"Beautiful" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Christina Aguilera | ||||
from the album Stripped | ||||
B-side | "Dame lo que Yo Te Doy" | |||
Released | November 16, 2002 | |||
Studio | Conway, Hollywood, California | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:00 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) | Linda Perry | |||
Producer(s) | Linda Perry | |||
Christina Aguilera singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Beautiful" on YouTube |
"Beautiful" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for her fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). It was released as the album's second single on November 16, 2002. A pop and R&B ballad, "Beautiful" was written and produced by Linda Perry and discusses inner-beauty, as well as self-esteem and insecurity. Aguilera commented that she put "her heart and soul" into the track, which she felt represented the theme of Stripped. [4]
"Beautiful" received universal acclaim from music critics, who have ranked it among Aguilera's strongest material. It won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and was also nominated for Song of the Year at the 2004 ceremony. "Beautiful" was also a commercial success, topping the charts in eleven countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, where it was certified double platinum for over 2 million units sold.
"Beautiful" has been widely embraced as an anthem by the LGBT community for its message of self-empowerment and inner-beauty. An accompanying music video was directed by Jonas Åkerlund, and earned Aguilera a GLAAD Media Award for its positive portrayal of gay and transgender people. In 2011, UK LGBT rights organization Stonewall named "Beautiful" the most empowering song of the previous decade for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. In 2009, Rolling Stone and VH1 listed it as one of the best songs of the 2000s. The song was later re-recorded in an electronic style, titled "You Are What You Are (Beautiful)", for her first greatest hits album Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits (2008). [5]
"Beautiful" was written and produced by Linda Perry. Christina Aguilera recorded the song at two studios: The Enterprise Studios in Burbank, California, and Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood. Prior to the collaboration with Aguilera, Perry had written the song with the intention of recording it for a solo record. [6] [7] Perry previewed the song for Pink during recording sessions for the latter's sophomore studio album Missundaztood (2001), on which Perry worked as a producer. [7] However, after hearing Aguilera sing the song at Perry's house to "break the ice", Perry was very impressed and allowed Aguilera to include the track on her then-upcoming album Stripped . [7] The choice resulted in a feud between Pink against Aguilera and Perry, with the former stating that it was "annoying" for the latter to collaborate with artists "[she] didn't like". [8]
Perry later revealed to ASCAP, "When Christina came over to my house to start working, she asked me to play some songs to break the ice. [...] I had a long conversation with my manager about it. We both decided to hear Christina sing it. We demoed the song with her singing it, and I was like, 'Wow'. That rough vocal is what is out there on radio. It was that vocal that got her the song". [7] Perry's then-wife Sara Gilbert confirmed on her show The Talk that the final version was "just a demo." Gilbert also revealed that Aguilera wanted to re-record the song because she did not like the initial vocals. Perry denied the request because the song is supposed to be about imperfection and being vulnerable. [9] Perry said as Aguilera stepped in the booth to record, she said to her friend, "Don't look at me" – which Perry left at the start of the final track. She told Rolling Stone: "I knew I was going to keep that on the record, and I knew she was the right person for the song. I realized, 'Oh, she's insecure. She's one of those beautiful people who's got everything but is super insecure. Okay, this song is hers.'" [10]
"Beautiful" is a pop and R&B ballad [1] [2] that discusses issues of self-esteem and insecurity, promoting a message of self-empowerment and embracing inner beauty. [1] Larry Flick of Billboard added that the song talks about "overcoming life's trials", [11] Chuck Taylor also of Billboard observed that it has a message of "holding oneself up against criticism from the outside," [12] and Todd Burns of Stylus noted that the song "also explores the main theme of the record, being stripped bare in front of the public." [13] Its instrumentation incorporates bass guitar, cello, drum kits, keyboards, piano, and violin. Sheet music for "Beautiful" gives the key of E♭ Mixolydian, with a slow tempo of 76 beats per minute. Aguilera's vocal range spans over two octaves from the low note of E♭3 to the high note of G5; she uses several melismas in the song, fitting as many as seven notes in one syllable. [14]
"Beautiful" was released as the second single from Stripped. It was first sent to American contemporary hit and rhythmic radio stations on November 16, 2002. [15] [16] The song was later released as a CD single on January 27, February 10, February 24, and February 25, 2003, in Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, and France, respectively. [17] [18] [19] [20] Also on February 25, a digital remix EP of "Beautiful" was released worldwide. [21] Two days later, the single was released as a maxi single in Canada. [22] On March 11, 2003, the single was released as a CD in the United States. [23]
