Tonight (Kesha song)

Last updated

"Tonight"
Single by Kesha
from the album High Road
ReleasedJanuary 28, 2020 (2020-01-28)
Genre
Length3:15
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Stint
Kesha singles chronology
"Resentment"
(2019)
"Tonight"
(2020)
"Chasing Rainbows"
(2020)

"Tonight" is a song by American singer Kesha, which was released as the fourth and final single from her fourth studio album, High Road , on January 28, 2020. [1]

Contents

Background

On October 21, 2019, a trailer for Kesha's High Road album premiered on her YouTube channel. In it, snippets of "Tonight" were featured, along with other songs from the album ("Raising Hell", "My Own Dance", "High Road"). [2] Kesha posted a video to her TikTok account, which shows her and co-writer Wrabel lip-syncing and dancing to the track. [3]

The song premiered as the third promotional single off of High Road on January 28, 2020, 3 days before the album's release. [4] During her Halloween party, sponsored by Jack Daniels, she previewed the song to the partygoers. In the description for the album on Apple Music, Kesha wrote about the song, "When I first started making the record, I wasn't so sure how honest I could be about who I am and where I'm at in my life. I didn't want to take away from or minimize what I've been through by coming out with songs that are about me going out and having fun. And it took me a little bit of time to really come to terms with the fact that I don't owe it to anybody to be eternally miserable. It's kind of a sound-fuckery, because you think it's going to be a ballad and then it goes into me doing my shit-talking—kind of a quintessential off-of-my-first-record thing that I purposefully left off of Rainbow. This is a record for my fans, because they have been there for me through all of the bullshit I've gone through and I just wanted them to know I'm back and I'm ready to have a fucking amazing night and tonight's the night to do that. That's what I wanted to open the record with." [5]

Composition

"Tonight" is a "bass-bumping" [6] electropop composition. [7] It begins as a "gentle", piano-driven pop ballad, [8] [9] [10] before launching into a hip hop and EDM breakdown with a "low-riding bassline" and a "buzzed beat". [1] [8] [10] [11] Kesha stated that "Tonight" is a "celebratory" song about "fucking up what I have". [6] The song drew comparisons to many different works: its beginning and chorus to Lady Gaga (such as her 2016 album Joanne ), [12] while the breakdown to Kesha's pre-Rainbow music (notably, her Animal album). [13]

Live performances

Kesha performed "Tonight" during the Live with Kelly and Ryan after-Oscars show on February 10, 2020. During the performance, six backup dancers wearing colorful clothing were present, while the singer wore a jeweled teardrop accessory. [14]

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Tonight"
RegionDateFormat(s)LabelsRef.
VariousJanuary 28, 2020 [15]
AustraliaJanuary 31, 2020Radio airplay [16]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Petras</span> German singer and songwriter (born 1992)

Kim Petras is a German singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Between 2016 and 2020, she released music as an independent artist under her own imprint, BunHead Records, before signing with Amigo and Republic Records in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tik Tok (song)</span> 2009 single by Kesha

"Tik Tok" is the debut single by American singer Kesha, who co-wrote the song with its producers Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco. It was released on August 7, 2009, as the lead single from her debut studio album, Animal (2010). The opening line of the song came from an experience where Kesha woke up surrounded by beautiful women, to which she imagined P. Diddy being in a similar scenario. The experience prompted the writing of the song which she later brought to her producer, Dr. Luke, who was then contacted by P. Diddy in hopes of a collaboration; he came to the studio the same day and recorded his lines, and the song was completed.

<i>Animal</i> (Kesha album) 2010 studio album by Kesha

Animal is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Kesha. The album was released on January 1, 2010, by RCA Records. Kesha worked on the album with a variety of record producers and songwriters such as Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, Benny Blanco, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin, Max Martin and others. Kesha had been recording demos for several years when one eventually ended up in the hands of Samantha Cox, senior director of writer/publisher relations at BMI. Cox passed along the demo and it ended up in the hands of Gottwald, who decided to have Kesha perform on the song "Right Round" with American rapper Flo Rida. Within two months, the song became a hit in multiple countries around the world. The event led to Kesha being sought after by many major labels, and she eventually signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kesha</span> American singer and songwriter

Kesha Rose Sebert, formerly stylized as Ke$ha, is an American singer and songwriter. In 2005, at age 18, Kesha was signed to Kemosabe Records. Her first major success came in early 2009 after she was featured on rapper Flo Rida's number-one single "Right Round".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kesha discography</span> Discography of the American singer-songwriter Kesha

