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| "Say Something" received acclaim from ]. Bill Lamb of '']'' gave the song 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its "powerful lyrics, Aguilera's delicate vocals added to the mix" and the "emotional piano and strings arrangement," pointing out that, "At a time in which pop music is lacking in emotional ballads, 'Say Something' sounds just right." Lamb also praised Aguilera for "adding a unique resonance sounding almost as if she is the ghost of the lover to whom the song is addressed as she traces the steps of the lead vocal." Lamb also praised her for "keeping the power of her voice in check and instead sings delicately with a breathy tone of loss."<ref name=about.com/> Rick Florino of '']'' gave the song 5 out of 5 stars, writing that the song is "]-worthy", with "a cinematic heft to the track that makes it utterly vivid and vibrant." Florino also praised Aguilera's performance, calling it "one of her best ever, fortifying the hook and harmony masterfully."<ref name=artistdirect>{{cite news|last=Florino|first=Rick|title=A Great Big World "Say Something" Featuring Christina Aguilera Song Review – 5 out of 5 stars|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/a-great-big-world-say-something-featuring-christina-aguilera-song-review-5-out-of-5-stars/10856258|accessdate=November 10, 2013|newspaper=]|date=Nvember 7, 2013}}</ref> | "Say Something" received acclaim from ]. Bill Lamb of '']'' gave the song 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its "powerful lyrics, Aguilera's delicate vocals added to the mix" and the "emotional piano and strings arrangement," pointing out that, "At a time in which pop music is lacking in emotional ballads, 'Say Something' sounds just right." Lamb also praised Aguilera for "adding a unique resonance sounding almost as if she is the ghost of the lover to whom the song is addressed as she traces the steps of the lead vocal." Lamb also praised her for "keeping the power of her voice in check and instead sings delicately with a breathy tone of loss."<ref name=about.com/> Rick Florino of '']'' gave the song 5 out of 5 stars, writing that the song is "]-worthy", with "a cinematic heft to the track that makes it utterly vivid and vibrant." Florino also praised Aguilera's performance, calling it "one of her best ever, fortifying the hook and harmony masterfully."<ref name=artistdirect>{{cite news|last=Florino|first=Rick|title=A Great Big World "Say Something" Featuring Christina Aguilera Song Review – 5 out of 5 stars|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/a-great-big-world-say-something-featuring-christina-aguilera-song-review-5-out-of-5-stars/10856258|accessdate=November 10, 2013|newspaper=]|date=Nvember 7, 2013}}</ref> | ||
| Sam Lansky of '']'' wrote that the song "was already pretty heartrending, but Aguilera's vocals provide some lovely support and additional pathos; it's a relief to hear that she enriches, rather than overwhelms, the track."<ref name=idolator>{{cite news|last=Lansky|first=Sam|title=Christina Aguilera Lends Her Vocals to a Great Big World's "Say Something": Listen|url=http://www.idolator.com/7491817/christina-aguilera-say-something|accessdate=November 10, 2013|newspaper=]|date=November 4, 2013}}</ref> Bradley Stern of '']'' praised the "slow, sad piano melody", the "mournful strings," calling it "a haunting production – made even better by the ] diva, proving once again that less is often more." Stern also praised Aguilera for showing a simple side of her voice, writing that shee "doesn't even have her own verse or chorus – she resigns to delivering subtle, yet effective, backing vocals for the entirety of the re-recording. It's only in the song's final few moments that she allows that powerhouse pipes to blow in the background. And those whispers at the very end? 'Say something, I'm giving up on you…' Gulp."<ref name=muumuse>{{cite news|last=Stern|first=Bradley|title=CHRISTINA AGUILERA KEEPS IT (SHOCKINGLY) SIMPLE ON GORGEOUS RE-RECORDING OF A GREAT BIG WORLD'S "SAY SOMETHING"|url=http://www.muumuse.com/2013/11/christina-aguilera-a-great-big-world-say-something.html/|accessdate=November 10, 2013|newspaper=]}}</ref> | Robert Copsey of '']'' called it "one of her most understated outings in recent memory, and it's all the better for it."