Like I Do (Christina Aguilera song)

Last updated
"Like I Do"
Christina Aguilera Like I Do.jpg
Single by Christina Aguilera featuring GoldLink
from the album Liberation
ReleasedJune 7, 2018 (2018-06-07)
Genre
Length4:49
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Christina Aguilera singles chronology
"Fall in Line"
(2018)
"Like I Do"
(2018)
"Haunted Heart"
(2019)
GoldLink singles chronology
"Function"
(2018)
"Like I Do"
(2018)
"Got Friends"
(2018)

"Like I Do" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her eighth studio album Liberation . American rapper GoldLink is featured on the song. [1] The track was released as the third single on June 7, 2018. [2] A lyric video for the song was later released on YouTube on June 21, 2018. [3] The single received widespread acclaim from music critics, praised for its sexiness, "slick" production values and Aguilera's "smooth" vocal delivery. It also received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, held in 2019. [4]

Contents

Composition and recording

"Like I Do" is a mid-tempo song that blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, and house music. [1] Its final form was also influenced by genres such as neo soul, synth-pop, and future garage. [5] Music journalists noted that the track belongs to the subgenre of slow jam. [6] [7]

Critical reception

David Smyth of the Evening Standard called the song the "slickest, most appealing production" of its parent album. [8] Jennifer Drysdale ( Entertainment Tonight ) singled the track out as a "flirty" number while also showcasing "more of a pop sound" for the then upcoming Liberation album. [9] USA Today critic Patrick Ryan also defined the song as a "flirty" track "whose hypnotic high flutes and dexterous guest verse from rapper GoldLink will be lodged in your brain all summer". [10]

Writing for HotNewHipHop, Chantilly Post noted that "Like I Do" sounds "like home for GoldLink as if the song could have been on his previous album At What Cost " while giving the song a "hot" stamp. [11] According to Masani Musa of The Source , the track is noticeable for highlighting Aguilera's "smooth and subtle vocals", while also showcasing the vocalist's "unapologetically belting over an airy flute melody that is seeped in nostalgia". She also refers to the collaboration as "everything we needed". [12] Similarly, Sajae Elder, of Complex , noted the "great opening verse" and claimed the song's "syncopated, summery production [...] gives a sexy nod to love songs on the past". [13] The "sexy" approach was also highlighted by Paris Close, writing for PopCrush , who noted that "no one does sexy like Xtina" adding that "when it comes to performance, she can show you better than she can tell you", while praising the "straight to the point" lyrics at the same time the "flute-tipped instrumentals play in the distance". [7]

Idolator's Mike Nied defined the song as a "vibey mid-tempo", noting that "accenting the performance with vocal flourishes, it is a refreshing release that highlights Xtina's state of mind in 2018". [14] Rolling Stone contributor Brittany Spanos highlighted GoldLink's references to Aguilera's earlier songs ("Genie in a Bottle", "Ain't No Other Man"), while considering the song a "self-assured track". [15] Vrinda Jagota of Paper noted Anderson .Paak's production, especially the "whimsical wind instruments and synths", while also praising GoldLink's "slick contribution". Overall, "the song ambles on joyously for almost five minutes, a skittering drum beat and that boisterous flute line flitting throughout", according to the music critic. [16] Pitchfork contributor Claire Lobenfeld chose "Like I Do" as "one spot where contemporary pop fare suits Aguilera" on the Liberation album. [17] The BuzzFeed editor Dylan Nguyen labelled the song as "a modern R&B masterpiece". [18]

On the other hand, The Guardian 's Alexis Petridis criticized the track. According to the music critic, "the most interesting thing about Like I Do is how its hook echoes Maroon 5’s 'Moves like Jagger', the biggest hit Aguilera’s been involved with in years". [19] Similarly, Stereogum contributor Chris DeVille called the track a "squelchy, bouncy MILF encounter", while also referring to "Sick of Sittin'" as the "superior option" among the Anderson .Paak productions. [20]

