Only Human (Cheryl album)

Last updated

Only Human
Cheryl - Only Human (Official Album Cover).png
Studio album by
Cheryl
Released7 November 2014 (2014-11-07)
RecordedJuly 2013 – August 2014
Genre
Length51:30
Label Polydor
Producer
Cheryl chronology
A Million Lights
(2012)		Only Human
(2014)
Singles from Only Human
  1. "Crazy Stupid Love"
    Released: 30 June 2014
  2. "I Don't Care"
    Released: 2 November 2014
  3. "Only Human"
    Released: 22 March 2015

Only Human is the fourth studio album by English singer Cheryl. It was released on 7 November 2014, through Polydor Records. Following a slew of media invasion, Cheryl took a one-year hiatus from music. Following her hiatus, Cheryl confirmed that Girls Aloud would reunite and release a greatest hits compilation. After its release, the group embarked on their last tour and announced their permanent split. In July 2013 Cheryl began recording Only Human; the recording was later completed in August 2014.

Contents

Only Human explores themes of being at peace with oneself, banishing bad influences and living life to the full. Musically, the album follows in the same vein as Cheryl's previous work, taking influence from pop and R&B, however the album contains a diverse musical style ranging from the 1980s, disco-pop to electro. The album's production is characterised as being sparsely produced. Cheryl worked with a variety of writers and producers including frequent collaborators and new ones to create her desired sound, she also contributed a large amount of writing herself.

The album was preceded by lead single "Crazy Stupid Love", which featured British rapper Tinie Tempah, released on 18 July 2014. The song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, selling 118,000 copies in its first week, becoming Cole's fourth number one single. [1] The album's second single, "I Don't Care", was released before the album on 31 October 2014 and became Cheryl's fifth number one, making her the first ever British female solo artist to have five number ones in the UK. The album was released on 16 February 2015 in the USA. [2] Only Human entered the UK albums chart at number seven, number 8 on the Scottish albums chart and number 9 on the Irish albums chart becoming here forth consecutive top ten album in all three charts. The albums has since been certified silver by the UK for shipping a total of 60,000 units.

Background

Cheryl released her third studio album, A Million Lights , on 18 June 2012. [3] The album was supported with the release of the lead single, "Call My Name" (2012), which became Cheryl's third number one single on the UK Singles Chart, with the sales of 152,001 digital copies. The song also became 2012's fastest selling number one single on the UK Singles Chart until December of the same year. [4] During this time, Cheryl also embarked on her first solo concert tour, A Million Lights Tour, which started on 3 October 2012 and concluded on 17 October 2012.[ citation needed ]

Following months of speculation, Cheryl confirmed that Girls Aloud's reunion would occur in November 2012. [5] To celebrate their tenth anniversary, Girls Aloud reunited for the release of their second greatest hits compilation, Ten (2012). In March 2013, following the completion of the Ten: The Hits Tour, the group released a statement, confirming their permanent split. [6] The track listing for Only Human was confirmed on 6 October 2014. [7]

Recording

GirlsAloudOOCLive Nicola.jpg
Sia at Seattle.jpg
Former Girls Aloud bandmate Nicola Roberts and singer-songwriter Sia were two of the writers that Cheryl worked with during the recording of Only Human.

In July 2013, Cheryl uploaded a picture of a music studio to her official Instagram with the caption: "Back with my first true love", hinting that new material could potentially be on its way. [8] In September 2013, it was reported in that Cheryl would collaborate with former Girls Aloud member Nicola Roberts. [9] Cheryl revealed she had recorded a hip-hop song, co-written by Jon Bellion, who had recently worked with Eminem and Rihanna; producer Jesse Shatkin confirmed the collaboration during an interview with MuuMuse, and also revealed that Cheryl had worked on a new ballad, saying, "It's strong, it's powerful and really from the heart." [10] In June 2014, Cheryl revealed that Australian singer-songwriter Sia had written a couple of songs for Only Human. Cheryl commented, "The song, when I first heard it, was just full of personality. The girl is a genius. I'm just glad I got the chance to work with her." [11]

