X (Chris Brown song)

Last updated
"X"
X Like Me.jpg
Promotional single by Chris Brown
from the album X
ReleasedAugust 25, 2014
Genre
Length4:20
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Diplo
Audio video
"X" on YouTube

"X" is a song by American recording artist Chris Brown, taken from his sixth homonym studio album X (2014), and was released as an instant-gratification track alongside the album pre-order on iTunes on August 25, 2014. [2] It was written by Brown, Diplo, Djemba Djemba, RoccStar, Dewain Whitmore and Sevyn Streeter. Musically, "X" is a song that unites R&B and soul vocals with a dance beat. The song contains lyrics about Brown forgetting a failed relationship with a woman. "X" received critical praise from music critics, which praised the maturity of the lyrics and his production. Following the release of X, as a result of the strong digital downloads, the song charted on multiple charts worldwide; it peaked at number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 26 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, number 63 on the French Singles Chart, number 12 on the UK Singles R&B Chart, number 81 on the UK Singles Chart and number 75 on the Australian Singles Chart.

Contents

Composition and lyrics

"X" is a song that unites R&B and soul vocals with an EDM beat, with an instrumentation provided by a roland TR-808 and synthesizers. [3] In the song Brown sings over a soft beat before transitioning into a more up-tempo sound. [4] In the song, Brown says that he's forgetting a failed relationship with a woman, as he sings, "I swear to god i'm moving on!", admitting his past errors singing "I deal with my pain like a lonely child". [5] Music critics speculated that the lyrics were about Brown's former relationships with aspiring American model and fashion designer Karrueche Tran and Barbadian recording artist Rihanna. [6]

Reception

"X" received critical praise from music critics. Miranda J. of XXL gave a positive review saying that in the song Brown "speaks of maturing and accepts his role in recent events, over the soft beat before transitioning into a more up-tempo sound". [7] Brad Wete of Billboard called the song "Brown's most honest song", saying also that "it's safe to say that this is a man who knows he's got to get his life together and has to prove to himself and others". [8] Slant Magazine's Alexa Camp felt that "X" was "an admirable attempt to take responsibility for his anger-management issues" from Brown, speculating that the lyrics were about Brown's relationship with Barbadian recording artist Rihanna. [9] Marcus Dowling of HipHopDX wrote that "Brown emphatically stating that “[he] swears to god he’s moving on!” is either an amazing kiss-off to well documented on again/off again flame Rihanna, or an angry note to on again/off again mate Karrueche Tran". [10]

Charts

Chart (2014)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [11] 75
France (SNEP) [12] 63
Lebanon (Lebanese Top 20) [13] 9
UK Singles (OCC) [14] 91
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [15] 12
US Billboard Hot 100 [16] 98
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [17] 26

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Brown</span> American R&B singer (born 1989)

Christopher Maurice Brown is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Brown is regarded as one of the most prominent artists in R&B music, being credited as an evolver of the genre, and often being referred to by contemporaries as the "King of R&B". His R&B has been characterized by several influences from other genres, mainly pop music and hip hop. His lyrics develop predominantly over emotional and hedonistic themes. Brown has had wide comparisons to Michael Jackson for his singing and dancing abilities, as well as for his stage presence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take You Down</span> 2008 single by Chris Brown

"Take You Down" is a song recorded by American recording artist Chris Brown for his second studio album, Exclusive (2007). The song was written by Brown, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas, Steve Russell, James Fauntleroy and Lamar Edwards, while production was helmed by Edwards and The Underdogs. The song was released as the album's fourth single on April 6, 2008 in the United States. "Take You Down" is composed as slow R&B ballad with the lyrics based on sexual intercourse. The song garnered Brown a Grammy nomination in the category Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crawl (Chris Brown song)</span> 2009 single by Chris Brown

"Crawl" is a song by American recording artist Chris Brown. It is the second single from his third studio album Graffiti, released as a digital download on November 24, 2009. The song was produced by The Messengers and was written by Brown. The song is about yearning to rebuild a failed relationship and was interpreted by critics as being about Brown's former relationship with Barbadian singer Rihanna. However, Brown has stated the song is not about any of his previous relationships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deuces (song)</span> 2011 song by Chris Brown

"Deuces" is a song written and performed by American singer Chris Brown featuring fellow American musicians Tyga and Kevin McCall. Produced by McCall, "Deuces" was released digitally on June 25, 2010, as the lead single from Brown's first collaborative effort with Tyga, titled Fan of a Fan (2010). The song is a slow, down-tempo R&B ballad featuring elements from the genres of house and pop music, while the song is lyrically about "breaking it off with a girl after failed attempts to make the relationship work". "Deuces" was later included on Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E. (2011).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Man Down (song)</span> 2011 single by Rihanna

