Better Than I Know Myself

Last updated
"Better Than I Know Myself"
ALBTIKM2012.jpg
Single by Adam Lambert
from the album Trespassing
ReleasedDecember 20, 2011
Genre Synthpop
Length3:36
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Adam Lambert singles chronology
"Sleepwalker"
(2011)		"Better Than I Know Myself"
(2011)		"Never Close Our Eyes"
(2012)
Music video
"Better Than I Know Myself" on YouTube

"Better Than I Know Myself" is a song by American recording artist Adam Lambert from his second studio album, Trespassing . [1] The song was released as the album's lead single on December 20, 2011. It was released to US mainstream radio on January 24, 2012. [2] The song was written and produced by Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and Ammo, and co-written by Claude Kelly. [3]

Contents

Background and composition

On December 15, 2011 RCA Records announced that "Better Than I Know Myself" would serve as the lead single from Adam Lambert's upcoming second studio album, Trespassing due for March 2012. [1] The following day the song premiered in full online. The song was released via iTunes on December 20, 2011, in the United States.

"Better Than I Know Myself" is a synthpop ballad. [4] The instrumentation consists of a thumping bass beat, a keyboard, and "retro synth washes" as described by Bill Lamb of About.com. [5] Lyrically, the song revolves around romantic regret. [5] Adam Lambert sings about "a lover who knows you inside and out". [4]

Critical reception

"Better Than I Know Myself" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Contessa Gayles of AOL Music Blog wrote, "The 'American Idol' star's new mid-tempo track is a Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly production about a lover who knows you inside and out" and called the song an "epic piano ballad". She also complimented Adam Lambert's "gifted vocals". [4] Bill Lamb of About.com said, "Adam Lambert's voice is a unique and powerful instrument, but when the song and production are dull, even the best voice can't completely turn things around." [5]

Liz Barker of MTV called the song "one of Adam's biggest, boldest and most beautiful tracks to date". [6] Billboard's Jason Lipshutz compared the song's "winning pop-rock formula" to Lambert's 2009 breakthrough single "Whataya Want from Me" and wrote: "While "Better Than I Know Myself" is not as immediately overpowering, repeated listenings amplify the untamed vulnerability that has become Lambert's defining asset. [...] Like any talented pop artist, Lambert understands subtle reflection as well as epic bombast." [7] According to Rolling Stone reviewer Jody Rosen, the song showcases "Lambert's superhuman vocal range", while referring to the song as "formulaic pop". [8]

Chart performance

In the United States, the song debuted at number seventy-six on the Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated January 7, 2012, before its official radio add date. [9] It was only successful in select countries such as Finland and Japan, in both of which it charted in the top ten. It failed to reach the Top 40 in the United States and is Lambert's lowest charting single to date.

Music video

The music video was directed by Ray Kay and premiered on February 3, 2012, on Lambert's official Vevo page. The video's concept deals with duality and the conflict between the darker and lighter sides of Lambert which is also explored on the album. The video begins with the two characters in a room separated by a glass window. In the course of the video the two get into an argument resulting in the dark side polluting the light side's oxygen supply. It ends with the dark side rescuing his better half by breaking through the glass and connecting with him, making the both of them form into one person. [10]

Live performances

Adam Lambert performed "Better Than I Know Myself" for the first time on January 17, 2012, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno . [11] He appeared with minimal make-up while wearing a black suit and white shirt with no tie. [12] He then performed the song on January 19, 2012, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show .

Track listing

  1. "Better Than I Know Myself" – 3:36
  1. "Better Than I Know Myself" – 3:35
  2. "Better Than I Know Myself" (Alex Ghenea Remix) – 3:23
  1. "Better Than I Know Myself" (Alex Ghenea Remix) – 3:23
  2. "Better Than I Know Myself" (Dave Audé Dubstep Remix) - 4:00
  3. "Better Than I Know Myself" (Robert Marvin & Shearer Remix) - 3:35

Charts

Chart (2011–12)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [15] 83
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders) [16] 15
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [17] 56
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) [18] 6
Germany (Official German Charts) [19] 88
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [20] 40
Japan (Japan Hot 100) [21] 9
Japan Hot Overseas ( Billboard ) [22] 1
South Korea International Singles (Gaon) [23] 27
US Billboard Hot 100 [9] 76
US Adult Pop Songs ( Billboard ) [24] 18

