Thank You (Estelle song)

Last updated
"Thank You"
Estelle-thank-you.jpg
Single by Estelle
from the album All of Me
Released4 October 2011
Genre R&B
Length4:12 [1]
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s) Arden Altino, Akene Dunkley, Jerry Duplessis, Douglas Fraser Edwards, Thomas David Richardson, Aliaune Thiam [2]
Producer(s) Arden Altino, Jerry Duplessis [2]
Estelle singles chronology
"Break My Heart"
(2011)		"Thank You"
(2011)		"Back to Love"
(2011)

"Thank You" is a song from English R&B singer and rapper Estelle, released as the second single of her third studio album All of Me . The R&B ballad was co-written by the American hip-hop singer Akon and was produced by Jerry Wonda. It was released in the United States on 4 October 2011. [1] On the track, she finds herself expressing gratitude to the man who's helped her, because the experience has helped make her both smarter and stronger. It has charted on the Billboard 's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and it is already her most successful single on the R&B chart. [3] It also debuted at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Contents

"Thank You" samples the Creative Source version of "Wildflower" by Doug Edwards and Dave Richardson. Other versions of "Wildflower" have been sampled by Tupac Shakur, Jamie Foxx, Kanye West, Paul Wall and Drake. The song received a nomination for Best R&B Performance at the 55th Grammy Awards held in February 2013. [4]

Background

The song was released as the second official single from her then-upcoming third album All of Me . [2] The emotional, soulful ballad was written by Senegalese-American singer-songwriter Akon and was produced by Jerry Wonda. [2] Despite being heartbroken, the singer is grateful for the experience of the relationship that's just ended. [2] Estelle told Rap-Up TV she fell in love with the track as soon as she heard it. "By the time it got to the chorus I was damn near crying," she said. "It just resonated so much with me. I play it to my guy friends and they cry." [2]

She pours her heart out on the chorus: "These tears I cry sure won't be the last/They will not be the last ... no/This pain inside which never seems to pass/It never seems to pass me by/So I thank you/Said I thank you/Yes I thank you/For making me a woman." [5]

Critical reception

Margaret Wappler from Los Angeles Times wrote that the song "showcases Estelle’s ability to sound pushed to her limits but never broken." [6] Jon Dolan from Rolling Stone describes the song as "resilient post-breakup neo-soul." [7] Mark Edward Nero from About.com praised the track, while reviewing the album, writing that "One of the few tunes where Estelle really shines without any other vocalists is 'Thank You', a sweetly bitter track about how a woman is angry and sad about losing her man to someone else, but also grateful because the experience has made her a stronger person." [8] Jon Caramanica from New York Times said that the track "the gentle, loping “Thank You” is clear homage to Lauryn Hill." [9]

Music video

The music video for the song was directed by Iren Sheffield and premiered on 18 January 2012 on her YouTube account. [10] The video tells a story of love lost. [11]

Synopsis

A romantic dinner at a luxurious mansion is ruined faster than a sidepiece who won’t stop calling her boyfriend's phone. So, Estelle gets fed up with the games and takes action. While giving a series of looks and a few intimate shots, Estelle searches for the strength to move on and move out. But she may have just been looking for the perfect outfit because she leaves her man high and dry while wearing a fur coat and slides him a message that keeps him thinking on her way out. [11] [12]

Chart performance

The song became her most successful single on the Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reaching number fifteen, so far. [3] The song also debuted at number one-hundred on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her second song to enter the Hot 100 chart. [3] It has spent 50 weeks on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart, becoming her biggest hit on the chart. [13]

Charts

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ciara</span> American singer (born 1985)

Ciara Princess Wilson is an American singer, songwriter, businesswoman, dancer, model, and actress. She rose to prominence with her debut studio album, Goodies (2004) and its lead single of the same name, which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. Follow-up singles from the album included "1, 2 Step" and "Oh", both of which peaked at number two on the former chart. The album was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and received two nominations at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. Ciara also guest featured on the 2005 singles "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott and "Like You" by Bow Wow, both of which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olivia (singer)</span> American R&B singer

Olivia Theresa Longott is an American R&B singer. She is best known for performing with the hip hop group G-Unit and also known as a cast member on the VH1 reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Estelle (musician)</span> British musician (born 1980)

Estelle Fanta Swaray is a British singer, rapper and actress. She is known for her eclectic blending of musical genres including R&B, soul, reggae, grime, hip hop, and dance. She has collaborated with prominent American artists including John Legend, Robin Thicke, Rick Ross, Chris Brown, will.i.am, Kanye West, Akon, and Tyler, the Creator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keri Hilson</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1982)

