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! scope="row"| Latvian Albums ([[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|LAIPA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parmuziku.lv/zinas/latvija/muzikas-paterina-topa-48-nedela-7523|title=Mūzikas patēriņa topa 48.nedēļa|language=Latvian|publisher=[[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|LAIPA]]|date=30 November 2018|accessdate=28 November 2019}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Latvian Albums ([[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|LAIPA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parmuziku.lv/zinas/latvija/muzikas-paterina-topa-48-nedela-7523|title=Mūzikas patēriņa topa 48.nedēļa|language=Latvian|publisher=[[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|LAIPA]]|date=30 November 2018|accessdate=28 November 2019}}</ref>
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! scope="row"| Lithuanian Albums ([[AGATA (organization)|AGATA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/savaites-klausomiausi-47-2/|title=2018 48-os SAVAITĖS (lapkričio 23-29 d.)|language=Lithuanian|publisher=[[AGATA (organization)|AGATA]]|date=30 November 2018|accessdate=7 January 2020}}</ref>
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{{album chart|New Zealand|18|artist=Rita Ora|album=Phoenix|rowheader=true|accessdate=30 November 2018}}
{{album chart|New Zealand|18|artist=Rita Ora|album=Phoenix|rowheader=true|accessdate=30 November 2018}}

Revision as of 16:54, 7 January 2020

Phoenix
Studio album by
Rita Ora
Released23 November 2018 (2018-11-23)
Recorded2016–2018
StudioVarious (see below)
Genre
Length40:54
LabelAtlantic UK
Producer
Rita Ora chronology
Ora
(2012) 		Phoenix
(2018)
Singles from Phoenix
  1. "Your Song"
    Released: 26 May 2017
  2. "Anywhere"
    Released: 20 October 2017
  3. "Girls"
    Released: 11 May 2018
  4. "Let You Love Me"
    Released: 21 September 2018
  5. "Only Want You"
    Released: 1 March 2019

Phoenix is the second studio album by British singer Rita Ora. It was released on 23 November 2018 through Atlantic Records UK.[4] Ora announced the album on 18 September 2018 and it was made available for pre-order the same day.

Background

In December 2015, Ora started legal proceedings against Roc Nation, seeking release from the record label and citing that the contract she signed in 2008 was "unenforceable", due to California's "seven-year rule". The complaint stated that she had "only been permitted to release one album despite creating multiple additional records for release" and that her relationship with Roc Nation was "irrevocably damaged".[5][6] In January 2016, Roc Nation filed a counter-lawsuit against Ora for breaking her recording contract.[7] They reached a settlement in May 2016.[8]

In June 2016, it was confirmed that Ora had signed a global record deal with Atlantic Records UK.[9] Soon after, she began to work on her second studio album. In an interview with Billboard Radio China, Ora said of the process:

I had a bit of an issue, publicly, with putting out music which got me really, really, kind of devastated, and I was really down, and then I was really angry, and then I was really frustrated, and then I was really happy that it was happening.[10]

Elaborating on what fans could expect from the album, Ora said:

It was all these emotions, so my album is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. [...] I'm still crazy -- like, I still love to go out and party. Everyone who knows me knows that I love to have a good time, but I wanted this album to also be [something] you could put on and vibe with your friends. There's a lot of ups and downs, but I'm very, very proud of it.[10]

Ora said that the album would be released sometime after March 2018.[10][11] Then during an interview with Glamour (Germany), she announced that it was now coming out in autumn 2018.[12][13] On 18 September 2018, Ora revealed the title of her second studio album and its release date, 23 November. The same day, the album was made available for pre-order.

