Try This
Try This is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter P!nk, released on November 11, 2003, by Arista Records.[1] The album marks a shift toward a rock-influenced sound, blending pop punk, R&B, and dance-pop elements, following her multi-platinum sophomore record M!ssundaztood (2001).[2] It was primarily co-written and co-produced by P!nk alongside Tim Armstrong of the punk rock band Rancid, with additional contributions from producers Linda Perry and William Orbit, and songwriter Beck.[3] Executive produced by L.A. Reid, the record features guest appearances including Peaches on the track "Oh My God (That Ain't No Way to Have Fun)" and incorporates themes of relationships, empowerment, and introspection across its 13 tracks. The album's lead single, "Trouble", became a standout hit, peaking at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning P!nk her first Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 2004.[4] Subsequent singles "God Is a DJ" and "Last to Know" further highlighted the album's rock edge, while "Feel Good Time"—written by Beck and produced by William Orbit—was initially released as a single for the soundtrack to Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle before appearing on the album.[2] Critically, Try This received generally positive reviews for its energetic production and P!nk's versatile vocals, though some noted it lacked the cohesive hooks of her previous work.[3] Commercially, Try This debuted and peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, where it was certified platinum by the RIAA for shipments exceeding one million copies. Worldwide, the album has sold approximately 4 million copies as of 2025, one of P!nk's lower-selling studio releases despite its artistic ambition and lasting influence on her evolution as a rock-oriented pop artist.[5]Development
Background
Following the success of her second album, M!ssundaztood (2001), Pink experienced significant burnout from two years of relentless touring and media scrutiny over her private life.[6] This exhaustion prompted her to conceive Try This as a deliberate pivot toward a lighter, more energetic punk-rock sound, allowing her to escape the emotional intensity of her prior work and experiment with edgier influences that aligned with her longstanding admiration for punk bands.[6] A pivotal collaboration emerged with Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk band Rancid, who co-wrote and produced the majority of the tracks, infusing the album with raw rock elements drawn from her love for the genre.[7] Pink reunited with producer Linda Perry, her key partner on M!ssundaztood, but emphasized a bolder, less introspective direction to capture her evolving artistic voice.[6] These choices reflected her frustration with external expectations for commercial conformity, as she aimed to prioritize authenticity over formulaic hits amid ongoing tensions with Arista Records.[6] Personal events during this period, including the ups and downs of her relationship with motocross racer Carey Hart—which began in 2001 and faced a brief split in 2003—further motivated Pink's push for creative freedom and a rebellious tone.[8] The album title Try This was announced in September 2003, encapsulating her experimental mindset as she fulfilled her final contractual obligation to Arista while resisting pressures to replicate past successes.[7]Recording and production
Recording sessions for Try This began in October 2002 and spanned multiple locations to capture the album's blend of punk-rock energy and pop sensibilities. Key studios included Steakhouse Studios in North Hollywood, California, where several tracks featuring punk influences were laid down, as well as Enterprise Studios in Burbank, California, and Casa de P!nk in Sherman Oaks, California, for more intimate sessions. Additional recording occurred at Turtle Sound and Battery Studios in New York City for select tracks.[9] The production team was led by Tim Armstrong of Rancid, who produced and co-wrote eight tracks (1, 3–5, 8, 10–12), infusing punk-rock elements through collaborations with musicians like Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Linda Perry handled production on three tracks (6, 7, 9), focusing on pop arrangements and reuniting with Pink from their prior work. Pink herself co-produced the album, contributing to its overall direction and ensuring a raw, live-band setup to maintain energetic performances during tracking. Other contributors included Billy Mann and Jonathan S. Davis for track 2, and Damon Elliott for track 13.[10][11] Principal recording wrapped by summer 2003, with mixing handled by engineers such as Tom Lord-Alge and John Fields to balance the punk and pop dynamics. The process involved challenges in merging Armstrong's gritty punk style with Perry's polished pop structures, resulting in a 13-track album that emphasized live instrumentation for authenticity. Certain editions later included the bonus track "Feel Good Time," produced by William Orbit and recorded separately prior to the main sessions.[9]Music and artistic style
Composition