"Man Down" is a song by Bajan singer Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). Rihanna, fellow Bajan singer Shontelle, and production duo R. City wrote the song with its main producer, Sham. They wrote it during a writing camp, in Los Angeles of March 2010, held by Rihanna's record label to gather compositions for possible inclusion on the then-untitled album. Rock City were inspired by Bob Marley's 1973 song "I Shot the Sheriff" and set out to create a song which embodied the same feel, but from a female perspective. "Man Down" is a reggae song which incorporates elements of ragga and electronic music. Lyrically, Rihanna is a fugitive after she shoots a man, an action she later regrets. Several critics singled out "Man Down" as Loud's highlight, while others commented on her prominent West Indian accent and vocal agility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Talk That Talk (Rihanna song)</span> 2012 single by Rihanna

"Talk That Talk" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her 2011 studio album of the same name. It features a rap verse by American rapper Jay-Z, who had previously collaborated with Rihanna on her song "Umbrella" in 2007 and "Run This Town" in 2009. The song was written by Jay-Z, Ester Dean, together with the Norwegian production duo Stargate. Def Jam Recordings serviced the track to urban contemporary radio in the United States on January 17, 2012, as the third single from Talk That Talk. It was released in France as a CD single on March 26. "Talk That Talk" is a hip hop song with R&B beats, rough drums and unrefined synths, and has a similar style to Rihanna's 2010 single "Rude Boy". It contains a brief sample of "I Got a Story to Tell" by the Notorious B.I.G. Therefore, the Buckwild, Sean Combs, Chucky Thompson, and the Notorious B.I.G. are credited as songwriters despite the Notorious B.I.G's death in 1997.

"Birthday Cake" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, from her sixth studio album, Talk That Talk (2011). After it leaked onto the Internet, fans expressed interest in the track being included on Talk That Talk, but it was later revealed that the 1:18 length that leaked was in fact the final cut and was not being considered for inclusion on the album. Due to a high level of fan interest, the song was included on the album as an interlude. The full length version, also known as the official remix of the track, featuring Rihanna's ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, premiered online on February 20, 2012, to coincide with Rihanna's 24th birthday. The song peaked in the top thirty on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics to "Birthday Cake" express the desire to have spontaneous sex. Music critics were divided on "Birthday Cake", with the majority both praising and criticising the song's sexual lyrical content. Several critics compared the song to the previous track on the album "Cockiness ", which also consists of sexually explicit lyrics. Upon the release of Talk That Talk, the song debuted on the lower regions of the singles charts in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Judge Me</span> 2012 single by Chris Brown

"Don't Judge Me" is a song by American singer Chris Brown on his fifth studio album, Fortune (2012). It was produced by the Messengers, and written by Brown, Nasri Atweh, Adam Messinger and Mark "Pelli" Pellizzer. The song was sent to urban contemporary radio stations in the United States on August 14, 2012, as the fifth and final single from the album. "Don't Judge Me" is a midtempo ballad, with lyrics in which Brown asks his lover to forgive him "for his past indiscretions" and "move on with the future." The lyrics reportedly referred to Brown's former relationships with American model and fashion designer Karrueche Tran and Barbadian recording artist Rihanna.

"Loveeeeeee Song" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna recorded for her seventh studio album Unapologetic (2012). The song features vocals by American rapper Future who also co-wrote, and music produced by Luney Tunez, Emmanuel Zaragoza and Future. Additional writing was done by Denisia "Blu June" Andrews and Rihanna herself.

<i>X</i> (Chris Brown album) 2014 studio album by Chris Brown

X is the sixth studio album by American singer Chris Brown. It was released on September 16, 2014, by CBE Entertainment and RCA Records. The album serves as the follow-up to his fifth album Fortune (2012). Brown for the album worked with several producers, including RoccStar, Danja, Nic Nac, Diplo and others. The album also features guest appearances by various urban artists, including Kendrick Lamar, R. Kelly, Akon, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Trey Songz, Tyga, Rick Ross, Brandy, Lil Wayne, Jhené Aiko and Aaliyah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Show Me (Kid Ink song)</span> 2013 single by Kid Ink

"Show Me" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kid Ink. The song was released on September 17, 2013, by Tha Alumni Music Group, 88 Classic and RCA Records as the lead single from his second studio album, My Own Lane (2014). The song, produced by DJ Mustard and Mike Free, features a hook by American recording artist Chris Brown. The song peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 23 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Main Chick</span> 2014 single by Kid Ink

"Main Chick" is a song by American rapper Kid Ink from his second studio album My Own Lane (2014). On March 11, 2014, the song was serviced to rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States as the album's third single. The song features a guest appearance by Chris Brown, with production provided by DJ Mustard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back to Sleep (song)</span> 2015 single by Chris Brown

"Back to Sleep", also known by the censored version title "Sex You Back to Sleep", is a song by American recording artist Chris Brown from his seventh studio album Royalty. The song was released as the album's third single and its first urban single on November 5, 2015. Three official remixes of the song were released during the first months of 2016, one featuring Usher and ZAYN, another one featuring Miguel, August Alsina, and Trey Songz, and the last one featuring Tank, R. Kelly and Anthony Hamilton.