Lyric video

Official lyric video for "Like I Do" was released on Aguilera's YouTube channel on June 21, 2018. [3] The song's lyrics are displayed as the backdrop for scenes of a dancing couple. A man and a woman move in a sensual manner, almost as if engaged in a dance battle, and in other scenes they passionately embrace under a shower of water. The song's lyrics are also shown on old television sets. The video is presented in black and white, and the footage was shot at the Please Space recording studio in Brooklyn, New York. The lyric video was directed by KIT Walters and Turkish-born photographer Ece Gürlü. [21] [22]

Charts

Chart (2018)Peak
position
Indonesian Digital Songs (LIMA) [23] 2

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousJune 7, 2018 RCA [24]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christina Aguilera</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1980)

Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Recognized as an influential figure in music and having received widespread public interest, she is noted for her four-octave vocal range extending into the whistle register, artistic reinventions, and incorporating controversial themes 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.

<i>Christina Aguilera</i> (album) 1999 studio album by Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Christina Aguilera. It was released on August 24, 1999, by RCA Records. After recording "Reflection", the theme song for the 1998 Disney film Mulan, RCA laid the foundation for the album immediately and started presenting Aguilera with tracks for her debut album, which they originally decided would have a January 1999 release. Primarily a dance-pop and teen pop album, its music incorporates bubblegum pop, R&B, soul, hip hop, as well as ballads. Contributions to the album's production came from a wide range of producers, including Johan Åberg, David Frank, Ron Fair, Guy Roche, Robin Thicke, Matthew Wilder and Aaron Zigman.

<i>Stripped</i> (Christina Aguilera album) 2002 studio album by Christina Aguilera

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genie in a Bottle</span> 1999 single by Christina Aguilera

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dirrty</span> 2002 single by Christina Aguilera featuring Redman

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What a Girl Wants (Christina Aguilera song)</span> 1999 single by Christina Aguilera

"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 as "What a Girl Needs", the song was originally released by French singer Ophélie Winter in 1998. On her album Privacy the song appeared in English and French. The French version was released as a single two years later. In the meantime, the song was pitched by Peiken and Roche to RCA Records. Following a change of the song title to "What a Girl Wants", it was recorded by Aguilera for her eponymous debut album.

<i>Back to Basics</i> (Christina Aguilera album) 2006 studio album by Christina Aguilera

Back to Basics is the fifth studio album by American singer and songwriter Christina Aguilera. It was released on August 9, 2006, in the United States by RCA Records as a double album. Serving as executive producer, she enlisted a wide range of producers, including DJ Premier, Rich Harrison, Rob Lewis, Mark Ronson, and Linda Perry. Recording sessions took place between February 2005 and April 2006 at several studios in the United States and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ain't No Other Man</span> 2006 single by Christina Aguilera

"Ain't No Other Man" is a song recorded by the American singer and songwriter 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Lewis (producer)</span> Musical artist

Robert Lyndel Lewis is an American music arranger, music composer, record producer, musical director, film composer, musician, entrepreneur, and impresario. Lewis has worked on several Grammy Award winning singles and albums, and his production, songs, and arrangements have been featured on #1 albums, gold and platinum albums, films, live productions, and television shows.

<i>Bionic</i> (Christina Aguilera album) 2010 studio album by Christina Aguilera

Bionic is the sixth studio album by American singer Christina Aguilera. It was released on June 4, 2010, by RCA Records. Inspired by Aguilera's taste for electronic music, Bionic is characterized as an electropop, futurepop and R&B record. The first half consists of electronic songs incorporating synthesizers and electronic beats, while the second half displays a balladic production. The album's main themes include sex and feminism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Not Myself Tonight</span> 2010 single by Christina Aguilera

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anderson .Paak</span> American singer (born 1986)

