Beat Goes On (Madonna song)

Last updated

"Beat Goes On"
Song by Madonna featuring Kanye West
from the album Hard Candy
Recorded2007
Studio
Genre Disco
Length4:27
Label Warner Bros.
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Audio video
"Beat Goes On (feat. Kanye West)" on YouTube

"Beat Goes On" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Madonna for her eleventh studio album, Hard Candy (2008). The song features American rapper Kanye West and background vocals by Pharrell Williams. It was co-written by West in collaboration with its producers, Madonna and The Neptunes. The song was leaked in August 2007, featuring only Williams and different lyrics than the album's version, which was released a year later, having additional vocals by West. "Beat Goes On" is a disco song with hip-hop influences, featuring instrumentation from bells, handclaps and whistles.

Contents

Lyrically, "Beat Goes On" encourages people to say whatever they like and do whatever they feel. The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who commended the disco environment, while also praising Williams' production. However, some felt that the leaked version was better than the final version featuring West. "Beat Goes On" was certified platinum in Brazil for selling over 60,000 digital downloads. It also charted inside the top-twenty in Finland and on the Canadian Hot 100 chart. The song was performed live during the Sticky & Sweet Tour, featuring Madonna and her dancers on a 1935 Auburn Speedster, while Williams and West appeared in the video being displayed on backdrops.

Background and composition

In early 2007, it was reported that Madonna was recording songs with American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for her upcoming album. [1] Later, it was also announced that record producers Timbaland and Pharrell Williams were working with her on the album, [2] and Timbaland confirmed that a song titled "Candy Shop" was being produced by Williams. [3] A month later, a song called "The Beat Goes On", featuring Madonna's vocals and production by Williams, leaked online. [4] [5] [6] [7] The song started with Madonna saying, "Let's do something different, let's change things up," followed by DFA handclaps and cowbells, Bee Gees-like falsettos on the chorus and "Williams background interjections sprinkled throughout the track," as noted by Maura Johnson from Idolator. [7] During the pre-chorus Madonna sings the line, "Always a bridesmaid, never the bride", followed by "I'll throw you some rope, if it'll give you hope." [6] In December 2007, it was announced that a new version of the song was being developed with American rapper Kanye West as featured guest. [8]

"Beat Goes On" was re-recorded in October 2007 by Spike Spent, Andrew Coleman and Alex Dromgoole at Sarm Studios, London, and at the Record Plant Studios, California. Spent and Coleman also mixed the track at the Record Plant. Williams' production team, The Neptunes, produced the track, with Madonna. [9] The song was written by Madonna and Williams, with rap vocals by West, and the title is a reference to The Whispers' disco track "And the Beat Goes On" (1980). [10] "Beat Goes On" is a disco song, [11] [12] [13] with funk and hip-hop influences, [10] drum beat and bell chimes, [14] as well as Williams' shimmering, thumping production, which according to Bradley Stern from Idolator, "offers Madonna the perfect groove to wax bombastic about the cathartic pleasures of dancing." [10] Lyrically, "Beat Goes On" is a song about the freedom to dance, [15] where people are urged to say whatever they like and do whatever they feel. [16]

Reception

Kanye West's appearance on the track was criticized. Kanye West at Stockholm Jazz Festival 1.jpg
Kanye West's appearance on the track was criticized.

"Beat Goes On" received generally mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone felt that the usage of bells and whistles as instrumentation, along with the disco sounds made the track connect to two of Madonna's inspirations, that of Chic, and Donna Summer. Ganz went on to criticize West's appearance, calling it "uninspired". [17] In a similar review, Thomas Hauner of PopMatters wrote that the song "continues the Donna Summer touch, this time opting for 'beep beep' vocals on a surprisingly sweet track." [18] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine praised the song's "flattering sonic facelift", feeling that it "transports [the track] from 2001 to 1979". [15] Talia Soghomolian of musicOMH praised "the variations in its tempo", making it "the perfect dance floor tune, merging old school and modern takes on urbanity." [19] Stern wrote a positive review for Idolator that "by the time West shows up unexpectedly for his rap at the end, you have no choice but to heed his call to get down, beep beep, and get up outta your seat." [10]

