Only Human (Cheryl song)

Last updated

"Only Human"
Cheryl - Only Human (Official Single Cover).png
Single by Cheryl
from the album Only Human
Released22 March 2015
Genre Electronic
Length3:34
Label Polydor
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Schwartz
Cheryl singles chronology
"I Don't Care"
(2014)		"Only Human"
(2015)		"Love Made Me Do It"
(2018)

"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.

Contents

"Only Human" was remixed for radio by British drum and bass producer Wilkinson and was a commercial failure, only peaking at number 70 on the UK Singles Chart as an album cut; after its official release as a single, it failed to reach the top 100, becoming the lowest-charting single of her career. The accompanying music video for "Only Human" was directed by Chris Sweeney and co-directed by Cheryl herself. It depicts the singer controlling the world opening her fingers to release energy, dust and glistening stars, and received positive reviews from critics. Cheryl performed the song on BBC's fundraising show Children in Need 2014 on 14 November 2014.

Background

Following the release of Cole's third studio album, A Million Lights , in June 2012 and embarking on her debut solo headlining tour, Cole confirmed that a Girls Aloud's reunion would occur in November 2012. [1] [2] The group released their second greatest hits compilation, Ten on 26 November 2012 and In 2013, the group embarked on Ten: The Hits Tour. [3] In March 2013, following the completion of the tour, Girls Aloud released a statement via their official Twitter to confirm that they were splitting permanently. [4] [5]

On 27 July 2014, "Crazy Stupid Love", a song featuring rapper Tinie Tempah which served as the lead single from her fourth studio album Only Human , became Cheryl's fourth number one single on the UK Singles Chart, tying her with Geri Halliwell and Rita Ora as the third British female to achieve four solo number ones. [6] Months later, second single "I Don't Care" also debuted at number one. In doing so, Cheryl achieved her ninth number-one single (including those from Girls Aloud), and fifth as a solo artist, therefore becoming the British female artist with the most solo UK number ones, overtaking previous record sharers Halliwell, Ora and Cheryl herself. [7] [8] "Only Human" was premiered on 7 October 2014. [9] In early February 2015, the singer revealed that "Only Human" would be released as the third single from the album on 22 March 2015. [10]

Composition

"Only Human" is an electronic ballad, written by Matt Schwartz, Jo Perry and Cass Lowe, whilst produced by Schwartz. [11] It is layered with Imogen Heap-like vocoders, giving the song a rather alien feel, the opposite of human. [12] According to MuuMuse, "things stay very Immi 'Hide and Seek' in the verses", until the song suddenly explodes into its chorus. [12] Pip Elwood from Entertainment Focus noted that whilst singing the lyrics, Cheryl "reminds you that like everyone else she’s just a person behind the make-up, the fame and the money and that’s something that is often forgotten when it comes to celebrities". [13] For Lewis Corner from Digital Spy, the song has a "cosmic" production. [14]

Critical reception

"Only Human" received generally positive reviews from music critics. MuuMuse was positive, commenting that the song was "actually massive" and the first song from the era that did not sound like it might still be a demo. [12] Bradley Stern while writing for Idolator commented that the "encouraging" song marked a mature new direction for Cheryl, and though it was her "most gorgeous and assured ballad" to date. [11] Entertainmentwise's Shaun Kitchener was also positive, commenting that the "delicate title track provides an affecting vulnerability that nicely counterbalances the brash confidence found elsewhere". [15] Brendon Veevers noted that the album's title track showcased the singer's "pristine" vocals and her ability to switch from dance songs to a torch song with ease and confidence. [16] Pip Elwood from Entertainment Focus was positive, noting that the track is one of the album's most emotive moments and one of the singer's most honest and passionate vocals on Only Human. [13]

Chart performance

On 18 October 2014, "Only Human" debuted and peaked at number 70 on the UK Singles Chart after it became available for those who pre-ordered the Only Human album, lasting for only one week. [17] Upon the single's release on 22 March 2015, it was at number 56 on the mid-week chart, but did not make the week's official top 100 and became the lowest-charting single of her career, surpassing 2011's "The Flood". [18] When the song was released, the singer's husband, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, took to Instagram to express his frustration at the song not being played enough by radio stations. [18] In Scotland, "Only Human" also did not chart well, peaking at number 40 on its only week in the official charts. [19]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Only Human" was directed by Chris Sweeney and co-directed by Cheryl herself. [20] On 2 February 2015, Cheryl shared a sneak peek of the video, along with pictures which saw her with very long hair extensions and a tummy-baring top, along with another one featuring her sitting in the sand wearing a T By Alexander Wang beige silk bralet and a pink tutu. [21] The music video officially premiered on 4 February 2015. It depicts the singer controlling the world opening her fingers to release energy, dust and glistening stars. The video also flicks from day to night through Cheryl's powers, whilst flames begin to light up the night's sky. [22]

