"Let Me Love You" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Mario | ||||
from the album Turning Point | ||||
B-side |
| |||
Released | October 4, 2004 [1] | |||
Studio | Soundvilla (Miami Beach, Florida) | |||
Genre | R&B [2] | |||
Length | 4:09 | |||
Label | J | |||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) | Scott Storch | |||
Mario singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Let Me Love You" on YouTube |
"Let Me Love You" is a song by American singer Mario, released by J Records on October 4, 2004, as the lead single from his second studio album, Turning Point (2004). The song was written by then-unknown American singer Ne-Yo, Kameron Houff, and Scott Storch, while production was handled by the latter. The song garnered Mario a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2006 and became a top-10 hit worldwide, reaching number one in the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
In 2008, "Let Me Love You" ranked number 45 on Billboard's All-Time Top 100 Hot 100 singles, during the first 50 years of the chart. [3] It was the eighth most successful single of the decade according to the Billboard Hot 100 Songs of the Decade chart released in December 2009. [4] In 2013, it was ranked at number 53 on Billboard's All-Time Top 100 Hot 100 singles during the first 55 years of the chart. [5] The remix of the song, also produced by Storch, contains rapped verses from Jadakiss and T.I.
"Let Me Love You" is considered to be Mario's signature song, as well as a prominent track in 2000s R&B music. [6] [7] [8]
"It was during a time where people were trying to figure out what was the new phase of R&B, and I think it set up a playing field of what R&B could be in the pop world, but still be cool and urban." | ||
— Mario talking about the song's impact. [9] |
"Let Me Love You" was written by Kameron Houff, Ne-Yo, and Scott Storch, who also produced the track. [10] Ne-Yo talked about the making of the song: "So my manager gets me down to Miami. [Storch] just happens to be working for Mario that week. We did, I think, three songs. And 'Let Me Love You' was the second song that we did. At the time we knew it was something special, but we had no idea that it was going to do what it did". [11] Mario spoke about the song's creation to Billboard : "I was working with Scott Storch for about two weeks in Miami. There were parties every night, and girls everywhere… anything you can imagine in a Scott Storch movie, mixed with my newfound fame, was there. So most of the records on [Turning Point] are uptempo club records. When Ne-Yo came in, we were like, 'We actually need to make some R&B songs for the ladies.'" [9] Ne-Yo revealed during a 2024 interview that he didn't think that Mario was the right performer for "Let Me Love You", because he considered the song's content too mature for an 18-year-old singer. [12] Speaking about giving "Let Me Love You" to Mario, Ne-Yo said that "at the time that I wrote it I wasn’t trying to be an artist, I was completely content with just being a song writer but I think back on that song and I look back and think had I been trying to be an artist at the time that’s definitely one I would of held on to". [13]
Speaking on the commercial success of the track, Mario said "Going from a child star to being a young adult is a very hard transition, and 'Let Me Love You' introduced me to the world as a young man", "I didn’t know it would touch so many people, but it was an emotional song and those records last forever." [14] Ne-Yo said that writing "Let Me Love You" led him from being exclusively a songwriter into the beginning of his career as a singer. [15] [11] [16]
"Let Me Love You" is a mid-tempo R&B love song in G minor, centered around the progression C minor / G minor / F major. It is written in common time. [17] [18] Stereogum described its instrumental as a "mechanized melodic backbeat with sturdy, clap-heavy drum track and some lost, wandering ’80s-style synth-pillows". [18] The song's lyrical content focuses on the singer's desire to have a romantic relationship with a girl instead of his significant other who cheats on her. [18] On "Let Me Love You", Mario was noted for portraying "a classic nonthreatening nice-guy type" character, with a Michael Jackson-inspired vocal performance. [18]
Contactmusic.com critic Tareck Ghoneim called "Let Me Love You" an "excellent track that oozes smooth soul, genuine feel good vibes and sing along sentiment as well. The beats have a lazy hip hop beat with soulful bass and seductive keys. It provides a nice and smooth backline for Mario to show what he’s made of and he delivers his soulful vocals with conviction and genuine serenity." [19] Caroline Sullivan, writing for The Guardian found that the song's "silky exterior encloses a core of smut that's all the more compelling for the Alpine purity of Mario's voice." [20] Billboard ranked the song at number seven in their "Top 50 Love Songs of All Time" list. [21] Cleveland.com commented that the track "does away with any flashy elements, sticking to a classic R&B formula with Mario’s vocals leading the way. This one could have been a hit in any decade". [22]
