Freedom (Pharrell Williams song)

Last updated

"Freedom"
Cover art for the song Freedom by Pharrell Williams.png
Single by Pharrell Williams
from the album Despicable Me 3 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
ReleasedJune 30, 2015 [1]
Recorded2015
Genre Indie pop
Length2:43
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Pharrell Williams & Naughty by Nature
Producer(s) Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams singles chronology
"Finna Get Loose"
(2015)		"Freedom"
(2015)		"WTF (Where They From)"
(2015)

"Freedom" (stylized as FREEDOM!) is a song by Pharrell Williams which was released for streaming on Apple Music and played by Zane Lowe on his show on Beats 1 on its launch date of June 30, 2015. [2] Part of the song was made available as a teaser on Williams' Twitter page and was also used in a promotional video for Apple Music. [3] Its music video was nominated for Best Music Video at the 58th Grammy Awards.

Contents

Critical reception

Writing for MusicSnake, Marissa Fitzgerald gave the song a very positive review, give it 4/5 stars and stating "'Freedom' is an awesome track with a feel-good vibe and a positive message. The lyrics are uplifting and promote living a happy life without restrictions or limitations." [4] Rolling Stone describes the track, "powerful," as well as, "snappy," and, "infectious," [5] while The Guardian describes it as, "socially conscious." [6] According to USA Today, "Williams may have found a song that captures the tenor of its time." [7]

Live performances

Williams performed the song on his international 2015 tour, [8] including during his set at Glastonbury Festival 2015 on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday June 27. [9] Williams also performed this single at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards. [10] Williams performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday September 11. Williams also performed the song with a full orchestra during a guest appearance at Hans Zimmer's live set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Sunday April 16, 2017.

In other media

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BEA) [48] Gold15,000*
Italy (FIMI) [49] 2× Platinum100,000‡
Poland (ZPAV) [50] 2× Platinum40,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [51] Silver200,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

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References

  1. ↑ McIntyre, Hugh (June 25, 2015). "Pharrell's New Single 'Freedom' Will Serve As Apple Music's First Exclusive". Forbes.
  2. ↑ "Pharrell to drop single 'Freedom' exclusively on Apple Music". CTV News. June 25, 2015.
  3. ↑ Dionne, Zach (June 26, 2015). "Pharrell Working With Adele, Previews His "Freedom" Video". Fuse.
  4. ↑ Fitzgerald, Marissa (July 10, 2015). "Pharrell Williams: 'Freedom' Single Review". MusicSnake. Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  5. ↑ Blistein, Jon (June 30, 2015). "Pharrell Screams 'Freedom' on Powerful New Track". RollingStone.com. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  6. ↑ Simpson, Dave (June 14, 2015). "Pharrell Williams review – pop polymath unveils embarrassment of talents". TheGuardian.com. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  7. ↑ Mansfield, Brian (June 30, 2015). "Song of the week: Pharrell's 'Freedom'". USAToday.com. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  8. ↑ Simpson, Dave (June 14, 2015). "Pharrell Williams review – pop polymath unveils embarrassment of talents". Guardian.
  9. ↑ Schwartz, Danny (June 28, 2015). "Pharrell Debuts "Freedom" At Glastonbury". Hotnewhiphop.
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