"Fighter" | ||||
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Single by Christina Aguilera | ||||
from the album Stripped | ||||
Released | March 10, 2003 | |||
Recorded | 2002 | |||
Studio | Conway (Hollywood, California) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:05 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Scott Storch | |||
Christina Aguilera singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Fighter" on YouTube |
"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."
"Fighter" received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who praised Aguilera's vocals and the song's empowering lyrics. The single peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). As of September 2014, "Fighter" has sold 1.184 million copies in the United States. Elsewhere, the song reached the top ten of several national music charts, including those in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands.
A music video for "Fighter" was directed by Floria Sigismondi. Aguilera performed the track on four of her major concert tours: The Justified & Stripped Tour (2003), The Stripped Tour (2003), Back to Basics Tour (2006–2008), and Liberation Tour (2018). "Fighter" was notably covered by American actor Darren Criss for the TV show Glee .
In the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song , Aguilera revealed the occasion, theme and meaning of "Fighter". She talked about her "very chaotic and abusive" home, where she did not feel "safe". [1] In school, Aguilera was picked on and alienated because of her musical passion. [1] However, it made her become "smarter and stronger". [1] To release herself, Aguilera started to write songs at the age of 15, both music and lyrics; and it was the way how she found her voice. [1] The writing process of "Fighter" began during her promotion for her debut album in 1999, [1] when she was "a part of the big craze pop phenomenon". [1] According to Aguilera, her debut album helped her a lot to develop the process. [1] She wanted to make an "emotionally rich and positive empowering" song, especially for women, in order for them to speak for themselves be strong. [1] About the idea of the track, she revealed, "I was coming up with titles and ideas and deciding what I wanted to write about. I had to sit down and make sense of my feelings and experiences. I learned a lot from the first record that helped me to develop. I took the good and the bad and considered some of the choices I made and became better because of it." [1] Aguilera considers "Fighter" a "natural" and authentic song, adding that "when you can be honest, you can be free, and when you're free, you do your best work." [2]
"Fighter" is a rock song. [3] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine said that "Fighter" is a hybrid of R&B and rock. [4] Meanwhile, a reviewer of Billboard described the song as arena rock-influenced, [5] and AOL Music's Nana-Adwoa Ofori noted the elements of rock and roll. [6] However, Nick Levin from Digital Spy detailed "Fighter" as an arena rock piece. [7] The song was inspired by band Guns N' Roses' song "November Rain" (1992). [8] Written in the key of E minor, "Fighter" has a moderate tempo of 96 beats per minute. [9] Brian Hiatt from Entertainment Weekly and Chuck Taylor for Billboard likened the track's musical style to that of Janet Jackson's "Black Cat". [10] [11] Aguilera's vocals on the track span from the low-note of G3 to the high-note of G5; [9] Taylor labelled Aguilera's vocals "tornado of a vocal." [11]
At the beginning of "Fighter", the guitar sound was arranged in the chord progression of Em – G/D – D – C – Em/B – B – Am – C/G – G – B7. [9] Aguilera speaks the lyrics, "After all you put me through, you'd think I'd despise you / But in the end, I wanna thank you, 'cause you made me that much stronger" on the guitar theme by Dave Navarro. [9] [12] Lyrically, Aguilera wants to thank the man who did her wrong rather than insult him, because he helped make her stronger and work harder, thus making her a fighter. [13] At the chorus, she sings, "'Cause it makes me that much stronger/ Makes me work a little bit harder/ Makes me that much wiser/ So thanks for making me a fighter". [9] The chords in the guitar part are E5 – F♯5 – G5 – A5 – B5 − C5 – B5 – A5 – G5 – F♯5– E5. She continues, "Made me learn a little bit faster/ Made my skin a little bit thicker/ Makes me that much smarter/ So thanks for making me a fighter". [11] The lyrics of "Fighter" have been recognized as "empowering". [14] On the first episode of RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked season 10, Aguilera said the song was about someone she loved but who "deserved it". [15]
