Entertainment

Don't Call Rachel Platten A "One-Hit Wonder"

by Alex Kritselis

If you like "Fight Song," you're going to love this: On Friday, Rachel Platten premiered her new single, "Stand By You," and I think she has another big hit on her hands. The 34-year-old artist co-wrote the tune with Bleachers front man Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift's "Out of the Woods"), and while it doesn't stray far from her winning "Fight Song" formula ("If it ain't broke, don't fix it," right?), it's still a delightful piece of uplifting power pop. You'll be singing along in no time. On the first verse, Platten encourages a loved one to open up to her completely: "Hands, put your empty hands in mine/And scars, show me all the scars you hide/And hey, if your wings are broken/Please take mine so yours can open, too/'Cause I'm gonna stand by you."

On the chorus, she pledges to support this person through thick and thin: "Even if we're breaking down, we can find a way to break through/Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through Hell with you/Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you." Admittedly, many of the "Stand By You" lyrics walk that fine line between super sweet and super cheesy, but there's a sincerity to Platten's vocal delivery that I think allows her to pull them off. Production-wise, the track reminds me quite a bit of Katy Perry's "Roar" (and therefore, Sara Bareilles' "Brave," as well), but, as far as I'm concerned, this only adds to its appeal. Check it out below.

Don't dismiss Platten as a "one-hit wonder" just yet. It may have taken her over a decade to earn her first smash hit (which sounds like a long time, but let's face it, some artists go their entire careers without one), but now, the general public knows her name; she has a fans! (Side note: I don't know if her fan base has a nickname yet, but if they're still taking suggestions, I'm going to go ahead and put "Plattypuses" out there. It's just a thought.) No, now that "Fight Song" has paved the way, I don't think "Stand By You" will have any trouble climbing the charts. I'm so happy (and excited) for Platten.

"Stand By You" is available on iTunes and Spotify now.