"Hell n Back" is a song by British singer Bakar, released as a single from his EP Will You Be My Yellow? on 15 August 2019 through Black Butter Records.[1] Originally a sleeper hit in the United States in 2020,[2] it charted internationally in 2023.
Critical reception
Kitty Empire of The Observer called it a "charming retro love song" as well as "breezy, brass-laden but sprinkled with enough drug references to maintain a respectable edge". Empire also said it "channelled the vintage multicultural London sass of a young Lily Allen" and "its horns and overindulgence spoke of a love for Amy Winehouse".[3]
Commercial performance
Described as a sleeper hit, the song was released as a single in 2019, before charting on the US Billboard alternative charts in 2020. It topped the Adult Alternative Songs chart in July 2020,[4] where it broke the record for the longest climb to number one at 27 weeks.[2] For the chart's 25th anniversary in early 2021,[5] the magazine ranked "Hell n Back" at number 84 on its list of the top 100 most successful songs in the chart's history.[6] It reached the top 10 of the Alternative Airplay chart in October 2020.[7] It was voted in at number 62 on the Triple J Hottest of 2019.[8] It was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in October 2020[9] and silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in October 2021, before achieving platinum status in 2023.[10] The song charted internationally in 2023 and into 2024, reaching the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart and number 15 in New Zealand.[11][12]
Remix
On 22 September 2023, Bakar released a remix of "Hell n Back" with American singer Summer Walker on his album Halo.[13] Seven months after its release, the remix managed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 73 and peaking at 53.[14]
Usage in media
The song was featured in the teaser trailer for the 2023 Pixar film Elemental.[15]