"Beautiful" received universal acclaim from music critics who praised its empowering lyrics. [24] [25] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic commended the song for not following the "club and street-level R&B, which fit her poorly". [26] Similarly, a reviewer from Billboard described "Beautiful" as a "single-worthy ballad" from a record of "pleasantly surprising depth". [11] In a separate review, Chuck Taylor from the same magazine deemed the song "breathtaking", and highlighted its melody and lyrical message. [12] Entertainment Weekly 's David Browne called the song one of Stripped's "moments", noting that it is "more restrained" than the other songs from the album. [27] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine commented that the collaboration with Linda Perry found Aguilera "truly naked" and reflective of the album's title. [28] Stylus Magazine 's Todd Burns gave Stripped a negative review, but complimented "Beautiful" for "tastefully [reining] in Aguilera's frequent vocal acrobatics". [13] Jane Dark of The Village Voice compared the song to the works of Mariah Carey "made back when she was a natural", [29] and the Attitude magazine called it "universal". [30] The Advocate 's Larry Flick named "Beautiful" a "Beatlesque ballad" and the "great queer anthem of 2003". [31] He also listed it as one of the best songs of the year. [31] In contrast, Amanda Murray from Sputnikmusic criticized the "platitude-drenched" lyrics but praised the overall production. [32] At the 2004 Grammy Awards, "Beautiful" won the award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and was nominated for Song of the Year. [33]
"Beautiful" is considered to be Aguilera's signature song and has been recognized as being among the strongest tracks in her catalog. The song was ranked as her third-best single by Rachel McRady of Wetpaint, who commented that "[Aguilera]'s inspiration ballad motivated an entire generation". [34] PopCrush's Alexandra Capotorto named it as her favorite track by Aguilera, opining that the song is "definitely one of the most memorable and greatest Christina Aguilera songs to date". [35] Rolling Stone ranked "Beautiful" at number 52 on their list of the 100 best songs of the 2000s, stating that it is "delivered with full-fathom force by the bottle-blond with the biggest voice". [36] Similarly, VH1 positioned the track at number 18 on their list of the 100 greatest songs of the past decade. [37] It is listed as one of the 100 best pop songs of all time by About.com. [38] Pride Life Global ranked it as one of the twenty best gay anthems of all time. [39] Blender ranked the song on its 2005 list of the 500 greatest songs of the 1980s–2000s, praising Aguilera for her "near-operatic vocals". [40]
"Beautiful" was quickly released after the underperformance of the album's first single, "Dirrty" in the United States. [41] It achieved international success and was the highest-charting single from Stripped in several territories. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 for one week, becoming Aguilera's longest-charting solo track, spending 27 weeks on the chart. [42] [43] The song additionally topped Billboard Adult Contemporary, Hot Dance Club Songs, and Pop Songs component charts. [42] In October 2022, it was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of 2,000,000 copies. [44] As of August 2014 [update] , the single has sold 1,512,000 digital copies in that country. [45] In Canada, the song peaked at number one on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100. [46] Similarly, "Beautiful" proved successful in Europe, where it peaked within the top five of most markets in which it was released. Spending a total of 51 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, the song eventually peaked atop the chart becoming Aguilera's fourth UK number one; [47] it was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry. [48] It peaked at numbers three and 18 on the Belgian Ultratop 50 and Ultratop 40, respectively. In Germany, the song peaked at number four after charting for thirteen weeks on the Media Control Charts. [46] However, "Beautiful" proved less successful on the French Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique, where it reached number 27. [46] The song was a success in Australia, peaking at number one on the ARIA Charts, where it spent a total of 13 weeks. "Beautiful" was later certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of 70,000 units. [49] The song also charted on the New Zealand Top 40 Singles Chart for 23 weeks, during which period it peaked at number one. [46]
In 2011, Aguilera performed the song alongside her finalist Beverly McClellan on the first-season finale of The Voice . [50] The following week, it debuted at number 74 on the US Billboard Hot 100 [51] and peaked at number 52 on the Hot Digital Songs diagram with first-week sales of 42,000 downloads on the iTunes Store. [52]
"Aguilera's plaintive performance was intercut with scenes of gay and transgendered people grappling with their inner and external beauty. Unlike much of the media's portrayal of queers in recent times, 'Beautiful' was devoid of clownish camp and diva-like poses. It zeroed in on the reality of how some struggle with finding their beauty in a world where they're inherently different."