Radio and release history

CountryDateFormatLabel
Worldwide [13] December 20, 2011 Digital download
United StatesJanuary 23, 2012 [25] Adult contemporary radio airplay
January 24, 2012 [2] Mainstream radio airplay
GermanyMarch 9, 2012 [26] Digital download
March 16, 2012 [14] CD single

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bonnie McKee</span> American singer-songwriter

Bonnie Leigh McKee is an American singer and songwriter. Her debut album, Trouble, was released in 2004 by Reprise Records. After underperforming McKee was dropped by her label and took a musical hiatus before establishing herself as a songwriter. She has written 10 singles that have reached number one in either the United States or the United Kingdom, which have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide combined. In 2013, McKee made a return to music with many singles, including "American Girl". She independently released an EP, Bombastic (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Me, Myself and I (Beyoncé song)</span> 2003 single by Beyoncé

"Me, Myself and I" is a song by American singer Beyoncé from her debut solo studio album Dangerously in Love (2003). It was written by Beyoncé, Scott Storch and Robert Waller and produced by Storch with guitar played by musician Aaron Fishbein. Beyoncé decided that she wanted a deeper and more personal song as the third single; the song was sent by Columbia Records and Music World Entertainment to contemporary hit radio in the United States on October 19, 2003. "Me, Myself and I" is an R&B song about dealing with a philandering partner and learning from the consequences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">With Love (Hilary Duff song)</span> 2007 single by Hilary Duff

"With Love" is a song recorded by American recording artist Hilary Duff for her fourth studio album, Dignity (2007). It was written by Duff and Kara DioGuardi with the song's producers Vada Nobles and Julius "Logic" Diaz. According to Duff, the song is about having a "crazy job" but being kept "sane" by a lover. Musically, "With Love" has a dance-rock guitar throughout its hook while it presents more mature vocals by Duff in contrast to her previous works. The song was released as the second single from Dignity on February 20, 2007, by Hollywood Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battlefield (song)</span> 2009 single by Jordin Sparks

"Battlefield" is a song by the American singer Jordin Sparks, taken from her sophomore studio album of the same name. It was written by Louis Biancaniello, Ryan Tedder, Sam Watters and Wayne Wilkins, while production of the song was helmed by Tedder and The Runaways. "Battlefield" was released digitally in the United States on May 8, 2009, as the album's lead single. "Battlefield" is a mid-tempo ballad which draws from the genres of pop, R&B, pop rock and soft rock. The song's lyrics revolve around "a tumultuous relationship where neither side wants to compromise." The song's lyrical theme received comparisons to Pat Benatar's "Love Is a Battlefield" (1983), and its production was compared to Benatar's "We Belong" (1984).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">For Your Entertainment (song)</span> 2009 single by Adam Lambert

"For Your Entertainment" is the debut mainstream single by American recording artist and American Idol season eight runner-up Adam Lambert. It is also the title track to his debut studio album, For Your Entertainment. The song was released commercially on November 3, 2009, and was written by Claude Kelly and Dr. Luke. It was a top 10 hit in Finland, Japan, New Zealand and the US dance club chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naturally (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)</span> 2009 single by Selena Gomez & the Scene

"Naturally" is a song performed by American band Selena Gomez & the Scene, taken from their debut studio album Kiss & Tell (2009). It was released by Hollywood Records as the album's second single in the United States and select other countries. The song was produced by Antonina Armato and Tim James who wrote the song with Devrim Karaoglu. Musically, "Naturally" is an uptempo dance-pop song which relies on electropop. The song's lyrics speak of a relationship in which feelings are not forced and the protagonist sings of their happiness. The song officially impacted US mainstream radio on January 19, 2010, and was released physically in numerous European countries thereafter. The song also appears on the international standard edition of the band's second album, A Year Without Rain (2010).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ridin' Solo</span> 2010 single by Jason Derulo

"Ridin' Solo" is the third single from Jason Derulo's self-titled debut album, produced by J.R. Rotem. The demo originally sampled "Bitter Sweet Symphony" by the Verve, but the sample was not cleared and was subsequently replaced with electronic motifs which are featured throughout the entire song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Lambert discography</span>

American singer Adam Lambert has released five studio albums, one live album, five compilation albums, five extended plays, twenty-five singles, and thirteen music videos. As of January 2011, he had sold 1.2 million albums and 4.2 million singles worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Had You (Adam Lambert song)</span> 2010 single by Adam Lambert

