Professional ratings| Review scores |
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| Source | Rating |
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| 20 the Countdown Magazine | |
| Jesus Freak Hideout | |
This article is about the song by Jamie MacDonald. For other songs with the same name, see
Desperate.
"Desperate" is the debut single by American alternative pop musician Jamie MacDonald.[1] The song was officially released as a single on January 3, 2025 (2025-01-03), through Capitol CMG.[2][3] It peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart[4] and No. 1 on the Christian Adult Contemporary chart.[5] On June 6, 2025, an extended single was released, featuring four remixed or alternate recordings of the song.[6]
On July 11, 2025, a rendition of the song featuring Lauren Daigle, was released.[7]
Writing and production
The song was written by MacDonald, Jonathan Gamble, and Jordan Sapp with Sapp as producer.[8][9] Its central theme is the importance of having faith in difficult times.[10][11] MacDonald said of the song:[9]
"The lyrics for ‘Desperate’ were inspired by several ongoing life situations that were weighing heavy on our hearts but completely out of our control. Writing this with Jonathan and Jordan was truly a gift because both have become like brothers to me, and it was a safe space to share some really deep struggles that day, which led to the completion of this song."
The song was inspired by the death of MacDonald's father.[12]
"Desperate" is in the key of F with a speed of 70 beats per minute and a time signature of 6
8.[13]
Accolades
"Desperate" was nominated at the 2025 K-Love Fan Awards for Song of the Year and Breakout Single of the Year.[14][15] At the 2025 GMA Dove Awards, "Desperate" was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.[16]
Critical reception
Speaking for Jesus Freak Hideout, Josh Balogh awarded the song a 4-out-of-5 star review, stating that the vocals "occasionally blur the line between MacDonald and Daigle, making it tricky to distinguish Daigle's feature", and that "a touch more separation could have highlighted her contribution", but still praised the song as a "heartrending anthem that transforms personal sorrow into collective hope".[12]
"Desperate" debuted at No. 39 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart,[17] later reaching No. 11 on the chart.[4] Additionally, the song reached No. 3 on the Christian Airplay chart,[18] and topped the Christian Adult Contemporary chart.[5] It peaked at No. 3 on the Christian Digital Song Sales chart.[19]
Track listing
Original| Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) |
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| 1. | "Desperate" | | Jordan Sapp | 3:30 |
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| 2. | "A Million Chances" | - Austin Davis
- Jessie Early
- MacDonald
| Austin Davis | 3:21 |
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| Total length: | 6:52 |
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Extended single| Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) |
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| 1. | "Desperate" | - Jonathan Gamble
- Jordan Sapp
- Jamie MacDonald
| Jordan Sapp | 3:30 |
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| 2. | "Desperate" (studio session) | - Jonathan Gamble
- Jordan Sapp
- Jamie MacDonald
| Jordan Sapp | 3:39 |
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| 3. | "Desperate" (acoustic) | - Jonathan Gamble
- Jordan Sapp
- Jamie MacDonald
| Jordan Sapp | 3:26 |
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| 4. | "Desperate" (Worship Together version) | - Jonathan Gamble
- Jordan Sapp
- Jamie MacDonald
| Jordan Sapp | 3:47 |
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| 5. | "Desperate" (instrumental) | - Jonathan Gamble
- Jordan Sapp
- Jamie MacDonald
| Jordan Sapp | 3:30 |
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| Total length: | 17:54 |
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Personnel
Adapted from AllMusic.[2]
- Aaron Sterling — drums
- Austin Davis — guitar, percussion
- BC Taylor — percussion
- Becca Bradley — cello
- Bernie Herms — piano
- Cara Fox — cello
- Dan Machenzie — vocal editing
- Devonne Fowikes — BGVs
- Dom Liberati — bass
- Jamie MacDonald — composer, writer, lead vocalist, BGVs
- Jason Eskridge — BGVs
- Jonathan Gamble — composer, producer, BGVs
- Jordan Sapp — composer, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboards, percussion, programming, recording
- Kiley Phillips — BGVs
- Kristin Weber — violin
- McKandree Tucker — arranger
- Sam Moses — mastering, engineer
- Sean Moffitt — mixing
- Simon Lewin — engineer
- Wil Merrell — BGVs
Charts
Release history
References
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| Studio albums | |
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| Other releases | |
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| Singles | |
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