Miles Marshall Lewis of The Village Voice was not favourable to West's verses, calling them as "playfully tepid lines", [20] while a reviewer from Blender panned his contributions. [21] Jaime Gill of Yahoo! Music echoed the same thought, calling West's rap as "awful" and his addition to the track as redundant. [22] Joan Anderman of The Boston Globe was mixed in his review of the song, praising Madonna's endeavors in "Beat Goes On" while questioning West's appearance in it. [13] Conversely, Tony Robert Whyte of Drowned in Sound called him "a decent guest". [23] Allan Raible of ABC News summarized the track as a "standard disco number". He complimented Madonna's vocals but added that the song felt rejuvenated with the addition of West's vocals. [24]

"Beat Goes On" was certified platinum by the Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos, for exceeding 60,000 digital downloads. [25] In Finland, the song debuted and peaked at number 15 in August 2009. [26] In Canada, the song also made its debut, peaking at number 82 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart. [27] In the US, the song made an entry on the Billboard Pop 100 (now discontinued) chart for a week, at number 97. [28]

Live performance

Madonna riding a Speedster, during the performance of "Beat Goes On" on the Sticky & Sweet Tour Beat goes on madonna day.jpg
Madonna riding a Speedster, during the performance of "Beat Goes On" on the Sticky & Sweet Tour

"Beat Goes On" was performed during the Sticky & Sweet Tour (2008–09) as the second song of the opening segment, "Pimp". After descending the throne during the first song, "Candy Shop", Madonna and her dancers are featured on a 1935 Auburn Speedster to the performance of the song. Both Williams and West appeared in the videos being displayed on the backdrops. [29] Sarah Liss of CBC News called the performance "pulsating," noting that "her studio collaborators—Pharrell Williams and Kanye West—present in spirit and countenance (their virtual likenesses grimaced from those massive screens) if not in body." [30] Michael Roffman of Consequence of Sound praised the performance, writing that "by the second song, 'Beat Goes On', it was clear that this was going to be one hell of an innovative show." Roffman also pointed out that "a digital Kanye West joined Madonna on stage, rapping along as the singer flipped and bounced on the floor." [31] During a Chicago concert, Paul Schrodt of Slant Magazine wrote that "a song about the freedom to dance ("Beat Goes On") becomes an anthem for political frustration, and it's the only moment that's generated any real controversy, but she doesn't say anything about either the Republican or the Democratic candidate that she hasn't said before. The power of any great Madonna song is implicit: 'Say what you like/Do what you feel/You know exactly who you are'." [32] The live performance of the song at River Plate Stadium of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was recorded and released on the live CD-DVD album, Sticky & Sweet Tour (2010). [33]

Personnel

Credits and personnel adapted from Hard Candy album liner notes. [9]

Charts and certifications

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timbaland</span> American record producer (born 1972)

Timothy Zachery Mosley, known professionally as Timbaland, is an American record producer, rapper, and singer. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, he has received widespread acclaim for his innovative production work and distinctive "stuttering" rhythmic style. In 2007, Entertainment Weekly stated that "just about every current pop trend can be traced back to him—from sultry, urban-edged R&B songstresses [...] to the art of incorporating avant-garde sounds into No. 1 hits."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pharrell Williams</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1973)

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams, often known mononymously as Pharrell, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and fashion designer. He first became known as one half of the hip hop and R&B production duo the Neptunes, which he formed in 1992 with Chad Hugo. 15 of their productions peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, which includes four songs that peaked atop the chart. He also formed the alternative band N.E.R.D. with Hugo and drummer Shay Haley in 1999, for which Williams serves as lead vocalist. He has been considered one of the most influential music producers of the 21st century for his impact on popular music.

<i>Graduation</i> (album) 2007 studio album by Kanye West

Graduation is the third studio album by the American rapper Kanye West released on September 11, 2007, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. Recording sessions took place between 2005 and 2007 at several studios in New York and Los Angeles. It was primarily produced by West himself, with contributions from various other producers, including DJ Toomp. The album features guest appearances from recording artists such as Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, DJ Premier, and Chris Martin. The cover art and its interior artwork were designed by Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.

