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"Bitter" is a song by American singer Chanté Moore. It was written by Moore, Katrina Willis, and Laney Stewart for her fourth studio album Exposed (2000), while production was helmed by the latter. A downtempo song about the pain and anger after a relationship has been shattered by lies, it was released as the album's second single on November 17, 2000. "Bitter" garnered largely positive reviews from music critics and peaked at number 10 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.

Background

"Bitter" was written by Chanté Moore along with songwriter Katrina Willis, and frequent collaborator Laney Stewart for her fourth studio album Exposed (2000). Production on the track was overseen by Stewart. Moore reportedly recorded the song in one take. In 2013, she commented in an interview: "I was very genuine when I sang that song. I sang it one time through and, burst out laughing at the end and never recorded it again." With the original version making use of the word "Nigga," two further versions with slightly different lyrics were also recorded however.

Critical reception

"Bitter" earned largely positive reviews from critics. Chuck Taylor from Billboard called "Bitter" by "far the best song" on its parent album Exposed, citing it as a return to Moore's "signature sound – from the wondrous whispering vocals to the slow, simple music track." Vibe described the song as "a moving testament that invokes Minnie Riperton's phrasings," while PopMatters editor Charlotte Robinson found that "Bitter" was particularly "great" because it was containing "engaging, unusual lyrics with the music of a sappy love song." Entertainment Weekly's Craig Seymour noted that Moore "forgoes contemporary R&B histrionics on "Bitter," instead dismissing a lover with cool civility." The Morning Call called the song "a brutally frank 'leave me alone' ballad."

Music video

A music video for "Bitter" was directed by Aaron Courseault. A continuation of the video for "Contagious" (2001), her collaboration with The Isley Brothers, R. Kelly makes a cameo appearance in "Bitter."

Track listings

US promo single

1. "Bitter" (radio edit) – 3:12
2. "Bitter" (LP version) – 3:12
3. "Bitter" (instrumental) – 3:12
4. "Bitter" (a cappella) – 3:10

Credits and personnel

Credits lifted from the liner notes of Exposed.

• Malik Crawford – recording
• Kevin "KD" Davis – engineering, mixing
• Chanté Moore – vocals, writer
• Laney Stewart – producer, programming, writer
• Craig Taylor – assistant engineer
• Katrina Willis – writer

Charts

References

1. ^ Taylor, Chuck (January 27, 2001). "Reviews & Previews: Singles". Billboard. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
2. ^ "Chante Moore Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
3. ^ Exposed (booklet). Chanté Moore. MCA Records. 2000.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
4. ^ "Interview: Chanté Moore is more! Talks New Album and New role on TV-One's R& B Diva's LA". thechocolatevoice.com. January 6, 2001. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
5. "Revolutions". Vibe. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
6. Robinson, Charlotte (November 13, 2000). "Chanté Moore: Exposed". PopMatters. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
7. Seymour, Craig (November 17, 2000). "Exposed". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
8. "Exposed". The Morning Call. January 6, 2001. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
9. ^ "Chanté Moore: Bitter (2001 Music Video)". iMDB. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
10. "Bitter (CD, Single, Promo)". cdandlp.com. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
11. "Chante Moore Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 27, 2023.

• 2001 singles
• 2000 songs
• Chanté Moore songs
• MCA Records singles
• Silas Records singles
• 2000s ballads