American singer Kesha has released five studio albums, one compilation album, two extended plays, 32 singles, 11 promotional singles, and has made seven other guest appearances. As of 2017, she has sold over 41 million tracks and streams in the United States alone, and over 87 million tracks and streams worldwide. As of 2019, she has also accumulated approximately 7 billion on-demand streams and has sold over 14 million album equivalents worldwide bringing her record sales to stand at over 100 million equivalents worldwide. She is also one of the highest certified digital singles artists in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America, with 35.5 million certified units as a lead act. She is also certified for 5 million albums in the country alone, bringing her total record certifications to stand at 40.5 million as a lead act. Including features, she is certified for 18 million digital singles, further bringing her total record certifications to 59 million overall in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dirty Picture</span> 2010 single by Taio Cruz

"Dirty Picture" is a song by British R&B singer Taio Cruz, which features vocals from American singer Kesha and was released from his second studio album, Rokstarr (2009). The song was written and produced by Cruz alongside Fraser T Smith, and later released as the album's third single on 5 April 2010. Originally, Cruz wanted the female vocals to be done by Lady Gaga but opted to switch to Kesha due to heavy influence by Dr. Luke and for finding her voice unique. The song was later re-recorded as an album bonus track for Kesha's debut album, Animal (2010), and dubbed the "Kesha edit" or "Dirty Picture Pt. 2". Lyrically, the song is about sending a dirty picture to a significant other whom you miss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Love Is My Drug</span> 2010 single by Kesha

"Your Love Is My Drug" is a song by American singer-songwriter Kesha, taken from her debut studio album, Animal (2010). It was released as the album's third single on May 14, 2010. The song was written by Kesha and Pebe Sebert, with Ammo, who co-produced the song with Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco. "Your Love Is My Drug"'s initial writing took place during a plane ride. Described by Kesha as a "pretty happy" song with dark undertones, the song's inspiration came from Kesha's relationship with an ex-boyfriend. Written about the couple's codependency, the song compares their love for one another to a drug.

<i>Cannibal</i> (EP) 2010 EP by Kesha

Cannibal is the first extended play (EP) by American recording artist Kesha, released on November 19, 2010. The EP is a follow-up companion to her debut album, Animal (2010). Originally, the record was thought to be released as a deluxe edition of Animal, but was instead sold and released as both an EP and a deluxe edition of Animal. Kesha worked with a variety of producers and writers such as executive producer Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco, Ammo, Max Martin, Bangladesh and others. Musically, the songs on Cannibal are of the dance-pop genre, with some songs incorporating elements of electro and electropop in their production and beats. Throughout the album, the use of Auto-Tune and vocoders is prominent. Lyrically, the songs on Cannibal speak of ignoring judgement or hate and experiences based on love and heartbreak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We R Who We R</span> 2010 single by Kesha

"We R Who We R" is a song by American singer Kesha from her first extended play (EP), Cannibal (2010). The song was released as the EP's lead single on October 22, 2010. It was written by Kesha, with Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco and Ammo. Production of the song was completed by Dr. Luke, Blanco, and Ammo. In the wake of news that bullying and harassment had led to multiple suicides of gay youth, Kesha wrote the song in hopes that it would become a pride anthem. The song is intended to inspire people to be themselves, and as a celebration of anyone deemed quirky or eccentric.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">C'Mon (Kesha song)</span> 2012 single by Ke$ha

"C'Mon" is a song by American singer Kesha from her second studio album, Warrior (2012). It was released as the album's second single on November 16, 2012. The song was written by Kesha, Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco, Max Martin, Cirkut, and fellow pop singer and longtime collaborator Bonnie McKee, while production was handled by Dr. Luke, Blanco, and Cirkut. Containing elements of pop rap, "C'Mon" is a techno-pop, bubblegum pop, and dance song with brash lyrics that center on partying and falling in love. Stylistically, the song follows a verse-chorus pattern typical in pop music, with Kesha adding traditional singing in the latter and the discordant enunciation and stresses of vowels to force assonance and rhyme that epitomize her rap technique in the former.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chuckie (DJ)</span> Musical artist

Clyde Sergio Narain, known professionally as Chuckie, is a Surinamese DJ and producer. He lives in Aruba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Die Young</span> 2012 single by Kesha

"Die Young" is a song by American singer and songwriter Kesha. It was released on September 25, 2012, as the lead single from her second studio album, Warrior (2012). Kesha co-wrote the song with its producers, Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco, and Cirkut, with additional writing from Nate Ruess, the lead singer of Fun. Ruess wrote the words for the chorus, but Kesha wrote the lyrics after traveling around the world and embarking on a spiritual journey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olivia O'Brien</span> American singer

Olivia Gail O'Brien is an American singer. In 2016, after she collaborated with Gnash on the single "I Hate U, I Love U", the pair peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number one in Australia, resulting in a recording contract with Island Records. Her debut studio album, Was It Even Real?, was released in April 2019. Her single "Josslyn", a part of her EP The Results of My Poor Judgement, became popular on the media-sharing app TikTok and is another one of her well-known works.