"Fighter" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. David Brownie from Entertainment Weekly called it "spunkier than one would expect from a dance-floor strumpet who loves to flaunt her lung power." [16] Chuck Taylor writing for Billboard complimented "Fighter" for demonstrating that Aguilera "[has] got the goods to rise above what so many lesser acts depend on for celebrity." [11] On behalf of the same publication, Andrew Unterberger wrote that "Fighter" and "Can't Hold Us Down" are two tracks that helped "expand audience expectations of her image and sound." [17] Digital Spy's Nick Levine named it a "strutting arena rock" song, [7] while Nick Butler from Sputnikmusic simply called it "great." [18] The New York Times editor Kelefa Sanneh positively viewed the track's theme as "fearless" and "full of mildly rebellious rhetoric." [19] On a less positive side, BBC Music's Jacqueline Hodges called the song "hilarious", [20] while Jancee Dunn from Rolling Stone wrote that the song "is a sterile foray into rock." [21] Harper's Bazaar ranked "Fighter" among the fifty best songs of the 2000s. [22] In 2023, the single was listed at number five of the 100 greatest songs of 2003 list, compiled by Billboard. Stephen Daw called it the "ode to the self [which] stands as one of Aguilera's best songs to date." [23] Orlaith Condon of Ticketmaster ranked "Fighter" at number one on the list of Aguilera's best songs ever, calling it "gritty", "emotive" and "the ultimate feminist power anthem". [24]
In the United States, "Fighter" debuted at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on April 12, 2003, becoming the week's best-debuting single. [25] In the following week, it jumped to number 56. [26] On the issue dated April 26, 2003, the single charted at number 46. [27] In its fourth week charting, "Fighter" raised to number 38. [28] The single grew ten positions, charting at number 28 on May 10. [29] On May 17, 2003, it charted at number 22. [30] "Fighter" finally peaked at number 20 in its seventh week charting, [31] becoming Aguilera's ninth top-twenty hit on the chart. [32] On the Pop Songs chart, it peaked at number five. [33] The single also peaked at number 28 on the Adult Pop Songs. [34] On October 14, 2022, "Fighter" was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipping more than 2,000,000 copies in the country. [35] As of August 2014, the single has sold 1,184,000 million digital units in the United States. [36] On the Canadian Singles Chart, it peaked at number three. [37]
Throughout Europe, "Fighter" also attained moderate success on charts, peaking within the top 15 in most of the countries where it charted. It reached number 11 in Belgium (Flanders) [38] and Switzerland, [39] number 12 in Norway [40] and Sweden, [41] number 13 in Germany, [42] and number 15 in Denmark, [43] Italy [44] and Spain. [45] In Hungary, it peaked at number 8 on the Mega Top 100 Singles. [46] The single also reached the top five in the Netherlands. [47] On the UK Singles Chart, "Fighter" was a commercial success, peaking at number three and remained there for 13 weeks, becoming the longest-running single from Stripped on the chart. [48] As of February 2013, "Fighter" has sold 159,000 copies in the United Kingdom. [49] It has since been certified gold for selling 400,000 copies in the country. The single also garnered success in Australia and New Zealand, peaking at number five and 14 respectively in the two regions. [50] [51] Due to its chart success in Australia, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) certified "Fighter" gold for its shipments of 35,000 copies there. [52]
The music video for "Fighter" was directed by Floria Sigismondi, who revealed that it would display Aguilera "like I don't think she's been portrayed before". [12] On March 10, 2003, and March 12, 2003, the video was filmed in Los Angeles, California and was inspired by the director's signature dark theatrics and the life circle of moths. [12] Sigismondi explained the theme and plot of the clip to MTV News: [12]
"The song is sort of about transformation, so I took that in a nature kind of way, the way nature deals with transformation. It's basically about coming from a very poisoned place to an empowerment, a place of strength. I've always had this fear of moths, and I subconsciously wrote this thing with these moths in it, so I guess I have to deal with it. They're furry and they carry dust. I found out in old mythology they are supposed to represent the soul. I think that's very appropriate".
