"Trouble" is a song co-written and recorded by Canadian country music artist Josh Ross.[1] He wrote the song with Mason Thornley, while Matt Geroux produced the track.[2] It is Ross' first song to have charted on a Billboard chart in the United States and his first single to be released to American country radio.[3][4][5][6] It also became his first song to hit number one on the Canada Country chart.[7] The song is the lead single from Ross' 2024 extended play Complicated.[8]
Background
"Trouble" is based on Ross's real life experience and emotions following a past break up.[9] Ross's friend and frequent collaborator Mason Thornley had suggested the title "Trouble" and the "vibe" of the song, with the initial idea for the lyric being "am I in trouble or are you in trouble?".[10] Around six months later, Ross made a phone call to an ex-girlfriend after a night of drinking, where he left a message saying "if you could, would you just come back home?".[11] Ross believed it finally "made sense" to write it after that phone call, with that specific lyric becoming the hook for the song.[9][10] He stated that he wanted "the listener to feel like they get to know me through honest lyrics" in the song.[9]
Critical reception
Michael Major of Broadway World stated that Ross's "evolution shines" on "Trouble" as it "reflects his country, pop/rock influences showcased through energetic vocals, introspective storylines, and emotional honesty".[12] Kim Carr of Y106.5 stated that Ross "has a very unique voice" and that "this song just hits you to your core".[13]
In popular culture
"Trouble" was featured in an episode of the second season of American sitcom Welcome to Flatch, which aired on Fox and Hulu in the United States.[14]
Live performances
Ross appeared on the show "Access Carolina" on the Fox Carolina television network and performed a live rendition of "Trouble" on January 6, 2023.[15] In Regina, Saskatchewan, Ross performed the song live for Pure Country 92.7 during a promotional stop while on Lee Brice's "Beer Drinking Opportunity Tour".[16] On July 26, 2023, Ross made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, and a live recording of his performance of "Trouble" from that night was released to digital and streaming platforms a month later.[17][18]
The official music video for "Trouble" premiered on ET Canada on February 7, 2023.[25] Ross and his team did not want to have a "traditional music video," and chose to have Ross play the role of a firefighter alongside a female co-lead. The video leaves the question of who "the one in trouble" is open to interpretation.[25] It was directed by Wales Tony, and filmed with the co-operation and assistance of the Maury County Fire Department in Tennessee.[26]