The accompanying music video for "Beautiful" was directed by Jonas Åkerlund and premiered on December 9, 2002. It opens with Aguilera speaking the line "Don't look at me", followed by scenes of her singing alone in a room intercut with self-image-related sequences of other people. An anorexic girl examines herself in a mirror, eventually punching through it; a thin teenage boy stands lifting weights in a room plastered with images of bodybuilders; and an African-American girl rips out pages of women's magazines including photos of only white women and throws them into a fire. In one sequence, a girl is physically bullied by several peers, and in another, a goth man sits at the back of a bus while several people get up and move. [53] The video also touches on LGBT issues; one scene features a gay couple, portrayed by Jordan Shannon and Justin Croft, kissing on a bench and ignoring the stares of people who pass them. [30] Another shows a transgender woman, played by Robert Sherman, putting on makeup, a wig, and women's clothing. [54] The music video debuted at number 2 on Total Request Live , [55] spending a total of 50 days on the chart and retiring at number 6. [56] It topped MuchMusic's Countdown for two consecutive weeks and remained on the countdown for 15 weeks. [57]
The video was positively reviewed by music critics, [31] [58] and received a Special Recognition award, presented by David LaChapelle, from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation at its 14th GLAAD Media Awards. [59] After an a cappella performance of the song, Aguilera stated in her acceptance speech that "this song is definitely a universal message that everybody can relate to – anyone that's been discriminated against or unaccepted, unappreciated or disrespected just because of who you are. It was so important to me that I support the gay community in this sense." [59] [31] Billboard included "Beautiful" on its list of the greatest music videos of the 21st century, and Gail Mitchell wrote that it "eloquently touches on insecurity". [58] Gay journalist Larry Flick praised the video for its "stunning execution" and depiction of self-love, and noted that with its help the song "became a perfect slice of cinematic empowerment". [31] In 2024, Glamour noted that the video "was a true act of radicalism in the face of America’s puritanical, conservative Bush years". [60]
On October 21, 2022, Aguilera released a new music video for the song, which depicts kids and teens grappling with the onslaught of negative messaging on social media, body dysmorphia, plastic surgery, depression, and suicidal ideation. [61] CelebMix called the message behind the video "powerful", noting that it "highlights the impact of popular culture and social media on young people". Aguilera was given the Cybersmiler of the Month Award after the video was released. [62] It also won the British Television Advertising Award, [63] and won two awards at the 2023 Webby's — Best Music Video and Best Video (People's Voice). [64]
Recognized as one of her signature songs, Aguilera has performed "Beautiful" at a number of venues and events. [65] During the promotion of Stripped, she appeared on VH1's Big In Awards, [66] Top of the Pops , [67] and the 46th Annual Grammy Awards. [68] The song was included on the setlists of The Stripped Tour, the Justified and Stripped Tour in 2003 [69] and the Back to Basics Tour in 2006. [70] "Beautiful" was also sung on the television special VH1 Storytellers in 2010. [71] "Beautiful" has also been performed on charity events and fundraisings, such as CNN Heroes introduced by Anderson Cooper saying, "It's my pleasure to introduce a performer with unparalleled range and passion; her song is a reminder that out of great trials and tribulations we can all create something beautiful"; [72] Justin Timberlake & Friends in 2010, [73] and Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together in 2012. [74]
In 2021, Aguilera sang "Beautiful" at the Verizon's "Big Concert for Small Business" Super Bowl afterparty, [75] at her performance at the Hollywood Bowl with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, [76] [77] as well as the 47th People's Choice Awards. [78]