Musical style

Phoenix is a uptempo dance-pop[1] and pop album that was recorded between 2016 and 2018.[2][14] It incorporates a mixture of genres including R&B-inspired vocals,[2] EDM-lite beats[1] as well as electronic anthems like "Lonely Together", Ora's joint collaboration with Avicii, "Anywhere" and the Rudimental collaboration, "Summer Love".[2] The latter also contains elements of drum and bass music.[15] Ora's vocals were described by The Guardian's Tara Joshi as both "wispy" and "powerful",[1] and by NME' Hannah Mylrea as "distinctive".[15]

"Anywhere" was produced by Alesso and Sir Nolan, described by The Independent as a "hazy EDM banger"[16] and by Mylrea (of NME) as a "chunk of electropop".[15] Critics noted that it has several bridges and a gritty drop.[16] Meanwhile on the mid-tempo track "Let You Love Me", Ora explores emotional barriers with lyrics that include "I wish that I could let you love me/ Say what's the matter with me?".[16]

The Ed Sheeran-penned "Your Song" has a minimalist production largely consisting of drum pads.[16] The song "New Look" takes a different direction; it is a Scandi-pop and tropical song produced by Swedish outfit Jack & Coke.[17][15] Its production sounds like "it's being played on a radio with intermittent signal".[16]

"Keep Talking" is one of several collaborations on the album. It features Julia Michaels and was described by Joshi as both "intriguing" and "euphoric".[1] Another collaboration, "Girls", features rapper Cardi B and American artists Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX. It was described as AllMusic's Neil Yeung as a "bold statement" and a "saucy, sex-positive anthem for the 21st century".[2] Critics such as Joshi (The Guardian) noted that it was an ode to bisexuality.[1]

Themes across the album include love and relationships as explored on the songs "First Time High" and "Only Want You",[17] with the latter also being released as a single and spawning a remix featuring American rapper 6lack. Padin Malvika from Clash noted that "First Time High" has a breezy sound that "leaves you feeling happier and lighter",[14] whilst "Only Want You" was noted for its electro production.[15]

Towards the end of the album, "Velvet Rope" and "Cashmere" are ballads that combine influences from jazz and R&B.[14] The album also includes Ora's joint single with Liam Payne, "For You", which was released in promotion of Fifty Shades Freed (2018), the third and final film in the erotic romantic drama film series Fifty Shades.

Singles

"Your Song" was released on 26 May 2017 as the album's lead single.[18][19] The song peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Ora's ninth single to reach the top ten in the UK. "Anywhere" was released on 20 October 2017 as the second single from the album. The song reached number two in the UK.

"Girls", featuring Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX, was released on 11 May 2018.[20] Ora performed the song live for the first time at the 2017 BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, one year before its official release.[21] "Let You Love Me" was released as the album's fourth single on 21 September 2018. Reaching a peak of number four, it made Ora the first British female solo artist with thirteen top ten songs in the UK.[22] The fifth single, "Only Want You" was released on 1 March 2019 with a feature from American rapper 6lack.[23]

Promotional singles

The first promotional single, "Velvet Rope", was released on November 15, 2018 and was described as a "smooth, slowed-down R&B jam about a scorned ex-lover left wondering how her relationship collapsed". [24]

The second promotional single, "Cashmere", was released on November 19, 2019. Billboard's Sophie Ding said Cashmere "features soaring, multilayered melodies over deep reverbs as Ora sings about exploring a new relationship" .[25]

"Falling to Pieces" was released on November 21, 2019 as the third and final promotional single from the album.[26]

Singles from other projects

"Lonely Together" was released on 11 August 2017 as a joint single from Avicii's EP, Avīci (01). The song reached number four on the UK Singles Chart. "For You" was released with Liam Payne on 5 January 2018 as the lead single from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack. The song peaked at number eight in the UK. [27]

Tour

Main article: Phoenix World Tour

On 29 October 2018, Ora announced that she would be embarking on the Phoenix World Tour in 2019 in support of Phoenix, consisting of twenty-four dates across Europe, Asia and Oceania from 1 March until 29 May 2019.[28]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic76/100[29]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[2]
auspOp[17]
Clash[14]
The Guardian[1]
The Independent[16]
NME[15]
The Times[30]

Phoenix received positive reviews from music critics. According to review aggregator, Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received a weighted score of 76, based on seven reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[29]

Track listing

Adapted album booklet and liner notes.[31]

