Not That Far Away

"Not That Far Away"
Single by Jennette McCurdy
from the album Not That Far Away
Released May 24, 2010
(see release history)
Format Digital download, airplay
Genre Country
Length 3:24
Label Capitol Nashville
Writer(s) Blair Daly
Jennette McCurdy
Rachel Proctor
Producer(s) Paul Worley
Jennette McCurdy singles chronology
"Homeless Heart"
(2009)		 "Not That Far Away"
(2010)		 "Generation Love"
(2011)
Music video
"Not That Far Away" at CMT.com

"Not That Far Away" is a song recorded by American country singer-songwriter Jennette McCurdy. It was released to country radio on May 24, 2010 and as a music download on June 1, 2010.

Content

"Not That Far Away" is an up-tempo song featuring prominent banjo and electric guitar with steel guitar fills. The song's female narrator describes the scenario of a young girl, who dreams of becoming a country artist, heading out of town to Nashville, Tennessee in pursuit of her dream. In leaving, she finds herself assuring her mother that she's "not that far away" from her hometown in California.

McCurdy said that "this song really captures the last year of my life. I've been in Nashville writing for and recording my record and following my dream while really missing my family and friends back in Garden Grove, California."[1] The single was chosen in a fan-voted poll that featured samples of six songs from her upcoming record; "Not That Far Away," with 30% of the total votes, was selected for release.[2]

Reception

Jim Malec of The 9513 gave the song a thumbs down, comparing the song unfavorably with something Carrie Underwood might record. He stated that while he believes McCurdy "proves herself a generally capable vocalist," he noted that her voice "lacks Underwood’s pristine tonal quality, outstanding vocal control and incredible power."[3]

Jim Kiest remarked, "A perfectly credible, fairly forgettable, country debut about chasing dreams...Fans of her show might have been expecting McCurdy to be a mean-girl counterpart to Taylor Swift; keep hoping, kids, but it hasn't happened yet."[4]

Music video

The music video, which was directed by Roman White and shot in Watertown, Tennessee, premiered on Nickelodeon and CMT on August 14, 2010.[5] In the video, McCurdy is shown moving into a new home, arranging furniture and putting up pictures of her alongside her mother. She then takes her guitar and walks through town, eventually making her way to a coffee shop, where she performs the song during open mic night. Throughout the video, McCurdy is also shown talking on the phone and writing in a journal, as well as singing the song from various locations.

Track listing

No. TitleWriter(s) Length
1. "Not That Far Away"  Blair Daly, Rachel Proctor & Jennette McCurdy 3:25

Chart performance

"Not That Far Away" debuted and peaked at number 58 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the week of July 10, 2010.[6]

Chart (2010) Peak
position
US Country Songs (Billboard)[6] 58

Release history

Region Date Format Label(s)
United States May 24, 2010 Radio airplay[7] Capitol Nashville Records
June 1, 2010 Digital download[8][7]

References

  1. ↑ "Jennette McCurdy Fans (and Boot Readers!) Choose Debut Single". The Boot. 2010-05-10. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  2. ↑ "Jennette McCurdy Lets Fans Help Decide Debut Single". The Boot. 2010-04-16. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
  3. ↑ "Jennette McCurdy – “Not That Far Away”". The 9513. 2010-05-17. Archived from the original on 2013-05-13. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  4. ↑ Jime Kiest, Singles,San Antonio Express-News, June 9, 2010, Pg.2E
  5. ↑ "Videos : Music Binge - 8.14.10 : Not That Far Away". CMT.com. Retrieved 2010-09-04.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Top Country Songs & Charts, Country Music Hits & Popular Country Music Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Jennette McCurdy {Hot Country} - Not That Far Away Lyrics Ringtones Videos". Zimbio.com. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
  8. ↑ "Not That Far Away". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2010-07-05.