Live performance

Cheryl performed "Only Human" on BBC's fundraising show Children in Need 2014 on 14 November 2014. At the end of the performance, it received a "thunderous" applause from the studio audience.[ citation needed ] The performance received positive reviews from critics, with Claire Rutter from Daily Mirror calling the performance "haunting". [23]

Track listing

  1. "Only Human (Radio Mix)" – 3:25
  1. "Only Human" (Club Mix) – 5:19
  2. "Only Human" (Super Stylers Remix) – 6:20
  3. "Only Human" (iLL BLU Remix) – 5:34

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the Only Human liner notes. [26]

Locations

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2014)Peak
position
Scotland (OCC) [19] 40
UK Singles (OCC) [17] 70

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Life Got Cold</span> 2003 single by Girls Aloud

"Life Got Cold" is a song by British girl group Girls Aloud, taken from their debut album Sound of the Underground (2003). The song was written by Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins and his production team Xenomania, and produced by Higgins and Xenomania. Noel Gallagher of Oasis received a writing credit due to similarities with Oasis' "Wonderwall".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Show (Girls Aloud song)</span> 2004 single by Girls Aloud

"The Show" is a song recorded by British girl group Girls Aloud for their second studio album, What Will the Neighbours Say? (2004). It was released by Polydor Records on 28 June 2004, as the lead single from the album. The song was written by Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins, Lisa Cowling, Jon Shave, and Tim Powell. The synth rhythm, composed by Shave, represents a change in musical direction from the band's previous releases. "The Show" is an uptempo dance-pop, electropop and Eurodance song with elements of the 1990 rave records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">See the Day</span> 1985 single by Dee C. Lee

"See the Day" is a song by English singer Dee C. Lee, released as a single on 21 October 1985. On 2 December it peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart where it stayed for two weeks. The single sold in excess of 250,000 copies, receiving a silver certification, and became Lee's biggest hit single and her only UK top-40 hit, peaking at number three. "See the Day" also charted in Australia, the Netherlands, and West Germany. The B-side of the single, "The Paris Match", features Lee's future husband Paul Weller and his band the Style Council, of which Lee was a part-time member.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whole Lotta History</span> 2006 single by Girls Aloud

"Whole Lotta History" is a song by British all-female pop group Girls Aloud, taken from their third studio album Chemistry (2005). The song was written by Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins and his production team Xenomania, and produced by Higgins and Xenomania. Described as "a lush ballad", "Whole Lotta History" was slightly remixed and released as a single in March 2006. It continued Girls Aloud's string of hits by becoming their twelfth consecutive single to chart within the top ten on the UK Singles Chart.

<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. She rose to fame as a member of Girls Aloud, a pop girl group created through ITV's reality competition show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. Named the United Kingdom's best-selling girl group of the 21st century in 2012, Girls Aloud amassed a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles, two UK number one albums, five consecutive platinum-selling studio albums, and five Brit Award nominations, winning Best Single for "The Promise" in 2009. The group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2013, before reuniting for a tour in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heartbreaker (will.i.am song)</span> 2008 single by will.i.am

"Heartbreaker" is the second single from rapper will.i.am's third album Songs About Girls. The British single version features guest vocals from Cheryl Cole; this version was also featured on Cole's debut solo album 3 Words, which was released in October 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Loving Kind</span> 2009 single by Girls Aloud

"The Loving Kind" is a song by English-Irish girl group Girls Aloud, taken from their fifth studio album Out of Control (2008). The song was written by Pet Shop Boys, Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins and his production team Xenomania, and produced by Higgins and Xenomania. Described as a "synth-pop ballad", "The Loving Kind" was originally written for inclusion on Pet Shop Boys' Yes (2009) before being given to Girls Aloud. Upon its release in January 2009, "The Loving Kind" peaked at number ten on the UK Singles Chart, thereby continuing their six-year streak of top-ten hits.