In her review of parent album Turning Point, BBC Music's Denise Boyd wrote: "The stand out track "Let Me Love You" has already tugged at the heart strings of the R&B audience, becoming a club, party and car stereo anthem on both sides of the Atlantic. Its smooth and soulful narrative sets the tone for much of this album." [2] Jon Pareles from The New York Times commented that "Let Me Love You" "looks back to another 1980s blockbuster, lifting its keyboard sound from Tina Turner's 'What's Love Got to Do with It'." [23] Today defined the track a "blockbuster hit" and "a passionate plea to take on an elevated role in his crush's life". [24]
In 2004, "Let Me Love You" was nominated for a Vibe Award for Best R&B Song and two Teen Choice Awards, Choice Love Song and Choice R&B/Rap Track, but it failed to receive any awards. In 2005, it received nominations for Billboard Music Awards, including "Hot 100 Single of the Year", "Hot 100 Airplay Single of the Year", "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year", "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Single of the Year, winning in both the R&B categories. It was also nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award for Best R&B Single, a Viewer's Choice award at the BET Awards, Best Single at the MOBO Awards, and Best R&B/Soul Song at the Soul Train Music Awards. In 2006, Mario was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance with "Let Me Love You". He also received an MTV Australia Awards nomination for Best R&B music video for "Let Me Love You". [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32]
"Let Me Love You" debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 the week of October 23, 2004, at number 97. The song went on to hold the number-one position on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks from January to February 2005, and, as of 2025, is Mario's biggest single. It also reached number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Internationally, it reached the number-one position on the singles charts in Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and in the continental chart European Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, the song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart (held off the top spot by "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo"), making it Mario's biggest hit to date in the UK. The single also holds the honor of being one of the highest-selling ringtones with 1.6 million downloads. [33]
The "Let Me Love You" music video was filmed at studios in Brooklyn, New York in September 2004. It was directed by Little X. The video starts with the singer talking with his friends about his new haircut. The video then transitions into a room with a red and white graffiti of two samurais, where Mario is by himself doing boxing training. He then sees through the room's window the girl he's attracted to being upset with his boyfriend. The video continues with different scenes of Mario dancing, alone or with backup dancers, on various sets. The clip ends with scenes of the singer dancing passionately with his love interest.
US 12-inch single [35]
US 12-inch single (remix) [36]
UK CD1 and European CD single [10] [37]
| UK CD2 [38]
UK 12-inch single [39]
Australian CD single [40]
|
Credits are lifted from the UK CD1 liner notes. [10]
Studios
Personnel
Weekly charts | Year-end charts
Decade-end charts
All-time charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [93] | Platinum | 70,000^ |
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [94] | 2× Platinum | 180,000‡ |
France (SNEP) [95] | Silver | 100,000* |
Germany (BVMI) [96] | 3× Gold | 450,000‡ |
Italy (FIMI) [97] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ) [98] | Platinum | 10,000* |
United Kingdom (BPI) [99] | 3× Platinum | 1,800,000‡ |
United States (RIAA) [100] | Gold | 500,000* |
Ringtone | ||
United States (RIAA) [101] | Platinum | 1,000,000* |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref(s). |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States | October 4, 2004 | Urban radio | J | [1] |
October 18, 2004 | Rhythmic contemporary radio | [102] | ||
November 1, 2004 | Contemporary hit radio | [103] | ||
Australia | February 14, 2005 | CD | [104] | |
Denmark | March 21, 2005 | [105] | ||
United Kingdom | [106] [107] |
"Let Me Love You (Anniversary Edition)" | |
---|---|
Single by Mario | |
Released | February 14, 2020 |
Genre | R&B |
Length | 4:11 |
Label |
|
Songwriter(s) |
|
Producer(s) | Scott Storch |
In 2020, Mario announced that he had re-recorded his vocals for the remastered version, celebrating the 15-year anniversary of the song. The anniversary edition was released on February 14, 2020. [108]
Mario Dewar Barrett, known mononymously as Mario, is an American R&B singer. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he signed a record deal with J Records at the age of 14 and released his self-titled debut studio album (2002) to commercial success. It contained the Billboard Hot 100-top five single, "Just a Friend 2002." His second album, Turning Point (2004) was supported by the single "Let Me Love You," which peaked atop the chart, won two Billboard Music Awards, received a Grammy Award nomination, and remains his most commercially successful release.