Try This is primarily a pop rock album incorporating punk and alternative influences, marking a shift toward a harder-edged sound compared to Pink's earlier work. The album features 13 tracks with an average length of about 3 minutes and 52 seconds, resulting in a total runtime of approximately 50 minutes.[12] This structure supports its radio-friendly orientation while allowing for stylistic experimentation.[13] Instrumentation emphasizes a rock foundation, with heavy electric guitars, driving drums, and prominent bass lines providing an energetic edge throughout much of the record. Contributions from punk musicians such as Tim Armstrong, Matt Freeman, and Brett Reed of Rancid on guitars and drums infuse several tracks with raw punk vitality, while occasional elements like horns and sitar add textural variety. For instance, "Trouble" showcases distorted electric guitars and a punchy rhythm section for its up-tempo rock drive, whereas "God Is a DJ" layers synth elements alongside electric and acoustic guitars to create an electro-rock atmosphere.[14] Most songs follow conventional verse-chorus structures augmented by bridges, fostering accessibility and catchiness typical of pop rock. Variations appear in tracks like the frantic, chorus-reliant "Trouble" with rap-inflected verses, and the slower ballad "Unwind," which employs a more introspective build. These formats balance high-energy anthems with mid-tempo explorations, though the album's diverse approaches sometimes challenge seamless flow.[14][15] The album achieves cohesion through its overarching punk-infused pop rock lens, blending rebellious energy with melodic hooks to evolve Pink's sound from previous pop-R&B leanings into a more alternative, radio-aimed hybrid. This experimental mix, produced largely by Armstrong, prioritizes versatility—spanning stomping rockers and laid-back grooves—while maintaining a party-spirited consistency that appeals to fans seeking empowerment anthems.[14][15]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of Try This center on themes of love, estrangement, empowerment, and self-reflection, delivered in Pink's signature raw and confessional style that incorporates profanity, humor, and direct emotional confrontation.[16] This approach marks an evolution from the more party-oriented tracks of her debut Can't Take Me Home (2000), shifting toward greater maturity while building on the introspective depth of M!ssundaztood (2001), though with a raunchier, less vulnerable edge overall.[17] Seven tracks were co-written by Pink and Tim Armstrong of Rancid, infusing the words with punk-inflected rebellion and attitude, while five others were co-authored with Linda Perry, maintaining a thread of personal vulnerability amid the album's bolder tone.[18] The result is a collection that balances sassy defiance with poignant relational insights, often using vivid, streetwise imagery to convey empowerment through independence. For instance, the lead single "Trouble" stands as a rebellious anthem, with Pink proudly owning her disruptive persona in lines like "If you see me coming down the street, you know it's time to go (run away!)," celebrating mischief as a form of self-assertion.[3] Similarly, "God Is a DJ" tackles fate and nightlife escapism, portraying a DJ as a divine figure who "makes the music go round" and puts "the middle finger in the air," symbolizing taking control amid chaos.[19] In contrast, "Last to Know" delves into betrayal and estrangement, expressing the sting of relational deception through aching vulnerability, as Pink laments being blindsided by a partner's hidden actions.[16] Other songs reinforce these motifs, such as "Love Song," which reflects on the challenges of intimacy with the line "I'd rather bleed with cuts of love than live without any scars," highlighting self-reflection in the face of emotional risk.[16] Overall, the album's lyrical content prioritizes authentic expression over polished narratives, evolving Pink's voice into one of unapologetic resilience.[15]Release and promotion
Marketing strategies
Try This was released on November 11, 2003, by Arista Records in the United States, with select international markets, including the United Kingdom, receiving it a day earlier on November 10.[20][1] The album launched in multiple formats to broaden accessibility, including a standard compact disc edition, an enhanced CD version incorporating BANDLINK software for interactive content such as a CD-ROM interview and photo gallery, and eventual digital download availability through emerging platforms.[12][21][22] Arista Records marketed Try This as a bold follow-up to Pink's breakthrough second album, M!ssundaztood (2001), which had sold over five million copies worldwide and established her as a pop-rock force.[23] The label allocated substantial resources toward video production and targeted radio airplay to capitalize on this momentum, framing the project as Pink's artistic evolution into a harder-edged rock persona through key collaborations with punk influences like Rancid's Tim Armstrong.[11] This positioning highlighted her departure from earlier R&B-pop roots, emphasizing raw energy and attitude to appeal to a maturing audience.[23] Promotional efforts centered on high-profile media exposure to underscore the rock transformation, including a feature review in Rolling Stone that spotlighted the album's punk-infused production and guest appearances.[11] Campaigns varied internationally to align with regional markets, with earlier European rollouts supporting localized radio pushes and print features. Initial retail strategies featured prominent in-store displays to drive physical sales, often bundling the album with exclusive merchandise to enhance consumer engagement. The rollout also tied into single promotions like "Trouble," using its Grammy-nominated buzz to amplify overall album visibility.Singles