"If I Had You" is a song by American recording artist and American Idol season eight runner-up Adam Lambert. The song was written by Max Martin, Shellback, and Savan Kotecha and produced by Martin, Shellback and Kristian Lundin for Lambert's debut album, For Your Entertainment (2009). It was released as the third and final international single from the album on May 11, 2010. The song reached number 30 in the United States and reached the top ten in Australia, Canada, Finland, Hungary and New Zealand. The song was performed on Lambert's first concert tour, the 2010 Glam Nation Tour where it was the show's finale.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Like It (Enrique Iglesias song)</span> 2010 single by Enrique Iglesias

"I Like It" is a song performed by Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias taken from his first bilingual studio album, Euphoria. It features guest vocals from American rapper Pitbull. Both artists co-wrote the electropop song with RedOne, who produced it. It also interpolates Lionel Richie's 1983 single "All Night Long ". with vocals re-recorded by Richie himself. I Like It was released on 3 May 2010 as the debut English single and second single overall. The song was also included on the official soundtrack to MTV reality series Jersey Shore. A version of the song without Pitbull is also found on the international version of Euphoria. The song also serves as the first single from the Jersey Shore soundtrack. The song was the official song of Airtel 2010 Champions League Twenty20. The song has sold 4 million copies in the US alone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Misery (Maroon 5 song)</span> 2010 single by Maroon 5

"Misery" is a song by American band Maroon 5. It was released on June 22, 2010 by A&M Octone Records, as the lead single from their third studio album Hands All Over (2010). The song has been compared to the band's previous worldwide hit, "This Love".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Till the World Ends</span> 2011 single by Britney Spears

"Till the World Ends" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale (2011). It was written by Kesha, Dr. Luke, Alexander Kronlund, and Max Martin, while the production was handled by Luke, Martin and Billboard. It was released as the second single from the album on March 4, 2011. "Till the World Ends" is an uptempo dance-pop, electropop and Eurodance song with an electro beat. It opens with sirens, and has elements of trance and Eurodance. The song features a chant-like chorus, and lyrics in which Spears sings about dancing until the end of the world. "Till the World Ends" received universal acclaim from critics, who deemed it a catchy dance track and complimented its anthemic nature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Who Says (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)</span> 2011 single by Selena Gomez & the Scene

"Who Says" is a song performed by American band Selena Gomez & the Scene. Priscilla Renea wrote the song with Emanuel Kiriakou, who produced the track. The song was released in March 2011, as the lead single from the band's third album, When the Sun Goes Down (2011). According to Gomez, the song was intended to inspire people, and fire back at the "haters", particularly those involved in cyberbullying. "Who Says" marks a distinct departure in sound for the band, as it has an acoustic and organic feel, compared to their dance-pop and club-oriented previous singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glad You Came</span> 2011 single by The Wanted

"Glad You Came", also known as "I'm Glad You Came", is a song by British-Irish boy band the Wanted, released on 24 May 2011 as the second single from their second studio album, Battleground. The song was written by Steve Mac, Wayne Hector and Ed Drewett, and was produced by Steve Mac. "Glad You Came" peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and also topped the charts of Ireland, Japan, and Venezuela. In North America, the song reached number two in Canada and number three in the United States, becoming their only top ten hit in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rain Over Me</span> 2011 single by Pitbull

"Rain Over Me" is a song by Cuban-American rapper Pitbull from his sixth studio album, Planet Pit. It features vocals from Puerto Rican-American singer Marc Anthony. The song was written by Pitbull, RedOne, Marc Anthony, Bilal "The Chef" Hajji, AJ Janussi and Rachid "Rush" Aziz. It was also produced by RedOne, Rush and Jimmy Joker. It was released on June 10, 2011, as the third promotional single from the album and received a full release as the album's third official single on June 8, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexy and I Know It</span> 2011 song by LMFAO

"Sexy and I Know It" is a hit song by American duo LMFAO from their second studio album, Sorry for Party Rocking. It was released as the third single from the album on September 16, 2011. The song was written by Stefan Kendal Gordy, GoonRock, Erin Beck, George M. Robertson and Kenneth Oliver, and it was produced by Party Rock. It went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 7, 2012, and remained there for two weeks.