The video begins with Aguilera wearing a black velvet kimono, with a pale complexion and long black hair, refers to a larva. [53] Initially, she is trapped in a glass box, and her kimono is billowing like a balloon. Three Gothic ballerinas eat fruit and then collapse. [53] Aguilera then breaks free from the box by pounding on it until it shatters. She furiously removes three moth pins from her back, and then tosses aside her kimono. [53] A tattered, white, moth-covered dress is revealed, symbolizing her metaphoric evolution from the larva to a pupa. [53] In addition, her hair becomes white, and moths fly around her. [53] Intercut scenes of moths and Aguilera's blue eyes are then shown. Near the end, Aguilera wears an Elvira-type spider dress, again proclaiming that she is a "fighter" before kicking at the camera. [53]
The music video for "Fighter" garnered numerous awards. At the 2003 Belgian TMF Awards, the clip won Best Video International. [54] It garnered Aguilera and Sigismondi a Juno Award for Video of the Year at the 2004 ceremony, which was held at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. [55] It also earned four MVPA Awards for Best Pop Video, Best Cinematography, Best Make-Up and Best Styling in a Video in 2004, held at Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, California. [56] [57] The video received a Vevo Certified Award on YouTube for over 100 million views. [58]
Aguilera performed "Fighter" on a number of shows. The singer performed the song for the first time on Saturday Night Live on March 15, 2003. [59] Aguilera also performed "Fighter" at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 28, 2003, in a medley with "Dirrty".; [60] [61] the performance featured Redman as a featured artist, and Dave Navarro as the guitarist. [60] [62] There, she also performed with Madonna, Britney Spears and Missy Elliott a medley of Madonna's songs "Like a Virgin" and "Hollywood", and Elliott's "Work It". [62] The song was also performed on Aguilera and Justin Timberlake's 2003 summer tour Justified and Stripped Tour, in order to support Stripped and Timberlake's album Justified . [63] In late 2003, Aguilera performed the track during the tour's extension, The Stripped Tour, which happened without Timberlake. [64] [65] The performance is included on her first full-length DVD Stripped Live in the U.K. (2004). [64] On June 1, 2007, during the promotion of Back to Basics , Aguilera performed "Fighter" along with "Ain't No Other Man", "Hurt" and "Candyman" at the 2007 Muz-TV Awards. [66] Later, during her 2006–07 Back to Basics Tour, the track was performed as the last song in the encore. [67] Barry Walters for Rolling Stone labelled the performance of "Fighter" "ended the show on a hard-rocking high". [67] It is included on the video release Back to Basics: Live and Down Under (2008). [68]
On June 8, 2010, the singer sang the track with four other songs, "Bionic", "Not Myself Tonight", "Beautiful" and "You Lost Me" on The Today Show . [69] [70] Selected as the opener of the show, [69] James Dinh for MTV News named it "aggressive", [69] while Erika Brooks Adickman for Idolator called the performance a "hot-mess show wardrobe". [70] On June 11, 2010, Aguilera performed "Fighter", "You Lost Me", "Not Myself Tonight" along with a medley of "Genie in a Bottle" and "What a Girl Wants" on The Early Show . [71] Later that year, on June 13, she performed all of her biggest hits on VH1 Storytellers , including "Fighter". [3] Before performing the song, Aguilera revealed to the crowd, "When I was younger there were a lot of people, as I mentioned before, that were sort of around me for the wrong reasons. There's always a positive to those negative times because throughout it you come out so much stronger and wiser". [3] During the Justin Timberlake & Friends benefit show–held by Justin Timberlake on October 24, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada–Aguilera was invited to perform several of her hits, including "Beautiful", "Fighter" and "Ain't No Other Man". [72] On April 16, 2012, Aguilera performed "Fighter" again on the second season of US reality show The Voice , on which she is one of the judges and coaches, with her "Team Xtina" and Crenshaw High School choir. [73] Jonathan Hofmann called the performance "insane and bizarre as it sounds". [74]
In July 2021, Aguilera performed the song for two nights at the Hollywood Bowl with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. [75] [76] She also sang excerpts from the song during the 47th People's Choice Awards. [77]
