"Better" is a song by American
contemporary worship musician
Pat Barrett. It was released as the fourth and final single from his
eponymous debut studio album in August 2019.
Barrett co-wrote the song with
Chris Tomlin and
Ed Cash. Ed Cash produced the single.
"Better" peaked at number 16 on the US
Hot Christian Songs chart.
Background
In August 2019, "Better" was released to
Christian radio
Christian radio is a Christian media radio format that focus on programming with a Christian message. Many such broadcasters play contemporary Christian music, though many programs include sermons, radio dramas, as well as news and talk progra ...
in the United States as the follow-up to "
Build My Life
"Build My Life" is a song by American contemporary worship musician Pat Barrett, taken from his self-titled debut album (2018). It was originally released by American contemporary worship band Housefires on their album, ''Housefires III'' (201 ...
" from Pat Barrett's self-titled debut studio album. Barret shared the story behind the song, saying: ""Better" is such a special song to me personally because it has served as a challenge. Money, appearance, power and approval are all unbelievably tempting to live for at times. We cause ourselves (and others) a lot of harm when we set these things at the center of our lives. In the moments where we feel tempted to live for 'lesser' things, we are only left feeling more empty. I hope this song can help redirect the affection of our heart to something (read: Someone) better."
Composition
"Better" is an acoustic guitar led
worship
Worship is an act of religious devotion usually directed towards a deity. It may involve one or more of activities such as veneration, adoration, praise, and praying. For many, worship is not about an emotion, it is more about a recognition ...
song, composed in the key of
A♭ with a tempo of 78
beats per minute and a musical time signature of .
Critical reception
Tony Cummings of
Cross Rhythms
Cross Rhythms is a Christian media organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. It operates an FM and online radio station, produces radio shows sent internationally, and its website has resources about contemporary Christian music.
Hi ...
described the track as having an "almost
Ed Sheeran intro"." Joshua Andre of 365 Days of Inspiring Media gave a positive opinion of the song, saying "while slower tempo 5 minute long acoustic guitar led reflective, lullaby-ish and hymn-like melody "Better", co-written with Chris Tomlin, eloquently and vividly describes about how Jesus Christ is better than anything we can ever imagine, and better than our material possessions and the things of this world that we think give us value."
Commercial performance
"Better" debuted at number 49 on the US
Christian Airplay chart dated August 17, 2019. The song peaked at number 14 on the Christian Airplay chart.
"Better" debuted at number 39 on the US
Hot Christian Songs chart dated August 30, 2019. The song peaked at number 16 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.
Music videos
Pat Barrett released the official audio video for the song via YouTube on March 30, 2018. Pat Barrett published the acoustic performance video of "Better" on April 18, 2018, via YouTube. On July 3, 2019, the official lyric video for the song was availed on YouTube. Pat Barrett released the live performance video for "Better" through YouTube on August 20, 2019.
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Release history
References
External links
* on PraiseCharts
{{DEFAULTSORT:Better (Pat Barrett song)
2018 songs
2019 singles
Pat Barrett songs
Songs written by Pat Barrett
Songs written by Chris Tomlin
Songs written by Ed Cash