<ref name=ds>{{cite news|last=Copsey|first=Robert|title=Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a528593/playlist-10-tracks-you-need-to-hear.html|accessdate=November 11, 2013|newspaper=]|date=November 4, 2013}}</ref> Sam Lansky of '']'' wrote that the song "was already pretty heartrending, but Aguilera's vocals provide some lovely support and additional pathos; it's a relief to hear that she enriches, rather than overwhelms, the track."<ref name=idolator>{{cite news|last=Lansky|first=Sam|title=Christina Aguilera Lends Her Vocals to a Great Big World's "Say Something": Listen|url=http://www.idolator.com/7491817/christina-aguilera-say-something|accessdate=November 10, 2013|newspaper=]|date=November 4, 2013}}</ref> Bradley Stern of '']'' praised the "slow, sad piano melody", the "mournful strings," calling it "a haunting production – made even better by the ] diva, proving once again that less is often more." Stern also praised Aguilera for showing a simple side of her voice, writing that shee "doesn't even have her own verse or chorus – she resigns to delivering subtle, yet effective, backing vocals for the entirety of the re-recording. It's only in the song's final few moments that she allows that powerhouse pipes to blow in the background. And those whispers at the very end? 'Say something, I'm giving up on you…' Gulp."<ref name=muumuse>{{cite news|last=Stern|first=Bradley|title=CHRISTINA AGUILERA KEEPS IT (SHOCKINGLY) SIMPLE ON GORGEOUS RE-RECORDING OF A GREAT BIG WORLD'S "SAY SOMETHING"|url=http://www.muumuse.com/2013/11/christina-aguilera-a-great-big-world-say-something.html/|accessdate=November 10, 2013|newspaper=]}}</ref> | ||
| == Live performance == | == Live performance == | ||
Revision as of 14:46, 11 November 2013
| "Say Something" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"Say Something" is a song by American duo A Great Big World, released as the lead-single from their first studio album, Is There Anybody Out There? (2013), on September 9, 2013. The single was re-recorded to feature vocals from American recording artist Christina Aguilera, after she heard the song and loved it. The version featuring Aguilera was released on November 4, 2013.
"Say Something" is an indie pop, piano ballad about a breakup, where the lover is implored to make a statement that could potentially reverse plans, with the singers expressing humility, sadness and regret. The song received critical acclaim, being praised for its powerful lyrics, the emotional production and Aguilera's delicate vocals added to the mix.
In its original version, the song was featured on the TV competition show "So You Think You Can Dance", where contestants Amy and Robert danced to the song. However, the version with Aguilera, performed on "The Voice", made the song a success on the iTunes chart, reaching and remaining at number-one for more than two days. An accompanying music video for the song has been filmed.
Background and release
"And here we are, just us and her in the studio, and she's asking our opinions on what sounds good, and everything out of her mouth was sounding good! Who are we to give Christina Aguilera vocal advice?." — The duo talking about working with Christina Aguilera.
In 2013, the duo received a minor attention when their song "This Is the New Year" was covered by the cast of the TV series "Glee", on the episode "Naked", aired on January 31, 2013. Their version was bubbling under Mainstream Top 40, in May 2013, making them sign to Epic Records. The song was also licensed to various television networks and was used as the theme song for MTV's I Used to Be Fat as well as being featured on The Amazing Race, ESPN, One Tree Hill, and Good Morning America. While preparing their first album, the duo wrote "Say Something", releasing it as the lead-single from the album, on September 3, 2013.
The song received attention, after being used on "So You Think You Can Dance" by season champ Amy Yakima, and sparked a reaction that eventually made its way to Christina Aguilera. "'Say Something' was danced to on 'So You Think You Can Dance' almost two months ago, and so many people responded to it," Axel tells Billboard. "In that whole process, someone on our team played it for someone on Christina's team, and we got a call that Christina wanted to record it, and then, literally a week later, we were in L.A. recording it with her." The pair considers Aguilera's set of pipes "one of the top voices in the world," says Chad Vaccarino, and re-recorded 'Say Something' with her in two hours. "We look at Christina as this icon who can say anything and make it sound amazing," says Vaccarino.
