Overdose (Ciara song)

Last updated

"Overdose"
Ciara-overdose-cover-art.jpg
Single by Ciara
from the album Ciara
ReleasedSeptember 18, 2013 (2013-09-18)
RecordedPulse Recording (Los Angeles, CA)
Genre
Length3:47
Label Epic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Ciara singles chronology
"I'm Out"
(2013)
"Overdose"
(2013)
"I Bet"
(2015)
Licensed audio
"Ciara - Overdose (audio)" on YouTube

"Overdose" is a song recorded by American singer Ciara for her self-titled fifth studio album (2013). It was written by Josh Abraham, Oliver Goldstein, Ali Tamposi, Olivia Waithe and Ciara, while its production was handled by the former two. Ciara and Kuk Harrell were responsible for the song's vocal production. Notable for its shift from her more contemporary R&B sound towards a predominantly pop-orientated vocal style for the singer, "Overdose" served as a product of Ciara's experimentation and was recognized as the purest pop track on Ciara. An uptempo dance-pop, electropop and nu-disco song, its "club-friendly" production comprises rupturing synths and gritty, automatic beats. Its lyrical content act as an ode to codependency and are based on the subject of unhealthy infatuation.

Contents

"Overdose" initially leaked as an extended snippet on July 17, 2012, and then in full in June 2013. The song was originally recognized as a "fan favorite", before garnering favorable reviews from music critics, some of which went on to publish campaigns for the track be released as a single. Its accompanying artwork features Ciara's then-fiancé Future and resulted in widespread media attention for its provocative imagery. Though the song impacted urban contemporary and rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States—on September 18 and October 15, 2013, respectively—it failed to receive a full-scale single release, when its digital release was later cancelled and its accompanying music video and promotional performances failed to materialize. As a result, "Overdose" failed to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and garner success commercially.

Background

"Overdose" was written by Josh Abraham, Oliver Goldstein, Ali Tamposi, Olivia Waithe and Ciara, while its production was handled by the former two. Ciara and Kuk Harrell were responsible for the song's vocal production, and Ciara's vocals were recorded by Ryan Williams at Pulse Recording, Los Angeles, CA. Background vocals on the track were provided by Ciara and House Aiello, and the song was engineered by Chris "TEK" Ryan. "Overdose" was mixed by Jaycen Joshua, with the assistance of Trehy Harris, at Larrabee Sound Studios in North Hollywood, CA. The song was then mastered by Dave Kutch at The Mastering Palace in New York City, NY. [1] In an interview with GQ , Ciara discussed the development of "Overdose": "The song's got a throwback '80s vibe with a modern twist; I think that's unexpected. It's more a product of my experimentation—it has a vintage-y feel, but I feel like everyone can love it. And what's better than to dance to the feeling of love? The song's about embodying that energy." [2]

Release

"Overdose" initially leaked online on July 17, 2012, [3] as an extended snippet, [4] and was later rumored to serve as the second single from her fifth studio album, titled One Woman Army at the time. [3] On April 30, 2013, Ciara hinted at a single release for the track in an interview with MuuMuse. [5] In June 2013, a month prior to the release of Ciara, Epic Records accidentally released the album on Ciara's online store, before removing it a few minutes later. Due to the song's initial popularity as a snippet, it became the only non-single from the album to leak in full online during the accidental release. Epic, however, managed to cover up the majority of the full version's leak, during the build-up to the release of Ciara. [4] Ciara later announced in an interview with Hollywood Life that "Overdose" would be released as a joint third single from Ciara with "Where You Go". She stated that it would serve as the album's third single in international markets, while "Where You Go" would be released in the United States. [6]

