Introduction
“Amazed” is a renowned country ballad originally recorded by the American country music group Lonestar. Released on March 22, 1999, as part of their third studio album, Lonely Grill, the song quickly became the band’s signature hit. It was penned by songwriters Marv Green, Aimee Mayo, and Chris Lindsey, who drew inspiration from Mayo and Lindsey’s budding romance at the time. Mayo reflected on the songwriting process, noting, “Our feelings for each other just started coming out as we were writing.”
The composition showcases a blend of heartfelt lyrics and a melodic arrangement. Structurally, the verses are set in A♭ major, transitioning through a pre-chorus in B major, and culminating in a chorus in D♭ major. Lead vocalist Richie McDonald’s range spans from F3 to A♭4, delivering a performance that captures the song’s emotional depth.
Upon its release, “Amazed” achieved remarkable success on the charts. It dominated the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for eight consecutive weeks, marking the longest run at number one on this chart since the advent of Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems in 1990. This record was later tied by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett’s 2003 single “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and surpassed in 2023 by Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof,” which held the top spot for ten non-consecutive weeks.
The song’s appeal extended beyond the country genre. Initially entering the Billboard Hot 100 at number 81 and peaking at 24, “Amazed” was subsequently remixed for pop radio by Brian Tankersley. This remix introduced a new key change and featured re-recorded vocals by McDonald, propelling the song back onto the Hot 100, where it reached number one on March 4, 2000. This achievement made “Amazed” the first country song to top the pop charts since Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s 1983 duet “Islands in the Stream.”
In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number 21 and enjoyed a 22-week tenure on the charts, with 17 weeks spent in the top 40. By December 2015, “Amazed” had sold approximately 1.628 million digital copies in the United States, underscoring its enduring popularity.
The song’s influence has prompted various artists to offer their renditions. Notably, in mid-2023, Lonestar re-recorded “Amazed” with new lead vocalist Drew Womack for their album Ten to 1, which features updated versions of their major hits. Additionally, The Frontmen, comprising former members of Lonestar, Little Texas, and Restless Heart, released their own version of the song, featuring Richie McDonald on lead vocals.
Scotty McCreery, the American country singer and winner of the tenth season of American Idol, has also performed “Amazed” during his concerts. His rendition pays homage to the original while infusing it with his distinctive vocal style, further testament to the song’s lasting impact and versatility within the country music genre.