About approaching to the duo to re-record the track, Aguilera said, "Somebody sent me the song and it's just the most simplest song that doesn't have to fit a formula to be heard and to be appreciated, so I just heard it and I've never done anything like this before and I was just like, 'You know', I just started to hear a harmony part over it and I was like, 'get in touch with these guys and see if they wanna get in the studio and sit behind the piano and just vibe together and see what happens...' and we did, and they're so humble, so sweet, so down to earth, and I'm all about that and supporting that, and we came together so organically and it was fun." Aguilera also added, "It's so quiet and still and steady and in a way pleading," she describes the song. "I'm only taking on projects that feel good to me and represent, as always, a purpose of the here and now in my life."
Composition and lyrics
"Say Something" was written by the duo members, Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino, while production was handled by Dan Romer. Sonically, the indie pop, piano ballad is underlined by a piano and string arrangement. Lyrically, the song talks about a breakup, with the singers evoking the emotion felt when choosing to leave a failed relationship even though love still remains, with the lover imploring to make a statement that could potentially reverse plans. For Bill Lamb of About.com, the chorus "Say something, I'm giving up on you", "is brilliant."
Lamb also explained the song, writing that, "Instead of being filled with anger and desperation, it is a song expressing a powerful combination of humility, sadness and regret." The song was written at a time when both members were experiencing individual heartbreak. "Writing the song was part of the healing process," says Axel. "Whenever we perform it, it's like revisiting the scar. It's always a part of me, and I can always go there and feel it."
Critical response
"Say Something" received acclaim from music critics. Bill Lamb of About.com gave the song 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its "powerful lyrics, Aguilera's delicate vocals added to the mix" and the "emotional piano and strings arrangement," pointing out that, "At a time in which pop music is lacking in emotional ballads, 'Say Something' sounds just right." Lamb also praised Aguilera for "adding a unique resonance sounding almost as if she is the ghost of the lover to whom the song is addressed as she traces the steps of the lead vocal." Lamb also praised her for "keeping the power of her voice in check and instead sings delicately with a breathy tone of loss." Rick Florino of Artist Direct gave the song 5 out of 5 stars, writing that the song is "Oscar-worthy", with "a cinematic heft to the track that makes it utterly vivid and vibrant." Florino also praised Aguilera's performance, calling it "one of her best ever, fortifying the hook and harmony masterfully."
Robert Copsey of Digital Spy called it "one of her most understated outings in recent memory, and it's all the better for it." Sam Lansky of Idolator wrote that the song "was already pretty heartrending, but Aguilera's vocals provide some lovely support and additional pathos; it's a relief to hear that she enriches, rather than overwhelms, the track." Bradley Stern of MuuMuse praised the "slow, sad piano melody", the "mournful strings," calling it "a haunting production – made even better by the Stripped diva, proving once again that less is often more." Stern also praised Aguilera for showing a simple side of her voice, writing that shee "doesn't even have her own verse or chorus – she resigns to delivering subtle, yet effective, backing vocals for the entirety of the re-recording. It's only in the song's final few moments that she allows that powerhouse pipes to blow in the background. And those whispers at the very end? 'Say something, I'm giving up on you…' Gulp."
Live performance
On November 5, on the fourtheenth episode of the fifth season of "The Voice," Christina Aguilera (one of the competition's coaches) performed "Say Something" with A Great Big World. The performance consisted in a piano, some strings and a keyboard for instrumentation, while Aguilera "reining in her voice's natural power", according to Billboard's Jason Lipshut. Christina was wearing white t-shirt, jeans and a woolly hat.
The performance was lauded by critics and other artists, such as One Republic, Christina Perri, Ingrid Michaelson, Cee Lo Green and Carson Daly. Caila Ball of Idolator wrote that, "She was legendary, obviously." Michelle Stark of Tampa Bay Times wrote the performance "gives us all of the goosebumps." British newspaper Daily Mail wrote that Christina "gave the competitors a master class in subtlety in her touching duet." Douglas Cobb of Las Vegas Guardian Express called it "a very emotional, low-key, cool performance. It was a very tender, touching song — Christina did great, as usual, singing it." Bradley Stern of MuuMuse called the performance "perfect", writing that, "Christina keeps it as stripped as the studio version, allowing her naturally beautiful vocals to sound a whole lot more vulnerable than usual. The result? One powerful, devastating performance – you'll be seeing your reflejo in the tears streaming down your face in no time."
