Alex Warren reveals why he originally 'hated' his hit single 'Ordinary'
It's one of the best-selling songs this year!
Last updated 22nd Jul 2025
Despite releasing two UK Top 40 songs in 2024, including 'Carry You Home' with Ella Henderson, it was Alex Warren's song 'Ordinary' which gave the American singer his big breakthrough in the UK. The song was released in February 2025, and quickly rose the Hits UK Chart, where it's topped the bill for weeks!
Alex joined us at Hits Radio Breakfast to talk about the Number 1 track, revealing that he actually hated the song originally. Thankfully he likes it now!
Why did Alex Warren hate the song 'Ordinary'?
Alex told Fleur East, Will and James that he didn't like his song originally because of the way it sounded when he was working on it.
He explained: "I hated it when it was just us on a guitar, like we didn't really do anything to it. We were still writing it and I was like, 'Oh, it just doesn't sound like a record I'd put out’.
"And then I sang it and I was like, ‘OK, let's see where this goes’. We started putting stuff into the file and it sounded insane when we started adding, like the choir and everyone on top of it and I was like, holy shoot. This is amazing!"
Why has it been so popular?
Not only is 'Ordinary' a hugely popular song, but it's looking like it could match the Hits UK Chart record of 13 weeks at Number 1. Explaining why he things the song has been so popular, Alex said: "I think there's a plethora of things I think there's been, like, a lack of love songs this year and I think that was one that kind of like stood out.
"But also I think people probably know about my story and my wife, and that was a love song dedicated to her and I think people really liked it."
What was the inspiration behind 'Ordinary'?
Earlier this year, Alex joined Hits Radio Breakfast, where he opened up about the inspiration behind his song.
"I was 18-years-old, sleeping in my car," he explained. "And my wife, who was also 18-years-old... She would start living in my car with me and I think the bond that we have is really special."
He continued: "Like we've been together for nearly seven years now, and when we met I was homeless. There was nothing, no one can say it was because of the music, no one can say it was anything.
"I had nothing and she had nothing, but we did it, she slept in the car, and we did this together. We're here together, we travel together we have four dogs and that song is kind of like, this is what we found and it's not normal.
"That's why it's called 'Ordinary', because it's anything but."
What does the song mean?
As Alex mentions above, it's a love song written about the special bond he has with his wife. The sweet lyrics include: 'Somethin' so heavenly, higher than ecstasy / Whenever you're next to me, oh my, my / World was in black and white until I saw your light / I thought you had to die to find.
'Somethin' so out of the ordinary / I want you layin' me down 'til we're dead and buried / On the edge of your knife, stayin' drunk on your vine / The angels up in the clouds are jealous, knowin' we found.
'Somethin' so out (out) of the ordinary / You got me kissin' the ground (ground) of your sanctuary / Shatter me with your touch, oh Lord, return me to dust / The angels up in the clouds are jealous, knowin' we found.'
What album is it from?
'Ordinary' is from Alex's debut album 'You'll Be Alright, Kid', which was released in September 2024.
When was 'Ordinary' released?
It was released on 7th February 2025.
Where did it come in the charts?
'Ordinary' went to Number 1 in the UK chart. It's since been certified Platinum.
Is there a music video?
Yes! The music video starts in a laundrette, before Alex walks out of the door, straight into a forest. Entranced by a mystery girl— and the intention of returning a sock she dropped in the laundrette — he travels across a beach and up a cliff, before being reunited with the girl, in a euphoric moment which (literally) lifts them up!
How did Alex announce the new single?
Alex shared the news on the single's release day back in February, writing on Instagram: 'ORDINARY IS FINALLY OUT!! I HOPE YALL LOVE IT.'
How to listen to Hits Radio Breakfast
You can hear Fleur East, Will Best and James Barr on Hits Radio every weekday between 6am and 10am. Listen through our free Rayo app, download it for free on iPhone and Android.
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