You've probably heard it in a dark bar, on a late-night drive, or maybe it just popped into your head while you were staring at a wall wondering where your life went wrong. That raw, gritty vocal delivery. The kind of desperation that feels like a physical ache. People keep asking who sings I want you in the worst way, and honestly, the answer depends on which specific "mood" of the song you’ve stumbled upon.
The short answer? It’s LANY.
But that's just the surface level. Paul Jason Klein, the frontman of the indie-pop/alt-rock trio, is the voice behind those specific lyrics. The song is actually titled "ILYSB" (which stands for "I Love You So Bad"), and it became the definitive anthem for anyone who has ever felt a love so intense it bordered on being a health hazard. It’s not just a song; it’s a time capsule of the mid-2010s aesthetic, back when we all thought pink neon signs and blurred Polaroid photos were the height of emotional depth.
The Birth of the "Worst Way" Obsession
LANY didn't start in a boardroom. They started in a bedroom. Paul Klein, Jake Goss, and Les Priest (who has since left the band) formed the group in Nashville back in 2014. When they dropped "ILYSB," they weren't expecting it to become a viral juggernaut. It’s a track that balances on a knife’s edge between sweet and slightly obsessive.
When Paul sings, "And you're the only thing I wanna touch / Never get enough / I want you in the worst way," he isn't talking about something casual. He’s talking about that terrifying, all-consuming "I might actually die if you don't look at me" kind of feeling. It’s visceral.
The song's production is deceptively simple. You have these clean, West Coast synth lines clashing against a drum beat that feels like a heartbeat after three cups of coffee. It’s why the question of who sings I want you in the worst way keeps trending every few years—new generations of teenagers and twenty-somethings keep discovering that specific brand of longing.
Why Does This Song Keep Resurfacing?
Music has this weird habit of recycling itself. You’ve seen it on TikTok. You’ve seen it in Instagram Reels. "ILYSB" has multiple versions that confuse the search results. There is the original "bedroom pop" version that feels cozy. Then there’s the "STRIPPED" version, which is just Paul and a piano/guitar, sounding like he's about to burst into tears.
Then you have the remixes. The "SeeB" remix took the song into the stratosphere of EDM-pop. If you heard the song in a club in 2017, that was the one. This is why people get confused about the artist. It sounds different depending on the platform. But at the core, it’s always Paul Klein’s distinct, breathy tenor.
Addressing the Cover Song Confusion
Is there another artist? Sometimes people swear they heard a girl singing it. Or a folk band.
You aren't crazy.
Because the song went so viral, hundreds of covers exist. Artists like The Rose (a Korean indie-rock band) have performed stunning covers that sometimes get more traction in specific circles than the original. There are also acoustic covers by YouTubers that have racked up millions of views.
However, if you are looking for the original, the one that pioneered that "worst way" hook, it is 100% LANY. Don't let a generic "Chill Lo-Fi Beats" playlist convince you otherwise.
The Evolution of LANY's Sound
LANY has changed since 2014. They moved from being this mysterious internet band to selling out arenas. Their later albums like Malibu Nights or gg bb xx doubled down on the heartbreak, but they never quite captured the lightning-in-a-bottle urgency of "ILYSB."
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Paul Klein’s writing style often revolves around these "plain-speak" lyrics. He doesn't use metaphors about the stars or the ocean. He says things like "I love you so bad." It’s direct. It’s the way real people talk when they’re drunk or tired or hopelessly in love. That’s why people connect with it. It’s not poetic in the Shakespearean sense; it’s poetic in the "texting you at 3 AM" sense.
Understanding the "Worst Way" Context
Why do we say we want someone in the "worst way"? It’s an idiom that basically means "with extreme intensity." In the context of the song, it implies a lack of control. It’s the opposite of a "best way"—which would be healthy, measured, and calm. The "worst way" is messy.
The music video for the song actually takes this literally. If you haven't seen it, it's a bit of a shocker. It features the band as a group of slightly-deranged stalker types breaking into a house. It’s a dark, cinematic twist on a song that sounds like a summer breeze. It forces you to realize that the lyric isn't just a cute pickup line. It has teeth.
Technical Breakdown: Who Sings I Want You In The Worst Way?
To be incredibly specific for the collectors and the nerds out there, here is the official data on the track:
- Primary Artist: LANY
- Lead Vocalist: Paul Jason Klein
- Album: Make Out (EP) and later the self-titled debut album LANY (2017)
- Writers: Paul Jason Klein, Jake Goss, Les Priest
- Release Date: Originally 2014, re-released via Polydor in 2015
Misattributions to Other Artists
Occasionally, people mistake LANY for other "sad boy" alt-pop acts. You might see the song incorrectly attributed to:
- The 1975: Because Matty Healy and Paul Klein share a similar aesthetic and vocal register, casual listeners often mix them up.
- Troye Sivan: The synth-heavy production has a similar "blue" vibe to Troye’s earlier work like Blue Neighbourhood.
- Lauv: Another artist who specializes in modern longing, though his voice is generally cleaner and more "pop" than Paul's.
If you find a version on Spotify that doesn't sound like Paul Klein, it’s likely a tribute or a "sound-alike" cover used for licensing. Stick to the verified LANY profile to get the real deal.
What to Listen to Next if You Love This Song
If "ILYSB" is your personality trait, you shouldn't stop there. The genre of "Dream Pop" or "Indie Synth" is deep.
You should check out "Pink Skies" by LANY. It’s the companion piece to "ILYSB." It’s less about the "worst way" and more about the "perfect way." It’s golden hour in a song.
Alternatively, if you want that same "desperate" energy, listen to "Malibu Nights." It was written after Paul’s highly publicized breakup with Dua Lipa. You can hear the actual pain in his voice. It’s raw. It’s uncomfortable. It’s brilliant.
The Legacy of a Viral Hit
It is rare for a song from 2014 to still be a major search query in 2026. Usually, these things burn out. But "ILYSB" tapped into a universal human experience. We have all been there. We have all wanted someone so much it made us feel a little bit crazy.
The phrase "I want you in the worst way" has become a staple of internet culture. It’s in Tumblr posts, Pinterest boards, and TikTok captions. LANY managed to trademark a feeling.
How to Use This Information
If you're a musician or a content creator trying to capture this vibe, pay attention to the production. The "worst way" feeling is created by the contrast between the high-register vocals and the deep, booming bass. It’s the sonic representation of an anxiety attack that feels like a crush.
If you're just a fan, go back and listen to the Stripped version. Turn the lights off. Put on some headphones. You'll hear the tiny cracks in the vocals that you miss in the radio edit. That's where the magic is.
Next Steps for the Obsessed:
- Verify the Version: Check your library. If it doesn't say "ILYSB - LANY," you're missing the nuances of the original production.
- Explore the Discography: Listen to the 2017 self-titled album in full. It’s a masterclass in cohesive "West Coast" branding.
- Check Live Recordings: LANY is known for their live energy. Search for their "KEXP" or "Live at the Troubadour" sessions to hear how the song translates without the studio polish.
The mystery of who sings I want you in the worst way is solved, but the song's impact is still very much alive. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest lyrics are the ones that stick to your ribs the longest. Go give it a re-listen; you know you want to. In the worst way.