Shadow (Ashlee Simpson song)

Last updated
"Shadow"
Ashlee-simpson-shadow-single.jpg
Single by Ashlee Simpson
from the album Autobiography
B-side "Sorry"
ReleasedSeptember 14, 2004 (2004-09-14)
Recorded2004
Genre Pop rock
Length3:59
Label Geffen
Songwriter(s) Ashlee Simpson, Kara DioGuardi, John Shanks
Producer(s) John Shanks
Ashlee Simpson singles chronology
"Pieces of Me"
(2004)		"Shadow"
(2004)		"La La"
(2004)
Audio sample

"Shadow" is the second single by American singer and songwriter Ashlee Simpson, taken from her debut album, Autobiography (2004). The single peaked at number 57 in the United States, becoming Simpson's second Billboard Hot 100 entry; it also peaked at number 31 in Australia.

Contents

Song information

"Shadow" was written by Ashlee Simpson, Kara DioGuardi and producer John Shanks. It is three minutes and fifty-seven seconds long, and is the third track on Autobiography.

The song is about feelings Simpson had (when she was about 15 or 16 years old), according to one interview [1] of living in the shadow of the dreams and accomplishments of her famous older sister, Jessica, and finding her own identity. Although "Shadow" is noted for having somewhat dark lyrics, [2] it concludes with a positive message, as Simpson sings that "everything's cool now" and "the past is in the past." Simpson has said that it is "about loving yourself and coming to terms with who you are"; [3] also, in an interview on Live with Regis and Kelly on September 22, 2004, Simpson explained the song's meaning:

...a lot of people think that 'Shadow' is about my sister, but it's really about dealing with myself and ... dealing with ... the voice in your head that's like, 'Oh, everything has to be so perfect, and I have to be like this,' and ... finding my identity and saying, OK, you know, this is who I am, you know, imperfections and all, and I love myself for me, and here I am!

"Shadow" was called the "best and most personal song" on the album in a People magazine review. [4] There has, however, also been criticism of the song's lyrics for seeming excessively dramatic in light of Simpson's apparently loving family and fortunate circumstances. [5]

Asked in one interview about the unhappiness she expresses in "Shadow" about her childhood, and whether it's "just for the song," Simpson replied:

I was dealing with my inner demons, and my inner voices in my head. It wasn't necessarily my parents being bad parents. It was just things that I battled with in my head. Feeling second best, or feeling that they didn't love me. But the song's saying: 'Guys, I apologize, if I ever put you guys through hell. I love you, and love my life, and thank you for letting me be myself, even though I messed up at times.'

They all bawl whenever they listen to it—my sister, my parents, everybody." [6]

Simpson also related, on another occasion, that "[w]hen my sister heard the song she cried and said, 'That's the most beautiful song I've ever heard!'" [7]

Music video

The music video for "Shadow", directed by Liz Friedlander, also deals with the theme of the song. In the video, Simpson plays two different versions of herself, blonde and brunette, who live in separate "worlds" which exist side by side. The world of the blonde Ashlee appears happy and perfect, while the brunette Ashlee seems to have more negative feelings—at one point she shoves a bowl of cereal prepared by the blonde Ashlee off a kitchen table—but eventually it is revealed that the blonde Ashlee is not as happy as she seems. At the end of the video, shadows are seen leaving the brunette Ashlee. These scenes are intercut with Simpson singing in a living room setting with her band. [8]

The "Shadow" music video premiered on MTV's Total Request Live on September 13, 2004, and debuted on the countdown the next day at number 10. In its fourth day on the countdown, 20 September, it reached its peak at number two; Simpson herself also visited the show on this day, but did not perform due to illness. The video spent 22 total days on the countdown, with its last day being October 21. [9]

Chart performance

"Shadow" debuted at number 20 on VH1's Top 20 Countdown for the week of October 6–12, 2004, [10] and it rose the next week to number 15. [11] It reached number 11 for the week of 27 October–2 November [12] and then fell to number 16 the next week. [13]

On September 22, Simpson performed "Shadow" on two U.S. shows: Live with Regis and Kelly (she also gave an interview, quoted above) and The Tonight Show .

