"Hush Hush" is a song by American girl groupthe Pussycat Dolls from their second studio album, Doll Domination (2008), included as the album's thirteenth track. The song was written by it's producers Quiz & Larossi (Andreas Romdhane and Josef Larossi), Ina Wroldsen, and lead singer Nicole Scherzinger. Originally recorded as a ballad, the song was later remixed into an uptempo disco-influenced version titled "Hush Hush; Hush Hush," which features interpolations of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and served as the album's final single on May 12, 2009. The single's release sparked controversy after Scherzinger was initially credited as a featured artist, following a similar billing on their previous single "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)"; causing tension within the group and public outburst by member Melody Thornton. While Scherzinger defended her billing, the label eventually removed her featured status prior to the single’s release.
Contemporary critics found the remix dated and lacking the energetic R&B edge of their earlier hits, though some appreciated its catchy elements. Commercially, the single reached number one in the Czech Republic and Hungary, achieved top-ten positions in countries such as Finland and Australia, and charted within the top forty in Ireland, the UK, and Switzerland. In the United States, it peaked at number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one on the Hot Dance/Club Songs chart, marking the group's sixth consecutive number-one on that chart. The music video, directed by Rich Lee, is set in a dollhouse with themed rooms, features stylistic references to 1980s disco and artists such as Donna Summer and Diana Ross.
Background and composition
"Hush Hush" was first written by Ina Wroldsen (pictured).
"Hush Hush" was originally written by Norwegian songwriter Ina Wroldsen for the Pussycat Dolls. She delivered a demo of the track, but once album's producer Ron Fair and others, and others worked on it in the studio, the song was heavily reworked to the point that Wroldsen barely recognized it. Fair, took special interest in the track, spending 11 days and significant resources trying to shape it into a finished single. Lead singer Nicole Scherzinger was later given co-writing credit due to her strong input on the lyrics and recording. Wroldsen felt the final version had strayed far from her original vision. Reflecting on it, she accepted it as part of the industry reality—songwriters often lose creative control when bigger artists and labels adapt their material.[1]
Swedish production duo Quiz & Larossi (Andreas Romdhane and Josef Larossi), where also credited as the song's producer and writers. It was recorded by Mike "Angry" Eleopoulos and Tal Herzberg with the assistance of Greg DePante, Steve Genewick, and Keith Gretlein and mixed by Dave Pensado, Jaycen Joshua, and Andrew Wuepper at Quiz & Larossi Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, The Boiler Room in Santa Monica, California, as well as the Henson Studios in Los Angeles. Fair arranged and conducted the strings, which were recorded by Frank Wolf. Other instrumentation and programming was carried out by Quiz & Larossi.[2] The song was included in group's second studio album, Doll Domination which was released in September 2008.[3]
"Hush Hush" is a pop song.[3] Running for 3 minutes and 48 seconds,[2] the ballad was described to having "down tempo forlornness".[3] Scherzinger's vocals were described as powerful, with her exaggerated pronunciation adding to the dramatic delivery.[4] The song portrays the group as strong, independent women who don't depend on men for help.[5]
In March 2009, Scherzinger confirmed Doll Domination would be reissued, following stagnant sales of the album.[6] The reissues includes some previously released singles and three new songs including "Hush Hush; Hush Hush", a remixed version of the original song.[7]Dave Audé was added as producer, while Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris received co-writing credits for containing interpolations of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" (1978) and includes a quotation of the original string arrangement by David Blumberg. The string arrangement was carried out by Bruce Dukov, with Tommy Vicari handling strings recording. Additionally, the production team included Eric Eyland, Steve Genewick, Keith Gretlein, Ryan Shanahan, and Eric Weaver as assistant engineers. Gayle Levant contributed harp, and Peter Mokran was responsible for mixing.[2] The remix keeps the original production of "Hush Hush" until the 1-minute mark.[8] Just before the first chorus, a crash cymbal introduces a transition into a house remix.[9] The remix was first performed by Scherzinger on the group's Doll Domination Tour in the section where each member performs solo.[10]
