Happens Like That

"Happens Like That" is a song recorded by American country music singer Granger Smith. Released in May 2017 as the lead single to his second Wheelhouse Records album When the Good Guys Win, the song was co-written by Smith along with Justin Wilson, Andy Albert, and Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard. The song was inspired by Smith's wife, who also appears in the song's video, and its lyrics tell of the progression in a couple's relationship.

"Happens Like That"
Single by Granger Smith
from the album When the Good Guys Win
Released	May 19, 2017 (2017-05-19)[1]
Genre	Country[2]
Length	3:51:02
Label	Wheelhouse
Songwriter(s)	Granger Smith Justin Wilson Andy Albert Tyler Hubbard
Producer(s)	Smith Derek Wells Frank Rogers
Granger Smith singles chronology
"If the Boot Fits" (2016) "Happens Like That" (2017) "You're in It" (2018)

Content

Smith wrote "Happens Like That" with Justin Wilson, Andy Albert, and Florida Georgia Line member Tyler Hubbard. In an article for The Boot, Smith that the song was written while Smith was on tour with Florida Georgia Line, and the four of them wrote it "in just a couple hours". Thematically, the song is about the quick passage of time in a relationship.[3] According to Smith, the song was inspired by his first encounter with his wife, Amber Bartlett, whom he met after she auditioned for a previous music video of his.[4]

Critical reception

Billy Dukes of Taste of Country wrote that "Smith is a master at finding soft spots with easily accessible, precise lyrics" while praising the "down-the-middle arrangement".[5]

Music video

The song's music video, directed by TK McKamy,[4] recalls a love story similar to the one portrayed in the song. In it, Smith is alone in a field when a woman (portrayed by Bartlett) joins him and proposes to him. Afterward, the two of them portray a growing relationship that culminates in the arrival of a child (portrayed by the Smiths' youngest son River).[6]

Chart performance

Weekly charts Chart (2017–18) Peak position US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[7] 12 US Country Airplay (Billboard)[8] 13 US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[9] 18

Year-end charts Chart (2018) Position US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[10] 67

References

1. Dauphin, Chuck (May 10, 2017). "Granger Smith Announces New Single 'Happens Like That': Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
2. "'Happens Like That' single". Allmusic. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
3. Gugala, Jon (August 7, 2017). "See Granger Smith's Reflective 'Happens Like That' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
4. Gage, Jeff (May 19, 2017). "Hear Granger Smith's Affectionate New Song 'Happens Like That'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
5. Dukes, Billy (May 19, 2017). "'Happens Like That'". Taste of Country. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
6. Thiel, Mike. "Granger Smith's Real-Life Love Story Plays Out in 'Happens Like That' Music Video". Taste of Country. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
7. "Granger Smith Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
8. "Granger Smith Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
9. "Granger Smith Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
10. "Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2018.