During the recording of the album Cheryl contributed to the album's writing, including: "Bombs", "One Love", "We Could All Be Stars", "Throwback" and "Coming Up for Air" [12] Only Human's lead single was originally recorded by Kylie Minogue for her twelfth studio album Kiss Me Once (2014). She worked with Wilkins on the track and wanted it to be used on the album, but Minogue's management Roc Nation did not like it because it was "too pop". Wilkins later gave the track to Cheryl to record. [13] Cheryl also worked with producers, such as Greg Kurstin and Invisible Men on songs for the album, as well as new producers, including Red Triangle, Lucas Secon and Electric.

Composition

The album's lyrics explore themes of being at peace with oneself, banishing bad influences and living life to the full. [14] Musically, the album is a mid-tempo pop and R&B album with "electro leanings" that explores a variety of genres ranging from 80s style disco-pop to sparsely-produced contemporary songs. [15] Only Human opens was an introduction of a speech from the philosopher Alan Watts, the speech sees Watts discussing a profound dialogue that money doesn't equal happiness. [16] "Live Life Now" is an electronic dance song. Like the introduction, "Live Life Now" continues to sample Watts speech, while Cheryl sings lyrics about money and desires. [16] "It's About Time" lyrical revolves around Cheryl throwing "barbs" and a former lover. "Crazy Stupid Love" is a pop and "dancey" urban pop song built on a toe-tapping structure with plenty of saxophones and a "la la la la la" refrain. [17] [18] [19] Lyrically, the song has Cheryl gushing about her uncontrollable feelings for her boyfriend. [16]

"I Don't Care" is a pop and dance song which lyrically finds Cole singing "It feels so fucking good to say, I swear that I don't care". [20] [21] Idolator website editor Bianca Gracie noted that the song carries "an 80s carefree vibe to it, thanks to the breezy synths and pumping bass line", and in contrast to her other songs like "Ghetto Baby", there are no "massive bass drops or an in-your-face dance theme". [20] "Only Human" is an electro-ballad, with vocals layered in the style of Imogen Heap according to Bradley Stern of Idolator, the song contains encouraging lyrics built over a glittering production. [22] "Stars" is a song Cheryl wrote for her fans, the song's lyrics are "inspiring" described by Stern of Idolator as "bright and self-empowering", "Stars" is an electronic song backed by shimmering and stomping production. [23]

According to Bradley Stern of MuuMuse, "All in One Night" is a song described as is "a slow-burning R&B song" that is compared to Cheryl's song "Ghetto Baby" from her third studio album, A Million Lights (2012). "Coming Up For Air" featuring Joel Compass, is described as the album's most "adventurous" song and "carries just the vaguest hint of the creeping, skeletal production of BANKS and FKA Twigs." [24] "Fight On" is backed by a choir and pounding percussion, with ethereal, tribal beats and lyrically sees Cheryl telling the story of a girl seeking sanctuary. [16] [25]

Release and promotion

During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show , Cheryl confirmed the album's title to be Only Human, stating: "I was exhausted, I'd had a solo tour and then toured with Girls Aloud so I took a year off to be with my family. It was the first time off I'd had in 10 years – it was a normal time. I did party a lot. I needed to let loose and it was the best thing I could do. The title sums up that time." [26] On 3 October 2014, the official album artwork for Only Human was unveiled in both a standard and deluxe edition. While both covers featured the same headshot of Cheryl, the editions differed in their design aspects; the standard cover shows the singer with leopard print makeup around her left eye, while the deluxe shows a stripe across her left eye that is torn away, to reveal a face of a leopard. [27]

Cheryl and Tempah performed "Crazy Stupid Love" for the first time on the final of the eighth series of Britain's Got Talent on 7 June 2014.[ citation needed ] Cole appeared on The Graham Norton Show on 20 June, and also performed the song as part of her set at Capital FM's Summertime Ball the following day, 21 June 2014. [28] As part of the iTunes pre-order, Cheryl allowed a download of the title track, "Only Human", for those who pre-ordered the album. Bradley Stern of Idolator called the track an "impressive ballad" and also called the track "one of her best offerings from her back catalog". [22] Cheryl also performed on the live results show during the eleventh series of The X Factor . On 4 November 2014, the track "Stars" was put on iTunes as part of a pre-order of the album. Stern of Idolator called the song a "bright and self-empowering number". [23]