The lead single from Try This, "Trouble", was released on September 29, 2003.[24] It peaked at number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, the song reached number 7 on the Official Singles Chart and spent 13 weeks in the top 100.[25] It also achieved a top 10 position in Australia, peaking at number 8 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[26] The track earned Pink the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004.[27] The music video, directed by Sophie Muller, depicted Pink as a rebellious outlaw in a Western-style town, reinforcing her evolving rock persona through high-energy performance and punk-infused visuals.[7] The second single, "God Is a DJ", followed on November 17, 2003. It experienced moderate success in Europe, reaching number 11 on the UK Official Singles Chart.[28] The song's music video, directed by Jake Scott, featured Pink and a group of women transforming their outfits while riding a subway to a nightclub, blending themes of empowerment and nightlife with the album's rock edge.[29] "Last to Know", the third single, was released on April 13, 2004, primarily targeting European markets with its ballad-like introspection amid the album's rock framework.[20] It received limited radio airplay but charted at number 21 on the UK Official Singles Chart over 6 weeks.[30] The single included B-sides such as remixes, notably the Robbie Rivera Main Vocal Mix of "God Is a DJ".[31] Overall, the singles' promotion emphasized Pink's rock image through visually dynamic music videos that highlighted her vocal intensity and rebellious style, contributing to "Trouble"'s UK silver certification by the BPI for 200,000 units.Try This Tour
The Try This Tour was American singer Pink's second headlining concert tour, launched in support of her third studio album, Try This (2003). It commenced on February 19, 2004, at the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, and primarily spanned Europe—including dates in the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands—before moving to Australia in April for arena shows in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The tour encompassed over 70 performances across 23 countries, concluding on August 22, 2004, at the V Festival in Staffordshire, England. The setlist emphasized tracks from Try This, such as "Trouble," "God Is a DJ," "Last to Know," and "Save My Life," while incorporating hits from her earlier albums like "Don't Let Me Get Me," "Just Like a Pill," "There You Go," and covers including "Respect" and "What's Up?" Performances often opened with high-energy renditions of older material before transitioning to newer rock-oriented songs, creating a dynamic flow that blended pop-punk aggression with emotional ballads.[32] The production drew on punk-rock aesthetics, featuring gritty stage designs with neon lighting, chain-link fencing motifs, and explosive pyrotechnics to match the album's rebellious vibe. Pink incorporated aerial acrobatics for the first time, performing suspended stunts during songs like "Get the Party Started," inspired by Cher's farewell tour; these elements added a thrilling, physical dimension to her high-energy rock delivery. Shows were held in arenas with capacities typically ranging from 8,000 to 12,000, drawing enthusiastic crowds for intimate yet intense spectacles.[33] A live recording from the March 26, 2004, concert at the Manchester Evening News Arena was released as the DVD P!nk: Live in Europe – From the 2004 Try This Tour in 2006 by LaFace Records, capturing 27 tracks including several from Try This alongside career-spanning medleys and encores. The release highlighted the tour's raw energy and Pink's vocal prowess, though it was not exclusive to the tour footage.[34]Media appearances
The song "Trouble" from Try This was featured in the 2004 comedy film White Chicks, appearing during a key dance sequence involving the main characters.[35] Similarly, "God Is a DJ" was included on the soundtrack for the 2004 teen comedy Mean Girls, playing over a montage scene depicting high school social dynamics.[36] These film placements provided additional exposure for the album's tracks beyond their initial single releases, integrating them into popular cinematic narratives of the mid-2000s.Reception and legacy
Critical reception
