"Hey, Soul Sister" is a popular song by the American band Train, released in 2009 as a single from their fifth studio album, "Save Me, San Francisco." Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Ukulele Influence: One of the standout features of "Hey, Soul Sister" is the prominent use of the ukulele, giving the song a distinctive sound. The ukulele riff was played by the band's lead guitarist, Jimmy Stafford. This unique choice of instrument helped the song stand out in a pop music landscape dominated by guitars and synthesizers.
Chart Success: "Hey, Soul Sister" became one of Train's biggest hits, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It was also certified as multi-platinum in several countries.
Grammy Nomination: The song earned Train a Grammy Award nomination in 2011 for "Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals." While they didn't win the award, the nomination was a significant recognition of their success.
Radio Airplay: The song received extensive radio airplay and was featured in various commercials and television shows, contributing to its widespread popularity.
Lyric Inspiration: The lyrics of "Hey, Soul Sister" were inspired by Pat Monahan's own experiences and observations. The song is about feeling inspired and uplifted by someone's presence and energy. It's a feel-good, romantic song with a positive message.
Songwriting Collaboration: The song was co-written by Pat Monahan, lead singer of Train, along with the Norwegian songwriting duo Espen Lind and Amund Bjørklund. The collaboration between American and Norwegian songwriters resulted in a global hit.
Album Artwork: The single cover for "Hey, Soul Sister" features a picture of a girl holding a ukulele, which ties into the song's theme and instrumentation.
Cultural Impact: The song's catchy melody and positive vibes made it a popular choice for weddings, feel-good playlists, and romantic moments, cementing its place in pop culture.
Influence on Ukulele Pop: The success of "Hey, Soul Sister" helped popularize the use of the ukulele in contemporary pop music, leading to a resurgence in interest in the instrument and its use in subsequent hit songs.
Charity: Train used a portion of the proceeds from the sales of "Hey, Soul Sister" to support the San Francisco-based charity Family House, which provides housing for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at the University of California, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital.
"Hey, Soul Sister" remains one of Train's signature songs, known for its catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and the distinctive sound of the ukulele.