Singles

In June 2014, Cheryl announced the album's lead single, "Crazy Stupid Love", for release on 18 July 2014. [17] [19] The single features rapper Tinie Tempah. [29] The single debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, securing the singer her fourth consecutive number one lead single from an album. On 30 September 2014, Cheryl announced that "I Don't Care" would receive its radio debut on the following day, 1 October on Capital FM Radio. [30] The song was co-written by Bonnie McKee, Jocke Ahlund, John Newman and Cheryl, was released on the iTunes Store on 31 October 2014. [31] [32] Idolator.com editor Bianca Gracie described the song as, "a breezy, upbeat pop song built over a 80s production, breezy synths and a pumping bass". [20] The song debuted at the top of the UK charts, setting a new record for most number-one singles by a British female solo artist for Cheryl, with five. [33] [34] On 1 February 2015, Cheryl announced on Twitter that the third single to be lifted from the album would be the title track, "Only Human". [35] The official music video made its premiere on Vevo on 4 February, with an official digital release, featuring a new radio edit of the track by Wilkinson, released on 22 March 2015. The song, which originally peaked at number 70 as an album cut in October 2014, failed to reach the top 100 on the UK Singles Chart upon the single's release, therefore becoming the lowest-charting single of her career, surpassing 2011's "The Flood". [36]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Digital Spy Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [16]
Entertainmentwise Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [14]
Gloucestershire Echo Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [37]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [38]
Hot Press Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [39]
Irish Independent Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [40]
The Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [41]
Virgin Media Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [42]

Upon its release, Only Human received mixed to positive reviews. Digital Spy editor Lewis Corner gave Only Human a predominately positive review, calling the album "one of her most focused and cohesive records to date". Corner criticised, however, that some songs should not have made it onto the album ("Beats N Bass") and that they "never really peaks the way it should"("Coming Up for Air"); he called one track "thin and limp" ("Throwback"). [16] The website Entertainmentwise praised the singer's latest release, calling it "most cohesive collection' to date"; they praised such songs as "I Don't Care", "Waiting For Lightning" and the title track, explaining that the latter had "affecting vulnerability that nicely counterbalances the brash confidence found elsewhere". [14] Brendon Veevers of Renownedforsound.com described the album as a "strong collection", citing that the album had "promise". [43] Ed Potton of The Times gives a largely positive review, citing Alan Watts and "the importance of doing what you love" as the driving force behind songs like "Live Life Now". Potton goes on to say "she's good at it too", especially on "Stars", which he calls "a soaring anthem to be". [41]

Commercial performance

Only Human debuted at number seven in the United Kingdom, becoming her lowest charting album to date, with a reported 20,000 units sold in the first week of release. However, it went on to sell over 60,000 units [44] [45] The album also debuted at number nine in Ireland, also becoming her lowest charting album to date in that territory. [46] As of November 2018, sales in the UK for Only Human stood at 67,559 units. [47]

Track listing

Only Human standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro"
  • Rick Parkhouse
  • George Tizzard
Red Triangle1:51
2."Live Life Now"
Electric2:54
3."It's About Time"
  • The Invisible Men
  • Draper
3:49
4."Crazy Stupid Love" (featuring Tinie Tempah)
  • Wilkins
  • Kevin Anyaeji [a]
3:45
5."Waiting for Lightning"
Shatkin3:56
6."I Don't Care"
  • Åhlund
  • Oligee [b]
4:00
7."Only Human"
Schwartz3:34
8."Stars"
  • Cheryl
  • G. Tizzard
  • Parkhouse
  • Nicole Jones
  • Daniel Spencer
Red Triangle2:57
9."Throwback"
Red Triangle3:04
10."All in One Night"
  • Cheryl
  • Michelsen
  • Efjord
  • Havelock
Electric3:09
11."Goodbye Means Hello"
Secon3:46
12."Coming Up for Air" (featuring Joel Compass)
4:21
13."Fight On"
Red Triangle3:33
14."Yellow Love"
 DaWood 3:51
15."Beats N Bass"
  • Cheryl
  • G. Tizzard
  • Parkhouse
  • K. Tizzard
Red Triangle2:59
Total length:51:30
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
16."Tattoo"
Red Triangle3:07
17."Firecracker"
Kurstin3:32
18."I Won't Break"
Red Triangle3:37
Total length:61:46
iTunes Store deluxe edition bonus content
No.TitleLength
19."Only Human (Interview)"2:41
Total length:64:27