Chart performance
After the performance on "The Voice", the song, which had sold 52,000 downloads in its original version, according to Nielsen SoundScan, expanded to a much wider audience, quickly shooting into the upper reaches of the iTunes Songs list, making it to number 2, behind Eminem's new hit "The Monster," in its first hours. A day later, on November 7, 2013, the song managed to reach the number-one spot, remaining at the top for two consecutive days.
The duo was impressed with the success, expressing, "We still can't even believe that this happened. We can hardly put it into words. Not only did we get to perform on The Voice, but we were honored to do so alongside one of the best voices in the world, Christina Aguilera. We're so thankful for the opportunity, and we're grateful to all of our fans around the globe who have connected with the song so closely."
Music video
A music video was already shot on November 8, 2013, with Christina posting to her Twitter, Facebook and Instagram page a picture of her standing next to a piano, where the duo is playing the track.
Track listing and formats
- Digital download
- "Say Something" (featuring Christina Aguilera) – 3:53
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | September 3, 2013 (first version) | Digital download | Epic Records |
| Brazil | November 4, 2013 (duet version) | Digital download | Epic Records |
| Canada | |||
| United States |
References
- ^ Lipshut, Jason (November 6, 2013). "A Great Big World Talks 'Say Something' & Answering Christina Aguilera's Call". Billboard Magazine. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Thrasher, John (February 1, 2013). "Watch A Great Big World react to 'Glee's' 'This Is the New Year' (video)". Hypable. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Caulfield, Keith (May 17, 2013). "Bubbling Under: Passenger's Worldwide Ride Continues". Billboard Magazine. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Pikka (May 2, 2013). "Great Big World". Annex Magazine. Retrieved May 7, 2013.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - "Christina Aguilera Talks Collaborating on Say Something; Blake Shelton on His Mom Putting Him in Beauty Pageants". Access Hollywood. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Wass, Mike (November 1, 2013). "Christina Aguilera Teams Up with a Great Big World for a New Version Of "Say Something": Watch". Idolator. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- ^ Lamb, Bill. "Review: A Great Big World – Say Something featuring Christina Aguilera". About.com. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- ^ Lansky, Sam (November 4, 2013). "Christina Aguilera Lends Her Vocals to a Great Big World's "Say Something": Listen". Idolator. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Florino, Rick (Nvember 7, 2013). "A Great Big World "Say Something" Featuring Christina Aguilera Song Review – 5 out of 5 stars". Artist Direct. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Copsey, Robert (November 4, 2013). "Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
- Stern, Bradley. "CHRISTINA AGUILERA KEEPS IT (SHOCKINGLY) SIMPLE ON GORGEOUS RE-RECORDING OF A GREAT BIG WORLD'S "SAY SOMETHING"". MuuMuse. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- ^ "It's not all about you, Christina! Aguilera takes over The Voice with another show stealing performance as live rounds continue". Daily Mail. November 6, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
- ^ "A Great Big World's "Say Something" With Christina Aguilera Ascends To No. 1 on iTunes Pop Songs Chart". Yahoo!. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Ball, Caila (November 6, 2013). "'The Voice': Christina Aguilera Performs "Say Something" With A Great Big World". Idolator. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Stark, Michelle (November 10, 2013). "How Christina Aguilera became the best part of 'The Voice'". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
- Cobb, Douglas (November 5, 2013). "The Voice The Live Shows Premiere Part 2 November 5 (Review)". Las Vegas Guardian Express. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
- Stern, Bradley (November 6, 2013). "A GREAT BIG WORLD'S PERFORMANCE OF "SAY SOMETHING" ON THE VOICE WITH CHRISTINA AGUILERA WILL MAKE YOU CRY ALL OF THE TEARS". MuuMuse. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Sam (November 7, 2013). "Christina Aguilera Rockets To No. 1 With New Single". That Grape Juice. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Medeiros, Kavad (November 7, 2013). ""Say Something": Parceria de Christina Aguilera e A Great Big World alcança o topo do iTunes norte-americano". PopLine (in Portuguese). Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- "WE'RE NUMBER 1 on ALL OF ITUNES!!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!!!!!!". Twitter. November 6, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- "On set yesterday at the Say Something music video shoot with Christina Aguilera!". A Great Big World. November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- "Shooting the #SaySomething video with @AGreatBigWorld! XoXtina". Twitter. November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- "Hot Shot: Christina Aguilera Shoots 'Say Something' Music Video". That Grape Juice. November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2013.