"Losing You" | ||||
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Single by Solange | ||||
from the album True | ||||
B-side | "Sleep in the Park" | |||
Released | October 2, 2012 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:22 | |||
Label | Terrible | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) |
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Solange singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Losing You" on YouTube |
"Losing You" is a song recorded by American recording artist Solange Knowles. It was written and produced by Dev Hynes and Knowles, with the former under his pseudonym Blood Orange. Serving as the lead single from her EP True , the song was first released for download on October 2, 2012 via Terrible Records, a label co-run by Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor.
"Losing You" is a R&B, dance-pop and indie pop song with influences of electronic music. The song received universal acclaim from music critics. The single's accompanying music video was directed by Melina Matsoukas and shot at multiple locations in the township of Langa in Cape Town, South Africa. Following the release, "Losing You" reached the top ten of the single charts in Denmark and Flanders, and peaked at number 22 on the UK Indie Chart.
In 2008, Knowles signed a record deal with Geffen and a publishing contract with EMI. [3] [4] The same year she finished working on her second studio album in 2008 and titled the project Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams . A collection of 1960s- and 1970s-influenced songs, [5] it was considered as a departure from her pop-oriented debut upon its release in August 2008. [6] By December 2008, the album had sold over 114,000 copies according to Nielsen Soundscan. [7] The album was positively received by critics, [8] some of whom considered it far better than her debut. [9] In support of the album, Knowles began the Solange Presents Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams Tour in Britain in November 2008. [10] The song "T.O.N.Y." was the third and final single to get lifted from the album in April 2009. [11]
In October of the same year, Knowles announced on her Twitter account, that she had parted ways with Interscope Geffen A&M after releasing just one album on the label, and further revealed that she had chosen to go an independent route with her next album, stating that "although it's been a wonderful journey and experience at Interscope Records, after truly recognizing what's important to ME as an artist, I decided it was time for me to continue my path on a more independent platform [...] I'm excited about continuing to dive in, experiment and creating music and art with no boundaries, fears or expectations. Gonna be fun folks." [12] Knowles also confirmed that she had been experimenting with a moody, electronic sound for her next project. [12] She confirmed that "Losing You" would be the first single in an interview with the South African Sunday Times on September 2, 2012. [13] Knowles described the song "eclectic with '80s references and African percussion influences." [13] The track premiered along with the video on October 1, 2012. The single was released to iTunes a day later. [14]
The song has received acclaim by critics. Luke O'Neil of The Boston Globe called it "’80s dance-pop-heartbreak in the early Janet Jackson mold." [2] Philip Sherburne of Spin magazine called "Losing You" a "remarkable song in its own right, with a breezy fusion of singer-centric R&B, 1980s pop, and lanky, mid-tempo hip house beats." He felt the song was breakaway from the "R&B-gone-electronic dance music tracks" and commented that it was also "remarkable for what it suggests about the direction of pop music right now; it feels like one of those moments when something lurking just below the surface of the zeitgeist breaks through in a big way." [1] He further noted that "there's plenty of mediocrity in the wannabe-Balearic house scene too, but in the hands of Solange and Hynes, it feels like a breath of fresh air." [1] Gerrick D. Kennedy of the Los Angeles Times described "Losing You" as "a sticky mid-tempo dance-R&B cut that pushes her further away from unfair comparisons." [15] He commented that the song was "not the overwrought 4
4 dance-R&B that’s flooded radio for the past couple of years. Knowles and Hynes crafted the sort of snappy, relaxed groove that sounds as if it had been unearthed from a dusty '80s jukebox. The single is retro without reverting to the Motown influences of her last record." [15]
Pitchfork named "Losing You" the 16th best song of 2012, [16] while Digital Spy named the song the seventh. [17] It was also voted the seventh best single of 2012 by The Village Voice 's 40th annual Pazz & Jop critics' poll. [18] Spin listed the song on their "40 Best Songs of 2012" ranking, and wrote: "The exquisitely triumphant melancholy of a permanent weirdo-R&B underdog finally finding her lane (Manhattan opulence crossed with Brooklyn ennui), finally feeling that reassuring pavement beneath her, gunning it to 120 MPH, turning chilling emotional isolation into a raging Bushwick house party." [19] The Huffington Post named "Losing You" one of the 15 best songs of the year. [20]