Notes

Charts and certifications

Release history

Release dates and formats for Only Human
RegionDateFormatsLabelEditionsRef
Ireland7 November 2014
  • CD
  • digital download
 Polydor
  • Standard
  • deluxe
AustraliaDigital download
United Kingdom10 November 2014
  • CD
  • digital download
Germany14 November 2014 Universal Music
AustraliaCDPolydor
New Zealand
  • CD
  • digital download
Spain18 November 2014
United States28 January 2021Digital downloadPolydorStandard

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nadine Coyle</span> Irish singer

Nadine Elizabeth Louise Coyle is an Irish singer. In 2002, she was selected as a member of Girls Aloud, a pop girl group created through ITV's reality competition show Popstars: The Rivals. The group went on to receive large success, achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles, two UK number one albums, five consecutive platinum selling studio albums, and receiving nominations for five BRIT Awards, winning Best Single in 2009 for "The Promise".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheryl (singer)</span> English singer and television personality (born 1983)

Cheryl Ann Tweedy is an English singer and television personality. Born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, she rose to fame in late 2002 upon winning a place in Girls Aloud, a girl group created through ITV's Popstars: The Rivals. While still in the group, she began a solo career in April 2009, and between then and 2014, she released four studio albums – 3 Words (2009), Messy Little Raindrops (2010), A Million Lights (2012) and Only Human (2014). Collectively, the albums included ten singles, five of which – "Fight for This Love", "Promise This", "Call My Name", "Crazy Stupid Love" and "I Don't Care" – reached the top position on the UK Singles Chart. Cheryl was the first British female solo artist to have five number-one singles in the UK, and she held the record until Jess Glynne overtook her in 2018.

<i>Tangled Up</i> (Girls Aloud album) 2007 studio album by Girls Aloud

Tangled Up is the fourth studio album by English-Irish girl group Girls Aloud. It was released through Fascination Records and Polydor Records on 16 November 2007, and was distributed in two physical formats and made available for digital consumption. The album is a pop record that incorporates elements of dance-pop, synthpop, and various EDM sub-genres produced by long time-collaborators Brian Higgins and production team Xenomania. Marking a more mature approach according to group member Cheryl, the album lyrically delves into themes of love, relationships and femininity, and it was the group's first experimentation with tools such as autotune and vocoder. Production and development began with each member meeting with Higgins to discuss their personal and professional experiences since the release of their third album Chemistry (2005). It was recorded separately from April to October 2007, with the band members earning songwriting credits for two tracks off the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fight for This Love</span> 2009 single by Cheryl Cole

"Fight for This Love" is the debut solo single by English singer and Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole, recorded for her debut studio album, 3 Words (2009). It was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland as the lead single on 2009 by Fascination Records and in 2010 in some European countries as the album's second single through Universal Music. It was written and produced by Wayne Wilkins and Steve Kipner with an additional writing from Andre Merrit. The up-tempo pop, dance-pop and R&B song revolves around a lyrical content of not giving up on the partner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3 Words (song)</span> 2009 single by Cheryl Cole

"3 Words" is a song recorded by English singer Cheryl Cole for her 2009 debut studio album of the same name. It was released in the UK and Ireland on 20 December 2009 by Fascination Records and later in 2010 by Universal Music, serving as the lead single for 3 Words in other countries. The uptempo dance-pop song was written by Cole and George Pajon. It was also written and produced by will.i.am who has guest vocals on the song. "3 Words" was cited by Cole as her favourite song from the album for being different from what people expected.