"Beautiful" has been embraced by the LGBT community as an anthem. [79] [80] The Advocate's Larry Flick believed the release of the song was "one of the most powerful moments of queer activism in 2003". [31] On October 5, 2010, several hundred people gathered in front of the Massachusetts State House and sang "Beautiful" as a tribute to the teenagers who had committed suicide due to anti-gay bullying during the previous months. [81] In March 2011, the Columbus Children's Choir and Columbus Gay Men's Chorus joined to perform the song as a contribution to the It Gets Better Project. [82] UK LGBT rights charity Stonewall named "Beautiful" the most empowering song of the decade for lesbian, gay and bisexual people; media personality and Stonewall contributor Paul Gambaccini called the song "a major achievement that has inspired millions of young people around the world." [83] The result is based on the choice from 1,007 readers. [83] Aguilera commented of the song's reception from the LGBT community, "I cannot express in words how much the LGBT community means to me. On my darkest day their support lifts me up. I feel honored that some of my songs become anthems to them as well." [84]
"Beautiful" inspired a subgenre of empowerment pop songs including Katy Perry's "Firework" (2010) and Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" (2011). [30] [60] The transgender character from its music video seemingly influenced the Denis O'Hare's Liz Taylor role in the horror television series American Horror Story: Hotel . [30] The music video for "Beautiful" was parodied in the eighth season of Mad TV , where the singer was portrayed by Christina Moore. [85] Sabrina Carpenter stated that "Beautiful" inspired her vocally and artistically. [86] She also covered the song during her Evolution Tour (2016–2017). [87] Rita Ora noted that the music video for "Beautiful" inspired her song "Girl in the Mirror", [88] and Alessia Cara credits the ballad as source of inspiration for her single "Scars to Your Beautiful". [89] In 2022, Billboard ranked the song the second on their list of "The 100 Greatest Songs of 2002". [90] They noted that the "Grammy-winning empowerment anthem provides a stunningly detailed illustration of the search for one's inner beauty amid battling insecurities". [90]
The song has been covered by multiple artists, including Elvis Costello, [91] Sam Smith, [92] Ava Max, [93] Kenny G and Chaka Khan. [94]
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Credits are adapted from the "Beautiful" CD single liner notes. [95]
Weekly charts | Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [49] | Platinum | 70,000^ |
Canada (Music Canada) [155] | 2× Platinum | 160,000‡ |
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [156] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
Italy (FIMI) [157] | Gold | 25,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ) [158] | Gold | 5,000* |
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [159] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [48] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
United States (RIAA) [44] | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000‡ |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States | November 16, 2002 | RCA | [15] [16] | |
Germany | January 27, 2003 | Maxi CD | BMG | [17] |
Australia | February 10, 2003 | [18] | ||
Sweden | RCA | [160] | ||
United Kingdom | February 24, 2003 |
| [19] | |
France | February 25, 2003 | Maxi CD | Jive | [20] |
Canada | February 27, 2003 | BMG | [22] | |
United States | March 18, 2003 | 12-inch vinyl | RCA | [161] |
Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Recognized as an influential figure in music and having received widespread public interest, she is noted for her four-octave vocal range extending into the whistle register, artistic reinventions, and incorporating controversial themes into her music. Referred to as the "Voice of a Generation", she was also named a Disney Legend, in recognition for her contributions to The Walt Disney Company.
Stripped is the fourth studio album by American singer Christina Aguilera. It was released on October 22, 2002, by RCA Records. Looking to transition from the teen pop styles of her self-titled debut album (1999), Aguilera took creative control over Stripped, both musically and lyrically. She also changed her public image and established her alter ego Xtina. Musically, the record incorporates pop and R&B with influences from many different genres, including soul, rock, hip hop, and Latin music. Lyrically, most of the album's songs discuss the theme of self-respect, while a few other songs talk about sex and feminism. As an executive producer, Aguilera enlisted numerous new collaborators for the album.