Retailers had listed "Hush Hush; Hush Hush" for pre-order a week before its original April 28, 2009 digital release. The cover art listed Scherzinger as a featured artist,[11] just like their previous single, "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)".[12] Scherzinger's billing as a featured artist led to dissatisfaction with other members while publications reported that her exit from the group was imminent.[13] While opening for The Circus Starring Britney Spears (2009) in Glendale, Arizona, member Melody Thornton addressed the crowd during their break saying, "[...] let me give a shout-out to my family. Thank you for supporting me, even if I'm not featured" referring to the billing of the singles, and encouraging the audience to follow their dreams and to "never let anyone stomp on them, ever."[14] Scherzinger later spoke about her billing as a featured artist during a radio interview: "It's no big deal, that doesn't take away from anybody else in the group. That's my role. I wrote 'Hush Hush' as well."[13] The label ultimately removed Scherzinger's featured status and delayed the digital release to May 12, 2009.[15][16]
Reception
In a review for "Hush Hush; Hush Hush", David Balls of Digital Spy lamented for its lack of energetic R&B quality that made their previous singles successful. Balls went to imply that its sound was outdated and criticized the sample for failing to enhance the track. He awarded the song two out of five stars.[17] While reviewing the The Mini Collection, Nick Levine from the same publication found the remix to be absurd but did feel that the sample to be effective.[9] Nick Bond of MTV Australia suggested the remix is not compatible with the original ballad.[18]Maura Johnston from Idolator found the remix to be unoriginal and a desperate attempt to boost the group's appeal. Though, she went on to appreciate the track’s catchy elements.[4]
Commercially, "Hush Hush; Hush Hush" peaked at number 1 in both the Czech Republic and Hungary.[19][20] It achieved top-ten placements in Finland (3),[21], Belgium [Wallonia] (4),[22] Israel (4),[23] Slovakia (4),[24] France (5),[25] Belgium [Flanders] (6),[26] Australia (10),[27] and Croatia (10).[28] The song reached the top forty in Ireland (13),[29] the United Kingdom (17),[30] Luxembourg (24),[31] Switzerland (30),[32] Austria (35),[33] and Denmark (38).[34] However, it failed to enter the top forty in Canada (41),[35] Germany (44),[36] Poland (53),[37] and the United States (73).[38] Notably, it performed strongly on the Hot Dance/Club Songs where they achieved their sixth consecutive number one. This achievement matched the previous record held by Rihanna, who reached number one with her first seven entries between 2005 and 2007.[39]
Music video
The Pussycat Dolls and their male partners dancing in front of a disco mirror ball
Rich Lee directed the music video for "Hush Hush; Hush Hush".[16] It premiered on May 26, 2009.[40] It is set in a dollhouse, where each room has a different theme.[41] It opens with Scherzinger lounging in a bathtub, similar to a scene of Cindy Crawford in George Michael's video for "Freedom! '90" (1990).[42] Afterwards, she moves to a room full of stairs in different directions, where she is joined by her fellow members, Jessica Sutta, Ashley Roberts, Thornton, and Kimberly Wyatt.[41] The video continues with two parties; in the first one,[41] the group is seen rollerskating while the second party is set by the pool and perform choreography.[42] Former Pussycat Dolls member Carmen Electra and blogger Perez Hilton cameo in the scene.[41] Hilton is wearing a t-shirt which reads, "Hush Hush featuring Perez."[41] Then, the video fades to black and opens with an upclose shot of Scherzinger who is in front of a disco mirror ball.[42] She is wearing a metallic mini dress.[43] Her look pays homage to Donna Summer and Diana Ross. Other scenes include a disco scene paying homage to the 1980s music,[42] and Roberts and Wyatt swinging on chandeliers.[40]
Levine from Digital Spy found the video over-the-top.[44] Melinda Newman of HitFix found the video entertaining while noted Scherzinger's dominance and sidelining the other members to background roles.[42]
Recorded at Quiz & Larossi Studios (Stockholm, Sweden), The Boiler Room (Santa Monica, California), and the Henson Studios in (Los Angeles, California).
1 2 "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 49. týden 2009 in the date selector. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
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