<i>3 Words</i> 2009 studio album by Cheryl

3 Words is the debut studio album by English singer Cheryl Cole released on 23 October 2009 by Fascination Records. Cole's first solo performance was on American rapper will.i.am's "Heartbreaker" (2008), on which she sang additional vocals. Following this, it was announced that Cole's band Girls Aloud would take a break from releasing material, having enjoyed five successful albums and twenty consecutive top-ten singles. In April 2009, Cole started working on solo material in Los Angeles and London, mainly collaborating with will.i.am, who served as executive producer of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheryl discography</span>

The English singer Cheryl has released four studio albums, one extended play, twelve singles, and fourteen music videos. Cheryl's first foray into a solo music career occurred when she featured on will.i.am's "Heartbreaker". After having streetdancing lessons during the filming of Passions of Girls Aloud series, Cheryl was picked to appear in the song's video. She was later asked to sing the female vocals on the UK release of the track, which reached number four in the United Kingdom and sold over 250,000 copies, giving the single a silver certificate by the BPI. It was the 31st best selling single of 2008. Cheryl's solo career began in October 2009 with the release of "Fight for This Love", the lead single from her debut studio album, 3 Words. The track saw Cheryl achieve her first solo number-one single when it topped the UK chart, while also attaining international chart success; peaking within the top 10 in the likes of France, Germany and the Netherlands. The parent album debuted at number one in the UK with sales of 125,271. On 6 November 2009 the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified the album platinum. It has since gone 3× Platinum, with sales of over 1,000,000 copies. "3 Words" is both the opening and title song from her debut studio album. It was released in the UK and Ireland on 20 December 2009 went on to become Fernandez-Versini's second consecutive UK top-five and Irish-top ten hit. It was also a top five hit in Australia and has since been certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association and gold by the British Phonographic Industry. "Parachute" was released on 11 March 2010 as the album's third and final single. "Parachute" became Cheryl's third consecutive solo UK top five hit, and her third Irish top 10 hit. It was nominated for a Brit Award in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Promise This</span> 2010 single by Cheryl Cole

"Promise This" is a song by English recording artist Cheryl Cole, taken from her second studio album Messy Little Raindrops (2010). It was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland as the album's lead single on 24 October 2010 by Fascination Records. The up-tempo dance-pop song was written by American songwriter Priscilla Renea Hamilton, British music producer Wayne Wilkins, and Christopher Jackson and produced by Wilkins. The lyrics to "Promise This" reference Cole's personal life and relationships, as well as incorporating the French language. The single's release came in the aftermath of a public divorce from footballer Ashley Cole, as well as a life-threatening battle with malaria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Flood (Cheryl Cole song)</span> 2011 single by Cheryl Cole

"The Flood" is a song by English recording artist Cheryl Cole. The song was written by Priscilla Hamilton and Wayne Wilkins, for Cole's second studio album, Messy Little Raindrops (2010). It was released on 2 January 2011 through Fascination Records, as the album's second and final single. The song, produced by Wilkins and Antwoine Collins, has lyrics that refer to a "natural disaster love" and make many allusions to shipwreck, the sea, and water.

<i>A Million Lights</i> 2012 studio album by Cheryl

A Million Lights is the third studio album by English singer Cheryl, released on 15 June 2012 through Fascination Records. Following her divorce from Ashley Cole, this is Cheryl's first album to be released under the mononym Cheryl, dropping her married surname. The album was recorded in 2011 and 2012. As the executive producer of the album, Cheryl enlisted a variety of producers such as Alex da Kid, Calvin Harris, will.i.am, Pantha, Agent X, HyGrade, Dada Life, Jim Beanz, Taio Cruz, Mathias Wollo, The Beamer Boyz, Billy Wes, Electric, Bibi Jones and Dave Munday. Sonically, A Million Lights is a pop, dance and R&B album that draws influence from other genres such as dubstep, house and electronic music in its production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Call My Name (Cheryl song)</span> 2012 single by Cheryl

"Call My Name" is a song by English singer Cheryl taken from her third studio album, A Million Lights (2012). It was written and produced by Calvin Harris, with Kuk Harrell producing Cole's vocals. It was released as the lead single from the album on 18 May 2012 by Polydor Records' imprint Fascination. "Call My Name" is a dance-pop and EDM song that was compared by critics to songs produced by Harris for other singers.

