Can't Say No

Album: Contrast (2012)
Charted: 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Brighton-born pop singer Conor Maynard started accumulating a fan base after he started posting videos to YouTube of his performing various cover versions. Such was the popularity of his interpretations of hits by such stars as Chris Brown and Katy Perry that on January 31, 2012, Conor was unveiled as the winner of MTV's Brand New: For 2012 competition. The teenage singer beat a shortlist of nine other nominated artists, including Delilah, Michael Kiwanuka and Lana Del Rey receiving approximately 45% of the 150,000 votes. It was revealed the following month that Conor had been signed to label EMI subsidiary, Parlophone, since late 2011. This is his debut single, which was initially released on March 2, 2012 in Belgium and later in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2012.
  • Conor wrote the song with London-based songwriting and production trio, The Invisible Men. The team comprises former members of the American rock band Orson - Jason Pebworth and George Astasio - who are best known for their 2006 UK #1 single, "No Tomorrow." The third member is Jon Shave, who as a one time member of Xenomania, contributed to a series of top 10 singles, including Girls Aloud's #2 hit, "The Show."

    The Invisible Men's credits include collaborating with Jessie J on her debut hit, "Do It Like a Dude" and DJ Fresh's UK #1 single, "Hot Right Now."
  • Conor explained to The Sun why he decided to title the album Contrast. "There are a few reasons," he said. "It plays on my first name, Conor/Contrast. But also I feel like it's not what people were expecting. It's quite urban and has hip hop beats and there is a real contrast between the songs."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."