Introduction:
“Five More Minutes” is a poignant country song by American singer Scotty McCreery, released on May 5, 2017, as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Seasons Change (2018). McCreery co-wrote the track with Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell, drawing inspiration from the passing of his grandfather in 2015 and the universal desire to spend more time with loved ones.
The song’s heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners, reflecting on cherished moments and the longing for “five more minutes” to relive them. This emotional depth marked a maturation in McCreery’s songwriting, showcasing his ability to connect personal experiences with universal themes.
Upon its release, “Five More Minutes” achieved significant commercial success. It became McCreery’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in early 2018, after a 40-week climb. Notably, the song initially charted without the backing of a record label, leading to McCreery signing with Triple Tigers Records in August 2017. The single also reached number four on the Hot Country Songs chart and number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting its crossover appeal.
Critically, “Five More Minutes” was well-received. Billboard ranked it among the top three country songs of 2018, highlighting it as “a declaration of independence from an artist who matured from a blue-chip prospect to a power player.” The song’s success underscored McCreery’s growth as an artist and his ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with audiences.
The accompanying music video, directed by Jeff Ray, further amplifies the song’s nostalgic themes by incorporating home videos from McCreery’s childhood. This visual approach adds a personal touch, allowing fans to connect with the singer’s life story and the song’s message on a deeper level.
“Five More Minutes” stands as a testament to Scotty McCreery’s evolution as a country artist. Its heartfelt narrative and commercial success have solidified his place in the genre, demonstrating his ability to translate personal loss into a universally relatable and emotionally impactful song.