<i>Hard Candy</i> (Madonna album) 2008 studio album by Madonna

Hard Candy is the eleventh studio album by American singer and songwriter Madonna. Released by Warner Bros. Records on April 18, 2008, it was her last album for the company after a 25-year history. Madonna began working on Hard Candy in early 2007, and collaborated with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, the Neptunes, and Nate "Danja" Hills to produce a dance-pop album incorporating hip hop, electropop, disco, electro, funk, and R&B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Tell Me Nothing</span> 2007 song by Kanye West

"Can't Tell Me Nothing" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his third studio album, Graduation (2007). The song contains additional vocals from Young Jeezy and Connie Mitchell. It was produced by West with DJ Toomp with West being responsible for 60 percent of the production. The song originated from Young Jeezy's "I Got Money", after West made changes to the track. On May 15, 2007, the song premiered via Hot 97 and was released by Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam that same day as the lead single from the album. A hip hop track, it was described by West as a theme song for the people. The lyrics see West reflecting on his fame while he expresses different types of feelings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stronger (Kanye West song)</span> 2007 single by Kanye West

"Stronger" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his third studio album, Graduation (2007). The song was produced by West, with an extended outro handled by Mike Dean. It was written by West and Daft Punk were credited as co-writers due to their work being sampled, while Edwin Birdsong also received a credit from a master use of "Cola Bottle Baby". West decided to sample "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" after first hearing the duo's work when touring in 2006, then made the beat and spent months re-writing his verses. The song's production process was arduous, with various engineers and 75 different mixes, even having the drum programming redone with Timbaland after its release. Daft Punk voiced their approval of the song, finding West made the sample suitable for his personality as he ventured outside of hip hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Child Rebel Soldier</span> American hip hop supergroup

Child Rebel Soldier, shortened CRS, is the alternative hip-hop side project of American rapper Lupe Fiasco. The project was originally a supergroup composed of Lupe (child), Kanye West (rebel), and Pharrell Williams (soldier). Formed in 2007, the trio released two collaborative singles prior to their original disbandment in 2013.

"Us Placers" is the debut song by American supergroup Child Rebel Soldier, a musical collaboration consisting of American hip-hop artists Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams. It was released as the third song on the track-listing of West's 2007 mixtape Can't Tell Me Nothing. The song was produced by Fiasco and samples the 2006 song "The Eraser" by Thom Yorke. In "Us Placers," the trio speaks on the entrapments of fame. Having been released on a free mixtape, the song did not enter the charts but became an online hit and received strong reviews from music critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give It 2 Me</span> 2008 single by Madonna

"Give It 2 Me" is a song by American singer and songwriter Madonna, featured on her 11th studio album Hard Candy. It was released on June 24, 2008, by Warner Bros. Records as the second single from the album. The song was written by Madonna as an anthemic, self-manifesto song which, although it appears to be about dance and sex, is a reference to Madonna's career spanning three decades in the music industry. Musically, "Give It 2 Me" is an upbeat dance-pop song, featuring instrumentation from West African percussion and cowbells. Backing vocals are provided by Pharrell Williams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Homecoming (Kanye West song)</span> 2008 single by Kanye West featuring Chris Martin

"Homecoming" is a song by the American rapper Kanye West from his third studio album, Graduation (2007). The song features a guest appearance from Chris Martin and he co-wrote it with West and Warryn Campbell, who served as the producers. West and the singer worked on the song when they met at Abbey Road Studios in February 2006, engaging in a jam session where Martin came up with the concept. It was a re-working of West's 2001 recording "Home (Windy)", which featured John Legend and a different beat. The recording was inspired by Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R." and themed around West's hometown of Chicago, maintained for the new version.

"Good Morning" is the first song from American hip hop recording artist and record producer Kanye West's third studio album Graduation (2007). The song was produced by West and contains samples from the recording "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" by English singer and pianist Elton John. As the opening track, the song serves as an introduction to the musical and lyrical themes of the album. West establishes the academic narrative of it, celebrating his graduation in the realm of hip hop and rapping about his skepticism of higher education over thumping, off-kilter boom bap drums.

