Ride (ZZ Ward Song)

"Ride" is a song by American blues singer and songwriter ZZ Ward featuring guitarist Gary Clark Jr. The song was written for the original soundtrack of the Disney/Pixar film ''Cars 3'', and it was released as the film lead single on April 14, 2017.

It was later included as a bonus track on Ward's second studio album, ''The Storm'', which was released on June 30, 2017.

Composition and release

The song was written by Ward, E. Kidd Bogart and Dave Bassett, with the latter also producing, and mixing the record, It also includes additional contributions from Chris Gehringer, who served as the master engineer. Critics defined the song as an up-tempo rock anthem. It was played during the film's end credits,

On May 18, 2017, it was announced that the song will be released with the album soundtrack and Randy Newman's original score. Ward later included the song as the last track of '' The Storm'', her second studio album, which was released the same year.

Promotion

To promote the song, Ward performed the song live on ''Dancing with the Stars'' on April 17, 2017.

A music video for the song, which includes footage of the film, was released on Disney's YouTube and Vevo page, on June 16, 2017, the same day that the film, soundtrack and score were released. As March 2025, it has received over 18 million views on YouTube.

In July 21, 2017, Disney/Pixar released a Spanish version of the song titled "A Rodar", performed by indie rock band Hinds.

Reception

"Ride" was met with critical praise from music critics, whose praised the song music production and ZZ Ward and Gary Clark Jr. performances.

Writing for ''Laughing Place'', Marshal Knight compared positively the song to "Life is a Highway" from the film first soundtrack, stating that the song "does a pretty great job recreating that same energy of that blockbuster track from the first film" He continued praising Ward vocal performance for "bringing the fun to the song", and the catchiness of Clark Jr. guitar solo as he described it as "something you will be humming for weeks". Kevin Wierzbicki of ''antiMusic'' described the song as a "carefree and slightly careless joy ride".

While reviewing Ward's album '' The Storm'', Pete Francis of ''Blues Rock Review'' described it as "upbeat", and named it one of the highlights tracks of the record. Pablo Gorondi from ''Associated Press'' dubbed the song as thumping, and said that it serves it purpose of ending the closing credits "in fine fashion" while highlighting Clark Jr. "gritty" guitar solo. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of ''AllMusic'' called the song "impressive" and praised Ward's bold performance and versality, while comparing the song sound as a "stomping Black Keys rock".

Pete Sargeant from ''Just Listen To This'' Ride called the song a "fun piece" and praised the song production: "the rickety chorus sits over a riff-repeat that will stay in your head." He went further praising Clark Jr. performance, he "rides out on electric guitar, each note bursting with feel"

On December 18, "Ride" was shortlisted for Best Original Song at the 90th Academy Awards, though it was ultimately not nominated.

Personnel

Credis adapted from Apple Music.

* ZZ Ward — vocals, songwriting
* Gary Clark Jr. — guitarist, background vocals
* E. Kidd Bogart — songwriting
* Dave Bassett — producer, songwriting, mixing engineer
* Chris Gehringer — mastering engineer

Release history

References

{{Pixar music

2017 singles
2017 songs
ZZ Ward songs
Walt Disney Records singles
Songs about cars
Songs written by Dave Bassett (songwriter)
Songs written by E. Kidd Bogart
2010s ballads
Cars (franchise)
Pixar songs