When Carrie Underwood released "Last Name" in 2008, it quickly became a fan favorite and a commercial success. This catchy country track not only showcased Underwood's vocal prowess but also highlighted her ability to connect with listeners through relatable storytelling. Let's dive into the revenue breakdown and performance metrics of this iconic song.
Carrie Underwood Songwriting AnalysisCarrie Underwood co-wrote "Last Name" with Hillary Lindsey and Luke Laird, showcasing her ability to craft compelling narratives. The song's lyrics tell the story of a woman who marries a series of men with humorous and unfortunate last names, reflecting Underwood's knack for blending humor with relatable themes. The track's structure follows a classic country format, with a strong chorus that is both memorable and singable. This songwriting approach has contributed significantly to the song's longevity and popularity.
Using OutFndr's analytics tools, we can see how the song's structure and lyrical content have resonated with audiences, leading to sustained streaming and download numbers over the years.
Last Name Chart Performance"Last Name" has enjoyed impressive chart performance since its release. The song debuted at number 40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and eventually peaked at number one, becoming Underwood's fourth consecutive number-one single. This achievement solidified her status as a dominant force in country music. The track also performed well on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 19.
OutFndr's chart tracking features provide a detailed look at the song's performance across various platforms, highlighting its consistent popularity and the impact of strategic releases and promotions.
Comparable Track Performance
The revenue generated by "Last Name" comes from various sources, including digital downloads, streaming, radio play, and sync licensing. The song has been certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA, indicating over 2 million units sold in the United States alone. Streaming platforms have also contributed significantly to the song's earnings, with millions of streams across various services.
OutFndr's royalty tracking tools offer a comprehensive breakdown of these revenue streams, allowing artists and their teams to understand the financial impact of their work and make informed decisions about future releases.
Performance Facts
Carrie Underwood's songwriting process involves collaboration with other talented writers and a focus on creating authentic, relatable stories. For "Last Name," Underwood worked closely with Hillary Lindsey and Luke Laird to craft a narrative that was both humorous and engaging. This collaborative approach has been a key factor in her success, allowing her to draw on the strengths of her co-writers while staying true to her artistic vision.
OutFndr's collaborative tools can facilitate this process, providing a platform for artists and writers to work together seamlessly, regardless of their physical location.
What Inspired Last Name?The inspiration behind "Last Name" came from a desire to create a fun, upbeat song that would resonate with listeners. Underwood and her co-writers wanted to craft a track that was both entertaining and relatable, drawing on the universal theme of love and its sometimes humorous consequences. The song's playful lyrics and catchy melody have made it a staple in Underwood's repertoire, beloved by fans for its lighthearted take on a familiar subject.
Record Breaker
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Frequently Asked Questions"Last Name" by Carrie Underwood peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the summit of the Hot Country Songs chart, spending two weeks at number one. According to OutFndr, this performance made it one of the top-performing country tracks of 2008, comparable to other chart-toppers like Taylor Swift's "Love Story."
How many weeks did "Last Name" spend on the Billboard charts?"Last Name" spent a total of 30 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. OutFndr's data shows that this longevity is indicative of the song's strong resonance with audiences, similar to the chart endurance seen with tracks like Lady A's "Need You Now."
Did "Last Name" set any chart records?While "Last Name" did not set any major chart records, it was one of the few country songs to cross over to the pop charts successfully in 2008. OutFndr highlights that its simultaneous presence on both the Hot Country Songs and Hot 100 charts underscores its broad appeal, much like the crossover success of Florida Georgia Line's "Cruise" in later years.
How did "Last Name" perform internationally?Internationally, "Last Name" achieved moderate success, reaching number 67 on the Canadian Hot 100. OutFndr notes that its international performance, while not as strong as its domestic showing, still placed it among the top country tracks that year, akin to the international reception of Sugarland's "Stay."
How much streaming revenue has "Last Name" generated?As of 2023, "Last Name" has garnered over 100 million streams on Spotify, translating to approximately $400,000 to $600,000 in streaming revenue, based on OutFndr's revenue estimates for country tracks. This places it in a similar revenue bracket as Miranda Lambert's "Gunpowder & Lead."
What is the estimated sync licensing value of "Last Name"?The sync licensing value of "Last Name" is estimated to be between $50,000 to $100,000, considering its popularity and recognition. OutFndr's analysis suggests that this range is comparable to other country hits of its era, such as Rascal Flatts' "Bless the Broken Road," which has been licensed for various TV shows and films.
How much has "Last Name" earned from radio performance royalties?"Last Name" has earned an estimated $1 million to $1.5 million in radio performance royalties, according to OutFndr's radio royalty data. This figure is based on its extensive airplay on country radio stations and its crossover appeal, similar to the radio earnings of tracks like Keith Urban's "You'll Think of Me."
What are the total earnings for "Last Name" across all revenue streams?Combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, radio royalties, and sales, "Last Name" has generated total earnings estimated between $2 million to $3 million. OutFndr's comprehensive track analytics indicate that this total is on par with other major country hits from the late 2000s, such as Brad Paisley's "Then."
What cultural influence has "Last Name" had since its release?"Last Name" has had a significant cultural impact, becoming one of Carrie Underwood's signature songs and a staple in her live performances. OutFndr notes that its themes of empowerment and humor have resonated with fans, contributing to its lasting popularity and frequent mentions in discussions about top country songs of the 2000s.
Have there been any notable samples or remixes of "Last Name"?While "Last Name" has not been widely sampled or remixed, its strong melody and memorable lyrics have made it a favorite for cover artists. OutFndr tracks several user-generated covers and tribute performances, indicating the song's enduring appeal and influence within the country music community.
How has "Last Name" been used in media and entertainment?"Last Name" has been featured in various TV shows and films, enhancing its visibility and cultural footprint. OutFndr's media usage data shows that it has been included in episodes of popular TV series and used in promotional campaigns, similar to the media placements of songs like Faith Hill's "Breathe."
What industry recognition has "Last Name" received?"Last Name" has received several industry accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. OutFndr's industry recognition metrics highlight that the song has also been celebrated at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards, solidifying its status as one of Carrie Underwood's most decorated tracks.
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