The music video for "Losing You" was directed by Melina Matsoukas and shot at multiple locations in the township of Langa in Cape Town, South Africa in the first week of September 2012. [21] Initially supposed to be shot in Brazzaville, filming eventually had to be moved to Cape Town to coincide with Knowles's shoot with the local Elle magazine November issue. [22] Partly inspired by Italian photographer Daniele Tamagni's book Gentlemen of Bacongo, which documents La Sape ("Society for the Advancement of People of Elegance"), the original idea of the video had been to pay tribute to the fashions in the Republic of the Congo. [22] Throughout filming, the concept was altered however as the original idea was considered "too complicated" to visualize. [22] Photographed without both Knowles and Matsoukas having a "real firm concept in place," the former described filming as "sort of a grab a camera and let's go moment," capturing "the vibe of our friendship and all of the crazy escapades we've gotten ourselves into all over the world." [21] Knowles stated the video aimed for a "documentary style" at locations around the city and that locations were largely inspired by the colour in the architecture and townships around. [13]
Styled by Ty Hunter and selected by Elle South Africa fashion director Asanda Sizaniwas, [23] Knowles wears fashion by Suno, Kenzo, Diane von Fürstenberg, Opening Ceremony, and J. Crew in the visuals. [24] In the video, Knowles dances and sings in people's kitchens, barbershops and a tailoring shop, takes a 15-seater taxi, rides a bike around a neighborhood, and swims in a community pool. [22] Designer Lizzy Okpo, one half of the William Okpo clothing line and a close friend of Knowles, makes a short appearance in the video. [25] [26] Tamagni reportedly guided the crew while filming. [21] The full music video premiered on October 1, 2012 on Pitchfork . [21] The video interprets the diasporic influence of Europe within Africa, by placing images of union jacks – among other references – throughout the treatment. [27]
The video garnered a highly positive reception by reviewers. Rachel Brodsky of MTV's Buzzworthy Blog noted that the "super-stylish video takes a cinematic, yet nonchalant tone that we're certain only Solange could pull off," and added, that the team was "blown away by this series of looks" in the clip. [28] Gerrick D. Kennedy of the Los Angeles Times music blog wrote that the song was "best enjoyed with its accompanying video", which he described as a "lush clip [...] set in a sartorial dream of bold colors, Knowles’ chic styles — and a bevy of fine gentlemen known as Les Sapeurs." [15] Julee Wilson from The Huffington Post found the video "as good as we thought it would be" after watching the teaser video and wrote that "from bright power suits, to cheeky hot pants paired with colorful cardigans, the duo have created a visual feast that is fully feeding our sartorial souls. Not that we'd expect anything less from our favorite style star." [26]
E! Online's John Boone compared the video to previous clips by Knowles' elder sister Beyoncé, writing that "Solange doesn't have to be omni-bootylicious or perform insane choreography in even more insane heels (in reality, she just bops along to the beat, how relatable is that?!). She gets to focus her energy on being awesome and wearing awesome floral cardigans and having awesome times with her awesome friends." [29] Its concept was also likened to Janet Jackson's "Got 'til It's Gone" video. [30] VIBE Vixen writer Krystal Holmes noted that "Knowles‘ comeback song "Losing You" gives us a visual that exceeds expectations for any viewers artistic eye. Cape Town surely had a field day when Solange and her newfound crew arrived to show off all sides of their youth. Bike riding, jumping into pools and dancing in the streets make for a playful video." [23]
Download [14]
Credits adapted from the liner notes of True. [31]
|
|
Chart (2012–13) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia Urban (ARIA) [32] | 26 |
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders) [33] | 4 |
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia) [34] | 37 |
Denmark (Tracklisten) [35] | 9 |
France (SNEP) [36] | 38 |
UK Independent (Official Charts Company) [37] | 22 |
In 2021, British singer Will Young covered "Losing You" on his album Crying on the Bathroom Floor . [38] [39] [40]
Region | Date | Format |
---|---|---|
United States | October 2, 2012 [14] | Digital download |
November 6, 2012 [41] | Vinyl |
Destiny's Child was an American musical girl group whose final lineup comprised Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. The group began their musical career as Girl's Tyme, formed in 1990 in Houston, Texas. After years of limited success, the original quartet comprising Knowles, Rowland, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett were signed in 1997 to Columbia Records as Destiny's Child. The group was launched into mainstream recognition following the release of the song "No, No, No" and their best-selling second album, The Writing's on the Wall (1999), which contained the number-one singles "Bills, Bills, Bills" and "Say My Name", alongside successful singles "Bug a Boo" and "Jumpin', Jumpin'". Despite critical and commercial success, the group was plagued by internal conflict and legal turmoil, as Roberson and Luckett attempted to split from the group's manager Mathew Knowles, citing favoritism of Knowles and Rowland.