<i>Trespassing</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Adam Lambert

Trespassing is the second studio album by American singer Adam Lambert, released on May 15, 2012, by RCA Records Originally scheduled for March 20, 2012, the album was pushed back for two months in order to add more songs and collaborations. In late March, alongside the reveal of snippets of four album tracks, Lambert announced on Twitter that the album would be released on May 15, 2012. Lambert is the executive producer on Trespassing, as well as a principal writer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Close Our Eyes</span> 2012 single by Adam Lambert

"Never Close Our Eyes" is a song by American singer Adam Lambert from his second studio album, Trespassing. The song was released as the album's second single on April 14, 2012. It was written and produced by Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Dr. Luke, and Cirkut. The song was met with glowing reviews for the most part, as critics praised it for being a much better offering than previous single "Better Than I Know Myself". The single performed moderately well on the charts. Unlike singles past, "Never Close Our Eyes" is Lambert's first top twenty hit in the United Kingdom, debuting and peaking at number seventeen. The song is also Lambert's second US top ten club hit peaking at number six on the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Lose Myself</span> 2013 single by OneRepublic

"If I Lose Myself" is a song recorded by American pop rock band OneRepublic for their third studio album, Native (2013). It was released as the album's first official single on January 8, 2013. The song was written by Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, Brent Kutzle and Zach Filkins. It was produced by Tedder and Blanco while Kutzle served as the co-producer. The song peaked at number 74 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Media Control Charts in Germany. In early 2014, the single was re-released in the UK after the huge success of "Counting Stars".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trespassing (song)</span> 2012 single by Adam Lambert

"Trespassing" is a song by American singer Adam Lambert from his second studio album, Trespassing. The song was released as the album's third and final single on October 8, 2012. It was written and produced by Pharrell Williams. It received generally favorable reviews from critics and fans. The song peaked at number 92 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart, and peaked at number 33 on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

References

  1. 1 2 "Global Superstar Adam Lambert To Release Highly Anticipated Second Album 'Trespassing' On March 20th, 2012". RCA Records. Archived from the original on 2012-01-07. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
  2. 1 2 "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  3. ↑ "Adam Lambert Announces "Better Than I Know Myself" As Lead 'Trespassing' Single". 2011-11-19. Retrieved 2011-12-16.
  4. 1 2 3 Gayles, Contessa (2011-12-16). "Adam Lambert 'Better Than I Know Myself' Song Debuts". AOL. Archived from the original on 2012-01-25. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  5. 1 2 3 Lamb, Bill. "Review: Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself". About.com. Archived from the original on 2012-01-21. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  6. ↑ Barker, Liz (2011-12-19). "New Song: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'". MTV. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  7. ↑ Lipshutz, Jason (2012-01-02). "Track Review: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  8. ↑ Rosen, Jody (2011-12-30). "Better Than I Know Myself | Song Reviews". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on 2016-07-29. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  9. 1 2 "US Billboard Hot 100: Biggest Jump". Billboard . Billboard. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  10. ↑ Lansky, Sam (2012-03-02). "New Video: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'" . Retrieved 2012-04-22.
  11. ↑ Halperin, Shirley (2012-01-18). "Video: 'American Idol's' Adam Lambert Debuts New Look, Single On 'The Tonight Show'". Billboard . Billboard. Retrieved 2012-01-18.
  12. ↑ Sciarretto, Amy (2012-01-18). "Adam Lambert Performs 'Better Than I Know Myself' With Less Eyeliner on 'Tonight Show'". PopCrush. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  13. 1 2 "iTunes - Music - Better Than I Know Myself - Single by Adam Lambert". iTunes Store . Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  14. 1 2 3 "Better Than I Know Myself: Adam Lambert: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.de. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  15. ↑ "ARIA Charts - Chartifacts". Archived from the original on 2010-09-17.
  16. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Better Than I Know Myself" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  17. ↑ "Adam Lambert: Better Than I Know Myself on Canadian Hot 100". Billboard . B.Biz. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  18. ↑ "Adam Lambert: Better Than I Know Myself" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  19. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Better Than I Know Myself" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 2019-05-21.
  20. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Better Than I Know Myself". Top 40 Singles.
  21. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot 100". Billboard . Billboard. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  22. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas" (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. 5 March 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  23. ↑ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: January 01, 2012 to January 07, 2012)". Gaon Chart. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  24. ↑ "US Billboard Adult Pop Songs". Billboard . Billboard.
  25. ↑ "Hot/Modern/AC > Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012.
  26. ↑ "Better Than I Know Myself: Adam Lambert: Amazon.de: MP3-Downloads". Amazon.de. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
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.