"Bad Influence" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her fifth studio album Funhouse (2008). It was written by Pink alongside its producers Billy Mann, Butch Walker and MachoPsycho. The song was released as the fourth Australian single from Funhouse on May 4, 2009, by LaFace Records; it was subsequently released as the sixth and final German single from the album in March 2010.
"Bad Influence" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who complimented its lyrical content. A moderate commercial success, it peaked at number six in Australia while attaining lower positions elsewhere. In April 2011, the song was released as the third and final single from Pink's first greatest hits album Greatest Hits... So Far!!! in the Netherlands, where it reached the top 20.
Critical reception
"Bad Influence" received generally positive reviews from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic picked it as one of the best from Funhouse, stating that "the snotty stance is second nature to her, so maybe that's why Funhouse only really clicks when Pink abandons any pretense of mourning her relationship and just cuts loose with galumphing rhythms and schoolyard taunts, the kind that fuel 'Bad Influence' and make it instantly indelible."[1] Joan Anderman from The Boston Globe agreed, writing: "It is a signature track, a fully cranked, reggae-flecked party tune celebrating the singer's, um, leadership skills."[2] Reed Fischer of The Village Voice noted similarities to Gwen Stefani.[3] Lucy Davies from BBC Music described it as Pink's "L.O.V.E.-style getting-on-down-with-the-girls anthem."[4] Anna Creech from Blogcritics commented on the lyrics, stating: "P!nk is, in many ways, fearless in her lyrics. Bristling at any perceived weakness while exposing her vulnerable side, she is "keeping it real" while also maintaining a healthy sense of humor."[5]
On the contrary, Andy Battaglia from The A.V. Club gave "Bad Influence" a negative review, commenting: "It represents the worst of the album, with a pleased-as-punch inventory of Pink's own rebelliousness and a circus-like sound that claims to have some explanation for what it means to be 'the instigator of underwear'."[6] Spencer D. from IGN also criticized the song, writing that it showcased Pink "sounding an awful lot like late 1990s PacNorWest Alt Rock darlings Harvey Danger, at least in terms of her cadence and vocal buoyancy."[7]
Commercial performance
In Australia, "Bad Influence" debuted at number 28 on the ARIA Top 100 Singles, peaking at number six in its eighth week.[8] It was certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in 2023.[9] In New Zealand, the song debuted at number 33 and peaked at number 12 in its sixth week.[10]
In the United Kingdom, "Bad Influence" entered the UK Singles Chart at number 161 in October 2009, despite not being released as a single, and peaked at number 123.[11] In Germany, it reached number 26,[8] while topping the airplay chart.[12] In the Netherlands, the song peaked at number 13 on the Dutch Top 40 following its April 2011 release as a Greatest Hits... So Far!!! single.[13]
Track listings and formats
Australian and German CD single and digital download[14][15]
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