However, on September 18, 2013, "Overdose" was announced as the third single from Ciara, in turn canceling initial plans for the release of "Where You Go". [7] Ciara stated on Instagram that her fanbase played a considerable role in the song being chosen as a single. [8] It was noted that thousands of her fanbase had rallied the single release for several months. [9] With regard to the single release of "Overdose", Popjustice's Brad O'Mance commented, "Having faffed about for a bit, Ciara has finally come to her senses". [10] MuuMuse's Bradley Stern published an article entitled, "Ciara Finally Makes 'Overdose' A Single, Restores Faith In Humanity," and later wrote, "Let us now form a prayer circle, call a doctor, get super turnt up and prepare to request 'Overdose' on the hotline". [9] The single's cover artwork was premiered on the same day, resulting in widespread media attention for its provocative imagery. [7] It garnered comparisons to Janet Jackson's 1993 Rolling Stone cover. [9] The artwork features Ciara, with one hand grabbing the crotch of her then-fiancé Future, and the other down his underwear. Rap-Up deemed the cover "racy". [11] O'Mance acknowledged its explicit imagery, describing it as "a lady lightly fingering a man's pubic hair with one hand, and his cock and balls with another". [10] HipHollywood's Eric Berry wrote that some might find the artwork "questionable", later asking, "Artistic or sleazy?" [8] Sam Lansky of Idolator called the artwork "typically provocative," adding, "Par for the course for the sultriest chick in the game". [7] Other critics predicted that with the imagery, the single's accompanying music video would serve as an extension of the singer's video for "Body Party". It was announced that "Overdose" would impact radio and receive a digital release in the United States on October 14, 2013. [9] However, Epic solicited the song to urban contemporary radio in the United States, the same day as its announcement as a single (September 18, 2013). [12] It then impacted rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States on October 15, 2013. [13] "Overdose" was scheduled for a release in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2013. Popjustice wrote, "if the video is anything like the artwork 'Overdose' could be the greatest UK Christmas Number One for about eight million years." However, the single's release in the country and an accompanying music video failed to materialize. [14] According to Idolator, "Overdose" failed to receive a "proper single release". [15]

Composition

Notable for its shift from her more classical R&B sound towards a predominantly pop-orientated vocal style for the singer, [16] "Overdose" was recognized as the "purest pop track" on Ciara. [7] It is an uptempo, [17] dance-pop, [18] electropop, [4] and nu-disco song. [19] The track incorporates "club-friendly" production, [16] made up of pounding EDM drums and rupturing synths, [20] with elements of nu-disco, [21] and funk. [17] Comprising a club groove, [22] and gritty, automatic beat, its sound garnered comparisons to the works of American singer Britney Spears, with whom its producers collaborated with on Femme Fatale (2011). [4] The production in "Overdose" was noted by Katherine St. Asaph of MTV News to recall that of a "slightly less busy Dr. Luke". [23] The track's chanting post-chorus, "Don't let, don't let, don't let go" was noted to be reminiscent of the pre-choruses in Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" and Jordin Sparks' "Battlefield" (2009), and Spears' "Till the World Ends" (2011). [4]

Its lyrical content act as an ode to codependency and are based on the subject of unhealthy infatuation. Some critics opined that "Overdose" served as description of Ciara's relationship with Future. [4] It incorporates the theme of a drug overdose as a metaphor for love in a romantic relationship, [18] with Ciara's love interest being depicted as a drug she is addicted to. [16] Cheyenne Davis of SoulCulture viewed the lyrics as a "plea for help". [24]

Critical reception

"Not only could it be used as the official anthem for national drug prevention programs like D.A.R.E., but it will inspire today's youth to train to become EMTs, nurses and [...] surgeons. 'Overdose' on the charts equals a win for American healthcare. It's a massively catchy electro-pop stormer that could and should hit Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 if promoted properly by Epic. Even if it doesn't succeed, at least Ciara can say that she came out swinging with the best song that Ciara has to offer."

—Bradley Stern, MuuMuse [4]

"Overdose" was originally recognized as a "fan favorite", [25] before garnering favorable reviews from music critics, some of which went on to publish campaigns for the track be released as a single. [4] Erika Ramirez of Billboard deemed "Overdose" the best the song on Ciara, and wrote that the track "appeals to fans of all genres, oozing funk and featuring an addictive hook". [17] GQ journalist Stelios Phili called the track "club-ready". [2] Idolator's Lansky named it as one of the album's best songs, quipping, "Prepare your body for yet another party". Opining that the song "actually [had] a fighting chance on mainstream radio", he said, "If there is any justice in the charts, it'll be a radio smash". [7] Similarly to Ramirez and Lansky, USA Today also named the song as one of four highlights on Ciara. [26] St. Asaph of MTV News opined that along with "Livin' It Up", "Overdose" had the most crossover potential on the record. [23] Jordan Sargent of Spin called "Overdose" the album's "most striking" track and a "tasteful experiment". [27] Writing for The New York Times , Jon Caramanica deemed the song "killer nu-disco". [19] Andy Kellman of AllMusic felt that "Overdose" was "functional if not as memorable" as other tracks on the album. [28] Pitchfork Media's Tim Finney opined that despite the track's "straightforward, 2013 carbon dated club-pop" sound, it was "perky electro-pop delivered with such frothy, wide-eyed innocence that it's hard to even notice the subject". Finney went on to write that its delivery and "uncomplicated exhilaration" raised it from "throwaway to highlight status" on Ciara. [29] Finney's view was shared by Consequence of Sound's Michael Madden who said while the song was "musically unadventurous," its hooks were "packed tightly together, producing an especially memorable end" to the album. Madden went on to highlight "Overdose" as one of the record's three "essential" tracks. [20] A writer for DJ Booth opined that "Overdose" was "intoxicating", "unforgettable" and "unrivaled", and called its production "irresistible". [16] In a negative review, Fact felt that the "unnecessary dance-pop sheen" of the song "fell flat" and criticized its "unfortunate" use of metaphors. [18] While Nick Henderson of Tiny Mix Tapes dismissed "Overdose" as an "uncharacteristic sidestep" and felt its sound was "uninspired" and its melodies "familiar". [21]