Brandon Paak Anderson, better known by his stage name Anderson .Paak, is an American singer, rapper, and record producer. He released his debut mixtape, O.B.E. Vol. 1, in 2012 and went on to release his debut album Venice in 2014. In 2016, he followed up with his second album, Malibu, which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album, followed by his third album, Oxnard (2018). At the 61st Grammy Awards, Paak won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance with his 2018 non-album single "Bubblin". In 2020, he won two additional Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album with his fourth album Ventura, while a song from the album won Best R&B Performance with "Come Home".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GoldLink</span> American rapper

D'Anthony William Carlos, better known by his stage name GoldLink, is an American rapper and singer from Washington, D.C. He gained recognition following the release of his debut mixtape The God Complex (2014), which was met with critical acclaim. In 2015, he was chosen as part of the XXL Freshman Class and released his second mixtape, And After That, We Didn't Talk—supported by the singles "Dance on Me" and "Spectrum". He signed with RCA Records to release his 2016 single "Crew", which peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100, received sextuple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. It preceded the release of his debut studio album At What Cost (2017), which was met with continued positive reception despite trailing the single's commercial success. His second album, Diaspora (2019), entered the Billboard 200 at number 77.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fall in Line</span> 2018 single by Christina Aguilera

"Fall in Line" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera for her eighth studio album Liberation (2018), featuring guest vocals from American singer Demi Lovato. It was released as the album's second single on May 16, 2018 by RCA Records, impacting hot adult contemporary radio and contemporary hit radio on June 19 and May 28, respectively. Aguilera co-wrote the song with Johnny Simpson, Mark Williams, Audra Mae, Raul Cubina and Jon Bellion, while the production was handled by the latter.

<i>Liberation</i> (Christina Aguilera album) 2018 studio album by Christina Aguilera

Liberation is the eighth studio album by American singer Christina Aguilera. The album was released on June 15, 2018, through RCA Records. It is Aguilera's first studio album in six years, following her seventh studio album Lotus (2012). The album was Aguilera's last album under RCA Records as she parted ways in 2024. The singer started recording the album in late 2014, and throughout 2015 and 2017, Aguilera collaborated with a handful of producers and songwriters to reach her desired sound; Pharrell Williams and Linda Perry were in the studio in early stages and ended up not being on the album, while new collaborators such as Anderson .Paak, Kanye West, Che Pope, Mike Dean and Tayla Parx were confirmed to be on the album. It features collaborations with Demi Lovato, Keida, Shenseea, GoldLink, Ty Dolla Sign, 2 Chainz, and Lewis Hamilton under the pseudonym "XNDA".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accelerate (Christina Aguilera song)</span> 2018 single by Christina Aguilera featuring Ty Dolla Sign and 2 Chainz

"Accelerate" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera and was released as the lead single from her eighth studio album Liberation (2018). It features guest vocals from singer Ty Dolla Sign and rapper 2 Chainz. The song was produced by Kanye West alongside Che Pope, Mike Dean and Eric Danchick, with co-production from Honorable C.N.O.T.E. and Charlie Heat. In the lyrics, which celebrate living in the moment, Aguilera "accelerates" her sexual partner, wanting him to "show passion" towards her.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twice (song)</span> 2018 song by Christina Aguilera

"Twice" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her eighth studio album, Liberation (2018). It was released for digital download and streaming on May 11, 2018 by RCA Records as the album's first promotional single. Kirby Lauryen wrote the track and co-produced it with Sandy Chila. Upon its release of, music critics were positive towards the track, praising Aguilera's voice and the lyrics. Commercially, "Twice" reached top-forty positions on the digital charts of Australia and Spain. The song was later included in the setlist for The Liberation Tour, Christina Aguilera: The Xperience, and The X Tour.

Lee Sang-hyeon better known by his stage name BRLLNT is a Grammy Award nominated DJ/Producer from South Korea born in 1995.