Try This received generally favorable reviews from contemporary critics, earning an aggregate score of 70 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 18 reviews.[37] Many praised the album's evolution toward a harder rock sound and Pink's authentic, energetic delivery, crediting her collaboration with producer Linda Perry for infusing the project with raw attitude and cohesion. For example, Q awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting Pink's smart choice of collaborators and the record's genuine reflection of her voice.[37] NME commended the bold experimentation in showcasing her punk influences, giving it 7 out of 10 and noting it as her most rock-oriented effort to date.[13] Critics also appreciated the fierce, unapologetic energy across tracks like "Trouble," which captured Pink's signature attitude. However, some pointed to inconsistencies in blending punk-rock aggression with pop sensibilities, resulting in uneven pacing and filler material. AllMusic rated it 3 out of 5 stars, describing certain songs as less compelling amid the album's ambitious shifts.[18] Rolling Stone similarly critiqued the opening tracks for feeling formulaic and lacking depth, awarding 3 out of 5 stars despite acknowledging the overall swagger.[11] Reviewers often compared it unfavorably to the more consistent Missundaztood, viewing Try This as a transitional but sometimes scattered follow-up.[13]Commercial performance
Try This debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 147,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan.[38] By March 2007, the album had sold 719,000 copies in the United States.[39] It received Platinum certification from the RIAA for shipments exceeding one million units.[40] Internationally, Try This has achieved approximately 3.97 million equivalent album units worldwide as of 2025.[5] It performed strongly in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and earning Platinum certification from the BPI for 300,000 units shipped.[41] In Australia, the album reached number 9 on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified 2× Platinum by ARIA for 140,000 units. The album's commercial success was boosted by the lead single "Trouble," which earned a Grammy Award, and the subsequent Try This Tour, which helped sustain initial momentum. Sales declined after the early hype, partly due to Pink's transition from Arista Records to LaFace Records. While pure sales data has not been updated beyond 2007, equivalent units including streams have been estimated in recent reports as of 2025. Vinyl reissues, including a limited red edition in 2017 and later remastered pressings, have supported ongoing availability.[39]Legacy and influence
Try This marked a significant pivot in Pink's career toward a more pronounced rock sound, building on the pop-rock elements introduced in her previous album M!ssundaztood and solidifying her reputation as a versatile artist capable of blending genres. This transition influenced her subsequent work, particularly the 2006 album I'm Not Dead, which further incorporated rock instrumentation and themes of rebellion and introspection, helping to sustain her relevance across two decades. By embracing punk-rock production—collaborating with Rancid's Tim Armstrong—Pink distanced herself from her R&B roots, a move that, despite initial commercial challenges in the U.S., contributed to her long-term artistic evolution and global appeal.[42][43][44] The lead single "Trouble" emerged as an enduring rock anthem embodying feminist defiance, with its gritty lyrics and attitude earning Pink her first Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 2004. The track's rebellious spirit, described by Pink as a "fun song" about owning one's flaws, resonated as a pop-punk staple, inspiring contemporary female artists in the genre, such as Avril Lavigne, by modeling bold, unapologetic femininity in male-dominated rock spaces. While not always highlighted in broader discussions of Pink's catalog, Try This's punk-infused energy helped pioneer a space for women in pop-punk during the early 2000s, influencing the era's blend of sass and social commentary.[45][2][11] In retrospectives, Try This has been noted for its role in Pink's longevity, though it remains underemphasized compared to her more commercially dominant releases; for instance, it is occasionally praised in artist discography overviews but rarely features in major 2000s album lists. The album has seen vinyl reissues and deluxe formats since 2003, yet it maintains a steady presence on streaming platforms, accumulating over 153 million plays on Spotify as of late 2025. This enduring digital accessibility underscores its contribution to Pink's career totals, which exceed 79 million equivalent album units worldwide, highlighting how the project's experimental risks bolstered her status as a resilient, genre-spanning icon.[6][46][5]Track listing and credits
Standard track listing
The standard edition of Try This, released in the United States on November 11, 2003, by Arista Records, consists of 13 tracks with a total runtime of 48:22. Some pressings include a hidden track, "Hooker", appended to the end of track 13 without a separate listing or gap.[47]| No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Trouble" | 3:12 | P!nk, Tim Armstrong | Tim Armstrong |
