"Breathe (2 AM)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Anna Nalick, released in November 2004 as her debut single. It was re-released in 2005, when it charted at number 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. In New Zealand, it entered the top 40, peaking at number 37. "Breathe (2 AM)" has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Content The verses of "Breathe (2 AM)" tell the stories of three characters: a friend of the narrator's who has fallen into an unhappy relationship, an alcoholic soldier at Fort Bliss, and the narrator's experience of writing and performing a song. Chuck Taylor describes it as "an introspective yet confessional tale about learning to handle everyday challenges — and remembering to take time to breathe".
Composition The song is composed in a key of A major, the time signature is compound, and the tempo is "moderately slow, in 2" of 55 bpm, with the vocal range of F3–A4, according to Musicnotes.com.
Release In the United States, only a promotional disc of "Breathe (2 AM)" was released. In Australia, a proper CD single was issued, backed with acoustic versions of non-album track "Home" and Wreck of the Day album track "Catalyst".
Credits and personnel Credits are lifted from the US promo CD liner notes.
Studios Produced and recorded at Studio Wishbone (North Hollywood, California) Mixed at Image Recording Studios (Hollywood, California) Mastered at The Lodge (New York City)
Personnel
Anna Nalick – words, music, vocals Christopher Thorn – guitars, production, recording Brad Smith – bass, production, recording Joey Waronker – drums Zac Rae – piano Cameron Stone – cello Eric Rosse – string arrangement, production, recording Chris Lord-Alge – mixing Emily Lazar – mastering Sarah Register – mastering assistant
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2005–2006)PeakpositionCanada AC Top 30 (Radio & Records)2Canada Hot AC Top 30 (Radio & Records)11US Billboard Hot 10045US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)4US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)6US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)22US Triple-A (Billboard)16
Year-end charts Chart (2005)PositionUS Adult Contemporary (Billboard)14US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)9
Certifications
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesNovember 1, 2004Hot adult contemporary radioColumbiaFebruary 14, 2005Adult contemporary radioApril 11, 2005Contemporary hit radioAustraliaAugust 8, 2005CD
References