Since its release, "Fighter" has been recognized as one of Aguilera's most empowering songs for women due to its lyrics. [78] [79] It was also featured on several shows. On April 6, 2003, a 90-second music video featuring Aguilera preparing for a center court performance at the Staples Center in Los Angeles was premiered for National Basketball Association (NBA)'s "Love It Live" promotional section. [80] The clip also featured several NBA famous acts, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and Yao Ming. [80] "Fighter" was also included in the American reality show, The Biggest Loser , which aired by NBC. [6]
American actor Darren Criss, portrayed as his fictional character Blaine Anderson, performed the song on the episode "Big Brother" of the FOX popular TV show Glee , aired on April 10, 2012. [81] [82] The version peaked at number 58 on the Hot Digital Songs [83] and at number 85 on the Canadian Hot 100. [84] In a 2018 interview, American recording artist Lauren Jauregui stated that she was inspired by the song, saying: "Christina is a huge part of my developmental years, just getting into owning who I am (...). 'Fighter' was major because obviously when you're growing up there's a lot of bullies." [85] In 2019, "Fighter" was also featured in the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars . [86]
Credits are adapted from the "Fighter" CD single liner notes [90]
Studios
Personnel
Weekly charts | Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [52] | Gold | 35,000^ |
Canada (Music Canada) [113] | Platinum | 80,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [114] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
United States (RIAA) [115] | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000‡ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States | March 10, 2003 | Contemporary hit radio | RCA | [116] |
Australia | June 9, 2003 | Maxi CD | BMG | [117] |
United Kingdom | RCA | [118] | ||
France | June 10, 2003 | Maxi CD | BMG | |
Germany | [87] | |||
Italy | [120] | |||
Sweden | RCA | |||
Italy | June 13, 2003 | DVD | BMG | [122] |
Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Recognized as an influential figure in music, she is noted for her four-octave vocal range, use of the whistle register, and incorporating feminism and sexuality 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.
"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 17, 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.
"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, the song was completed and pitched to RCA Records executive Ron Fair as "What a Girl Needs"; it was renamed "What a Girl Wants" and given to Aguilera.
"I Turn to You" is a song written by American songwriter Diane Warren and first recorded by R&B quartet All-4-One from the soundtrack album to the film Space Jam (1996). The ballad, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, received little recognition until American pop singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera recorded it for her self-titled debut album. Aguilera, who worked with Warren in another song for her debut album, felt connected to the song after relating its lyrics to her relationship with her mother, and was encouraged by Warren to record the track.
"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.
"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, three extended plays (EPs), six compilation albums, one soundtrack album, 54 singles, and 17 promotional singles. To date, Aguilera has sold around over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female music artist of all time. Billboard ranked Aguilera as the 37th Greatest Hot 100 Women of All Time and the 44th Greatest Billboard 200 Women of All Time. In the United States alone, Aguilera has sold 18.3 million albums. Through the RIAA she has 18.6 million certified albums units and 10 million certified digital singles units. Aguilera is recognized as the 20th best-selling artist of the 2000s. She has also achieved 10 number one hits on Billboard's Dance Club Songs. In the United Kingdom, Aguilera has sold over 3.3 million albums and 6.1 million singles.
"Ain't No Other Man" is a song by the American singer 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 by American singer 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.
Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits is the first greatest hits album by American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera. It was released on November 6, 2008 by RCA Records. The album contains Aguilera's singles from all of her studio albums released up to 2008. It also featured four new additions: two remakes of her previous singles — "Genie in a Bottle" (1999) and "Beautiful" (2002) — and two original songs "Keeps Gettin' Better" and "Dynamite". In the United States, the album was released on November 11, 2008, exclusively via Target.
"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".
"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.
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