"Shadow" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in September at number 68 [14] and reached a peak of number 57. It was unable to match the popularity of Simpson's first single, "Pieces of Me", which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. [15] "Pieces of Me" also reached number one on the Billboard Top 40 Tracks, but "Shadow" reached only number 27. In Australia, "Shadow" was Autobiography's second single, and it reached number 31 on the ARIA singles chart in November 2004; in the same week, "Pieces of Me" was still ahead of it on the chart, at number 30. In early January 2005, after some time spent out of the ARIA top 50, "Shadow" rebounded to number 34. In the United Kingdom, the song "La La" (which was the third single in the U.S. and Australia) was the second single instead of "Shadow".

Track listing

Charts

Personnel

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Shadow"
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
United StatesSeptember 14, 2004 Contemporary hit radio Geffen [25]
AustraliaNovember 8, 2004 CD Universal [26]
GermanyDecember 20, 2004 [27] [28]
January 15, 2005 [29]

Related Research Articles

<i>In This Skin</i> Album by Jessica Simpson

In This Skin is the third studio album by American recording artist Jessica Simpson. The album was released on August 19, 2003, by Columbia Records. It was reissued on March 2, 2004, with three new songs. Simpson began taking more creative control of her music with the album, both musically and lyrically, co-writing 10 out of 14 tracks on the album, thus moving away from the teen pop styles of her previous two albums, Sweet Kisses (1999) and Irresistible (2001), as well as including elements of Middle Eastern music, dance, acoustic, and pop rock, while also lyrically talking about more mature subject matters. The album was a huge success in North America, reaching number two on the US Billboard 200 and being certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Internationally, In This Skin went on to become the thirty-fifth best selling album of 2004. It was ranked number 153 on the list of the top-selling albums of the 2000s by Billboard magazine. As of 2020, In This Skin has sold 7 million copies worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take My Breath Away</span> 1986 single by Berlin

"Take My Breath Away" is a song written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock for the 1986 film Top Gun, performed by American new wave band Berlin. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ashlee Simpson</span> American singer and actress (born 1984)

Ashley Nicolle Ross-Næss, known professionally as Ashlee Simpson, is an American singer, songwriter, actress and television personality. The younger sister of singer and actress Jessica Simpson, she began her career as a back-up dancer for her sister and appeared in television commercials at the age of 15. Simpson later pursued a career as an actress and had a main role on the family drama 7th Heaven. She appeared on the reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, broadcast on MTV between 2003 and 2005, which focused on Ashlee's older sister Jessica and Jessica's then-husband Nick Lachey. While working on her debut studio album, Simpson became the star of a spin-off reality series, The Ashlee Simpson Show, which was broadcast on MTV between 2004 and 2005. Like her sister before her, Simpson became the center of considerable media attention.

<i>Autobiography</i> (Ashlee Simpson album) 2004 studio album by Ashlee Simpson

Autobiography is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Ashlee Simpson. Released in the United States by Geffen Records on July 20, 2004, the album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Musically, it combines elements of rock and pop. Critical reception for the album by critics was mixed. Autobiography has sold more than five million copies worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pieces of Me (Ashlee Simpson song)</span> 2004 single by Ashlee Simpson

"Pieces of Me" is the debut single of American pop/rock singer Ashlee Simpson and the first single from her debut album, Autobiography (2004). The song, which was jointly written and composed by Simpson, Kara DioGuardi and John Shanks and produced by Shanks, is a blend of pop and rock with lyrics about finding comfort and happiness in a relationship with a new boyfriend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La La (Ashlee Simpson song)</span> 2004 single by Ashlee Simpson

"La La" is a song by American singer Ashlee Simpson from her debut album, Autobiography (2004). Two weeks after it became available as a digital download in mid-August 2004, it rose to No. 37 on Billboard's Hot Digital Tracks. In the U.S., it began its run as the album's third and final single on radio and television in November 2004; in the United Kingdom, where it was the second single, a CD single was released in January 2005. The song's video was in heavy rotation on MTV by December 2004. In March 2005 the single was certified Gold, and in August the video was nominated for Best Pop Video on the MTV Video Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">With You (Jessica Simpson song)</span> 2003 single by Jessica Simpson

