One Margarita Explained

One Margarita
Cover:One Margarita.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Luke Bryan
Album:Born Here Live Here Die Here
Genre:Country
Length:3:13
Producer:
Prev Title:What She Wants Tonight
Prev Year:2020
Next Title:Down to One
Next Year:2020

"One Margarita" is a song recorded by American country music singer Luke Bryan. It is the third single from his seventh studio album Born Here Live Here Die Here. Bryan's bandleader Michael Carter wrote the song with Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem.

The song peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Bryan's first Top 20 in the United States since his 2014 hit "Play It Again", which peaked at number 14. "One Margarita" was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA on February 24, 2023.

Content and history

Wendy Hermanson of the blog Taste of Country wrote of the song that it is a "light, sparkling, feel-good number dedicated to a bit of old-fashioned hedonism that has Bryan counting 'One margarita, two margarita, three margarita, we'll be gone,' and name-dropping Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, and Kenny Chesney. A mariachi band helps the vibe along, and everyone has plenty of smiles to spare. Jon Freeman of Rolling Stone Country wrote that the song has an "equally buoyant melody and groove that’s punctuated by mandolin and peals of Hammond organ. Bryan, who’s no stranger to a party song, looks at the bigger picture of vacation as escape from the stress and anxiety of everyday existence." Bryan's bandleader, Michael Carter, wrote the song with Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem.[1] The song was officially released to radio on April 13, 2020. It is the album's third single, following "Knockin' Boots" and "What She Wants Tonight".

Critical reception

"One Margarita" was included on a list of the worst songs of 2020 published by Variety; the song was described as an "[ode] to alcohol abuse" and the "wrong song at the wrong time" in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[2]

Music video

The song's music video was directed by Michael Monaco. It features Bryan "cavorting on the beach". Bryan's wife, Caroline, and mother, LeClaire, make guest appearances,[3] as do Caylee Hammack and members of Old Dominion.[4] Bryan filmed the video during Crash My Playa, an annual beach party he holds in Mexico, in January 2020 prior to the song's release.[5]

Chart performance

Year-end charts

Chart (2020)Position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[7] 93
US Billboard Hot 100[8] 70
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[9] 11
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[10] 11

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Luke Bryan's ready for a good time in new single, 'One Margarita' [Listen] ]. The Boot . April 13, 2020 . June 12, 2020 . Angela Stefano.
  2. Web site: Year in Review: The Worst Songs of 2020. Chris. Willman. January 2, 2021. Variety. January 6, 2021.
  3. Web site: Luke Bryan's 'One Margarita' is the sunny song you need [listen] ]. Taste of Country . April 9, 2020 . June 12, 2020 . Wendy Hermanson.
  4. Web site: Luke Bryan Throws a Beach Party in 'One Margarita' Video . Rolling Stone . March 13, 2020 . June 12, 2020 . Jon Freeman.
  5. Web site: Luke Bryan mixes it up with new single, 'One Margarita' [Listen] ]. Nash Country Daily . April 13, 2020 . June 12, 2020 . Jim Casey.
  6. Top 100 Songs. Rolling Stone. July 2, 2020. July 6, 2020.
  7. Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2020. Billboard. December 4, 2020.
  8. Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2020. Billboard. December 3, 2020.
  9. Country Airplay Songs – Year-End 2020. Billboard. December 3, 2020.
  10. Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2020. Billboard. December 3, 2020.