I wanted to like it. I really did. I might as well try to make myself like it, since it will soon be all over radio, and I won’t be able to get away from it. But the songwriters have made it very hard for me to like.
Given that the song’s writers (Tony Lane, David Lee, and Tom Douglas) have some high-quality hit compositions under their belts, it’s a surprising disappointment that “Hello World” shows symptoms of lazy songwriting. It’s about a man who feels lost in a sea of modern technology who longs to reconnect with… something. Such a song is not necessarily pre-doomed to failure, but in this case it could benefit from a more refined concept. The first epiphany occurs when a little girl with chocolate on her face waves at him. In the second verse he drives by a “Little White Church” (Do I hear hand-clapping?), and knows that God is there. Finally, he comes home to his wife and children. Each of these instances prompts him to say “Hello World.”
Our perception of what takes place is hazy at best. What has caused him to feel so hurt and broken in the first place? How exactly is he affected by each seemingly revealing moment? And what does the term “world” represent in this context?
The loosely constructed lyrics coast along on a lifeless melody, and Charles Kelley’s unexpressive vocals fail to breathe any life into this snoozer of a tune. I don’t like using the “B” word, but I’m just going to come out and say it: This song is boring.
If Lady Antebellum’s hits are to continue having any impact after their radio run ends, then the songwriting and performance will have to show more signs of effort.
LADY A’S SCORE: 4
(Scores are given on a scale of 1 to 10)
The 1-to-10 Country Music Review 
Zack
September 30, 2010 at 3:48 AM
Lady A has had very few singles that have left a real impact artistic-wise…. I think "Need You Now" was probably their best single; but they have yet to really match the promise they've showed with their debut song, IMO…. I don't really bother to pay attention much to their music anyhow.
Ben Foster
September 30, 2010 at 4:31 AM
I'm with you on that, Zack. "Love Don't Live Here" was an enjoyable single, and "Need You Now" is Lady Antebellum's artistic peak to date. But many of their other songs have suffered from throwaway lyrics, and sometimes flawed production as well.
Greg M
September 30, 2010 at 5:12 AM
Lady A has gotten boring with their singles. The first album was energetic but the second is dull as dirt. This song is one the first time I heard it, I didn't like it and haven't liked it since. It will probably be number 1 and on every single radio station on the dial, but I'll probably change it everytime it's on, much like the other current singles they've had.
Aaron
September 30, 2010 at 6:56 AM
Wow…we have totally different views of this song. I personally think this is Lady A's best song from both their albums. I think it offers a great message and is brilliant because it doesn't clearly spell out its message but rather makes you think about it and read between the lines. I love it and definitely think it's the best song on their Need You Now album.
Ben Foster
September 30, 2010 at 5:20 PM
Different views indeed. But I did read your review of this song as well, Aaron, and it did seem very well thought out. While it may not be my cup of tea, I can see that "Hello World" does resonate with many other listeners. Different opinions, I guess!
Anonymous
October 5, 2010 at 9:41 AM
I almost fell asleep as I listen to this song. It's not schmaltz but it snooze me off.As regards to the lyrics, I thought they were the writers of this song because of its vague message. I do not know if this will hit the top of the country charts but then, they are Lady A., so it's probable.