We Do Us

2016 single by Ryan Hurd
"We Do Us"
Single by Ryan Hurd
from the album Ryan Hurd
ReleasedAugust 19, 2016 (2016-08-19)
Recorded2015–2016
Genre
Length3:16
LabelRCA Nashville
Songwriters
Producers
Ryan Hurd singles chronology
"We Do Us"
(2016) 		"Love in a Bar"
(2016)
Music video
"We Do Us" on YouTube

"We Do Us" is the debut single by American singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd. It was released on August 19, 2016, as the lead track from his self-titled debut EP.[1] Written by Hurd, Laura Veltz, and Mikey Reaves. The single's release marked Hurd’s transition from primarily a Nashville songwriter to being a recording artist, which quickly gained traction.[2]

Background and writing

The song originated in a writing session between Ryan Hurd, Laura Veltz, and Mikey Reaves. According to Rolling Stone Country, Veltz brought the title concept while Reaves contributed the track foundation, with the trio completing the lyrics during the session.[3] Hurd described the song as an honest portrayal of the early excitement of a relationship, calling it "fun, sexy and kind of edgy" and unlike anything else at the time while still grounded in country music.[4]

Producer Aaron Eshuis oversaw the studio recording, with programming contributions from both Eshuis and Reaves. Hurd later emphasized his long-term creative trust with Eshuis, noting that the producer played a central role in shaping the sound of his early material.[5]

Release and promotion

"We Do Us" was officially released as Hurd's debut single as a performer on August 19, 2016, which was part of Hurd’s monthly release strategy leading up to the release of his self-titled debut EP in April 2017.[6] The single accumulated nearly 750,000 Spotify streams within days of release,[7] passed one million streams in its first 12 days,[8] and surpassed two million within its first month.[9][10] By late 2016, the track was among Hurd’s most-streamed releases, contributing to his overall 23 million cumulative streams across four early singles.[11][12]

The momentum surrounding the song grew organically, without initial radio or marketing support, as radio shows such as The Bobby Bones Show began championing the track on air.[13][14] The track was featured on Spotify’s "New Music Friday" playlist,[15] and Hurd later recorded a live performance version for Vevo's DSCVR video series.[7]

During the same promotional cycle, Hurd toured with Chase Rice on the "Everybody We Know Does tour" and was later announced as an opener for Thomas Rhett during his spring 2017 tour.[16][17]

The song received favorable attention from country music critics and on music streaming platforms upon release.[18] Within its first weeks, the track’s rapid streaming growth led multiple outlets including Universal Music Publishing,[19] Taste of Country,[20] and Hits Daily Double to highlight the song’s online momentum and its role in introducing Hurd as a solo artist.[21]

Composition and sound

"We Do Us" is an upbeat pop-country track centered on themes of early-stage romance and the carefree intimacy of a couple defining their relationship on their own terms. The song’s lyrics include vivid relational imagery, described by Rolling Stone Country as a "bouncy celebration of couplehood," pairing everyday moments with playful metaphors such as going "together like New Year’s Eve and cheap champagne."[7] Hurd’s vocal delivery is supported by harmonies from songwriter Laura Veltz and production characterized by layered programming and bright instrumentation.[22]

Critical reception

Critics highlighted the song’s energetic arrangement, melodic edge, and detailed instrumental textures. A review by Building Our Own Nashville described the track as "fun, infectious and instrumentally brilliant," noting the refreshing sound and crowd-pleasing chorus that defined the tone of Hurd’s debut EP.[23]

Rolling Stone called the single a sign that Hurd could "write himself a hit," emphasizing its lyrical charm and relationship-centered narrative.[7] The song’s early success also contributed to Hurd being named one of the outlet’s "Artists You Need to Know" and to his inclusion on various "artist to watch" lists from CMT, VEVO, and other music critics in 2017.[24][25]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Apple Music.[26]

  • Ryan Hurd – vocals, songwriter
  • Laura Veltz – background vocals, songwriter
  • Mikey Reaves – programming, songwriter
  • Aaron Eshuis – programming, co-producer
  • busbee – co-producer
  • Derek Wells – electric guitar
  • Phil Lawson – drums, percussion

Music video

An official music video for "We Do Us" premiered on YouTube and was released on August 22, 2016.[27]

References

  1. ^ "Allmusic — Song: We Do Us — Artist: Ryan Hurd". AllMusic. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  2. ^ Galupo, Scott. "Review: Ryan Hurd isn't a star yet. But he's getting close". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  3. ^ "Hear Ryan Hurd's Bouncy Celebration of Couplehood 'We Do Us'". Rolling Stone Country. August 29, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  4. ^ "Ryan Hurd Releases Debut Single 'We Do Us'". Universal Music Publishing Group. August 30, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  5. ^ "On The Row: Ryan Hurd Plays New Tunes, Visits With Old Friends". MusicRow. April 25, 2019. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  6. ^ "Ryan Hurd Releases His Fourth Video in Four Months". The Country Note. January 19, 2017. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d "Hear Ryan Hurd's Bouncy Celebration of Couplehood 'We Do Us'". Rolling Stone Country. August 29, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  8. ^ "Have You Hurd?". Hits Daily Double. October 7, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  9. ^ "Ryan Hurd's "We Do Us" received 2m+ streams in three weeks on Spotify". hitsdailydouble.com. HITS Digital Ventures. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  10. ^ "Ryan Hurd's 'We Do Us' Is Helping Him 'Do Him'". Taste of Country. September 16, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  11. ^ "Ryan Hurd (RCA Nashville)". Hits Daily Double. March 14, 2017. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  12. ^ Burchard, Jeremy. "Ryan Hurd Is Ready for the Spotlight". tasteofcountry.com. Town Square Media. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  13. ^ "Have You Hurd?". Hits Daily Double. October 7, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  14. ^ "Ryan Hurd Releases Debut Single 'We Do Us'". Universal Music Publishing Group. August 30, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  15. ^ "Ryan Hurd Releases Debut Single 'We Do Us'". Universal Music Publishing Group. August 30, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  16. ^ "Have You Hurd?". Hits Daily Double. October 7, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  17. ^ Conger, Billy. "Singer/Songwriter Ryan Hurd Co-Writes Hit Songs For Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, And Launches Artist Career". songwriteruniverse.com. SongwriterUniverse. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  18. ^ Burchard, Jeremy. "Ryan Hurd Is Ready for the Spotlight". tasteofcountry.com. Town Square Media. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  19. ^ "Ryan Hurd Releases Debut Single 'We Do Us'". Universal Music Publishing Group. August 30, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  20. ^ "Ryan Hurd's 'We Do Us' Is Helping Him 'Do Him'". Taste of Country. September 16, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  21. ^ "Have You Hurd?". Hits Daily Double. October 7, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  22. ^ Smith, James. "Ryan Hurd made a visit to the WQMX concert room for a rising star showcase". wevegotthebeat.com. We've Got The Beat Entertainment. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  23. ^ Compton, Hannah (November 13, 2017). "Ryan Hurd – EP Review". Building Our Own Nashville. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  24. ^ "Ryan Hurd Signs With Sony Music Nashville". theboot.com. Town Square Media. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  25. ^ "Ryan Hurd Releases His Fourth Video in Four Months". The Country Note. January 19, 2017. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  26. ^ "We Do Us – Credits". Apple Music. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  27. ^ "Ryan Hurd Releases His Fourth Video in Four Months". The Country Note. January 19, 2017. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
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