Fading (song)

Last updated

"Fading"
Song by Rihanna
from the album Loud
ReleasedNovember 12, 2010
Recorded2010
Studio The Bunker Studios (Paris, France)
Genre
Length3:27
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Darnell Dalton
  • Jamal Jones
  • Lamar Taylor
  • Quinton Amey
  • William Hodge
Producer(s)

"Fading" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The song was written by Darnell Dalton, Jamal Jones, Lamar Taylor, Quinton Amey and William Hodge, with production by Kuk Harrell, Willy Will, Veronika Bozeman and Jones under his production moniker Polow da Don. Originally, the song sampled Irish instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Enya 's "One by One", though this was later removed post-album release. Lyrically, the song is about leaving a man in a relationship. After Loud had strong digital download sales in the United Kingdom, "Fading" charted at number 187 on that country's singles chart in November 2010. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised da Don's production, but one critic criticized Rihanna for copying herself and failing to create something different. Some critics also compared it to one of Rihanna's previous singles, "Take a Bow". The song has also been performed on select dates of the Loud Tour (2011).

Contents

Background and composition

Recording sessions for Loud began in February 2010, [1] and continued for six months, overlapping with Rihanna's Last Girl on Earth Tour and during the production of her debut feature film, Battleship . [2] At the beginning of March 2011, Rihanna asked fans to help her select her next single, following the release of "S&M". Via Twitter, fans were asked to choose from "Cheers (Drink to That)", "Man Down", "California King Bed" or "Fading". The most popular choice would have its video filmed at the end of March 2011. [3] On March 12, 2011, it was confirmed that fans had selected "California King Bed" as the next single to be released from the album in the United States. [4] In August 2011, a new version of "Fading" was unveiled sans the Enya sample. [5] The original version, however, is still playable on the album's Japan edition in some music streaming services including Last.fm and Spotify. [6] [7]

"Fading" was written by Darnell Dalton, Jamal Jones, Lamar Taylor, Quinton Amey and William Hodge, with production by Kuk Harrell, Willy Will, Veronika Bozeman and Jones under his production moniker Polow da Don. [8] The song was recorded by Sandy Vee at The Bunker Studio's in Paris, France in 2010. [8] Musically, the song features a piano and violin led instrumental [9] whilst lyrically, "Fading" is about the female protagonist leaving her boyfriend because she feels that they have become distant and their relationship has faded. [10] The lyrics of the song feature Rihanna adopting a vocal diction which urges her boyfriend to leave and walk away from the relationship, "Go on, be gone/ Bye bye so long/ Can't you see we're fading away". [9] As noted by Emily Mackay of NME , the song is reminiscent of one of the singer's previous songs about a relationship gone awry, "Take a Bow", in lyrical content and musicality. [9]

Critical reception

Upon Loud's release, multiple music critics wrote about "Fading" as part of their review, many of whom praised the production of the song. Emily Mackay of NME wrote about the song as part of an overall review of the album, writing "A weird baroque pop opening, violin stabs and treated vocals, builds slowly into a rolling and shuddering beat and soft, sad-toned piano. [9] Mesfin Fekadu of The Boston Globe called the track "exceptional" and compared the lyrical content to that of one of Rihanna's previous singles "Take A Bow", writing that Rihanna is skilled at putting out songs about being the woman in a relationship who leaves the man, as she does in "Fading". [10] Jon Pareles of The New York Times praised Polow da Don's production of the song, writing "'Fading' strategizes with long and short elements—sustained choruses and staccato verses, edgeless keyboard chords, and notes that are suddenly truncated—to capture the ambivalence of a failing romance." [11] Melissa Maerz of Rolling Stone commented that the singer manages to remain "serene" on the song, even with the sampling of Enya's "One by One", and added that "maybe the good girl gone bad is getting better?", in reference to Rihanna's third studio album title, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). [12]

Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly simply wrote of "Fading" that the song, a "walk away ballad", is a "gorgeously synthesized moment of sweet defiance". [13] David Driver of Sputnikmusic wrote that "Fading", along with "California King Bed", are both "well-done, soulful ballads" and that they are "completely free" of the sulky tones which could be found on some compositions on Rihanna's previous album, Rated R (2009). [14] Colin Gentry of 4Music also noted in his review that the song communicates a passionate expression of grief to the listener. [15] Ryan Burleson of Consequence of Sound wrote that the song was one of the best on the album, commenting that it stands out "sonically". [16] Burleson added that it is "a hopeful, piano and string-based R&B" song, and compared to the work of late 1990s artists such as Aaliyah and Faith Evans. [16] Ryan Dombell of Pitchfork Media criticized "Fading" as well as Rihanna herself, for copying "[her] own lightweight R&B formula so much it's redundant". [17]

Chart performance

Upon the release of Loud, "Fading" charted in three territories. The song debuted at number 37 on the South Korea Gaon International Chart for the issue dated November 14, 2010. [18] The following week, it fell to number 79. [19] "Fading" charted at number 187 on the UK Singles Chart for the issue dated November 27, 2010. [20] The song was more successful on the UK R&B Chart, where it peaked at number 34 in the same chart issue. [21] In the United States, "Fading" peaked at number 42 on the R&B/Hip-hop Digital Songs chart on December 3, 2010. [22]

Live performances

Though the song has never been performed live as part of a televised performance, the song was featured on the set list of select dates of the Loud Tour. [23] [24] [25] Rihanna performed the song on June 6 and 7, 2011, at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where the song was featured near the end of the set. [23] As noted by Jane Stevenson of the Toronto Sun , after performing a selection of ballads from the singer's repertoire, including "Unfaithful", "Hate That I Love You" and "California King Bed", Rihanna re-appeared on stage wearing a rainbow colored feathered coat, denim bra and short shorts to perform "What's My Name?", "Rude Boy", "Fading", "Don't Stop the Music" and "Take a Bow". [23]

Credits and personnel

Credits and personnel adapted from the liner notes of Loud. [8]

Locations
Personnel

Charts

Chart (2010)Peak
position
South Korea (Gaon) [18] 37
UK Singles (OCC) [20] 187
UK R&B (OCC) [21] 34
US R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Songs ( Billboard ) [22] 42

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What's My Name? (Rihanna song)</span> 2010 song by Rihanna

"What's My Name?" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna, for her fifth studio album Loud (2010). Featuring guest vocals from Canadian rapper Drake, the song was released as the second single from Loud on October 25, 2010, through Def Jam Recordings and in Germany on January 21, 2011, as a single through Universal Music Group. The dancehall-infused electro-R&B song was produced by the Norwegian production duo Stargate, and was written by the duo along with Ester Dean, Traci Hale, and Drake. Lyrically, it incorporates themes of romance and sex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kuk Harrell</span> American songwriter and producer

Thaddis Laphonia "Kuk" Harrell is an American songwriter, vocal producer, arranger and engineer. He was a member of a songwriting–production team composed of himself, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Terius "The-Dream" Nash. In 2011, Kuk Harrell and partner Tricky Stewart joined the ranks of Fox's American Idol along with music mogul Jimmy Iovine, producing many of the songs performed on television by the contestants and released via iTunes. 2011 marked the highly anticipated return of Jennifer Lopez and her album LOVE? in which Kuk served as Album Vocal Producer. Earning his fourth Grammy for the vocal production of Rihanna's No. 1 Billboard Single "Only Girl ", Harrell is also the vocal producer and co-writer of Rihanna's Grammy-winning single "Umbrella". A composer and engineer on Beyoncé's chart topping "Single Ladies " from the album I Am... Sasha Fierce, he is also vocal producer and engineer of the Diane Warren-penned "I Was Here" from Beyoncé's 2011 album 4. He also produced the majority of the vocals on Mary J. Blige's Platinum album Growing Pains, which won the 2008 Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. The first single from Growing Pains, "Just Fine", earned a Grammy nomination for best R&B vocal performance in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S&M (song)</span> 2011 single by Rihanna

"S&M" is a song by the Barbadian singer Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The song was released on January 23, 2011, as the fourth single from the album. American songwriter Ester Dean wrote "S&M" in collaboration with the producers Stargate and Sandy Vee. Backed by bass beats, a keyboard and guitars, it is an uptempo Hi-NRG and Eurodance track with lyrics about sexual intercourse, sadomasochism, bondage, and fetishes.

"Skin" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The song was written by Kenneth Coby, Ursula Yancy and Rihanna with production helmed by Soundz. Musically, "Skin" is a R&B song that contains influences from pop, dance-pop and dubstep genres, while lyrically, the song is about being in a relationship with someone and wanting to feel their skin.