Phoenix - Standard Edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Anywhere"
  • Alesso
  • Watt[a]
  • Sir Nolan
3:35
2."Let You Love Me"
  • Finn Keane
  • Fred
  • Lewis Roberts[b]
3:10
3."New Look"
Jack & Coke2:34
4."Lonely Together" (Avicii featuring Rita Ora)
3:03
5."Your Song"
Steve Mac3:00
6."Only Want You"
  • Watt
  • Bell
3:00
7."First Time High"
  • Watt
  • Slushii
3:02
8."For You (Fifty Shades Freed)" (with Liam Payne)
4:04
9."Summer Love" (with Rudimental)
4:17
10."Girls" (featuring Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX)
3:41
11."Keep Talking" (featuring Julia Michaels)
3:33
12."Hell of a Life"
  • Tamposi
  • Wotman
  • Lee
  • Bell
  • Watt
  • Bell
3:55
Total length:40:54
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."Velvet Rope"
3:55
14."Falling to Pieces"
  • Ora
  • Wotman
  • Gale
  • Lee
  • Oliver Roddigan
4:21
15."Cashmere"
  • Tamposi
  • Wotman
  • Ryan
  • Julian Bunetta
  • Watt
  • Ryan
  • Bunetta
2:55
16."Soul Survivor"
  • Ora
  • Georgia Overton
  • Eriksen
  • Hermansen
3:29
Total length:55:34
Japanese edition[32]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."Anywhere" (R3hab Remix[33])
  • Ora
  • Lee
  • Lambroza
  • Tamposi
  • Gale
  • Wotman
  • Lindblad
  • Watt
  • Sir Nolan
  • Alesso
2:54
14."Let You Love Me" (Möwe Remix[34])
  • Ora
  • Wiklund
  • Keane
  • Parmenius
  • Gibson
  • Juber
  • Fred
  • Keane
3:06
Total length:46:54

Notes

  • ^[a] also vocal producer

Personnel and credits

Credits and personnel adapted from Phoenix album notes.[31]

Performers

Musicians and technical staff

Recording studio locations

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[66] Gold 40,000‡
Netherlands (NVPI)[67] Gold 20,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[68] Platinum 20,000‡
Taiwan (RIT)[69] Gold 5,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[70] Gold 100,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Format Label Edition
Various 23 November 2018
  • Standard
  • deluxe
8 February 2019[71] Vinyl
  • Deluxe