| 2 | "God Is a DJ" | 3:44 | P!nk, Billy Mann, Jonathan S. Davis | Billy Mann, Jonathan S. Davis |
| 3 | "Last to Know" | 4:03 | P!nk, Tim Armstrong | Tim Armstrong |
| 4 | "Tonight's the Night" | 3:56 | P!nk, Tim Armstrong | Tim Armstrong |
| 5 | "Oh My God" (featuring Peaches) | 3:43 | P!nk, Tim Armstrong, Peaches | Tim Armstrong |
| 6 | "Catch Me While I'm Sleeping" | 5:00 | P!nk, Linda Perry | Linda Perry |
| 7 | "Waiting for Love" | 5:28 | P!nk, Linda Perry, Brian MacLeod, Eric Schermerhorn | Linda Perry |
| 8 | "Save My Life" | 3:15 | P!nk, Tim Armstrong | Tim Armstrong |
| 9 | "Try Too Hard" | 3:14 | P!nk, Linda Perry | Linda Perry |
| 10 | "Humble Neighborhoods" | 3:51 | P!nk, Tim Armstrong | Tim Armstrong |
| 11 | "Walk Away" | 3:39 | P!nk, Tim Armstrong, Travis Barker | Tim Armstrong |
| 12 | "Unwind" | 3:13 | P!nk, Tim Armstrong | Tim Armstrong |
| 13 | "Love Song" | 2:30 | P!nk, Nikka Costa | Damon Elliott |
Vocals
- P!nk – lead vocals, backing vocals[47]
- Peaches – guest vocals (track 5: "Oh My God")[12]
- Billy Mann – backing vocals (track 2: "God Is a DJ")[9]
- Tim Armstrong – backing vocals (track 10: "Humble Neighborhoods")[9]
Instruments
- Guitar
- Bass
- Keyboards
- Drums
- Turntables
-
Horns
- Arranged by Lon Price (tracks 1, 4, 11, 12)[9]
Production
- Tim Armstrong – producer (tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12), mixing (track 12)[22]
- Linda Perry – producer (tracks 6, 7, 9)[22]
- Billy Mann – producer (track 2)[12]
- Jonnie "Most" Davis – producer (track 2)[12]
- Damon Elliott – producer (track 13: "Love Song")[12]
- John Fields – co-producer (tracks 6, 10), programming[18]
- William Orbit – producer (bonus track: "Feel Good Time")[12]
Engineering and Mixing
- Tom Lord-Alge – mixing (tracks 1, 3, 8)[12]
- John Fields – mixing (tracks 2, 6, 9, 10, 11), engineer (track 10)[12]
- Dave Pensado – mixing (tracks 4, 7, 13)[12]
- Al Clay – mixing (track 5)[12]
- Rich Tapper – engineer (track 5)[9]
- Steven Miller – engineer (track 6)[9]
- Assistant engineers: Chris Testa (track 2), Jay Goin (tracks 2, 6), Dave Carlock (track 12), Femio Hernández, Ethan Willoughby, John "Silas" Cranfield, Pat Dammer, Tony Maserati (various)[50]
Mastering
- Stephen Marcussen – mastering (at Bernie Grundman Mastering, Los Angeles, CA)[9]
Additional Personnel
- Joshua Sarubin – A&R[9]
- Craig Logan – executive producer[51]
- L.A. Reid – executive producer[12]
- Roger Davies – executive producer[51]
- P!nk – executive producer[51]
- Glen Nakasako – art direction, design[9]
- Jeri Heiden – art direction, design[9]
Chart performance and certifications
Chart positions
"Try This" debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200 chart on November 29, 2003, marking Pink's third consecutive top-ten album in the United States, and remained on the chart for a total of 24 weeks. The album also reached the top ten on charts in multiple countries, including a peak of number three on the UK Albums Chart where it spent 32 weeks.[52] Internationally, it entered the top ten in 13 territories, demonstrating solid performance in key markets despite varying regional durations on the charts.| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Billboard 200 | 9 | 24 | Billboard |
| United Kingdom | Official Albums Chart | 3 | 32 | Official Charts Company |
| Canada | Canadian Albums Chart | 8 | - | Billboard |
| Australia | ARIA Albums Chart | 9 | 27 | ARIA |
| Germany | Offizielle Deutsche Charts | 2 | 28 | Offizielle Charts |
| France | SNEP Albums Chart | 12 | 23 | Les Charts |
| Japan | Oricon Albums Chart | 25 | - | Oricon |
| Austria | Ö3 Austria Top 40 | 2 | 29 | Austrian Charts |
| Switzerland | Swiss Music Charts | 2 | 28 | Swiss Charts |
| Netherlands | Dutch Albums Top 100 | 4 | 25 | Dutch Charts |
| Belgium (Flanders) | Ultratop 50 Albums | 5 | 17 | Ultratop |
| New Zealand | RIANZ Top 40 Albums | 13 | 26 | Charts.nz |
| Norway | VG-lista Top 40 Albums | 8 | 3 | Norwegian Charts |
Certifications
The album Try This by P!nk has received several certifications from music industry organizations around the world, recognizing its commercial success based primarily on physical shipments and sales thresholds. These awards reflect the album's performance in the early 2000s, prior to widespread digital streaming adjustments in certification criteria.[53] The album has sold approximately 3.5 million copies worldwide.[5] In the United States, Try This was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on an unspecified date in 2004 for shipments exceeding 1,000,000 units.[53] The following table summarizes key certifications:| Country/Region | Certification | Certifying Body | Units Sold/Shipped | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Platinum | RIAA | 1,000,000 | 2004 |
| United Kingdom | Platinum | BPI | 300,000 | - |
| Australia | Platinum | ARIA | 70,000 | - |
| Europe | Platinum | IFPI | 1,000,000 | - |
| Canada | Gold | Music Canada | 50,000 | - |
| France | Gold | SNEP | 75,000 | - |
| New Zealand | Gold | RMNZ | 7,500 | - |