"Raining Men" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). Written by Melvin Hough II, Rivelino Wouter, Timothy Thomas, Theron Thomas and Onika Maraj, and produced by Mel & Mus, the song was sent to urban radio on December 7, 2010, as the album's third single in the United States, and was re-sent to urban radio on January 25, 2011. A hip hop song, it features rap vocals by Nicki Minaj and instrumentation consisting of sirens, bass, and hip hop drums. The song's lyrics revolve around how there is an endless supply of men available in the world. The song garnered a mixed response from music critics; some praised the chemistry between Rihanna and Minaj, while others commented that it bore strong resemblances to Beyoncé's song "Diva" with regard to its composition, and were critical of the notion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Man Down (song)</span> 2011 single by Rihanna

"Man Down" is a song by Bajan singer Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). Rihanna, fellow Bajan singer Shontelle, and production duo R. City wrote the song with its main producer, Sham. They wrote it during a writing camp, in Los Angeles of March 2010, held by Rihanna's record label to gather compositions for possible inclusion on the then-untitled album. Rock City were inspired by Bob Marley's 1973 song "I Shot the Sheriff" and set out to create a song which embodied the same feel, but from a female perspective. "Man Down" is a reggae song which incorporates elements of ragga and electronic music. Lyrically, Rihanna is a fugitive after she shoots a man, an action she later regrets. Several critics singled out "Man Down" as Loud's highlight, while others commented on her prominent West Indian accent and vocal agility.

<i>Loud</i> (Rihanna album) 2010 studio album by Rihanna

Loud is the fifth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on November 12, 2010, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. The album was recorded between February and August 2010, during the singer's Last Girl on Earth tour (2010-2011) and the filming of her first feature film Battleship (2012). Rihanna and L.A. Reid were the executive producers of Loud and worked with various record producers, including Stargate, Sandy Vee, The Runners, Tricky Stewart and Alex da Kid. The album features several guest vocalists, including rappers Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Eminem, who is featured on the sequel to "Love the Way You Lie", titled "Love the Way You Lie ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheers (Drink to That)</span> 2011 single by Rihanna

"Cheers (Drink to That)" is a song recorded by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna, from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The song impacted American mainstream and rhythmic radio on August 2, 2011, as the seventh and final single released from Loud. The song was written by Andrew Harr, Jermaine Jackson, Stacy Barthe, LP, Corey Gibson, Chris Ivery, Lauren Christy, Graham Edwards, Avril Lavigne, Rihanna and Scott Spock, while production of the song was completed by Harr and Jackson under their stage name, the Runners. The song also contains samples from Lavigne's song "I'm with You", which is featured on her debut album Let Go (2002). Lyrically, "Cheers (Drink to That)" is a party song featuring multiple references to the weekend.

<i>Talk That Talk</i> 2011 studio album by Rihanna

Talk That Talk is the sixth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on November 18, 2011 by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. Talk That Talk was recorded during the Loud Tour between February and November 2011. It was originally planned to be a reissue of her previous studio album Loud (2010). As executive producer, Rihanna enlisted a wide range of producers including Alex da Kid, Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, No I.D., and Stargate to achieve her desired sound. Following in the same vein as Loud, Talk That Talk is a dance-oriented pop/R&B crossover album that incorporates elements of hip hop, dubstep, electronic and house music. The album also contains subtle dancehall influences while its lyrical content and themes revolve around a nihilistic, romantic, and lascivious lover.

"Watch n' Learn" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna, for her sixth studio album Talk That Talk (2011). It was written by Priscilla Renea, Chauncey Hollis, Rihanna and Alja Jackson. The production was done by Hollis under his stage-name Hit-Boy. When Renea came with an idea and concept for the song, Hollis had already started working on the composition, without having in mind any particular artist. With the work on the track being finished, it was forwarded to Rihanna and her label, which eagerly accepted it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Talk That Talk (Rihanna song)</span> 2012 single by Rihanna

"Talk That Talk" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her 2011 studio album of the same name. It features a rap verse by American rapper Jay-Z, who had previously collaborated with Rihanna on her song "Umbrella" in 2007 and "Run This Town" in 2009. The song was written by Jay-Z, Ester Dean, together with the Norwegian production duo Stargate. Def Jam Recordings serviced the track to urban contemporary radio in the United States on January 17, 2012, as the third single from Talk That Talk. It was released in France as a CD single on March 26. "Talk That Talk" is a hip hop song with R&B beats, rough drums and unrefined synths, and has a similar style to Rihanna's 2010 single "Rude Boy". It contains a brief sample of "I Got a Story to Tell" by the Notorious B.I.G. Therefore, the Buckwild, Sean Combs, Chucky Thompson, and the Notorious B.I.G. are credited as songwriters despite the Notorious B.I.G's death in 1997.

