"Stranded" is a song by American singer Lutricia McNeal, released as the third single from her debut album, My Side of Town (1997), in May 1998. The song was a top 10 in Austria, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. In the latter, it reached number three on both the UK Singles Chart and the UK R&B Chart. On the Eurochart Hot 100, it peaked at number 10 in June 1998. Outside Europe, the single was a top-three hit in New Zealand and also peaked at number six on the US BillboardHot Dance Club Play chart. In 1999, it was reported that "Stranded" had sold 2 million copies.[1]
Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Led by a cool, contemporary beat, "Stranded" is one 3+1⁄2-minute hook that couldn't sound more inviting as a mature-sounding uptempo cut for the summer. A funked-up, bass-heavy R&B edit should ensure spins at stations that lean to crossover, while the kicking Hothead T' Edit provides a perfect entree for dance-happy outlets."[2] Adrian Thrills from Daily Mail described it as "sassy", noting that it's "mixing the soulful swagger of Donna Summer with a flapper-girl elegance reminiscent of the Pointer Sisters".[3] A reviewer from Sunday Mirror commented, "Smart Swede follows up "Ain't That Just the Way" with another singalong cocktail bar anthem. Nice."[4] Paul Sexton from The Times viewed it as "another piece of swaying, summer-weight soul that commercial radio programmers can't get enough of."[5]
The accompanying music video for "Stranded" was directed by Stuart Gosling[6] and first aired in May 1998. It shows McNeal returning to a house and reminiscing of the past while she plays a piano. In between, there are scenes of the singer appearing with other people in the now empty house. Gosling also directed the video for "My Side of Town".