"With You" is a song by American recording artist Jessica Simpson from her third studio album, In This Skin. "With You" was released by Columbia Records as the second single from In This Skin on November 3, 2003. Overall, "With You" was Simpson's seventh single in the United States and her fourth single in the United Kingdom. Billy Mann and Andy Marvel produced the song and co-wrote it with Simpson.

<i>I Am Me</i> 2005 studio album by Ashlee Simpson

I Am Me is the second studio album by American recording artist Ashlee Simpson. It was released in the United States on October 18, 2005 and debuted at number one in sales. The album produced two top 25 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, "Boyfriend" and "L.O.V.E." Simpson worked with John Shanks and Kara DioGuardi on this album, as she did on her first album, 2004's Autobiography. Shanks produced the album, and Simpson co-wrote all the songs with Shanks and DioGuardi. On December 15, I Am Me was certified Platinum by the RIAA for its shipments of over one million copies in the U.S.. A new single from Simpson, "Invisible", was reportedly going to be included on a re-release of I Am Me in mid-2006, but was canceled. The song was later included as an international bonus track on Simpson's next album, Bittersweet World.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boyfriend (Ashlee Simpson song)</span> 2005 single by Ashlee Simpson

"Boyfriend" is a song recorded by American singer Ashlee Simpson for her second studio album, I Am Me (2005). It was written by Simpson, Kara DioGuardi and John Shanks, who also produced the song. The song was released as the lead single from the album on September 6, 2005, by Geffen Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">With Arms Wide Open</span> 2000 single by Creed

"With Arms Wide Open" is a power ballad by American rock band Creed. It was released on April 18, 2000, as the third single from their second studio album, Human Clay. The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in November 2000, becoming the band's first and only song to top the chart. The song also received honors at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001, being nominated for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, as well as Scott Stapp and Mark Tremonti winning the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">L.O.V.E. (Ashlee Simpson song)</span> 2005 single by Ashlee Simpson

"L.O.V.E." is a song recorded by American singer Ashlee Simpson for her second studio album, I Am Me (2005). It was written by Simpson, Kara DioGuardi and John Shanks, who also produced the song. Originally planned to be released as the lead single from the album, it was later sent to contemporary hit radio in the United States as the second and final single on December 6, 2005. A remix of "L.O.V.E." featuring American rapper Missy Elliott was released as a digital download a week later on December 13, 2005. The song peaked at number 22 in the United States, number five in Australia, number six in Hungary, and number 12 in New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fly (Hilary Duff song)</span> 2004 single by Hilary Duff

"Fly" is a song by American actress and singer Hilary Duff for her 2004 self-titled third studio album. The song was written by Kara DioGuardi and John Shanks, who also produced the song. The song was first released in the United States on August 10, 2004, by Hollywood Records as the lead single from Hilary Duff. It was released again by Angel Records on March 13, 2006, in the United Kingdom as the fourth and final single from Duff's first compilation album, Most Wanted (2005).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessica Simpson</span> American singer (born 1980)

Jessica Ann Johnson is an American singer, actress, and fashion designer. After performing in church choirs as a child, Simpson signed with Columbia Records in 1997, aged seventeen. Her debut studio album, Sweet Kisses (1999), sold two million copies in the United States and was led by the Billboard Hot 100-top three single "I Wanna Love You Forever". Simpson adopted a more mature image for her second studio album, Irresistible (2001), and its namesake lead single track peaked within the top 20 of the chart. The album received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Simpson's third studio album, In This Skin (2003), sold three million copies in the United States.

"Invisible" is a song written by Kira Leyden and Jeff Andrea, members of the Ohio-based unsigned band Jaded Era, and recorded for the band's second album, Invisible (2003). It was covered by American singer Ashlee Simpson for the re-release of her second album, I Am Me, and was released as the album's third single in 2006.

