Learning How to Bend
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2009) |
| "Learning How to Bend" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"Learning How to Bend" is a single by American country music singer Gary Allan. It is the second single released from his 2007 CD, Living Hard. It peaked at #13 in the United States, and #23 in Canada.
The song debuted at #51 on the Hot Country Songs chart dated April 5, 2008.
Music video
The music video was partially filmed in Atlantic City, NJ, and at live performances, and was directed by Stephen Shephard, who also directed his previous music video "Watching Airplanes" in 2007. It aired on CMT in June 2008, and is entirely in black and white, and it also features some ocean views.
Reception
Leeann Ward of CountryUniverse.net gave it an A rating, and she also mentioned in her review of the song that Gary Allan’s raw and powerful delivery on his second single, from his Living Hard album, is a great reason to turn on your radio! “Learning How To Bend” is a realistic, honest love song that is elevated by Allan’s gritty vocal performance that holds nothing back.
The words mentioned in the first verse of the song are the words of a man who is desperately trying to negotiate his broken heart to embrace a new relationship. In addition to the things that he is trying to do in order to make this relationship work, he acknowledges the presence of a higher power that he feels is ultimately in control, as mentioned in the second verse of the song.
The song’s intensity is supported by Allan’s strong vocal interpretation, his ability to sustain an impressive falsetto note, and an interesting production that positively emphasizes the depth of the song’s emotion.[1]
Chart positions
| Chart (2008) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs | 13 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 96 |
| Canadian Country Singles Chart | 23 |