"Miss Independent" is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson from her debut studio album, Thankful (2003). Written by Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Rhett Lawrence, and Matt Morris, with Lawrence serving as producer, it was released as the album's lead single by RCA Records on April 10, 2003, preceding its release by five days. The track was initially intended for Aguilera's fourth album, Stripped (2002), but was left half-finished. Lawrence later continued writing the song with Clarkson, who eventually recorded it.
"Lady Marmalade" is a song written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan that is famous for the French refrain of "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?", which is a sexual proposition that translates into English as: "Do you want to sleep with me, tonight?" The song first became a popular hit when it was recorded in 1974 by the American funk rock group Labelle and held the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week, and also topped the Canadian RPM national singles chart. In 2021, the Library of Congress selected Labelle's version for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
"Genie in a Bottle" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her self-titled debut studio album (1999). It was written by Pam Sheyne, Steve Kipner and David Frank, and produced by Kipner and Frank. The song was released on 22 June 1999, by RCA Records as the album's lead single. It is a soul-pop, teen pop and dance-pop song with elements of R&B. "Genie in a Bottle" uses sexual references to address the themes of self-respect and abstinence.
"Dirrty" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera featuring American rapper Redman, released as the lead single from her fourth studio album Stripped. Despite Aguilera's first three years of commercial success, she was displeased with the lack of control over her image. In response, she desired to create a song that would represent her authentic persona. She approached hip hop producer Rockwilder and suggested using Redman's 2001 song "Let's Get Dirty " as a guide. The final result, "Dirrty", is an R&B and hip hop song that also features rapping verses from Redman and describes sexual activities.
"What a Girl Wants" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for her self-titled debut album (1999). Written by Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche as "What a Girl Needs", the song was originally released by French singer Ophélie Winter in 1998. On her album Privacy the song appeared in English and French. The French version was released as a single two years later. In the meantime, the song was pitched by Peiken and Roche to RCA Records. Following a change of the song title to "What a Girl Wants", it was recorded by Aguilera for her eponymous debut album.
"Come on Over Baby (All I Want Is You)" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for her 1999 self-titled debut studio album. Released as the album's fourth and final single on July 11, 2000, by RCA Records, it was the first song over which Aguilera was given significant creative control. "Come on Over Baby (All I Want Is You)" was written by Johan Åberg and Paul Rein, with Aguilera, Ron Fair, Chaka Blackmon, Raymond Cham, Eric Dawkins, Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche contributing to a re-recorded version. The album version of the song was produced by Aaron Zigman, Åberg and Rein, while the re-recorded version was produced by Fair and Celebrity Status.
"Fighter" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera for her fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). The song was written by Aguilera and Scott Storch, and produced by the latter. It was released by RCA Records as the third single from Stripped on March 10, 2003. Inspired by Guns N' Roses' song "November Rain", "Fighter" was characterized as a hybrid of rock and R&B that incorporates elements of arena rock and rock and roll. The track sees Aguilera thanking a man who had done her wrong for making her a "fighter."
"Can't Hold Us Down" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera and rapper Lil' Kim for the former's fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). It was released by RCA Records on July 8, 2003, as the fourth single from the album. The track was written and produced by Scott Storch, with additional songwriting by Aguilera and Matt Morris. An R&B and hip hop song with a dancehall outro, "Can't Hold Us Down" criticizes gender-related double standards.
"The Voice Within" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). The song was written by Aguilera and Glen Ballard, with production handled by Ballard. It is a piano-driven ballad that talks about trusting oneself and one's instincts. "The Voice Within" was released as the fifth and final single from Stripped on October 27, 2003, by RCA Records.
"Tilt Ya Head Back" is a song by American recording artists Nelly and Christina Aguilera, taken from Nelly's album Sweat (2004). The song was released to US radio stations on September 15, 2004, as the second single from the album. Written by Nelly, Dorian Moore and Tegemold Newton and produced by Doe Mo' Beats, "Tilt Ya Head Back" is a hip hop and pop number that features a sample of Curtis Mayfield's "Superfly".