Keri Lynn Hilson is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, she began her musical career as a songwriter and backing vocalist for other artists under the wing of record producer Anthony Dent in 2002. At the age of 14, Hilson secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe, which ultimately disbanded. She attended at Oxford College of Emory University while contributing to material for popular artists, including Britney Spears, Usher, Ciara, The Pussycat Dolls, and Mary J. Blige; she joined the songwriting-production group, the Clutch in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Wanna Love You (Akon song)</span> 2006 single by Akon

"I Wanna Love You" is a song written and recorded by American singer Akon featuring American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released in October 2006 as the second single from his second studio album, Konvicted. It is also featured on Snoop Dogg's eighth album, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment. This song was Akon's first #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 and was also Snoop's second #1 on the same chart. It also reached a peak of #3 on the UK Singles Chart. The track originally had Akon as a featured artist and was performed by rapper Plies from Fort Myers, Florida, but his verse was replaced by Snoop's and his name has been left out from the writers' credits. This song was #88 on MTV Asia's list of Top 100 Hits of 2007. The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akon discography</span>

The discography of Akon, a Senegalese American singer, songwriter and music producer, consists of five studio albums, four mixtapes, one extended play, thirty eight singles, eight promotional singles and ninety-two music videos. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Akon lived in Senegal with his family until the age of seven, when they returned to the United States to live in New Jersey. A three-year prison sentence inspired Akon to begin recording songs in his home studio: Universal Records signed him after becoming aware of his music, and his debut album Trouble was released in June 2004. Two of its singles – "Locked Up" and "Lonely" – reached the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100, with the latter topping numerous singles charts worldwide and being certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Trouble also included the singles "Gunshot ", "Ghetto", "Belly Dancer (Bananza)" and "Pot of Gold", and was eventually certified Platinum by the RIAA and by the British Phonographic Industry in the United Kingdom, where it reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bow Wow discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

American rapper Bow Wow has released six studio albums, twenty-six singles, fifty-one music videos, and eight mixtapes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Ross discography</span>

The discography of Rick Ross, an American rapper, consists of 11 studio albums, one compilation album, 145 singles, one soundtrack, and 40 music videos. Ross's debut studio album, Port of Miami (2006), features two singles with "Hustlin'" and "Push It". Ross's second studio album, Trilla (2008), produced hit singles such as "The Boss" and "Here I Am". Ross's third studio album, Deeper Than Rap (2009), includes the singles such as "Magnificent" and "Maybach Music 2". Ross's fourth studio album, Teflon Don (2010), includes the hit single, "Aston Martin Music".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Body on Me (Nelly song)</span> 2008 single by Nelly featuring Akon and Ashanti

"Body on Me" is a song by American rapper Nelly featuring American singers Akon and Ashanti. It was recorded for Ashanti's fourth album The Declaration and Nelly's fifth studio album Brass Knuckles. The track is produced by Akon and Giorgio Tuinfort. It was released as Ashanti's third single from The Declaration, and Nelly's second single from Brass Knuckles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Estelle discography</span>

The discography of British singer Estelle consists of five studio albums, five extended plays, twenty-three singles, and six promotional singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. Michelle</span> American singer

Kimberly Michelle Pate is an American singer and television personality. She is best known for appearing as a regular cast member on the VH1 reality television series Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta during its first two seasons, later returning to the show during its fifth season. Michelle subsequently signed with Atlantic Records. Her debut studio album, Rebellious Soul, debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, and number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Her second studio album Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart? was released on December 9, 2014. The album debuted at number six in the US and spawned three singles "Love 'Em All", "Maybe I Should Call" and "Hard to Do". The album sold 87,000 copies in its first week in sales.

<i>All of Me</i> (Estelle album) 2012 studio album by Estelle

All of Me is the third studio album by British rapper and singer Estelle. It was first released on 24 February 2012 in Ireland, 28 February in the United States and 12 March in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bittersweet (Fantasia song)</span> 2010 single by Fantasia

"Bittersweet" is a song performed by American singer Fantasia from her third studio album, Back to Me. The song was released on May 11, 2010 as the lead single from the album.

<i>Pink Friday</i> 2010 studio album by Nicki Minaj

Pink Friday is the debut studio album by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on November 22, 2010, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown Records. After signing a recording contract with Young Money Entertainment in 2009, Minaj began planning the album that same year and work continued into 2010. Minaj enlisted a variety of producers whose efforts resulted in a primarily hip hop, pop and R&B album, which sees additional influences from electronic music. The album features guest vocals from Eminem, Rihanna, Drake, will.i.am, Kanye West and Natasha Bedingfield.

