"Take My Breath" | ||||
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Single by the Weeknd | ||||
from the album Dawn FM | ||||
Released | August 6, 2021 | |||
Studio | MXM (Los Angeles and Stockholm) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length |
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Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) |
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The Weeknd singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Take My Breath" on YouTube |
"Take My Breath" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on August 6, 2021, through XO and Republic Records, as the lead single from his fifth studio album, Dawn FM (2022). [1] The song was written and produced by the Weeknd, Max Martin and Oscar Holter, with Belly receiving additional songwriting credits. [2]
A disco, dance-pop, funk and synthwave track with psychedelic elements, [3] [4] "Take My Breath" was met with widespread critical acclaim for the Weeknd's vocals and its production, which was influenced by the beats and synthesizers of the 1980s. [5] The song debuted at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking the Weeknd's thirteenth top 10 entry. [6]
The Weeknd first teased that he was working on a new album in September 2020, via an interview with Rolling Stone in which he stated "I might have another album ready to go by the time this quarantine is over". [7] Later on during the 2021 Billboard Music Awards in May, he went on to state in his acceptance speech "I just want to say the After Hours are done and The Dawn is coming." [8] Throughout June and July, the Weeknd continued to mention his upcoming project under the tentative title The Dawn by revealing a new transitional look. He also released the singles "You Right" with Doja Cat and "Better Believe" with Belly and Young Thug during that period. [9]
On August 2, 2021, a snippet of "Take My Breath" with a visual of a sunrise titled "The Dawn Is Coming" and a GQ cover story was released in anticipation of new music. [10] The title of the single and its release date of August 6 was confirmed later that day through a promotional video for the 2020 Summer Olympics, which featured hurdlers Sydney McLaughlin and Dalilah Muhammad, middle-distance runner Athing Mu and sprinter Gabrielle Thomas. [11] [12]
"Take My Breath" has been described by music critics as a disco, [13] dance-pop, [14] funk [15] and synthwave [16] track with elements of psychedelia. [17] The single and radio version of the song runs for a duration of three minutes and forty seconds, while the extended version has a length of five minutes and fifty-one seconds. Also, the album version of the song runs for a duration of five minutes and thirty-nine seconds, which segues from the preceding track "How Do I Make You Love Me?". It was written in the key of C minor with a tempo of 121 beats per minute. [18] Lyrically, the song details an entanglement in a romantic relationship that ultimately leads to autoerotic asphyxiation. [19]
"Take My Breath" received widespread critical acclaim. [20] [21] The vocals and production of the track received praise from Billboard 's Joe Lynch, who compared the latter aspect's usage of a synthesizer to the synth riff that was used in Donna Summer's 1977 single "I Feel Love". [20] Ben Beaumont-Thomas of The Guardian gave the song a five-star rating, stating that it is "an instant disco-pop masterpiece". [21] Consequence of Sound writer Mary Siroky complimented "Take My Breath", “the music is pulsing, almost dizzying in its dance-floor intensity from start to finish, leaving the listener appropriately breathless”. [22] Chief critic Jon Pareles of The New York Times highlighted the record's retro appeal, “the disco thump, electric piano chords and call-and-response falsetto vocals in "Take My Breath" hark back to vintage Bee Gees. [23] Journalist Quinn Moreland from Pitchfork complimented the intro and chorus, “from the strutting intro to the extremely infectious melody, "Take My Breath" is full of life”. [24]
Publication | List | Rank | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
Billboard | The 100 Best Songs of 2021 | 57 | [25] |
CBC Music | The Top 100 Canadian Songs of 2021 | 2 | [26] |
NME | The 50 Best Songs of 2021 | 13 | [27] |
Year | Organization | Award | Result | Ref(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | UK Music Video Awards | Best R&B/Soul Video – International | Nominated | [28] |
The music video for "Take My Breath" was first teased by the Weeknd on social media via self-released images of the visual during the week leading up to the release of the single. [29] Directed by Cliqua, it originally was supposed to play before IMAX showings of The Suicide Squad , but was reportedly pulled due to epilepsy concerns in regards to the pervasive strobe lighting in the video. [30] The video was released alongside the song on August 6, 2021. [31]
The video starts with the Weeknd walking outside overlooking a sunrise, before entering a nightclub with pulsating strobe lights. Upon entering the club, he meets his love interest, played by actress and stuntwoman Shaina West. The two dance together and exchange breaths through an oxygen tank, before the Weeknd's breath is literally taken away as he gets strangled by West's braids. The video ends with the Weeknd regaining his breath and consciousness as he is seen lying down on the club floor with a snippet of "Sacrifice" playing in the background. As of early 2022, the video has over 100 million views on YouTube. [32]