American singer Christina Aguilera has released nine studio albums, four extended plays (EPs), four compilation albums, one soundtrack album, 54 singles, and 17 promotional singles. After releasing the duet "All I Wanna Do" with Keizo Nakanishi in 1997 and later gaining recognition for her solo musical debut with "Reflection", the theme song for the Disney animated film Mulan (1998), Aguilera signed a multi-album contract with RCA Records in 1998.
"Ain't No Other Man" is a song recorded by the American singer and songwriter Christina Aguilera from her fifth studio album Back to Basics (2006). Aguilera co-wrote the song with Kara DioGuardi, Charles Martin Roane, Harold Beatty and its producer DJ Premier. "Ain't No Other Man" is a pop, funk and R&B song that incorporates elements of soul, blues and jazz music. Lyrically, the song was inspired by her marriage to Jordan Bratman in 2005.
"Hurt" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her fifth studio album, Back to Basics (2006). It was serviced to US contemporary hit radio stations on September 17, 2006, as the album's second single, and was released for purchase in November. Written by Aguilera, Linda Perry, and Mark Ronson, and produced by Perry, the song is a pop ballad with lyrics describing how the protagonist deals with the loss of a loved one and was inspired by the death of Perry's father.
"Candyman" is a song written and performed, by American singer and songwriter Christina Aguilera from the second disc of her fifth studio album, Back to Basics (2006). "Candyman" was planned to be released as the second single from Back to Basics; however, RCA Records decided to release "Hurt" instead. Subsequently, the track was released on November 19, 2006, as the third single from the album. "Candyman" is described as a pop and jazz song that imitates swing music whose lyrics are about sex.
"Not Myself Tonight" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera for her sixth studio album Bionic (2010). It was released by RCA Records as the lead single from the album on April 2, 2010. Produced by Jamal Jones a.k.a. Polow da Don and co-written in collaboration with Greg Curtis, Ester Dean and Jason Perry, "Not Myself Tonight" is an electropop, electro-R&B and dance-pop song, which explores Aguilera's adoption of different personas on the dance floor.
"You Lost Me" is a song by American recording artist Christina Aguilera from her sixth studio album Bionic (2010). It was written by Aguilera, Sia, and producer Samuel Dixon. "You Lost Me" was released on June 25, 2010 by RCA Records as the third single from Bionic. The track is a down-tempo ballad that talks about an unfaithful man, who has left Aguilera's world "infected".
"Feel This Moment" is a song by American rapper Pitbull featuring American singer Christina Aguilera. The song was released on February 21, 2013, by Mr. 305, Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records, as the fourth single from the album Global Warming, which was released in 2012. It is a dance-pop number that talks about stopping to take a moment to appreciate life. "Feel This Moment" was written by the artists alongside Chantal Kreviazuk and producers Nasri Atweh, Adam Messinger, Sir Nolan, and DJ Buddha. The song interpolates "Take On Me" by a-ha, written and composed by Morten Harket, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, and Magne Furuholmen.
"Say Something" is a song by American pop duo A Great Big World from their debut album, Is There Anybody Out There? (2013). Written by the duo members—Ian Axel and Chad King—alongside Mike Campbell, the song was originally recorded by Axel for his solo album This Is the New Year (2011). It was later released as a single by the duo on September 3, 2013, by Epic Records. Following its usage on American reality TV show So You Think You Can Dance, the track gained attention from singer Christina Aguilera, who wanted to collaborate with A Great Big World on the song. Soon afterwards, a re-recorded version of "Say Something" with Aguilera was released on November 4, 2013.
The apex of opera-pop. Or is it Oprah-pop: a magnificently schmaltzy anthem of female survival...
"Beautiful" received universal acclaim from music critics, who have ranked it among Aguilera's strongest material.
"Beautiful" received universal acclaim for its empowering lyrics about embracing inner beauty.
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: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)I was really inspired by Christina Aguilera's music video for 'Beautiful' and this song is my version of that. I faced my fears and put them in the song. It's about self-love.