Credits and personnel

Recording
Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Ciara, Epic Records. [1]

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak
position
US Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop ( Billboard ) [30] 33

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabelRef.
United StatesSeptember 18, 2013 Urban contemporary Epic [12]
October 15, 2013 Rhythmic contemporary [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Songs Remind Me of You</span> 2009 single by Annie

"Songs Remind Me of You" is a song by Norwegian singer Annie from her second studio album, Don't Stop (2009). Written by Richard X and Hannah Robinson, the track was released digitally on 17 August 2009 as the album's lead single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All the Lovers</span> 2010 single by Kylie Minogue

"All the Lovers" is a song recorded by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue for her eleventh studio album, Aphrodite (2010). It was released by Parlophone on 11 June 2010 as the lead single from the album. The song was written by Jim Eliot and Mima Stilwell and produced by the former; Stuart Price, provided additional production. "All the Lovers" started out as a midtempo song with influences of electropop music. The lyrics of the song serve as an invitation to the dance floor and an assertion that Minogue's past relationships do not "compare" to the one she shares with her present lover.

"Aphrodite" is a song by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue, taken from her eleventh studio album of the same name (2010). Written and produced by Nerina Pallot and Andy Chatterley, the song was included as the title track on the album, which was released on 5 July 2010. It was later included in the track list of Minogue's seventh extended play, A Christmas Gift, which was released on 1 December 2010. The song is a dance-pop track in which Minogue personifies herself as Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sex Rules</span> 2011 single by Sky Ferreira

"Sex Rules" is a song by American singer Sky Ferreira from her debut extended play (EP), As If! (2011). It was released on March 1, 2011, by Capitol Records as the lead single from the EP. The song was written by Ferreira, Greg Kurstin, Billy Steinberg, and Daniel Lutrell, while production was handled by Kurstin. Looking to transition from the disco music elements seen in her earlier single "17", Ferreira explored electropop and synth-pop styles with "Sex Rules". In the track, Ferreira frankly declares her infatuation for sexual intercourse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King of Hearts (song)</span> 2012 single by Cassie

"King of Hearts" is a song recorded by American singer Cassie. It was written by Jay Singh, John J. Conte Jr. and Raelene Arreguin. "King of Hearts" is an uptempo electronic dance song that features jungle beats and escalating synths. The song is lyrically centered on the theme of seduction. Music critics praised it for the musical structure, many writing that it differs from most dance-pop music on the radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superstar (Madonna song)</span> 2012 promotional single by Madonna

"Superstar" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna from her twelfth studio album MDNA (2012). It was released on December 3, 2012, in Brazil only as a special edition free CD with Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo. The song was written and produced by Madonna, Hardy "Indigo" Muanza and Michael Malih and is a dance-pop track, which has electronic and pop influences. Instrumentation featured in "Superstar" includes guitars and drum machines. Lyrically, Madonna compares her boyfriend with famous men, such as John Travolta, Abraham Lincoln, Al Capone, among others and claims to be his "biggest fan".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Power & Control</span> 2012 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Power & Control" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 20 July 2012 by 679 Artists and Atlantic Records as the second single from the record. Diamandis collaborated with Swedish House Mafia member Steve Angello while writing the track, and enlisted Greg Kurstin to oversee its production. An electropop, power pop, and dance-pop track, "Power & Control" describes the struggle between romantic partners in achieving superiority in their relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lolita (The Veronicas song)</span> 2012 single by the Veronicas

"Lolita" is a song recorded by Australian duo the Veronicas, released on 27 July 2012. It was written by the Veronicas, together with Laura Pergolizzi and Toby Gad, while production was handled by Gad. The song was released as the lead single for what was meant to be their third studio album, Life on Mars. However, due to complications with their label, Warner Bros. Records, the album was shelved. They were subsequently signed to Sony Music and the album was retitled The Veronicas, but "Lolita" did not appear on the record. The song was later included on their Spotify compilation album Untouched.