"Take My Breath" was used as the theme song for WWE's 2021 pay-per-view Crown Jewel. [33]
The song was included in the 2017 online video game Fortnite as a playable track in its "Fortnite Festival" mode, which the Weeknd headlined for its launch on December 9, 2023. [34]
Digital single #1 [35]
Digital single #2 / CD maxi-single [36] [37]
Weekly charts | Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [118] | 2× Platinum | 140,000‡ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [119] | Diamond | 160,000‡ |
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [120] | Platinum | 90,000‡ |
France (SNEP) [121] | Diamond | 333,333‡ |
Germany (BVMI) [122] | Gold | 200,000‡ |
Italy (FIMI) [123] | Platinum | 100,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ) [124] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
Norway (IFPI Norway) [125] | Platinum | 60,000‡ |
Poland (ZPAV) [126] | Gold | 25,000‡ |
Portugal (AFP) [127] | Gold | 5,000‡ |
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [128] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [129] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
United States (RIAA) [130] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
Streaming | ||
Greece (IFPI Greece) [131] | Gold | 1,000,000† |
Sweden (GLF) [132] | Platinum | 8,000,000† |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Country | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | August 6, 2021 | [133] | ||
Australia | Contemporary hit radio | UMA | [134] | |
Italy | Universal | [135] | ||
United States | August 7, 2021 | Hot adult contemporary radio |
| [136] |
August 10, 2021 | Rhythmic contemporary radio | [137] | ||
Contemporary hit radio | [138] |
Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd has released five studio albums, one live album, three compilation albums, three mixtapes, nine extended plays, 79 single releases and seven promotional singles. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), he has accumulated 20.5 million certified album-equivalent units and 132 million certified digital single units in the US, based on sales and on-demand streaming, as of December 2024.
"Earned It", alternatively titled "Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)", is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. The song was released as the lead single from the soundtrack to the 2015 film Fifty Shades of Grey and was included on the Weeknd's second studio album Beauty Behind the Madness (2015).
"The Hills" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on May 27, 2015, as the second single from his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The song was written by the Weeknd alongside producers Emmanuel "Mano" Nickerson and Illangelo, with Belly receiving additional writing credits.
"Can't Feel My Face" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The song was released on June 8, 2015, as the album's third single. It was written by Max Martin, Peter Svensson, Ali Payami, Savan Kotecha and the Weeknd, and produced by Martin and Payami.
"Often" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on July 31, 2014, as the lead single from his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The song contains a sample from "Ben Sana Vurgunum" by Turkish singer Nükhet Duru.
"In the Night" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, from his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The song was written by the Weeknd, Max Martin, Ali Payami, Savan Kotecha, Peter Svensson, and Belly. Martin and Payami produced the song with co-production from the Weeknd. The song was serviced to contemporary hit radio through XO and Republic Records on November 17, 2015, as the album's fourth single.
"Goosebumps" is a song by American rapper Travis Scott featuring fellow American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was sent to rhythmic radio on December 13, 2016, by Grand Hustle Records and Epic Records as the third single from Scott's second studio album, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight.
"Starboy" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd featuring the French electronic duo Daft Punk. It was released on September 21, 2016, through XO and Republic Records, as the lead single from his third studio album of the same name (2016). The artists wrote and produced the song with Doc McKinney and Henry "Cirkut" Walter, with Jason "DaHeala" Quenneville receiving additional credits. It is an R&B and electropop song that reflects themes of extravagance and celebrity life.
"I Feel It Coming" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his third studio album, Starboy (2016), featuring the French duo Daft Punk. The three wrote and produced the song with Doc McKinney and Cirkut, with additional writing from Eric Chedeville. XO and Republic Records released the track for digital download on November 17, 2016, as the album's third single. Written in an hour and conceived during separate sessions in Paris and Los Angeles, "I Feel It Coming" is a disco-pop and funk track where the Weeknd convinces a woman to not be scared of falling in love again.