Solange Piaget Knowles is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Knowles expressed an interest in music from an early age and had temporary stints as a backup dancer for Destiny's Child, which featured her older sister Beyoncé Knowles among its members, before signing with her father Mathew Knowles' Music World Entertainment label. At 16, Knowles released her first studio album Solo Star (2002). She also appeared in the films Johnson Family Vacation (2004), and Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006).
Hawnay Troof is an American electronic indie band formed in late 2001.
"Ring the Alarm" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her second studio album, B'Day (2006). It was written by Knowles, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, and Sean Garrett. Columbia Records released "Ring the Alarm" as the second single from B'Day in the United States on October 17, 2006, while "Irreplaceable" (2006) was serviced as the album's second international and third US single. The song's development was motivated by Knowles' role in the Broadway musical adaptation Dreamgirls (2006). The cover art of "Ring the Alarm" proved controversial because Knowles used alligators during the photography session. PETA declared that Knowles' posing with a baby alligator was arguably abusive to an animal.
"Get Me Bodied" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her second solo studio album B'Day (2006). It was written by Beyoncé, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, Sean Garrett, Makeba Riddick, Angela Beyincé, and Solange Knowles, while the production was handled by Dean, Beyoncé and Garrett. Beyoncé was inspired by her sister Solange and former Destiny's Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for the writing process. Columbia Records and Music World Entertainment released "Get Me Bodied" as the album's fifth single in the United States on July 10, 2007.
"Upgrade U" is a song by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé from her second studio album B'Day (2006). The song features additional vocals from American rapper Jay-Z. It was composed by Swizz Beatz, Cameron Wallace, Beyoncé, MK, Makeba, Sean Garrett, Angela Beyincé, Jay-Z, Willie Clarke, Clarence Reid, and Beyoncé's sister, Solange. Columbia Records released "Upgrade U" as a promotional single on October 8, 2006 in the United States only. "Upgrade U" draws from the genres of hip hop and contemporary R&B. The concept of the song is that of a woman describing herself as the key to upgrading a man's lifestyle.
"Suga Mama" is a song by American singer Beyoncé Knowles for her second studio album, B'Day (2006). It was written by Knowles, Rich Harrison, and Makeba Riddick, and produced by Harrison and Knowles. "Suga Mama" is influenced by 1970s funk and rock music. An R&B and soul song, "Suga Mama" is built on a hip hop and jazzy beat, and samples Jake Wade and the Soul Searchers' song "Searching for Soul", written by Chuck Middleton. Lyrically, it features the female protagonist willing to pay large sums of money to keep her love interest contented.
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Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams is the second studio album by American R&B singer and songwriter Solange. It was released on August 26, 2008, by Geffen Records. Solange was heavily influenced by the "Motown Sound" of the 1960s and 1970s prior to the album's recording, prompting her to work with several like-minded producers and songwriters such as Jack Splash, CeeLo Green, Mark Ronson, and Lamont Dozier, formerly of Motown's Holland–Dozier–Holland. The production also incorporated elements of downbeat and electronic music that Solange had familiarized herself with on previous trips to Europe, while the songwriting explored themes of independence.