<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 Cole

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.

<i>Messy Little Raindrops</i> 2010 studio album by Cheryl Cole

Messy Little Raindrops is the second studio album by English singer Cheryl Cole, released on 29 October 2010 by Fascination Records. The project is the follow-up to Cole's multi-platinum debut solo album 3 Words (2009), following seven successful years as a member of girl group Girls Aloud. Recorded in Los Angeles and London, Cheryl mainly worked with Wayne Wilkins, who previously produced Cole's number one debut single "Fight for This Love".

<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">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.

<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.

<i>Only Human</i> (Cheryl album) 2014 studio album by Cheryl

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.

<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">Love Made Me Do It (song)</span> 2018 single by Cheryl

"Love Made Me Do It" is a song by English singer Cheryl. It was released on 9 November 2018 through 3 Beat Records, following the premiere on Capital FM. "Love Made Me Do It" is a pop song written by Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, Natasha Bedingfield, Kylie Minogue and Miranda Cooper, as well as its producers The Invisible Men and Dylan Cooper. Lyrically, it speaks of Cheryl's failed relationships and how easy she finds it to fall in love. The song debuted at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart and spent one week in the Top 40. The accompanying music video was directed by Sophie Muller and shows the singer dancing with alternative camera shots and cuts.

References

  1. ↑ "Cheryl Cole announces comeback single, new album 'A Million Lights'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  2. ↑ "Cheryl Cole confirms Girls Aloud Reunion will be in November 2012". Music Eyz. Archived from the original on 3 August 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  3. ↑ Savage, Mark (19 October 2012). "Girls Aloud reveal reunion plans". BBC News. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  4. ↑ Guardian Music (21 March 2013). "Girls Aloud split after final UK show". The Guardian . Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  5. ↑ Lachno, James (21 March 2013). "Girls Aloud split up after last night of tour". The Daily Telegraph . London. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  6. ↑ "BBC News - Cheryl Cole lands fourth solo chart topper". Bbc.co.uk. 27 July 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  7. ↑ Moss, Liv (5 November 2014). "Cheryl on track for fifth UK Number 1 with I Don't Care". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  8. ↑ "Cheryl scores record-breaking 5th Number 1 single with I Don't Care". Official Charts Company.
  9. ↑ "Listen to Cheryl's new song 'Only Human'". digitalspy.co.uk. 7 October 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  10. ↑ "Digital Spy - Showbiz news, showbiz pictures, showbiz interviews". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  11. 1 2 "Cheryl Unveils 'Only Human' Title Track: Listen To The Impressive Ballad - idolator". idolator.com. 7 October 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  12. 1 2 3 Stern, Bradley (7 October 2014). "Only Human": Cheryl Might Have Just Delivered Her Best Solo Ballad To Date". MuuMuse. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
  13. 1 2 "Cheryl - Only Human album review - Entertainment Focus". www.entertainment-focus.com. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  14. ↑ Corner, Lewis (8 November 2014). "Cheryl: Only Human album review - "Her most focused and cohesive LP"". Digital Spy . Retrieved 1 November 2015.
  15. ↑ "REVIEW: Cheryl Makes Herself Heard on New Album 'Only Human'". Archived from the original on 13 November 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  16. ↑ "Album Review: Cheryl - Only Human". renownedforsound.com. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  17. 1 2 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  18. 1 2 Duke, Simon (30 March 2015). "Disaster for Cheryl Fernandez-Versini as Only Human fails to reach the top 100". chroniclelive.co.uk. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  19. 1 2 "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  20. ↑ Duke, Simon (4 February 2015). "Cheryl Fernandez-Versini unveils video for new single Only Human". chroniclelive.co.uk. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  21. ↑ Strang, Fay (2 February 2015). "Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is naturally sexy in sneak peak of video from third single Only Human". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  22. ↑ Roberts, Edward (4 February 2015). "Cheryl Fernandez-Versini gets ridiculously seductive in Only Human music video". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  23. ↑ Rutter, Claire (14 November 2014). "Cheryl Fernandez-Versini sings stripped back version of Only Human live for Children in Need". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  24. ↑ "iTunes - Music -Only Human - Single by Cheryl". Apple iTunes (UK).
  25. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Only Human (The Remixes) by Cheryl". Apple iTunes (UK).
  26. ↑ Only Human (inlay cover). Cheryl. Polydor Records. 2014. p. 10.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
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.