It’s that weird, gut-punch feeling when you see an ex and they look... amazing. It’s annoying. It’s unfair. Honestly, it’s the exact sentiment Josh Ross captures in his hit single Hate How You Look. You’d think a title like that would be some bitter, Mean Girls-style takedown, but it’s actually the opposite. It’s a confession. Ross is basically saying, "I hate that you look so good moving on while I’m still stuck here."
Josh Ross has a way of making heartbreak feel like a stadium anthem. Ever since he traded his football cleats for a guitar, the Burlington, Ontario native has been on a tear. Following up a massive U.S. number one like "Single Again" is no easy feat. Yet, with Josh Ross Hate How You Look, he managed to create a track that feels both aggressive and incredibly vulnerable.
The song officially dropped in April 2024, but it really took flight as a cornerstone of his debut full-length album, Later Tonight, which arrived in September 2025. It’s become a staple of his live shows for a reason. It has that rock-leaning edge—think loud drums and "pedal-to-the-metal" energy—that reminds you Ross grew up listening to Guns N' Roses as much as he did country legends.
Why the Lyrics Hit Different
The genius of Josh Ross Hate How You Look lies in the lyrical bait-and-switch. Ross told Billboard that he loves titles that appear to be one thing but turn out to be another. When you hear the hook, "Hate how you look in that one that you know I love red dress," you realize he isn't insulting her style. He’s admitting he’s still under her spell.
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It’s relatable. It’s that specific brand of post-breakup torture where you’re watching someone live their best life through a screen or across a crowded bar.
Key themes in the track:
- The Contrast: The music is upbeat and high-energy, but the lyrics are soaked in sadness.
- The Vocal: Ross uses that signature rasp to convey a sense of desperation.
- The Visuals: The "Live from London" version, released in late 2025, shows just how much this song resonates globally, capturing his journey across the pond.
The Production Behind the Sound
Matt Geroux, the producer who has been a long-time collaborator for Ross, really leaned into the "versatility" Josh is known for. The track isn't just a standard radio country song. It’s got a "toe-tapper" rhythm, as MusicRow put it, but the guitars have enough grit to satisfy fans of 90s alt-rock.
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The song was written by a powerhouse team: Chris McKenna, Christian Yancey, Jessica Farren, and Nicholas Sainato. They managed to bottle that specific "aggressive sad" feeling Ross was looking for. By the time it hit the top of the Canadian Country Airplay charts in December 2025—dethroning even Morgan Wallen for a moment—it was clear that fans weren't just listening; they were obsessed.
Josh Ross: From Defensive Back to Chart-Topper
You can’t talk about this song without mentioning the guy’s background. Josh Ross wasn't a "theater kid" or a lifelong busker. He was a hard-hitting college football player. After an ankle injury derailed his sports career, he pivoted to Nashville. That "athlete mentality" is all over Josh Ross Hate How You Look. There’s a discipline to the songwriting and a raw, physical energy in the delivery.
He isn't trying to be the "perfect" country star. He’s messy. He’s honest. He wins CCMA Entertainer of the Year awards because he feels like a guy you’d actually grab a beer with—one who might just admit he’s still not over his ex.
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Making the Most of the Track
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Josh Ross, here is how to experience this era of his music:
- Watch the London Video: Don't just stick to the studio version. The "Live From London" music video gives you a behind-the-scenes look at his 2025 travels and the energy he brings to a stage.
- Listen to the Full Album: Later Tonight isn't a one-hit-wonder project. Tracks like "Leave Me Too" and the Akon collaboration "Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na)" show the range Ross is working with.
- Catch the Tour: Ross is hitting the road for his "Later Tonight Tour" in early 2026. Seeing this song live is a completely different animal than hearing it through AirPods.
Whether you're going through a breakup or you just love a song with a bit of "bite," this track proves why Josh Ross is a permanent fixture in the modern country landscape. It's a reminder that sometimes, the hardest part of moving on is seeing that the other person already has—and they look damn good doing it.