How a ukulele transformed a rock band's comeback into a global earworm
In short: In 2009, American rock band Train released a track that would become their most successful single. What started as an attempt to mimic the style of INXS took an unexpected turn when a Norwegian producer suggested a ukulele, a move that fundamentally changed the song's rhythmic identity and commercial trajectory.
Written by lead singer Pat Monahan alongside Amund Bjørklund and Espen Lind, "Hey, Soul Sister" marked a significant stylistic shift for Train. Seeking a new direction after working with the Norwegian production duo Espionage, Monahan initially aimed for an INXS-inspired sound. However, the song's identity was solidified only when Lind recommended the ukulele, a choice Monahan felt made his lyrics "dance."
The production required technical adaptation; lead guitarist Jimmy Stafford had to use internet lessons to master a flamenco-style playing method, moving away from his usual pick-heavy guitar technique. This folk-rock approach prioritized catchy melodies over production gimmicks, eventually propelling the song to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one in 16 different countries.
Despite its massive commercial success—including 11× platinum certification from the RIAA in 2022—the song remains a polarizing piece of pop culture. While some critics praised its joyous, bouncy energy, others were scathing. Both Mother Jones and The Village Voice were highly critical; the former jokingly remarked that the track serves as "soul food" for those who equate peanut butter and jelly with soul music.
The track's influence extended far beyond the radio, appearing in various television series like Glee and Hawaii Five-0, and even being covered by animatronic characters at Chuck E. Cheese's. By the end of 2010, it had become the second best-selling song in the US, cementing its place as a defining, if controversial, earworm of the era.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Hey, Soul Sister
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