"1, 2 Step" is a song by American singer Ciara featuring American rapper Missy Elliott. Written alongside producer Jazze Pha, it was released on November 1, 2004, as the second single of the former's debut studio album, Goodies. It peaked within the top 10 of the charts in several countries worldwide, including Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven weeks. The song is heavily inspired by 1980s electro music production. Throughout the song, Ciara gives a description of how the song's beat feels as she exhorts party-goers to dance to the music. "1, 2 Step" was ranked 59th on Billboard's Top 100 Songs of the 2000s.
Turning Point is the second studio album by American recording artist Mario, released by J Records on December 7, 2004 in the United States. A R&B record with heavy elements of soul and hip hop music, it involves a diverse roster of collaborators including Scott Storch, Lil Jon, The Underdogs, Carvin & Ivan, and Sean Garrett. The album guests include Cassidy, Juvenile, Jadakiss, T.I. and Baby Cham.
"Let Me Hold You" is a song by American rapper Bow Wow. It was the first single off his fourth album, Wanted (2005). Released on March 11, 2005, the song features American R&B singer Omarion. It was co-written and co-produced by frequent producer Jermaine Dupri and No I.D. and uses a sample of Luther Vandross' 1985 version of Brenda Russell's "If Only for One Night".
"Like You" is a song by American rapper Bow Wow featuring singer Ciara. It was written by Jermaine Dupri, Jaron Alston, and Johnta Austin, and produced by Dupri and Bryan Michael Cox for Bow Wow's fourth album Wanted (2005). The song includes the keyboard chord of New Edition's "I'm Leaving You Again" written by Jaron Alson, Ricky Bell, and Ralph Tresvant. "Like You" was released as the album's second single on July 12, 2005, reaching atop the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaking at number three on the Hot 100, giving Bow Wow his second top 10 hit on that chart, as was Ciara's fifth. The song also charted in the top 40 in countries like Ireland, Germany and the UK. To date, "Like You" remains Bow Wow's highest charting song.
"You Don't Know My Name" is a song by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, issued by J Records as the lead single from her second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Written by Keys, Kanye West and Harold Lilly, its production, handled by the former two, is based on a sample of the 1975 song "Let Me Prove My Love to You", written by J. R. Bailey, Mel Kent and Ken Williams, and performed by The Main Ingredient.
"If I Ain't Got You" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys for her second studio album The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Inspired by the 2001 death of singer Aaliyah, the September 11 attacks, and other events in the world and in Keys' life, the song is about "how material things don't feed the soul". It was released as the second single from The Diary of Alicia Keys on February 17, 2004, by J Records. The single cover depicts Keys similarly to the subject of Man Ray's 1924 photograph Le Violon d'Ingres.
"So Sick" is a song by American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo, written alongside Norwegian production duo Stargate for Ne-Yo's debut studio album, In My Own Words (2006). Produced by Stargate, the song was released as the second single from the album on November 21, 2005, and received favorable reviews from music critics. "So Sick" peaked at number one on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. In Europe, the single topped the Eurochart Hot 100 and entered the top 20 in 10 countries, including Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland. In Australasia, the single reached number two in New Zealand and number four in Australia.
"Gimme That" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring American rapper Lil Wayne. It was written by Sean Garrett and Scott Storch for Brown's eponymous debut album (2005), while production was helmed by Storch, with Garrett credited as a co-producer. A remix of the song, featuring additional vocals from American rapper Lil Wayne, was released as the album's third single in April 2006 and peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
"Sexy Love" is a song by American R&B singer Ne-Yo, released on June 6, 2006 as the fourth and final US single, as well as the second and final international single from his debut studio album, In My Own Words (2006). The song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, it debuted at number 21 based on digital downloads, and peaked at number five once the physical single was released.