"Screw You" is a song recorded by English recording artist Cheryl and British hip hop artist Wretch 32 for the former's third studio album A Million Lights (2012). "Screw You" was produced by Hy-Grade and written by Megan Nicolle Thomaston, Kingsley Brown, Daniel Traynor and Wretch 32.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheryl videography</span> Music videos by Cheryl

British recording artist Cheryl has appeared in numerous music videos and films. Her videography includes ten music videos, three guest appearances in other artists' videos, two film appearances and several television appearances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something New (Girls Aloud song)</span> 2012 single by Girls Aloud

"Something New" is a song recorded by British girl group Girls Aloud from their second compilation album, Ten (2012). It was released by Polydor Records on 16 November 2012, as the first single from the album and the official single for Children in Need 2012. In February 2009, the group signed a new record deal with Fascination Records that would see the group release another three studio albums; however, they announced that they were taking a hiatus to pursue solo projects. In April 2012, bandmate Cheryl revealed the girls had been in talks to regroup for the group's tenth anniversary later that year. In October 2012, a countdown was activated on Girls Aloud's official website, which would last until 19 October 2012, when "Something New" would be premiered on radio. However the date was brought forward to 16 October 2012 following an early online leak of the track.

<i>Ten</i> (Girls Aloud album) 2012 greatest hits album by Girls Aloud

Ten is the second greatest hits and final album released by English-Irish girl group Girls Aloud, released in commemoration of the group's tenth anniversary. It was released in the United Kingdom on 26 November 2012 through Polydor Records. The album consists of fourteen of Girls Aloud's singles, including the number-one singles "Sound of the Underground", "I'll Stand by You" and "The Promise", and four new tracks.

"Beautiful 'Cause You Love Me" is a song recorded by British girl group Girls Aloud from their second compilation album, Ten (2012). It was written by Rachel Moulden and produced by Jim Eliot. The song received mixed reviews from music critics, who thought that ballads were not the group's best efforts. Upon the release of Ten, it charted at number 97 on the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying music video was directed by Paul Caslin, and consists mostly of beauty shots from each member. The song was performed on a few programmes, such as Children in Need 2012 and Top of the Pops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crazy Stupid Love (song)</span> 2014 single by Cheryl Cole featuring Tinie Tempah

"Crazy Stupid Love" is a song recorded by British singer Cheryl Cole for her fourth studio album Only Human (2014), featuring British hip hop artist Tinie Tempah. The song was co-written by Cole, Tempah, Wayne Wilkins, Heidi Rojas, and singer-songwriter Katelyn Tarver and Kevin Anyaeji, and produced by Wilkins. It was released on 30 June 2014 as the lead single from the album, coinciding with Cole's 31st birthday. Musically, the song is a pop and R&B song with saxophones, handclaps, percussion and fingersnaps, while lyrically talks about being uncontrollably in love with someone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Care (Cheryl song)</span> 2014 single by Cheryl

"I Don't Care" is a song recorded by English recording artist Cheryl from her fourth studio album, Only Human (2014). It was co-written by Jocke Åhlund, Bonnie McKee, John Stuart Newman and Cheryl, and was produced by Åhlund and Oliver "Oligee" Goldstein. The song was released on 2 November 2014 through Polydor Records as the second single from the album. Musically, "I Don't Care" is a pop and dance song, which features breezy synthesizers and pumping bassline and lyrically sees Cheryl taking on a dismissive attitude to former lovers and critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only Human (Cheryl song)</span> 2015 single by Cheryl

"Only Human" is a song by English recording artist Cheryl from her fourth studio album of the same name (2014). It was released on 22 March 2015 through Polydor Records as the third single from the album. "Only Human" is an electronic ballad, written by Matt Schwartz, Jo Perry and Cass Lowe, whilst produced by Schwartz. Lyrically, it finds Cheryl singing about the inspiration to forgive yourself for being human and live your best life in spite of everything. "Only Human" received positive reviews from music critics, who complimented its production and called it her best ballad to date.