<i>Aguilera</i> (album) 2022 studio album by Christina Aguilera

Aguilera is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera. It was released through Sony Music Latin on May 31, 2022, as the follow-up to her first Spanish-language album, Mi Reflejo (2000), and her previous release, Liberation (2018). Titled after her Spanish surname, Aguilera created the album as a means to pay tribute to and connect herself and her children to their Latin American heritage. Aguilera is a trilogy album, consisting of three separately-released parts: La Fuerza, La Tormenta and La Luz. Each part deals with one of the album's central themes of empowerment, vulnerability, and healing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cultural impact of Christina Aguilera</span>

Throughout her career, American singer Christina Aguilera has received extensive recognition as a cultural figure, gaining recognition for her impact on popular culture and the music industry. Considered one of the greatest vocalists in pop music, Aguilera's has received numerous honorifics and recognition.

References

  1. 1 2 Darville, Jordan (June 7, 2018). "Christina Aguilera Shares "Like I Do" featuring GoldLink and Anderson.Paak". The Fader. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  2. "Christina Aguilera Releases Bouncy New Single 'Like I Do' Featuring Goldlink: Listen". Billboard. June 7, 2018. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  3. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera – Like I Do (Official Lyric Video) ft. GoldLink". June 21, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2024 via YouTube. Alphabet Inc.
  4. "61st Annual GRAMMY Awards". GRAMMY.com. 2018-12-06. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  5. "New song: Christina Aguilera – "Like I Do" feat. GoldLink". SoulBowl. June 11, 2018. Archived from the original on November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  6. Gaca, Anna (June 7, 2018). "Christina Aguilera – 'Like I Do' ft. GoldLink". Spin . Spin Media, LLC. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  7. 1 2 Close, Paris (June 7, 2018). "Christina Aguilera Drops Sensual Slow Jam 'Like I Do' Feat. GoldLink (LISTEN)". Pop Crush. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  8. Smyth, David (June 15, 2018). "Albums of the week: Christina Aguilera's back with a big bonkers bang". Evening Standard. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  9. Drysdale, Jennifer (June 7, 2018). "Listen to Christina Aguilera's New Song 'Like I Do' Featuring GoldLink". Yahoo!. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  10. Ryan, Patrick (June 14, 2018). "Review: Christina Aguilera's 'Liberation' is a mostly satisfying comeback album". USA Today. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  11. Post, Chantilly (June 7, 2018). "Christina Aguilera Grabs GoldLink For "Like I Do"". HotNewHipHop.com. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  12. Musa, Masani (June 12, 2018). "Christina Aguilera and GoldLink's 'Like I Do' Is The Collab We Didn't Know We Needed". The Source. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  13. Elder, Sajay (June 7, 2018). "Christina Aguilera Enlists GoldLink for Her Smooth New Track "Like I Do"". Complex.com. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  14. Nied, Mike (June 7, 2018). "Tune: Christina Aguilera's "Like I Do" Is A Self-Assured Delight". Idolator. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  15. Spanos, Brittany (June 7, 2018). "Hear Christina Aguilera's Sexy, GoldLink-Assisted New Song 'Like I Do'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  16. Jagota, Vrinda (June 7, 2018). "Christina Aguilera Drops Fourth Single 'Like I Do'". Paper. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  17. Lobenfeld, Claire (June 20, 2018). "Christina Aguilera, Liberation". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  18. Nguyen, Dylan (June 24, 2020). "6 Best R&B Albums Of 2018". BuzzFeed . Archived from the original on June 25, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  19. Petridis, Alexis (June 14, 2018). "Christina Aguilera: Liberation review – #MeToo makeover hits high and low notes". The Guardian. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  20. DeVille, Chris (June 14, 2018). "Christina Aguilera's New Album Is Pretty Good. Does Anyone Care?". Stereogum. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  21. "Christina Aguilera'nın Son Klibinde Türk İmzası". Haberler (in Turkish). July 3, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  22. "Christina Aguilera & GoldLink – Like I Do – Lyric Video". EceGurlu.co. Archived from the original on December 3, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  23. "Indonesian Top Digital Songs Chart by LIMA / June 8th, 2018". LIMA. June 8, 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  24. "Like I Do / Christina Aguilera TIDAL". Tidal. 7 June 2018. Retrieved January 6, 2019.