"Karma" is a song by American singer and songwriter Alicia Keys, taken from her second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Written by Keys, Kerry Brothers, Jr., and Taneisha Smith, the song takes influence from hip hop and classical music. It was released as the album's fourth and final single on November 1, 2004, by J Records. Peaking at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 17 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, it's the album's only single not to top a Billboard chart. A mashup of "Karma" with Stevie Wonder's 1972 hit "Superstition" titled "Karmastition", produced by Go Home Productions, was also released.
"How Do I Breathe" is a song recorded by American singer Mario. It was written by Mario along with Phil "Taj" Jackson as well as Mikkel Storleer Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen from production duo Stargate for his third studio album Go (2007), while production was helmed by Eriksen and Hermansen.
"Hotel" is a song by American rapper Cassidy, released by J Records and Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records as his commercial debut single on September 29, 2003. The song also serves as the lead single from his debut album, Split Personality. The track was produced by Swizz Beatz and features R. Kelly on featured vocals. "Hotel" reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK Singles Chart.
"Hate That I Love You" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). It features vocals by American singer and songwriter Ne-Yo, who co-wrote the song with its producers Stargate. Def Jam Recordings released the song on August 21, 2007, as the third single from Good Girl Gone Bad. A Spanglish version featuring Spanish singer David Bisbal was made available on April 28, 2008. "Hate That I Love You" is a mid-tempo pop and R&B song about the power of love, with influences of folk music. "Hate That I Love You" received generally positive reviews from critics, many of whom compared it to previous works by Ne-Yo.
"How Could You" is a song by American singer Mario. It was written by Antonio Dixon, Eric Dawkins, J. Valentine, Damon Thomas and Harvey Mason, Jr. for his second studio album Turning Point (2004), while production was helmed by Thomas and Mason under their production moniker The Underdogs. Released on February 14, 2005 as the album's second US single, the song reached number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100. In Australia, where "How Could You" was issued as the third single from Turning Point, it debuted at number 43 on the Australian Singles Chart.
"Here I Go Again" is a song by American singer Mario. It was written by Aaron Sledge, Bryan Sledge, Reginald Lewis, and Theron "Neff-U" Feemster for his second studio album, Turning Point (2004), while production was helmed by the latter. The song was released as the album's third single in June 2005. It debuted and peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and also reached the top 20 in Australia and Ireland. The official remix of "Here I Go Again" was produced by Hugh Atkins, Karl Atkins, and Pete Trotman from Blacksmith, while another remix was produced by Mauve.
"Just a Friend 2002" is a song by American singer Mario. It was written by Warryn Campbell, Harold Lilly, and John "Jubu" Smith and recorded for Mario's self titled debut album (2002). Produced by Campbell, the song is a loose cover of Biz Markie's hit single "Just a Friend" (1989). Due to the interpolation Markie is also credited as a songwriter on "Just a Friend 2002." Mario's version is different, as the story is changed from a man who discovers his girlfriend has been cheating on him to a story about unrequited love.
"Knock You Down" is a song by American singer and songwriter Keri Hilson, recorded for her debut album, In a Perfect World.... The song features guest vocals from Ne-Yo and Kanye West. All three artists co-wrote the song with its producer Nate "Danja" Hills, as well as Kevin Cossom and Marcella Araica. The song was released first released to rhythmic and urban airplay in the United States as the album's fourth single in the US, and it would later serve as the third worldwide single.
"One in a Million" is third single from singer/songwriter Ne-Yo's fourth studio album Libra Scale. In the UK, the song was released as the second single from the album. The song was released on September 14, 2010 by Def Jam Recordings. "One in a Million" was written by Ne-Yo, Chuck Harmony and Kevin Erondu and produced by Harmony. It reached number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)" is a song performed by American singer and songwriter Ne-Yo, taken from his fifth studio album, R.E.D. (2012). Released on July 10, 2012, by Motown Records, the song serves as the mainstream lead single from the album following the release of an R&B-tinged lead single, "Lazy Love".
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)