"Dressin' Up" is a song by American singer Katy Perry from Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection (2012). It was written by Perry, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Monte Neuble, and Matt Thiessen, and produced by Stewart and Kuk Harrell. Musically, "Dressin' Up" incorporates the styles of electro and dance-rock, along with a prominent electronic dance production. Lyrically, the song speaks of dressing up in different outfits for a lover, and contains multiple innuendos. "Dressin' Up" garnered mixed reviews from critics, some of whom complimented its "fun" sound, while others denounced it as being too similar to Perry's other songs. Upon the release of Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection, the song charted on the UK Singles Chart at number 109.

"Hummingbird Heartbeat" is a song recorded by American singer Katy Perry for her third studio album, Teenage Dream (2010). It was written by Perry, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Stacy Barthe, and Monte Neuble. Stewart handled the production of the song, while Kuk Harrell produced Perry's vocals. "Hummingbird Heartbeat" was inspired by Perry's boyfriend at the time, Russell Brand.

"Jump" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was written by Kevin Cossom, M. B. Williams, Stargate and Chase & Status, with production done by the latter two and Kuk Harrell. It samples the lyrics of the 1996 single "Pony", performed by Ginuwine. Its composition and structure received comparisons to not only Justin Timberlake's song "Cry Me a River" and Magnetic Man's "I Need Air", but also to some of Rihanna's previous songs, including "Rude Boy" and "Red Lipstick". A remix of the song called "Jump " by rapper Theophilus London was leaked onto the internet. "Jump" was serviced to Australian radio on January 24, 2014 as the album's sixth single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Right Now (Rihanna song)</span> 2013 single by Rihanna featuring David Guetta

"Right Now" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna featuirng French DJ and producer David Guetta. It was released as part of Rihanna's seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). Guetta co-wrote the song with R&B singers Ne-Yo and The-Dream, while their longtime collaborators, Norwegian production duo Stargate, co-produced the track alongside Guetta and his own longtime collaborators Nicky Romero and Giorgio Tuinfort. It was sent to contemporary hit and rhythmic contemporary radios in the United States as the fourth single from the album on May 28, 2013. Musically, "Right Now" is an EDM and pop song. The lyrical content features Rihanna chanting to live life in the moment.

"Nobody's Business" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her seventh studio album Unapologetic (2012). Co-written by Rihanna together with its producers Terius "The-Dream" Nash and Carlos "Los" McKinney, it features guest vocals by American singer Chris Brown. It is their third collaboration following the domestic violence case that happened between them in 2009. "Nobody's Business" is a house, disco-pop and R&B-funk song that mixes Chicago stepping and features strings, piano, and a four-on-the-floor kick drum. It contains interpolation of the 1987 single "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson.

"Phresh Out the Runway" is a song recorded by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna for her seventh studio album Unapologetic (2012). It was co-written by Rihanna with French disc-jockey David Guetta, Giorgio Tuinfort and Terius Nash. It is the first time that Rihanna and Guetta had collaborated since "Who's That Chick?", released in November 2010. "Phresh Out the Runway" is a hip hop and rave song that contains heavy synthesizers and bass. Lyrically, Rihanna explains how if any of her crew does not respect her, they should no longer remain with her.

<i>Anti</i> (album) 2016 studio album by Rihanna

Anti is the eighth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on 28 January 2016 by Roc Nation and Westbury Road. Rihanna started recording in 2014 after departing from Def Jam Recordings, who had released all of her albums since her 2005 debut. As executive producer, Rihanna recorded Anti with producers including Jeff Bhasker, Boi-1da, DJ Mustard, Hit-Boy, Brian Kennedy, Timbaland and No I.D., at studios in Canada, the United States and France. SZA and Drake contribute guest vocals.

