"Stranded" is a song by American singer Lutricia McNeal, released as the third single from her debut album, My Side of Town (1997), in May 1998. The song entered the top 10 in Austria, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. On the Eurochart Hot 100, it peaked at number 10 in June 1998. Outside Europe, the single was a top-three hit in New Zealand and also peaked at number six on the US Billboard Dance Club Play chart. In 1999, it was reported that "Stranded" had sold two million copies.Pride, Dominic, Lindstrom, Johan (October 9, 1999). "McNeal's Swedish-flavored pop a hit". Billboard. Vol. 111. Issue 41.
Critical reception Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Led by a cool, contemporary beat, "Stranded" is one -minute hook that couldn't sound more inviting as a mature-sounding uptempo cut for the summer. A funked-up, bass-heavy R&B edit should ensure spins at stations that lean to crossover, while the kicking Hothead T' Edit provides a perfect entree for dance-happy outlets." Adrian Thrills from Daily Mail described it as "sassy", noting that it's "mixing the soulful swagger of Donna Summer with a flapper-girl elegance reminiscent of the Pointer Sisters".Thrills, Adrian (July 17, 1998). "Spirited Crows soar ever higher; It's Friday! Music!". Daily Mail. A reviewer from Sunday Mirror commented, "Smart Swede follows up "Ain't That Just the Way" with another singalong cocktail bar anthem. Nice."Sunday Mirror. May 10, 1998. page 43. Paul Sexton from The Times viewed it as "another piece of swaying, summer-weight soul that commercial radio programmers can't get enough of."Sexton, Paul (July 18, 1998). "New Album Releases; Music". The Times.
Music video The accompanying music video for "Stranded" was directed by Stuart Gosling and first aired in May 1998. It shows McNeal returning to a house and reminiscing of the past while she plays a piano. In between, there are scenes of the singer appearing with other people in the now empty house. Gosling also directed the video for "My Side of Town".
Track listings CD single, UK (1998) "Stranded" (radio edit) – 3:29 "Stranded" (Steve Antony Hip Hop club mix) – 5:33 "Stranded" (C&J Remix) – 3:40 "Stranded" (Baffled club mix) – 6:31 "Stranded" (Baffled dub mix) – 6:28
CD maxi, Europe (1998) "Stranded" (original version) – 3:34 "Stranded" (Steve Antony R&B) – 3:59 "Stranded" (Baffled remix) – 6:27 "Stranded" (Magestic 12 Sci Funk remix) – 6:41 "Stranded" (Baffled dub mix) – 6:28 "Stranded" (extended version) – 5:10
CD maxi, US (1999) "Stranded" (radio edit) – 3:35 "Stranded" (Nu Soul 7-inch remix) – 3:55 "Stranded" (Hothead 7-inch edit) – 3:25 "Stranded" (Calle & Mauro's Freestyle radio mix) – 3:13 "Stranded" (Hothead extended remix) – 8:27 "Stranded" (E-Smoove's Late Night Stomp) – 7:14
Charts
Weekly charts +Chart (1998–1999)PeakpositionBelgium (Ultratip Wallonia)3Denmark (IFPI)Danish Singles Chart. June 26, 1998.11Estonia (Eesti Top 20)5Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)10Hungary (Mahasz)8Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)21Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)12US Dance Club Play (Billboard)6
Year-end charts +Chart (1998)PositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100) 68Europe Border Breakers (Music & Media)3New Zealand (RIANZ)40Sweden (Hitlistan)40UK Singles (OCC)60
Certifications
Release history +RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United KingdomMay 11, 1998WildstarJapanSeptember 9, 1998CDUnited StatesApril 6, 1999Epic
References