<i>Kandi Koated</i> 2010 studio album by Kandi Burruss

Kandi Koated is the second studio album by American R&B recording artist Kandi Burruss, released on December 14, 2010 in the United States on her independent label Kandi Koated Entertainment and Asylum Records. The album features production from Kandi amongst others including Jazze Pha, Ne-Yo, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Drumma Boy. Kandi promoted the album with her debut EP, Fly Above EP, released on October 29, 2009. The first single "Leave U" has reached number 89 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The U.S. iTunes Store had a deluxe edition available for pre-order with 3 bonus tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She Ain't You</span> 2011 single by Chris Brown

"She Ain't You" is a song by American singer Chris Brown. The mid-tempo R&B record was written by Brown, Jean Baptiste, Ryan Buendia, Kevin McCall and Jason Boyd, and was produced by Baptiste under the moniker "Free School". It was sent to urban contemporary radio in the United States on March 28, 2011, as the fourth US single from Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E. (2011). Musically, "She Ain't You" samples the remixed version of SWV's "Right Here" (1993), as well as Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" (1983). The song's lyrics are about Brown missing his ex-girlfriend while he is in a new relationship. "She Ain't You" received positive reviews from music critics, that praised Brown's lyrical and vocal performance, as well as its production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someone to Love Me (Naked)</span> 2011 single by Mary J. Blige featuring Diddy & Lil Wayne

"Someone to Love Me (Naked)" is a song recorded by American singer Mary J. Blige for her tenth studio album My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act 1) (2011). It features guest vocals by American rappers Diddy and Lil Wayne. "Someone to Love Me (Naked)" was written by Blige, Jerry Wonda and Leroy Watson, and was produced by Wonda. The song is a remix of "Someone to Love Me" from Diddy-Dirty Money's debut studio album, Last Train to Paris (2010). It samples "You Roam When You Don’t Get It At Home" performed by The Sweet Inspirations. It was released on March 29, 2011, as the first promotional single from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Break My Heart (Estelle song)</span> 2011 single by Estelle featuring Rick Ross

"Break My Heart" is first single taken from Estelle's third studio album All of Me, featuring American rapper Rick Ross. It was released on 26 April 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Mind (Mary J. Blige song)</span> 2012 single by Mary J. Blige

"Don't Mind" is a song by American singer Mary J. Blige, recorded for her tenth studio album, My Life II... The Journey Continues (2011). It was written by Blige along with Priscilla Renea and Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis, while production helmed by the latter. The song was released by Matriarch Records and Geffen Records as the album's fourth and final single on June 19, 2012 in the United States, where it reached number 35 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart.

<i>Rebellious Soul</i> 2013 studio album by K. Michelle

Rebellious Soul is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter K. Michelle. The album was released on August 13, 2013, by Atlantic Records. Its songs were mostly co-written and co-composed by Michelle and Bianca Atterberry. Other artists who collaborated on the album include Tank, Priscilla Renea, Meek Mill, and Jack Splash. Musically, Rebellious Soul was inspired by Michelle's love for emotional ballads, and the 1970s and 1980s eras in music. She incorporated different combinations of musical genres, including electronic, R&B, hip hop, soul and gospel, for the album's songs.

References

  1. 1 2 "iTunes - Music - Thank You - Single by Estelle". iTunes . Apple Inc. 4 October 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Thank You by Estelle - Songfacts". Songfacts. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 "Estelle Album & Song Chart History - Billboard.com". Billboard . Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  4. ↑ [ dead link ]
  5. ↑ Landrum, Jonathan (February 27, 2012). "Review: Estelle Thrives With Solid 'All of Me'". Associated Press . Retrieved 2012-02-28.
  6. ↑ Wappler, Margareth (February 27, 2012). "Album review: Estelle's 'All of Me' - latimes.com". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 2012-02-28.
  7. ↑ Dolan, Jon (February 28, 2012). "All of Me | Album Reviews | Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone . Retrieved 2012-02-28.
  8. ↑ Nero, Mark Edward (February 28, 2012). "Estelle - All of Me - About.com". About.com . Retrieved 2012-02-28.
  9. ↑ Caramanica, Jon (February 28, 2012). "New Albums From Estelle, Lambchop and Matthew Shipp Trio - NYTimes.com". New York Times . Retrieved 2012-02-28.
  10. ↑ "Estelle - Thank You [Official Video]". Estelle Online. YouTube . Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  11. 1 2 "New Video: Estelle – "Thank You"" . Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  12. ↑ "Video: Estelle "Thank You"" . Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  13. ↑ "Thank You - Estelle - Billboard.com". Billboard. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Estelle Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  15. ↑ "Estelle Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  16. ↑ "Estelle Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  17. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2012". Billboard. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
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.