<i>High Road</i> (Kesha album) 2020 studio album by Kesha

High Road is the fourth studio album by American singer and songwriter Kesha. It was released on January 31, 2020, through RCA and Kemosabe Records. Announced in late 2019, the album saw the singer once again taking over the role of sole executive producer, following Rainbow (2017). She collaborated with various songwriters and record producers to achieve her desired sonority, combining elements of her career beginnings and Rainbow. Musically, High Road is primarily a pop, country and classic rock record, although it encompasses a variety of genres, including dance-pop, folk, electronic pop, synthpop, trip hop, electro, EDM, trap, dream pop, hip hop, and gospel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raising Hell (Kesha song)</span> 2019 single by Kesha featuring Big Freedia

"Raising Hell" is a song by American singer Kesha featuring American rapper Big Freedia. It was released as the lead single from Kesha's fourth studio album High Road on October 24, 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Own Dance</span> Song by Kesha

"My Own Dance" is a song by American singer Kesha. It was released as the second single from her fourth studio album, High Road, on November 21, 2019.

Jaden Isaiah Hossler, known professionally as Jxdn, is an American singer, songwriter and TikTok personality from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hossler rose to prominence on the video sharing app TikTok in 2019 before beginning a music career in early 2020 with the release of his debut single "Comatose".

Sharlee Jade Curnow, known professionally as Peach PRC, is an Australian pop singer, songwriter, and social media personality. Her major label debut single "Josh" was released in early 2021, which peaked at number 38 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Peach is a prominent figure on the social media platform TikTok, where she posts content about her life, self-care advice with ADHD and drug and alcohol abuse, and her music.

Christine "Chrissy" Chlapecka is an American TikTok personality, activist, and musician. She is best known as a key figure in "#BimboTok", a TikTok subculture centered on reclaiming the bimbo stereotype and aesthetic in a queer, feminist, and leftist context.

References

  1. 1 2 Martoccio, Angie (January 28, 2020). "Kesha Unveils Swaggering Ode to Night Life, 'Tonight'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  2. kesha (October 21, 2019). "Kesha - HIGH ROAD (Album Trailer)". YouTube . Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  3. Kesha (@kesha). "ANIMALS I heard u all want #tonight to be the next single & I'm going to release it! thank u for loving it as much as I do. this one's for u!!👻". TikTok . Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  4. @KeshaRose (January 28, 2020). "BITCH WE GOIN OUT TONIGHT!!! Tonight is out now !!!!! stream it everywhere smarturl.it/kTonight this one's for u #keshatonight" (Tweet). Retrieved February 1, 2020 via Twitter.
  5. Kesha (January 31, 2020). "High Road by Kesha on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
  6. 1 2 Lynch, Joe (January 29, 2020). "From Lizzo to Queen & Beyond: Kesha Shares Albums That Inspired 'High Road'". Billboard . Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  7. Wass, Mike (January 27, 2020). "Kesha Readies "Tonight" As The Next Single From 'High Road'". Idolator. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  8. 1 2 Bassett, Jordan (February 1, 2020). "Kesha - 'High Road' review: superstar's turbo-charged record veers across multiple lanes". NME . Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  9. Amorosi, A.D. (January 31, 2020). "Kesha's 'High Road': Album Review". Variety . Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  10. 1 2 Kaufman, Gil (January 28, 2020). "Kesha Is Positive That 'Tonight' Will Be the Best Night of Her Life: Listen". Billboard . Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  11. Cliff, Aimee (January 31, 2020). "Kesha: High Road review - bringing the girl back to the party". The Guardian . Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  12. DeVille, Chris (January 28, 2020). "Kesha Shares New Album's Opening Track "Tonight": Listen". Stereogum . Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  13. Tilcher, Jordan (January 28, 2020). "Animal-Era Kesha Comes Out To Play On New Single 'Tonight'". MTV News . Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  14. Mamo, Heran (February 10, 2020). "Kesha Performs & Lives to Tell the Epic Tale Behind 'Tonight': Watch". Billboard . Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  15. "Tonight by Kesha on Spotify". Spotify . Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  16. "Singles To Radio - Issue 1274". The Music Network . Archived from the original on February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020.