"Lift Off" is a song by American rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West featuring the former's wife and American singer Beyoncé. It was written by Kanye West, Jay-Z, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, Bruno Mars and Seal, while production was handled by West, Bhasker, Mike Dean, Pharrell, Q-Tip, and Don Jazzy for Jay-Z's and West's collaboration album, Watch the Throne (2011). The song was rumored to be released as the lead single from the album containing additional vocals by Bruno Mars. However, Mars never appeared on the song and it was sent to urban contemporary radio on August 23, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vic Mensa</span> American rapper (born 1993)

Victor Kwesi Mensah, known professionally as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Chicago, he was a member of the regional hip hop groups Kids These Days and Savemoney prior to releasing his debut solo mixtape, Innanetape (2013). As a solo artist, Mensa has been signed to Virgin EMI Records, Def Jam Recordings, Capitol Records, and Roc Nation.

"Blow" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé from her self-titled fifth studio album (2013). It was written by Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, J-Roc, James Fauntleroy and Justin Timberlake, and produced by the former four. It was set to be released as one of the worldwide lead singles following the release of the album along with "Drunk in Love", however, its release was scrapped in favor of "XO". It was released as a radio single only in Italy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Was Gonna Cancel</span> 2014 single by Kylie Minogue

"I Was Gonna Cancel" is a song by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue, released as the second and final single from her twelfth studio album Kiss Me Once. The track was written and produced by American recording artist, songwriter and producer Pharrell Williams who she met while in Los Angeles, California. It was released in the United Kingdom on 11 May 2014 and a day later in the United States.

"Wash All Over Me" is a song recorded by American singer Madonna for her thirteenth studio album, Rebel Heart (2015). The song is a pop ballad that makes use of a "baroque piano" over a "contemplative melody". Madonna co-wrote and co-produced the song with Avicii, Mike Dean and Kanye West; additional writers include Arash Pournouri, Salem Al Fakir, Magnus Lidehäll, Vincent Pontare and Tommy Brown, with Charlie Heat serving as a co-producer.

"Illuminati" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Madonna for her thirteenth studio album Rebel Heart (2015). It was written by Madonna Ciccone, Toby Gad, Maureen McDonald, Larry Griffin Jr., Mike Dean, Kanye West, Ernest Brown and Jacques Webster. The song was produced by Madonna, West, Dean and Symbolyc One, with co-production by Charlie Heat and additional production by Travis Scott. The song's demo was leaked to the internet in December 2014, with twelve other tracks from the album. Its final version was released on December 20, 2014, with five other tracks on the iTunes Store as "an early Christmas gift" to avoid further leaks. The song's demo version features dance synths and acoustic guitars; after showing the song to West, he felt connected to the song and changed it to a darker sound. The song was conceived after Madonna was accused of being a member of the Illuminati; she wanted to write a song about who they really are and what they are not.

<i>Bush</i> (album) 2015 studio album by Snoop Dogg

Bush is the thirteenth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on May 12, 2015, through Doggy Style Records and I Am Other, and distributed by Columbia Records. The album was produced by Pharrell Williams with additional production by Chad Hugo. It features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Charlie Wilson, Gwen Stefani, T.I. and Rick Ross. Bush was the first album by the rapper after his return to the hip hop moniker Snoop Dogg.

Anthony Clemons Jr. is an American singer, rapper and songwriter from Willingboro Township, New Jersey. He rose to prominence as a guest performer on Kanye West's 2018 single "All Mine", after which he contributed to West's Wyoming Sessions, as well as his subsequent album, Jesus Is King (2019). Clemons' debut studio album, Happy 2 Be Here (2020) was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards; with a total of four, his three other nominations yielded from his songwriting work on albums for Mary J. Blige and H.E.R. Clemons is also known for his contributions to the original version of West's 2021 single, "Hurricane", and other songs intended for his tenth album Donda (2021), most of which remain unreleased.

