Do I Have to Cry for You
| "Do I Have to Cry for You" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Nick Carter | ||||
| from the album Now or Never | ||||
| Released | 2002 | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 3:37 | |||
| Label | Jive | |||
| Songwriters | B. Kierulf, J. Schwartz, Nick Carter | |||
| Nick Carter singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Do I Have to Cry for You" is a song by American singer Nick Carter, released as the second single from his debut solo album Now or Never (2002). The track is a rock-edged ballad that addresses emotional vulnerability in the context of a deteriorating relationship and has been noted by critics for its Bryan Adams–influenced sound, distinguishing it from Carter's work with the Backstreet Boys.
The accompanying music video was directed by Matthew Rolston, and the song reached number 20 on the Spanish singles chart.
Song details and promotion
According to the singer, the song presents the perspective of a man facing the deterioration of a relationship, addressing the expression of emotions and emotional vulnerability. Also, the lyrics depict situations in which relationships go wrong and the protagonist reaches an emotional limit, where crying becomes a possible response to what has been experienced.[1]
The music video for the single was filmed in Los Angeles in early November 2002 and was directed by Matthew Rolston, a fashion photographer and director.[1] The song was included in the promotional tour for Now or Never, during a Mexico show it was performed as part of a medley with Bryan Adams' "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You".[2]
Critical reception
In his review for the single, Larry Flick of Billboard described the song as "an instantly likeable, rock-edged ballad that plays to Carter's vocal strengths", noting that Carter is "doing an admirable job of carving out a new niche for himself as a pop lothario with more natural poise and charisma than he ever displayed as a member of Backstreet Boys". Flick added that Carter "often sounds like Bryan Adams at his peak here", highlighting the arrangement that "builds from sweetly spare piano lines into tasty, theatrical guitar power-chords".[3]
In other reviews, including those of Now or Never, critics mentioned "Do I Have to Cry for You" generally describing it as a pop-rock ballad with evident influence from Bryan Adams,[4] or noting its soft rock approach as distinct from Carter's work with the Backstreet Boys.[5] Reviewing the album for the Regina Leader-Post, Sheri Block wrote that "Do I Have to Cry for You" is among the tracks where the artist is simply able to sing, without attempting to appear "cool" or mature, and that this sense of honesty could allow him to endure beyond the pop craze if he embraces it.[6]
Charts
| Chart (2002) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Spain (Promusicae)[7] | 20 |
References
- ^ a b Vineyard, Jennifer (12 November 2002). "Nick Carter Talks Backstreet Boys' Future, Tearful New Single, Acting". MTV. Archived from the original on 15 April 2003. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ Luna, Gamaliel (May 27, 2003). "Pone de cabeza al Metropolitan". Reforma. Mexico City, Mexico: Editora El Sol, S.A. de C.V. p. 3. ISSN 1563-7697. ProQuest 307135681.
- ^ Flick, Larry (30 November 2002). "Billboard". Billboard. Vol. 114, no. 48. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 21. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ Cinquemani, Sal (8 November 2002). "Review: Nick Carter, Now or Never". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on 25 April 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ Johnson, Michele (31 July 2023). "Top 10 Nick Carter Songs". ClassicRockHistory.com. Archived from the original on 13 February 2025. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ Block, Sheri; Gerry Krochak; Chris Tessmer (November 16, 2002). "Carter's solo debut comes up short". Regina Leader-Post. Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada: Postmedia Network Inc. p. A12. ISSN 0839-2870. ProQuest 349709234.
- ^ "Nick Carter – Do I Have To Cry For You". Canciones Top 50. Retrieved January 3, 2026.