<i>Bittersweet World</i> 2008 studio album by Ashlee Simpson

Bittersweet World is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Ashlee Simpson. It was released in the United States on April 22, 2008. The project is Simpson's final release through Geffen Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)</span> 2007 single by Ashlee Simpson

"Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)" is a song recorded by American singer Ashlee Simpson for her third studio album, Bittersweet World (2008). The song premiered on AOL Music on November 30, 2007 and was released for digital download on December 11.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Found Me</span> 2008 single by The Fray

"You Found Me" is a song by American rock band the Fray. It was released in November 2008 as the lead single from their eponymous second studio album. Live performances of the song from concerts in Europe surfaced on YouTube in late 2007, when the song was titled "Amistad". The band began streaming the song on their website on November 21, 2008. The single was digitally released in the U.S., Canadian, UK, Australian and French iTunes Stores and had a physical release later on.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ashlee Simpson discography</span> Cataloging of published recordings by Ashlee Simpson

American singer Ashlee Simpson has released three studio albums, nine singles, and nine music videos. Simpson debuted as an actress in 2001, appearing on the television series 7th Heaven. In 2003, she began composing solo material and signed a recording contract with Geffen Records in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Shanks</span> American record producer and songwriter

John Matthew Shanks is an American songwriter, record producer and guitarist.

References

  1. ↑ Spence D., "Ashlee Simpson Interview" Archived 2004-12-17 at the Wayback Machine , IGN.com, July 29, 2004, page 3.
  2. ↑ "Shadow by Ashlee Simpson Songfacts". www.songfacts.com. Retrieved 2017-01-25.
  3. ↑ Joe D'Angelo, "Ashlee Simpson To Play An Actress In 'Wannabe' Flick", MTV News, September 23, 2004.
  4. ↑ Autobiography album review, People, 2 August 2004, page 41.
  5. ↑ Spence D., Autobiography album review Archived 2004-11-25 at the Wayback Machine , IGN.com, September 17, 2004, page 1.
  6. ↑ Virginia Heffernan, "Ashlee Simpson, Platinum Brunette", The New York Times , August 1, 2004. Interview.
  7. ↑ [ permanent dead link ], July 19, 2004.
  8. ↑ Jennifer Vineyard, "Blondes Have More Fun In Ashlee Simpson's New Video", MTV News, August 9, 2004.
  9. ↑ TRL Archives - September 2004 Archived 2006-11-03 at the Wayback Machine and October 2004 Archived 2007-10-15 at the Wayback Machine , Popfusion.net.
  10. ↑ VH1's Music Radar, PRNewswire.com, October 6, 2004.
  11. ↑ VH1's Music Radar Archived 2012-03-14 at the Wayback Machine , PRNewswire.com, 14 October 2004.
  12. ↑ VH1's Music Radar, PRNewswire.com, October 27, 2004.
  13. ↑ VH1's Music Radar, PRNewswire.com, November 3, 2004.
  14. ↑ Margo Whitmire, "Ciara Keeps 'Goodies' Perched On Top", Billboard.com, September 23, 2004.
  15. ↑ Artist chart history for Ashlee Simpson, Billboard.com.
  16. ↑ "Ashlee Simpson – Shadow". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Ashlee Simpson – Shadow" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  18. ↑ "R&R Canada CHR/Pop Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1578. October 22, 2004. p. 26. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Ashlee Simpson – Shadow" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Ashlee Simpson – Shadow". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Ashlee Simpson Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Ashlee Simpson Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Ashlee Simpson – Autobiography Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  24. ↑ "2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor . Vol. 12, no. 51. December 17, 2004. p. 22.
  25. ↑ "Radio & Records" (PDF). Americanradiohistory. 2004-09-10. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  26. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Issue 767" (PDF). Webarchive.nla.gov.au. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-02-22. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  27. ↑ "Shadow". Amazon Germany.
  28. ↑ "Shadow". Amazon Germany.
  29. ↑ "Shadow". Amazon Germany.
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.