"Memory of You" is a song by British all-female pop group Girls Aloud recorded during sessions for their fifth studio album Out of Control (2008). The song was written by Girls Aloud, Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins and his production team Xenomania, and produced by Higgins and Xenomania. Described as "more dance oriented than pop," the track is influenced by trance and progressive house music, originating as a track entitled "Japan" by trance project Cadence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Replay (Zendaya song)</span> 2013 single by Zendaya

"Replay" is a song by American singer Zendaya from her self-titled debut studio album, Zendaya (2013). The song was released on July 16, 2013, as the lead single from the album through Hollywood Records after being premiered on July 12, 2013. The song was written by Zendaya in collaboration with Mick Schultz, Tiffany Fred and Paul Phamous while the song's production was handled by Mick Schultz. Musically, "Replay" is an electro-R&B song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trouble (Neon Jungle song)</span> 2013 single by Neon Jungle

"Trouble" is the debut single recorded by British girl group Neon Jungle for their debut and only studio album, Welcome to the Jungle (2014). "Trouble" was released on 3 September 2013 by RCA Records, and was written and produced by CocknBullKid and Benjamin Berry. The song made its UK Singles Chart debut a week later at number twelve.

"Read My Lips" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Ciara for her fifth studio album, Ciara (2013). It was written by Ciara, Livvi Franc, and co-written and produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. The song was set to be released as the third single from the album, but was cancelled. To promote the album, Ciara recorded "video shorts" for some songs, including one for "Read My Lips", which lasts for 1:30.

"Livin' It Up" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Ciara for her fifth studio album, Ciara (2013), featuring guest vocals from American female rapper Nicki Minaj. It was written by Ciara, D'Mile, Wynter Gordon and Nicki Minaj, with D'Mile also producing it. "Livin' It Up" contains a portion of the composition "I Don't Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky", as performed by Kid 'n Play.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give You What You Like</span> 2015 single by Avril Lavigne

"Give You What You Like" is a song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne from her self-titled fifth studio album released in 2013. It was written by Lavigne with her then husband Chad Kroeger and David Hodges. The song has been praised by critics for expanding Lavigne's musical diversity and exposing her to new genres of music and is the sixth track on the album. Musically, "Give You What You Like" is a folk-pop song with lyrics that describe pretending one-night stand/casual sex is love and a way to feel loved. Throughout the song she describes a trade: if you act like you love me to help me forget about the loneliness I'll give you what you want which in this case is sex. As the song progress she loses interest in it and wants to forget everything that happened.

"Outta Time" is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter Natalia Kills for her second studio album, Trouble (2013). Musically, it is a retro pop soul-tinged song that recalls Phil Spector's catalog, complete with guitar riffs and supporting vocals while its lyrics tell a sad love story. It was unveiled on August 26, 2013 through a newsletter, and was later released on September 3, 2013 on iTunes as the album's second promotional single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Lips (song)</span> 2012 single by Sky Ferreira

"Red Lips" is a song by American singer Sky Ferreira from her second extended play (EP), Ghost (2012). It was released on July 17, 2012, by Capitol Records. The song was written and produced by Greg Kurstin, with additional songwriting provided by Shirley Manson. "Red Lips" is a pop rock song that describes the emotional deterioration of an individual that Ferreira disliked. It differs from the previous electropop styles displayed in her earlier works; this was deliberately done to prevent Ferreira from being branded in a similar fashion as Britney Spears, which she felt that Capitol Records had intended to do.

"Trouble" is a song recorded by English singer and songwriter Natalia Kills for her second studio album of the same name (2013), appearing on it as its closing track. The song's lyrics were written about bad behavior and trouble, while musically, "Trouble" is a midtempo '90s-esque pop rock number that emulates arena rock. The overall sound of the song was praised by contemporary music critics, who also highlighted its placement on the album track listing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">On the Rocks (song)</span> 2014 single by Nicole Scherzinger

"On the Rocks" is a song recorded by American singer Nicole Scherzinger for her second studio album Big Fat Lie (2014). It was written by Terius "The-Dream" Nash, C. "Tricky" Stewart and Carlos "Los da Mystro" McKinney, while the song was produced by Godz of Analog, Stewart, Nash and McKinney, with vocal production from Bart Schoudel. The song was released on October 10, 2014, by RCA Records as the third single from the record. "On the Rocks" is an R&B ballad where the singer laments and gets over about a failed relationship by pouring up a stiff drink. "On the Rocks" received negative reviews from music critics, who described it as outdated and criticized the use of Auto-Tune. The accompanying music video premiered on September 5, 2014, on Vevo.

