"Starving" is a song by American singer Hailee Steinfeld and American duo Grey, featuring Russian-German producer Zedd. The song was written by Grey members Michael Trewartha and Kyle Trewartha, Robert McCurdy, Christopher Petrosino, and Asia Whiteacre. The song, a pop and EDM record, was produced by Grey and Zedd themselves, alongside Chris "Tek" O'Ryan. It was released on July 19, 2016, through Republic Records and Universal Music Group, as Grey's debut single. "Starving" is included on the third digital reissue edition of Steinfeld's debut extended play (EP), Haiz (2016), alongside the Japanese edition of the EP and Zedd's first compilation album, Stay + (2017).

Upon its release, the song was received positively by music critics, who praised the record for its sound and lyrics. Commercially, the single reached the top 10 in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and number 12 in the United States. The song was also certified 4× Platinum in Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. It is currently Steinfeld's highest-charting single to date. A music video for the song, released on September 27, 2016, features Steinfeld dancing with a quartet of shirtless men.

Background

In an interview with Nylons Irina Grechko, Steinfeld said Starving' is a song about sort of knowing someone, or getting to know that certain someone, to the point where even though you were somebody before that person came along, they have given you this whole new outlook on yourself and on life. It's this idea that since you came into my life everything is different, and I didn't know that it could be this different since you came into my life."

Release The song was originally released as a non-album single on the 19th of July, 2016, through Republic Records and Universal Music Group, before it was included on the third digital reissue of Steinfeld's debut extended play (EP), Haiz (released via Republic). It would later be put onto the EP's Japanese edition, released on the 19th of August, 2016. As for Zedd, the song was released on his debut compilation album, Stay +, released on the 27th of December, 2017, through Universal Music Japan.

Critical reception Katherine Barner of Idolator called the song "a dreamy, teen romance anthem." Teen Vogues Isis Briones said that the song "has a soft guitar start and builds up to a mellow dance tune, perfect for a low-key summer night with your best friends. Thanks to the catchy lyrics and Zedd's smooth transitions, you'll instantly pick up on all the words to the song after just listening to it a few times. There's no doubt this single will soon top the charts, so get on it early and add it to your playlist ASAP."

Commercial performance

"Starving" debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated August 20, 2016. The song rose 31–24 on the chart dated October 15, 2016, making it Steinfeld's highest-charting single to date (ahead of the number 30-peaking "Love Myself"). It reached a peak position of 12 on the chart dated December 17, 2016. "Starving" is Steinfeld's second top 40 single, Grey's first, and Zedd's fifth. It is also Steinfeld's highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 to date. By the end of 2016, the song was positioned at number 94 on the chart.

On the Pop Airplay chart, "Starving" debuted at number 32 on the chart dated August 13, 2016 and reached a peak position of 5 on the chart dated January 14, 2017. The single became Steinfeld's first top 10 on the chart in November 2016. The single also charted at number 8 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart, number 34 on the Dance Club Songs chart, number 12 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay, and number 34 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart. It was also certified 4× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for equivalent sales of 4,000,000 units in the United States. By the end of 2017, the song was positioned at number 40 on the Adult Top 40 and number 34 on the Mainstream Top 40.

In Canada, "Starving" debuted at number 86 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart dated August 27, 2016. The song reached a peak position of 9 on the chart dated January 14, 2017, earning Steinfeld her first top 10 single in that country. It was certified 4× Platinum by Music Canada (MC) for equivalent sales of 320,000 units in the country.

Music video The music video for "Starving" was directed by Darren Craig and released on September 27, 2016. It features Steinfeld dancing with four shirtless male back-up dancers, as well as a cameo appearance by Grey.

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts +Weekly chart performance for "Starving" Chart (2016–2017) PeakpositionItalian Airplay (EarOne) 80 Mexico Airplay (Billboard) 35

Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for "Starving" Chart (2016) Position Australia (ARIA) 36 Canada (Canadian Hot 100) 88 Denmark (Tracklisten) 82 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 44 Netherlands (Single Top 100) 72 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) 49 UK Singles (Official Charts Company) 57 US Billboard Hot 100 94 Chart (2017)Position Canada (Canadian Hot 100) 80 US Billboard Hot 100 82 US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)"Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2018. 40 US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)"Pop Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2018. 34

Certifications

Release history +Release dates and formats for "Starving" Region Date Format Version Label United States July 19, 2016 Contemporary hit radio Original Republic Worldwide July 22, 2016 Digital download United States October 4, 2016 Rhythmic radio Republic United Kingdom October 14, 2016 Contemporary hit radio Italy October 28, 2016 Universal United States November 11, 2016 Digital download Acoustic February 3, 2016 Remixes EP

References