"I Decided" is a song by American recording artist Solange Knowles. It was written and composed by Knowles and producer Pharrell Williams for her second studio album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008). The song samples hand-claps of the 1964 recording "Where Did Our Love Go", as performed by The Supremes, and is also based on the melody of "(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave" (1963) by Martha and the Vandellas. It was released as the album's lead single as a digital download to both iTunes and Amazon on April 22, 2008, and was impacted to rhythmic/crossover radio stations on June 24, 2008.
"Sandcastle Disco" is a song by American recording artist Solange Knowles taken from her second album, Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008). It is produced by Soulshock & Karlin, who also wrote the song together with Knowles and Cee-Lo Green and was released as the album's second single in August 2008.
"Ego" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for the deluxe edition of her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). The song was composed by Elvis Williams, Harold Lilly, and Beyoncé. "Ego" was officially remixed with additional vocals from hip hop artist, Kanye West. Initially planned to be released in January 2009 as the second urban single in the US along with the fourth US and third international single "Halo", the release of "Ego" was canceled and replaced by "Diva". "Ego" was later issued as the third urban single, and fifth overall single in the US on May 19, 2009, alongside the sixth US and fourth international single "Sweet Dreams".
"Broken-Hearted Girl" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her third studio album I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). Written by Beyoncé, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, and production duo Stargate, it was initially a classic rhythm and blues song until Babyface changed the arrangement and chords. The track appears on the I Am... disc, including songs which give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Beyoncé's life stripped of her make-up and celebrity trappings. The song is a midtempo R&B ballad accompanied by piano, strings, and drum machine beats. The lyrics describe heartache and romantic insecurities.
"Why Don't You Love Me" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé Knowles for the platinum edition of her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). It was written by Knowles, Angela Beyincé, Solange Knowles and the Bama Boyz and produced by the Bama Boyz and Knowles. "Why Don't You Love Me" is an R&B song with disco influences that is set in a retro style. According to its lyrics, Knowles questions her love interest about why he does not value her fabulousness. Its 1960s-styled music video was directed by Melina Matsoukas and Knowles under the alias Bee-Z, and it stars the latter as "B.B. Homemaker". Knowles pays homage to Bettie Page in the video, which critics universally commended for its 1960's style sets and costumes. They also complimented Knowles for her acting skills.
"Countdown" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé Knowles for her fourth studio album, 4 (2011). The song was written by Knowles, Terius Nash, Shea Taylor, Ester Dean, Cainon Lamb, Julie Frost, Michael Bivins, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris, and produced by Beyoncé, Taylor and Lamb. The song's conception was brought about by Knowles desiring to mix musical styles of the 1990s with the 1970s. It was sent to radio on October 4, 2011, as the fifth single from 4.
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"Don't Touch My Hair" is the ninth track on American singer and songwriter Solange Knowles' third studio album, A Seat at the Table. It was released by Saint Records and Columbia Records on September 30, 2016 with its music video being released the following week. It was written by Knowles and Sampha Sisay.
A Seat at the Table is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Solange. It was released on September 30, 2016, by Saint Records and Columbia Records. While recording the album, Solange released an EP, titled True (2012) and launched her own record label named Saint Records. Writing for the album began as early as 2008, while the recording sessions took place from 2013 to June 2016. Solange enlisted a variety of collaborators including rappers Lil Wayne and Q-Tip; singer-songwriters The-Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid, Kelly Rowland and Tweet; and musicians Sampha, Kelela and David Longstreth.
"Cranes in the Sky" is a song by American singer-songwriter Solange. Released on October 5, 2016 by Saint Records and Columbia Records, it is the first single from Solange's third album, A Seat at the Table. The song was written by Solange, who co-produced it with Raphael Saadiq.
When I Get Home is the fourth studio album by American singer and songwriter Solange, released on March 1, 2019. It is the follow-up to her 2016 album A Seat at the Table and explores Solange's hometown of Houston, Texas.
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