<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">Tom Aspaul</span> Singer, songwriter

Thomas Paul Frederick Dutton, known professionally as Tom Aspaul is a British singer and songwriter from Wolverhampton. He released his debut album, Black Country Disco in 2020 to critical acclaim. His songwriting credits include Kylie Minogue, Snakehips, Celeste and Becky Hill, amongst many others.

References

  1. 1 2 Ciara (inlay cover). Ciara. Epic Records. 2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. 1 2 Phili, Stelios (November 22, 2013). "The GQ+A: Ciara on the New Single, How to Dance, and Her Style Dos and Don'ts". GQ . Condé Nast . Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Ciara teases pop sound in leaked track Overdose". Much. Bell Media. July 18, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Stern, Bradley (June 20, 2013). "On Ciara's 'Overdose,' And Why It Absolutely Must Be The Next Single". MuuMuse. Bradley Stern. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  5. Stern, Bradley (April 30, 2013). "'He Reads': A Brief Body Party with Ciara". MuuMuse. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  6. Samuels, Keithan (August 25, 2013). "Ciara Announces Two New Singles". Rated RnB. Rated Next Media, LLC. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Lansky, Sam (September 18, 2013). "Ciara Preps 'Overdose' As Next Single, Unveils Cover Artwork". Idolator. SpinMedia . Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  8. 1 2 Berry, Eric (September 19, 2013). "Ciara, Future Get Frisky On 'Overdose' Artwork". HipHollywood. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Stern, Bradley (September 18, 2013). "Ciara Finally Makes 'Overdose' A Single, Restores Faith In Humanity". MuuMuse. Retrieved February 2, 2015.
  10. 1 2 O'Mance, Brad (September 19, 2013). "Ciara's next single will be 'Overdose', which is the correct decision". Popjustice. Peter Robinson . Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  11. "Single Cover: Ciara - 'Overdose'". Rap-Up . Devin Lazerine. September 18, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  12. 1 2 "Ciara - Overdose". Frequency News. September 18, 2013. Archived from the original on April 9, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2015.
  13. 1 2 "Rhythmic Archive". Friday Morning Quarterback . Retrieved February 2, 2015.
  14. "Six noteworthy single releases from the next six weeks". Popjustice. Peter Robinson. November 5, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  15. "Ciara Talks Pregnancy, New Music & Beyonce In New Interview". Idolator. SpinMedia. January 15, 2014. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  16. 1 2 3 4 "Ciara - Overdose". DJ Booth. The DH Booth LLC. September 25, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  17. 1 2 3 Ramirez, Erika (July 2, 2013). "Ciara, 'Ciara': Track-by-Track Review". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  18. 1 2 3 "The 50 Best Albums of 2013". Fact . The Vinyl Factory. December 9, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  19. 1 2 Caramanica, Jon (July 11, 2013). "Ciara, Not Quite at the Center of Her Newest Album". The New York Times . Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  20. 1 2 Madden, Michael (July 16, 2013). "Ciara - Ciara". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  21. 1 2 Henderson, Nick. "Ciara - Ciara". Tiny Mix Tapes . Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  22. Capobianco, Ken (July 7, 2013). "Album Review: Ciara, 'Ciara'". The Boston Globe . Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  23. 1 2 St. Asaph, Katherine (July 9, 2013). "Ciara Has Officially Returned With 'Ciara'". MTV News. Viacom Media Networks . Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  24. Davis, Cheyenne (July 17, 2012). "Ciara - 'Overdose' (Snippet)". SoulCulture. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  25. Asante, David (April 16, 2013). "Ciara Renames Album". MOBO Awards . Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  26. Gundersen, Edna; Gardner, Elysa; Jones, Steve (July 8, 2013). "Listen Up: The Editors, Skylar Grey, Ciara". USA Today . Gannett Company . Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  27. Sargent, Jordan (April 23, 2013). "Ciara Showcases Her EDM Side on Trunk-Rattling New Self-Titled Album". Spin . SpinMedia. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  28. Kellman, Andy (July 5, 2013). "Ciara - Ciara". AllMusic. All Media Network . Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  29. Finney, Tim (July 11, 2013). "Ciara: Ciara". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved January 29, 2015.
  30. "Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop – November 30, 2013". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2016.(subscription required)