Harmony Samuels, Carmen Reece, Al Sherrod Lambert, Olaniyi-Akinpelu, and its producer, Moses Samuels. Grande originally recorded "Almost Is Never Enough" as a solo ballad for her album. Roughly a week later, she received an email from her manager [[Scooter Braun]], who also manages the English boy band The Wanted. In the email was a new version of the song that had Nathan Sykes's vocal added to it. Grande loved the new version and decided to keep it for her album.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEu3l-efUdw Ariana's interview with Ryan Seacrest]</ref> Especially at 4:39 when Nathan sings that riff. First time she heard it she spent the whole day trying to sing it.<ref>http://ontheteenbeat.com/2013/10/21/13609/</ref>
   
−
==Critical reception==
 +
== Critical reception ==
−
The duet received positive reception. ''Idolator'' editor Mike Wass called "Almost Is Never Enough" a "glorious" and "soulful" anthem and praised the collaboration between the two artists; "The simple production is timeless and showcases Ariana's powerful pipes superbly. And who knew Nathan could sing like that? 'Almost Is Never Enough' is a revelation all around and promises very good things for Grande's debut album." Brent Faulkner of ''Star Pulse'' found the duet to be a pleasantly surprising blend of modern and classical elements and noted that the song "should be sappy but isn't". This sentiment was mirrored by ''Popdust''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Andrew Unterberger, who observed that the song "manages to mostly stay out of the way of its two talented young vocalists... and lets them carry it with the strength of their voices, and of the song itself. The result is a ballad that’s surprisingly mature and classic sounding." Unterberger also drew comparisons to Mariah Carey, and her Boyz II Men duet "One Sweet Day" in particular.
 +
The duet received positive reception. ''Idolator'' editor Mike Wass called "Almost Is Never Enough" a "glorious" and "soulful" anthem and praised the collaboration between the two artists; "The simple production is timeless and showcases Grande's powerful pipes superbly. And who knew Nathan could sing like that? 'Almost Is Never Enough' is a revelation all around and promises very good things for Grande's debut album." Brent Faulkner of ''Star Pulse'' found the duet to be a pleasantly surprising blend of modern and classical elements and noted that the song "should be sappy but isn't". This sentiment was mirrored by ''Popdust''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Andrew Unterberger, who observed that the song "manages to mostly stay out of the way of its two talented young vocalists... and lets them carry it with the strength of their voices, and of the song itself. The result is a ballad that’s surprisingly mature and classic sounding." Unterberger also drew comparisons to Mariah Carey, and her Boyz II Men duet "One Sweet Day" in particular.
   
−
==Music video==
 +
== Music video ==
 
The music video of "Almost Is Never Enough" was filmed on August 4, 2013<ref>[http://www.disneydreaming.com/2013/08/05/ariana-grande-had-a-blast-shooting-the-almost-is-never-enough-video/ About filming Almost Is Never Enough]</ref> and released on YouTube on August 19. The video features Grande and Sykes performing the song in a recording studio. It also featured a few scenes from the movie ''The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones''.
  
The music video of "Almost Is Never Enough" was filmed on August 4, 2013<ref>[http://www.disneydreaming.com/2013/08/05/ariana-grande-had-a-blast-shooting-the-almost-is-never-enough-video/ About filming Almost Is Never Enough]</ref> and released on YouTube on August 19. The video features Grande and Sykes performing the song in a recording studio. It also featured a few scenes from the movie ''The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones''.
   
−
==Live performances==
 +
== Live performances ==
−
Sykes and Grande sung the song in the [[Believe (tour)|Believe Tour]] several times. It was also performed on September 5, 2013 in the talk show ''Live! With Kelly and Michael''.
 +
Grande and Sykes performed the song during [[Justin Bieber]]'s [[Believe Tour]] several times. It was also performed on September 5, 2013 on the talk show ''Live! With Kelly and Michael''. "Almost Is Never Enough" was also part of the setlist from her debut tour [[The Listening Sessions]].
  +
⚫
==Lyrics==
  
  ⚫
==Gallery==
  ⚫
{{Gallery}}
  +
  ⚫
== Lyrics ==
 
<tabber>
  
<tabber>
−
Album version=<poem>
 +
Album version=
  +
{{Lyrics|lyrics= <poem>
 
'''[Verse 1: Ariana Grande]'''
  