"Desperado" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her eighth studio album, Anti (2016). It was written and produced by Mick Schultz with additional writing by Krystin "Rook Monroe" Watkins, Rihanna, Iman Jordan, James Fauntleroy and Derrus Rachel. During the recording process of Anti, Rihanna rented a house in Malibu over several months and started extensively writing and composing music with her team consisting of various musicians. One of the songwriters in the house was Krystin "Rook Monroe" Watkins. He together with American producer Mick Schultz worked on the song. Their efforts resulted in the mid-tempo indie rock song featuring deep synths and vocal samples.

"Pose" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her eighth studio album, Anti (2016); it is one of three bonus tracks included on the deluxe edition. She wrote the song in collaboration with Bibi Bourelly, Hit-Boy and Travis Scott, and it was produced by the latter two. Kuk Harrell was also enlisted as Rihanna's vocal producer. On April 14, 2017, Rihanna released a four-track EP which included remixes of "Pose" by the Far East Movement, Salva, Deadly Zoo and Eva Shaw.

References

  1. ↑ Vena, Jocelyn (March 3, 2010). "Rihanna Working On New Album, Producer Confirms". MTV News. Viacom. Archived from the original on March 7, 2010. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  2. ↑ Kaufman, Gil (September 16, 2010). "Rihanna Reveals Title of New Album". MTV News. Viacom. Archived from the original on September 8, 2010. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Rihanna Asks Fans To Help Choose Her Next Single". MTV UK and Ireland . Viacom. March 1, 2011. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  4. ↑ Copsey, Robert (March 12, 2010). "Rihanna announces next single". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd . Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Rihanna Drops Remixed Version of Her Single 'Fading'". Vibe . August 24, 2011. Archived from the original on September 14, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Loud (Japan Version) — Rihanna". Last.fm. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  7. ↑ Loud (Japan Version), January 1, 2010, retrieved January 27, 2023
  8. 1 2 3 Loud (liner notes). Rihanna. Def Jam Recordings. 2010. p. 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. 1 2 3 4 Mackay, Emily (November 3, 2010). "Rihanna, 'Loud' — Album First Listen". NME . IPC Media. Archived from the original on March 21, 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-03.
  10. 1 2 Fekadu, Mesfin (November 15, 2010). "Review: Rihanna is 'Loud' — and clear — on new CD". The Boston Globe . Christopher M. Mayer. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  11. ↑ Pareles, Jon (November 15, 2010). "Critics' Choice: New CDs". The New York Times . Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  12. ↑ Maerz, Melissa (November 16, 2010). "Rihanna — Loud". Rolling Stone . Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  13. ↑ Greentblatt, Leah (November 10, 2010). "Loud — Rihanna — 2010". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  14. ↑ Driver, David (March 16, 2011). "Rihanna — Loud". Sputnikmusic, Jeremy Ferwerda. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  15. ↑ Gentry, Colin (November 12, 2010). "News: Rihanna — Loud Review". 4Music. Archived from the original on May 29, 2012. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
  16. 1 2 Burleson, Ryan (November 22, 2010). "Album Review: Rihanna — Loud". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  17. ↑ Dombell, Ryan (November 24, 2010). "Rihanna — Loud". Pitchfork Media, Ryan Ryan Schreiber. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  18. 1 2 "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: November 14, 2010 to November 20, 2010)". Gaon Chart. November 14, 2010. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  19. ↑ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: November 21, 2010 to November 27, 2010)". Gaon Chart. November 21, 2010. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  20. 1 2 "Chart Log UK: Chart entries update". Official Charts Company. November 27, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  21. 1 2 "2010 Top 40 R&B Singles Archive - 27th November 2010". Official Charts Company. November 27, 2010. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  22. 1 2 "Rihanna Chart History - R&B/Hip-hop Digital Songs". Billboard. December 4, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  23. 1 2 3 Stevenson, Jane (July 7, 2011). "Rihanna is loud, sexy and larger than life". Toronto Sun . Retrieved October 6, 2011.
  24. ↑ "Songs played by tour: Loud Tour". SetListFM. Archived from the original on December 5, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Rihanna Performing Fading (Away) Live Concert on 06/29/2011 at the Honda Center". Universal Music Group . Retrieved October 4, 2011.
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.