<i>Royalty</i> (Chris Brown album) 2015 studio album by Chris Brown

Royalty is the seventh studio album by American singer Chris Brown. It was released on December 18, 2015, by CBE and RCA Records. The album was anticipated by the mixtape Before the Party, released as its prelude, and serves as the follow-up to his sixth album X (2014). The album is named after the singer's daughter, Royalty Brown, whom the album is dedicated to.

"Consideration" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her eighth studio album Anti (2016). It was co-written by featured artist SZA, with Rihanna and the song's producer, Tyran Donaldson. "Consideration" is a dub-inspired hip-hop and R&B song, with a "stuttering, distorted beat", "pounding percussion", "a crunchy groove", and a "throbbing bass line" in its instrumentation. Lyrically, the song is a declaration of independence, and a desire to seek peace of mind.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Needed Me</span> 2016 single by Rihanna

"Needed Me" is a song by Barbadian singer and songwriter Rihanna from her eighth studio album, Anti (2016). It was written by Rihanna, Brittany Hazard, Charles Hinshaw and Derrus Rachel together with its producer DJ Mustard and its co-producers Twice as Nice and Frank Dukes. The song was serviced to urban radio stations on March 30, 2016, together with "Kiss It Better". Afterwards, Def Jam released "Needed Me" to mainstream radio. "Needed Me" is a "mellow" dubstep-flavored electro-R&B song, that contains a downtempo and loose production with synthetic sounds and hard heavy trap beats. The song's lyrics discuss romantic rejection.

<i>Heartbreak on a Full Moon</i> 2017 studio album by Chris Brown

Heartbreak on a Full Moon is the eighth studio album by American singer Chris Brown. The album is a double-disc, consisting of 45 tracks, and was released digitally on October 31, 2017, and onto CD three days later by RCA Records. Brown worked with several producers, including Prince Chrishan, A1, Amadeus, Boi-1da, D. A. Doman, and Scott Storch. The album also features guest appearances by Jhené Aiko, R. Kelly, Dej Loaf, Lil Yachty, Usher, Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Kodak Black, Future, Young Thug, Ty Dolla Sign, and Verse Simmonds, with the deluxe edition having additional features from Agnez Mo, Trippie Redd, Ella Mai, and Solo Lucci. Recording sessions for Heartbreak on a Full Moon took place between the end of 2015 and August 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grass Ain't Greener</span> 2016 single by Chris Brown

"Grass Ain't Greener" is a song by American singer Chris Brown released on May 5, 2016 as the lead single from Brown's eight studio album, Heartbreak on a Full Moon. The song was written by Brown and Prince Chrishan, and produced by Nikhil. "Grass Ain't Greener" is a mid-tempo alternative R&B and trap song, that explores themes of breakup and untrusting love relationships.

"Autumn Leaves" is a song by American singer Chris Brown, featuring American rapper Kendrick Lamar, taken from his sixth studio album X (2014). It was written by Brown and Lamar, while its production was handled by B.A.M. and RoccStar. Musically, "Autumn Leaves" is a soul track that features alternative hip hop parts. The song contains lyrics about a lover’s departure and internal conflict, while Lamar's verse coaches Brown through his emotional challenges. "Autumn Leaves" received critical praise from music critics, which praised the artists' performances and its lyrical content. "Autumn Leaves" earned Gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pills & Automobiles</span> 2017 single by Chris Brown featuring Yo Gotti, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Kodak Black

"Pills & Automobiles" is a song written and performed by American singer Chris Brown featuring American rappers Yo Gotti, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and Kodak Black. Production was handled by OG Parker, The Martianz and Smash David. The song was released through RCA Records on August 4, 2017, as the fourth single from Brown's eighth studio album, Heartbreak on a Full Moon (2017).

References

  1. "Review: Chris Brown Plays the Blame Game on Cathartic Album 'X'". 15 September 2014.
  2. Brown, Chris. "Download X on @iTunesMusic today!". Twitter.
  3. "Chris Brown - X". 15 September 2014.
  4. "Chris Brown Delivers Standout Hits on 'X' - XXL". 16 September 2014.
  5. "Review: Chris Brown, X". Slant Magazine . 13 September 2014.
  6. "Review: Chris Brown, X". Slant Magazine . 13 September 2014.
  7. "Chris Brown Delivers Standout Hits on 'X' - XXL". 16 September 2014.
  8. "Chris Brown, 'X': Track-by-Track Review". Billboard .
  9. "Review: Chris Brown, X". Slant Magazine . 13 September 2014.
  10. "Chris Brown - X". 15 September 2014.
  11. https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20140905010800/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20140905-1108/ARIAIssue1279.pdf
  12. "Brown,Chris – X" (in French). Les classement single.
  13. "The Official Lebanese Top 20 - Chris Brown". The Official Lebanese Top 20 . Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  14. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  15. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  16. "Chris Brown Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  17. "Chris Brown Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.