'''[Verse 1: Ariana Grande]'''
 
I'd like to say we gave it a try
  
I'd like to say we gave it a try
Line 106: Line 113:
 
You know, you know, baby
  
You know, you know, baby
 
Almost is never enough, baby (never)
  
Almost is never enough, baby (never)
−
You know, hey </poem>
 +
You know, hey
  +
</poem>}}
 
|-|
  
|-|
−
Soundtrack version=<poem>
 +
Soundtrack version=
  +
{{Lyrics|lyrics= <poem>
 
'''[Verse 1: Ariana Grande]'''
  
'''[Verse 1: Ariana Grande]'''
 
I'd like to say we gave it a try
  
I'd like to say we gave it a try
Line 151: Line 160:
 
But right here in each other's arms
  
But right here in each other's arms
 
And we almost, we almost knew what love was
  
And we almost, we almost knew what love was
−
But almost is never enough</poem>
 +
But almost is never enough
  +
</poem>}}
 
</tabber>
  
</tabber>
−  
⚫
==Gallery==
  
−  
⚫
{{Gallery}}
  
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
Line 162: Line 168:
 
{{YoursTruly}}
  
{{YoursTruly}}
 
[[Category:Songs]]
  
[[Category:Songs]]
−
[[Category:Released Songs]]
 +
[[Category:Released songs]]
−
[[Category:Promotional Singles]]
 +
[[Category:Promotional singles]]
 
[[Category:Yours Truly]]
  
[[Category:Yours Truly]]
 
[[Category:Yours Truly songs]]
  
[[Category:Yours Truly songs]]
⚫
[[Category:Yours Truly Promotional Singles]]
  
−
[[Category:Duets]]
  
 
[[Category:Collaborations]]
  
[[Category:Collaborations]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Yours Truly promotional singles]]

Revision as of 16:47, 12 February 2019

"Almost Is Never Enough" is the tenth track from Ariana Grande's debut album Yours Truly. It features British singer Nathan Sykes. It was released through Republic Records on August 19, 2013.

It was released as a promotional single one day before the release of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones to capitalise on Grande's popularity in order to drum up anticipation for the film. The song was well-received, with most critics praising Grande's vocal range and control; it debuted at #85 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #82. A longer version is included on Grande's debut studio album Yours Truly.

Background

"Almost Is Never Enough" was written by Grande, Harmony Samuels, Carmen Reece, Al Sherrod Lambert, Olaniyi-Akinpelu, and its producer, Moses Samuels. Grande originally recorded "Almost Is Never Enough" as a solo ballad for her album. Roughly a week later, she received an email from her manager Scooter Braun, who also manages the English boy band The Wanted. In the email was a new version of the song that had Nathan Sykes's vocal added to it. Grande loved the new version and decided to keep it for her album.[1] Especially at 4:39 when Nathan sings that riff. First time she heard it she spent the whole day trying to sing it.[2]

Critical reception

The duet received positive reception. Idolator editor Mike Wass called "Almost Is Never Enough" a "glorious" and "soulful" anthem and praised the collaboration between the two artists; "The simple production is timeless and showcases Grande's powerful pipes superbly. And who knew Nathan could sing like that? 'Almost Is Never Enough' is a revelation all around and promises very good things for Grande's debut album." Brent Faulkner of Star Pulse found the duet to be a pleasantly surprising blend of modern and classical elements and noted that the song "should be sappy but isn't". This sentiment was mirrored by Popdust's Andrew Unterberger, who observed that the song "manages to mostly stay out of the way of its two talented young vocalists... and lets them carry it with the strength of their voices, and of the song itself. The result is a ballad that’s surprisingly mature and classic sounding." Unterberger also drew comparisons to Mariah Carey, and her Boyz II Men duet "One Sweet Day" in particular.

Music video

The music video of "Almost Is Never Enough" was filmed on August 4, 2013[3] and released on YouTube on August 19. The video features Grande and Sykes performing the song in a recording studio. It also featured a few scenes from the movie The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

Live performances

Grande and Sykes performed the song during Justin Bieber's Believe Tour several times. It was also performed on September 5, 2013 on the talk show Live! With Kelly and Michael. "Almost Is Never Enough" was also part of the setlist from her debut tour The Listening Sessions.

Gallery

“deep breaths, tight chest, life, death”

To view the Almost Is Never Enough gallery, click here.