References

  1. ↑ "Timberlake Gets With Madonna!". MTV News. April 11, 2007. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Madonna aposta no hip hop e prepara fase "popozuda"". Folha de S.Paulo (in Portuguese). April 11, 2007. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  3. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (August 7, 2007). "Timbaland Talks About His And Justin Timberlake's 'Hot' Collabo With Madonna". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 20, 2014. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Madonna and Pharrell Turn the Clock Back to 2005". New York . August 22, 2007. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  5. ↑ "G1 < Música > Notícias > Nova música de Madonna vaza na internet" (in Portuguese). Grupo Globo. August 22, 2007. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  6. 1 2 Colin (August 22, 2007). "Madonna's New Song, "The Beat Goes On," Leaks!". NewNowNext. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  7. 1 2 Johnson, Maura (August 22, 2007). "Madonna And Pharrell Break Out The Cowbells". Idolator. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  8. ↑ Cohen, Jonathan (December 6, 2007). "Madonna Names New Album 'Licorice'". Billboard . Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  9. 1 2 Hard Candy (Inlay cover). Madonna. Warner Bros. Records. 2008. p. 14. 9362-49884-9.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. 1 2 3 4 Stern, Bradley (April 24, 2013). "Madonna's 'Hard Candy' Turns 5: Stan & Deliver". Idolator. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  11. ↑ Vineyard, Jennifer (April 24, 2008). "Madonna's Hard Candy Sets Sex, Relationships To Hip-Hop, Trip-Hop, Disco Beats". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 7, 2014. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
  12. ↑ Nishimoto, Dan (April 27, 2008). "Album Review: Madonna – Hard Candy". Prefix Magazine. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  13. 1 2 Anderman, Joan (April 27, 2008). "Madonna's still in charge on her new CD, "Hard Candy"". Boston Globe . Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Madonna - Hard Candy (album review)". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  15. 1 2 Cinquemani, Sal (April 23, 2008). "Madonna: Hard Candy". Slant Magazine . Retrieved April 27, 2010.
  16. ↑ "Madonna Hard Candy". Plugged In (publication) . Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  17. ↑ Ganz, Caryn (April 2008). "Music Reviews: Hard Candy". Rolling Stone . Retrieved April 26, 2008.
  18. ↑ Hauser, Thomas (June 10, 2008). "Madonna: Hard Candy < Reviews". PopMatters . Retrieved July 8, 2008.
  19. ↑ Soghomonian, Talia (April 28, 2008). "Madonna — Hard Candy". musicOMH . Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  20. ↑ Marshall Lewis, Miles (May 6, 2008). "Madonna's Hard Candy". The Village Voice . Archived from the original on December 26, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Madonna: Hard Candy Review on Blender". Blender . April 29, 2008. Archived from the original on May 1, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  22. ↑ Gill, Jaime (May 2, 2008). "Madonna — Hard Candy Album Review". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on May 5, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  23. ↑ Robert Whyte, Tony (April 28, 2008). "Reviews — Madonna: Hard Candy". Drowned in Sound . Archived from the original on June 4, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  24. ↑ Raible, Allan (May 1, 2008). "Review: Madonna's "Hard Candy"". ABC News . Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  25. 1 2 "Brazilian single certifications – Madonna – Beat Goes On" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  26. 1 2 "Madonna feat. Kanye West: Beat Goes On" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  27. 1 2 "Madonna Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  28. 1 2 "Hard Candy > Madonna > Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  29. ↑ Pareles, Jon (October 5, 2008). "Aerobic, Not Erotic: The Concert as Workout". The New York Times . Retrieved November 6, 2009.
  30. ↑ Liss, Sarah (October 20, 2008). "Live review: Madonna feels it in her heartbeat". CBC News. Archived from the original on August 6, 2013. Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  31. ↑ Roffman, Michael (October 27, 2008). "Madonna's on fire at the United Center (10/26)". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  32. ↑ Schrodt, Paul (October 29, 2008). "Madonna (Chicago, IL – October 27, 2008)". Slant Magazine. Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  33. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (April 6, 2010). "The Sticky & Sweet Tour". AllMusic . Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  34. ↑ "Greece Digital Songs: Week of October 18, 2008". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 20, 2018. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: Jul 2, 2009". TopHit . Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  36. ↑ "M – My Vitriol". Zobbel.de. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Top Year-End Hits 2009". Tophit. Archived from the original on August 11, 2019. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  38. ↑ "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart: 2009". TopHit . Retrieved April 22, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.