Almost Is Never Enough

2013 promotional single by Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Almost Is Never Enough" is a song recorded by American singer Ariana Grande and English singer Nathan Sykes. The pop and soul-influenced track was written by Carmen Reece, Al Sherrod Lambert, Moses Ayo Samuels, Olaniyi Michael Akinkunmi, Grande, and its producer, Harmony Samuels. Two official versions of the song exist. A shortened version is included on the official soundtrack for the 2013 fantasy film The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and was released August 19, 2013 via Republic Records as a second promotional single from the same, following Colbie Caillat's "When the Darkness Comes" on July 10, and a longer version was remastered for inclusion on Grande's debut studio album, Yours Truly (2013).

ReleasedAugust 19, 2013 (2013-08-19)[1]
Recorded2011
Studio
  • Powerhouse Studios (London, England)
  • London Bridge Studios (Los Angeles, CA)
Quick facts from the album The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and Yours Truly, Released ...
"Almost Is Never Enough"
Promotional single by Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes
from the album The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and Yours Truly
ReleasedAugust 19, 2013 (2013-08-19)[1]
Recorded2011
Studio
  • Powerhouse Studios (London, England)
  • London Bridge Studios (Los Angeles, CA)
Genre
Length
  • 3:30 (soundtrack version)
  • 5:28 (album version)
Label
Songwriters
ProducerHarmony
Ariana Grande promotional singles chronology
"L.A. Boyz"
(2012)
"Almost Is Never Enough"
(2013)
"Best Mistake"
(2014)
Music video
"Almost Is Never Enough" on YouTube
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Composition

The song is composed using the key of D Major. The duo's vocal range spans 2 octaves and 2 notes, from F#3 to D6.

Critical reception

The duet received primarily positive reception. Idolator editor Mike Wass called "Almost Is Never Enough" a "glorious" and "soulful" anthem and praised the collaboration between the two artists; "The simple production is timeless and showcases Ariana’s powerful pipes superbly. And who knew Nathan could sing like that? 'Almost Is Never Enough' is a revelation all around and promises very good things for Grande's debut album."[3] Brent Faulkner of Star Pulse found the duet to be a pleasantly surprising blend of modern and classical elements and noted that the song "should be sappy but isn't".[4] This sentiment was mirrored by Popdust's Andrew Unterberger, who observed that the song "manages to mostly stay out of the way of its two talented young vocalists... and lets them carry it with the strength of their voices, and of the song itself. The result is a ballad that’s surprisingly mature and classic sounding." Unterberger also drew comparisons to Mariah Carey, and her Boyz II Men duet "One Sweet Day" also Brandy and Wanya Morris's "Brokenhearted" in particular.[5]

Charts

More information Chart (2013–2016), Peak position ...
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Certifications

More information Region, Certification ...
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[13] Platinum 70,000
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[14] Gold 30,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[15] Platinum 30,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[16] Silver 200,000
United States (RIAA)[17] Platinum 1,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

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References

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