References

  1. ↑ "Cheryl Cole lands fourth solo chart topper". BBC News . 27 July 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  2. ↑ Corner, Lewis (28 August 2014). "Cheryl talks new single 'I Don't Care': "It's very fun pop"". Digital Spy . Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  3. ↑ Love, Ryan (18 April 2012). "Cheryl Cole announces comeback single, new album 'A Million Lights'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  4. ↑ Kreisler, Lauren (17 June 2012). "Cheryl's Call My Name becomes 2012's fastest selling Number 1 single!". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  5. ↑ Dean, Sarah (12 October 2012). "Girls Aloud: Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine, Sarah And Nicola Talk 2013 Tour, Greatest Hits Album". HuffPost . United Kingdom. AOL . Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  6. ↑ All media coverage concerning the 2013 split of Girls Aloud:
  7. ↑ All articles confirming the official tracklist of Only Human:
  8. ↑ Adejobi, Alicia (5 July 2013). "Sorry Tre! Cheryl Cole Is 'Back With Her First True Love'". Entertainmentwise.com. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  9. ↑ Moodie, Clemmie (28 September 2013). "Cheryl Cole and Nicola Roberts to write songs together to keep spirit of Girls Aloud alive". Daily Mirror . Retrieved 29 September 2013.
  10. ↑ Corner, Lewis (13 March 2014). "Cheryl Cole works with Eminem songwriter on hip-hop track". Digital Spy . Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  11. ↑ Clickmusic News Desk (23 June 2014). "Sia has written two songs for Cheryl Cole's 'Only Human' album". Clickmusic.com. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  12. ↑ "Cheryl Cole pens new album tracks". The Belfast Telegraph . Belfast. Independent News & Media. 31 July 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  13. ↑ "Kylie Minogue 'recorded Crazy Stupid Love before it was even offered to Cheryl Cole'". Metro . UK. DMG Media. 3 August 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  14. 1 2 3 Kitchener, Shaun (8 November 2014). "REVIEW: Cheryl Makes Herself Heard On New Album 'Only Human'". Entertainmentwise . England: Giant Digital. Archived from the original on 13 November 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  15. ↑ Lim, David (10 November 2014). "Album Review: Cheryl – Only Human". So So Gay. United Kingdom: SSG Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 10 November 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Corner, Lewis (8 November 2014). "Cheryl: Only Human album review – "Her most focused and cohesive LP"". Digital Spy . Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  17. 1 2 Lee, Christina (28 May 2014). "Cheryl Cole Announces New Single 'Crazy Stupid Love'". Idolator . Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  18. ↑ Veevers, Brendon (29 July 2014). "Single Review: Cheryl Cole – 'Crazy Stupid Love'". Renownedforsound.com. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  19. 1 2 Daw, Robbie (2 June 2014). "Cheryl Cole's "Crazy Stupid Love": Watch The Lyric Video". Idolator . SpinMedia . Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  20. 1 2 3 Gracie, Bianca (1 October 2014). "Cheryl Cole Is Unbothered On "I Don't Care": Listen To Her New Single". Idolator . Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  21. ↑ Bagwell, Matt (1 October 2014). "Cheryl Cole 'I Don't Care': Listen To 'X Factor' Star's Sweary New Single". HuffPost . United Kingdom. AOL . Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  22. 1 2 Stern, Bradley (7 October 2014). "Cheryl Unveils 'Only Human' Title Track: Listen To The Impressive Ballad". Idolator . SpinMedia . Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  23. 1 2 Stern, Bradley (4 November 2014). "Cheryl Debuts New 'Only Human' Track, "Stars": Listen". Idolator . Los Angeles: SpinMedia . Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  24. ↑ Stern, Bradley (10 November 2014). "'ONLY HUMAN': CHERYL SHOULD PROBABLY START CARING AGAIN (ALBUM REVIEW)". United States: MuuMuse. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  25. ↑ Lee, Christina (9 November 2014). "Cheryl Cole Debuts New 'Only Human' Song "Fight On": Listen". Idolator . Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  26. ↑ MTV News U.K. (20 June 2014). "Cheryl Cole Confirms New Album Title 'Only Human'". MTV News . Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  27. ↑ Rowley, Alison (3 October 2014). "Cheryl unveils new album 'Only Human' standard and deluxe artwork". Digital Spy . Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  28. ↑ Klompus, Jack (3 June 2014). "Cheryl Cole confirmed for Graham Norton Show interview". Digital Spy . Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  29. ↑ Corner, Lewis (2 June 2014). "Cheryl Cole premieres new single 'Crazy Stupid Love' – listen". Digital Spy . Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  30. ↑ Corner, Lewis (30 September 2014). "Cheryl unveils new single 'I Don't Care' artwork". Digital Spy . Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  31. ↑ Finbow, Katy (1 October 2014). "Listen to Cheryl's new single 'I Don't Care'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  32. ↑ Dorken, Joanne (1 October 2014). "Cheryl Premieres New Single 'I Don't Care'". MTV News . Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  33. ↑ Copsey, Rob (9 November 2014). "Cheryl scores record-breaking fifth Number 1 single with I Don't Care". United Kingdom: Official Charts Company . Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  34. ↑ Finbow, Katy (9 November 2014). "Cheryl claims record-breaking fifth UK number one with 'I Don't Care'". Digital Spy . United Kingdom. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  35. ↑ "Cheryl Confirms Her Next Song Release From 'Only Human' And It's A Corker!". Capital FM . United Kingdom: Global Group and Communicorp. 1 February 2015. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  36. ↑ Duke, Simon (30 March 2015). "Disaster for Cheryl Fernandez-Versini as Only Human fails to reach the top 100". Chronicle Extra . United Kingdom. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
  37. ↑ Allen, Lisa (17 November 2014). "Albums of the week including Pink Floyd's The Endless River". Gloucestershire Echo . United Kingdom: gloucestershireecho.co.uk. Local World. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  38. ↑ Sullivan, Caroline (6 November 2014). "Cheryl: Only Human review – Auto-Tuned screw-you pepperiness". The Guardian . United Kingdom. Guardian Media Group . Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  39. ↑ McFee, Edwin (14 November 2014). "Cheryl 'Only Human' – Album Review". Hot Press . Ireland. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  40. ↑ McCormack, Richie (14 November 2014). "Cheryl – Only Human". Irish Independent . Ireland. Independent News & Media . Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  41. 1 2 Potton, Ed (8 November 2014). "Cheryl: Only Human". The Times . United Kingdom. News UK . Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  42. ↑ Horton, Matthew (November 2014). "Cheryl: Only Human Album Review: Reviews: Music: Virgin Media". United Kingdom: Virginmedia.com . Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  43. ↑ Veevers, Brendon (18 November 2014). "Album Review: Cheryl – Only Human". Australia: Renownedforsound.com. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  44. ↑ Moss, Liv (16 November 2014). "Pink Floyd score first Number 1 album in nearly 20 years!". United Kingdom: Official Charts Company . Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  45. ↑ Sam (16 November 2014). "Cheryl Cole's 'Only Human' Album Debuts in Top 10…With Disappointing Sales". United States: Thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  46. 1 2 "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 46, 2014". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  47. ↑ "'She has owned the whole process': The inside story on Cheryl's return". Music Week. 14 November 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  48. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Cheryl – Only Human" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  49. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  50. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  51. ↑ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  52. ↑ "British album certifications – Cheryl – Only Human". British Phonographic Industry.
  53. ↑ Irish release of Only Human:
  54. 1 2 Australian release of Only Human:
  55. ↑ British release of Only Human:
  56. ↑ German release of Only Human:
  57. ↑ New Zealand release of Only Human:
  58. ↑ Spanish release of Only Human:
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.