"Party Monster" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, from his third studio album Starboy (2016). The song was released for digital download on November 17, 2016, as the album's fourth single. It was later sent to US urban contemporary radio on December 6, 2016. The song was written and produced by the Weeknd, Ben Billions, and Doc McKinney, with additional writing credits going to Belly and Lana Del Rey, the latter of whom provides background vocals.
"Reminder" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his third studio album, Starboy (2016). It was written by him with Dylan Wiggins, DaHeala, and its producers Doc McKinney, Mano and Cirkut. The song was released to rhythmic contemporary radio on May 9, 2017, as the album's fifth single in the United States.
"Die for You" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, from his third studio album, Starboy (2016). The song was sent to US rhythmic contemporary radio on September 19, 2017, as the seventh single from the album. It was written by the Weeknd, Doc McKinney, Cirkut, Prince 85, Cashmere Cat, Dylan Wiggins, and Billy Walsh, and produced by the former five.
"Pray for Me" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd and the American rapper Kendrick Lamar from the soundtrack album of the Marvel Studios superhero film Black Panther. The song was released by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records on February 2, 2018, as the album's third and final single. It serves as the second overall collaboration between the two artists. The song appears in the movie during the scene where the titular hero along with his allies, Nakia and Okoye, enter a secret casino in Busan.
"High Hopes" is a song by American pop rock solo project Panic! at the Disco. Their song was released through Fueled by Ramen and DCD2 Records on May 23, 2018, as the second single from the band's sixth studio album, Pray for the Wicked (2018). Their song was written and produced by Jake Sinclair and Jonas Jeberg, and co-written by Brendon Urie, Jenny Owen Youngs, Lauren Pritchard, Sam Hollander, William Lobban-Bean, Taylor Parks, and Ilsey Juber, with additional production by Jonny Coffer. It was serviced to alternative radio on July 31, 2018, and impacted hot adult contemporary radio on August 27, 2018, and US pop radio the following day.
"Call Out My Name" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his debut extended play, My Dear Melancholy (2018). The song was co-written by the Weeknd and producer Frank Dukes, with musician Nicolas Jaar receiving writing credits for the sampling of his 2016 song "Killing Time". The song was sent to rhythmic contemporary radio on April 10, 2018, as the EP's only single.
"Lost in the Fire" is a song by French DJ Gesaffelstein and Canadian singer the Weeknd, released on 11 January 2019 as the second single from Gesaffelstein's second studio album, Hyperion (2019). Nate Donmoyer assisted the artists in writing and producing the song, with additional writing from Ahmad "Belly" Balshe and Jason "DaHeala" Quenneville.
"Heartless" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on November 27, 2019, through XO and Republic Records as the lead single from his fourth studio album, After Hours (2020). The Weeknd wrote and produced the song alongside Metro Boomin, Illangelo, and Dre Moon. The song combines R&B and trap with elements of electroclash.
"Save Your Tears" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his fourth studio album, After Hours (2020). It was released to Dutch contemporary hit radio on August 9, 2020, as the album's fifth and final single. The song was written and produced by the Weeknd, Max Martin, and Oscar Holter, with Belly and DaHeala receiving additional writing credits.
"Sacrifice" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on January 7, 2022, through XO and Republic Records, alongside his fifth studio album, Dawn FM, as that album's second single. The song was written by the Weeknd, Max Martin, Oscar Holter, Carl Nordström and Swedish House Mafia; with Kevin McCord receiving songwriting credits for the sampling of the 1981 track "I Want to Thank You", performed by Alicia Myers. Production was handled by the Weeknd, Martin, Holter, Swedish House Mafia and Carl Nordström.
"Creepin'" is a song by American record producer Metro Boomin, Canadian singer the Weeknd, and British-American rapper 21 Savage. It was sent to Italian contemporary hit radio through Republic Records and Boominati Worldwide as the lead and only single from Metro's second studio album, Heroes & Villains, on January 27, 2023. It is a remake of "I Don't Wanna Know" (2004) by Mario Winans featuring Enya and P. Diddy, which is based on a sample of the Fugees' song "Ready or Not" (1996), and itself samples Enya's "Boadicea" (1987). Winans himself returned to contribute to the song as a backing vocalist along with Travis Scott. Diddy himself would also join the artists on a remix of the song on March 17, 2023.
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