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Ariana Grande]
I'd like to say we gave it a try
I'd like to blame it all on life
Maybe we just weren't right
But that's a lie, that's a lie

[Pre-Chorus]
And we can deny it as much as we want
But in time our feelings will show
Cause sooner or later we'll wonder why we gave up
The truth is, everyone knows

[Chorus]
Almost, almost is never enough
So close to being in love
If I would have known that you wanted me
The way I wanted you
Then maybe we wouldn't be two worlds apart
But right here in each other's arms
And we almost, we almost knew what love was
But almost is never enough

[Verse 2: Nathan Sykes]
If I could change the world overnight
There'd be no such thing as goodbye
You'll be standing right where you were
We'd get the chance we deserve

[Pre-Chorus]
Try to deny it as much as you want
But in time our feelings will show
Cause sooner or later
We'll wonder why we gave up
The truth is, everyone knows

[Chorus: Ariana Grande & Nathan Sykes]
Almost, almost is never enough
So close to being in love
If I would have known that you wanted me
The way I wanted you
Then maybe we wouldn't be two worlds apart
But right here in each other's arms
And we almost, we almost knew what love was
But almost is never enough

[Bridge]
Huh, huh, baby
You know, you know, baby
Almost is never enough, baby (baby, baby, baby)
You know, hey

[Pre-Chorus]
And we can deny it as much as we want
But in time our feelings will show
Cause sooner or later
We'll wonder why we gave up
Truth is, everyone knows that

[Chorus]
Almost, almost is never enough (is never enough, babe)
We were close to being in love (so close)
If I would have known that you wanted me the way I wanted you (baby)
Then maybe we wouldn't be two worlds apart
But right here in each other's arms
And we almost, we almost knew what love was
But almost is never enough

[Outro]
Huh, huh, baby... (almost)
You know, you know, baby
Almost is never enough, baby (never)
You know, hey

[Verse 1: Ariana Grande]
I'd like to say we gave it a try
I'd like to blame it all on life
Maybe we just weren't right
But that's a lie, that's a lie

[Pre-Chorus]
And we can deny it as much as we want
But in time our feelings will show
Cause sooner or later we'll wonder why we gave up
The truth is, everyone knows

[Chorus]
Almost, almost is never enough
So close to being in love
If I would have known that you wanted me
The way I wanted you
Then maybe we wouldn't be two worlds apart
But right here in each other's arms
And we almost, we almost knew what love was
But almost is never enough

[Verse 2: Nathan Sykes]
If I could change the world overnight
There'd be no such thing as goodbye
You'd be standing right where you were
And we'd get the chance we deserve

[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande & Nathan Sykes]
Try to deny it as much as you want
But in time our feelings will show
Cause sooner or later
We'll wonder why we gave up
Truth is, everyone knows (ohhh)

[Chorus]
Almost, almost is never enough (is never enough, babe)
We were close to being in love (so close)
If I would have known that you wanted me the way I wanted you (babe)
Then maybe we wouldn't be two worlds apart
But right here in each other's arms
And we almost, we almost knew what love was
But almost is never enough

References

Yours Truly
August 30, 2013 • 46:28 • Republic Records
Songs
Released Almost Is Never Enough • Baby I • Better Left Unsaid • Daydreamin' • Honeymoon Avenue • Lovin' It • Piano • Popular Song • Right There • Tattooed Heart • The Way • You'll Never Know
Unreleased 3OH!3 Outtake 1 • 3OH!3 Outtake 2 • Boyfriend Material • Butterflies • Do You Love Me • First Time • Human • ILAB • La Vie En Rose • Nobody Does It Better • Oh, Darling • Parachute • Pink Champagne • Please Don't Let Me Go • Put Your Hearts Up • Real • Sandman • Saturday Love • 'Til We Finally Meet • Unknown Nick Jonas Duet • Unknown Nick Jonas Ballad • Unknown Sean Kingston Collaboration • Voodoo Love • Young Love • You're My Only Shawty
Artists
Ariana Grande • Big Sean • Demi Lovato • Greyson Chance • J Balvin • Jade Novah • King Los • Mac Miller • MIKA • Nathan Sykes • Pebe Sebert • Sean Kingston • Taro Hakase • The Dap Kings
Tour
The Listening Sessions
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.