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Joshi, Tara. "Rita Ora: Phoenix review – perfectly fine second album". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Phoenix AllMusic Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  3. ^ "Rita Ora - Phoenix". Clash. 23 November 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  4. ^ "Phoenix by Rita Ora". iTunes Store.
  5. ^ Gardner, Eriq (17 December 2015). "Rita Ora, Pointing in Lawsuit to Roc Nation's New Interests, Demands Freedom". The Hollywood Reporter. United States. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  6. ^ "Rita Ora sues Jay-Z's Roc Nation". The Daily Telegraph. London. 18 December 2015. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  7. ^ Marsh, Julia (1 February 2016). "Jay Z's Roc Nation files $2.4 million suit against Rita Ora". New York Post. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  8. ^ New York Supreme Court (27 May 2016). "Notice of settlement". nycourts.gov. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  9. ^ Craddock, Lauren (20 June 2016). "Rita Ora Signs Worldwide Deal With Atlantic Records UK". Billboard. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  10. ^ a b c "Billboard Radio China – the big interview". 24 January 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  11. ^ White, Jack (17 October 2017). "Rita Ora announces UK tour, new album for 2018". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  12. ^ White, Jack (11 April 2018). "Rita Ora's new album has been delayed until autumn 2018". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  13. ^ "Rita Ora Opens Up About Roc Nation Legal Battle, Her New Album and Tour: Interview". Billboard. 2 January 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  14. ^ a b c d Padin, Malvika (23 November 2018). "Rita Ora - Phoenix". Clash. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  15. ^ a b c d e f Mylrea, Hannah (23 November 2018). "Rita Ora - 'Phoenix' Review". NME. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  16. ^ a b c d e f Pollard, Alexandra. "Rita Ora, Phoenix album review: Worth the wait". The Independent. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  17. ^ a b c "David rates the Rita Ora LP Phoenix". auspOp. 6 December 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
  18. ^ "Your Song – Single by Rita Ora". iTunes Store (UK). Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  19. ^ "'It was a really good collaboration' – Rita Ora on working with Ed Sheeran on her new song". BBC. 26 May 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  20. ^ "Rita Ora's new single featuring Cardi B, Charli XCX and Bebe Rexha is released". Belfast Telegraph. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  21. ^ "BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, 2017, Rita Ora feat. Raye & Charli XCX". BBC.
  22. ^ Copsey, Rob (5 October 2018). "Rita Ora enters Official Chart history books with Let You Love Me". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
  23. ^ "RITA ORA on Instagram: '💛ONLY WANT YOU💛 My new single out March 1st. Featuring a very special guest….get ready!! #ONLYWANTYOU'". Instagram. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  24. ^ Dow, Stephen (15 November 2018). "Rita Ora Leaves Love Behind the 'Velvet Rope' On New Track: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  25. ^ Ding, Sophie (19 November 2018). "Rita Ora Drops New Song 'Cashmere,' Covers Charlie Puth For BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  26. ^ Glicksman, John (21 November 2014). "Rita Ora Continues 'Phoenix' Album Promotion With Trumpet-Laced 'Falling to Pieces': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  27. ^ Copsey, Rob (16 February 2018). "Rita Ora equals British female Official Chart record". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  28. ^ "Rita Ora announces Phoenix world tour dates including UK arena shows". Official Charts Company. 29 October 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  29. ^ a b "Reviews for Phoenix by Rita Ora". Metacritic. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  30. ^ Potton, Ed (23 November 2018). "Rita Ora - 'Phoenix' Review". The Times. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  31. ^ a b Phoenix (booklet). Rita Ora. London: Atlantic Records UK (Warner Music). 2008. 190295541798.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  32. ^ "Phoenix by Rita Ora". CD Japan. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  33. ^ "Anywhere (R3hab Remix) by Rita Ora". Tidal. 24 November 2017.
  34. ^ "Let You Love Me (Möwe Remix) by Rita Ora". Tidal. 19 October 2018.
  35. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Hung Medien. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  36. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Rita Ora – Phoenix" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
  37. ^ "Ultratop.be – Rita Ora – Phoenix" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  38. ^ "Ultratop.be – Rita Ora – Phoenix" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  39. ^ "Rita Ora Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  40. ^ "Lista prodaje 35. tjedan 2019. (26.08.2019. - 01.09.2019.)" (in Croatian). HDU. Archived from the original on 7 January 2020.
  41. ^ "Danishcharts.dk – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  42. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Rita Ora – Phoenix" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  43. ^ Nestor, Siim (3 December 2018). "EESTI TIPP-40 MUUSIKAS: Draakonid ronisid troonile ja üks üllatav jõululugu on veel popim kui „Last Christmas"". Eesti Ekspress (in Estonian). Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  44. ^ "Rita Ora: Phoenix" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  45. ^ "Lescharts.com – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  46. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Rita Ora – Phoenix" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  47. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2019. 27. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  48. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Rita Ora". Hung Medien. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  49. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Hung Medien. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  50. ^ リタ・オラの作品 (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  51. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). 3 December 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  52. ^ "Mūzikas patēriņa topa 48.nedēļa" (in Latvian). LAIPA. 30 November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  53. ^ "2018 48-os SAVAITĖS (lapkričio 23-29 d.)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 30 November 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  54. ^ "Charts.nz – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Hung Medien. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  55. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Hung Medien. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  56. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  57. ^ "Slovak Albums – Top 100" (in Slovak). ČNS IFPI. Retrieved 3 December 2018. Note: On the chart page, select "SK – Albums – Top 100" and then 201848 in the boxes at the top, and then click the word "Zobrazit" to retrieve the correct chart data
  58. ^ "South Korea Circle International Album Chart". On the page, select "2018.11.18~2018.11.24" to obtain the corresponding chart. Circle Chart Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  59. ^ "Spanishcharts.com – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  60. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Hung Medien. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  61. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
  62. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  63. ^ "Rita Ora Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  64. ^ "Top Selling Albums of 2019". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  65. ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2019". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
  66. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Rita Ora – Phoenix". Music Canada. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
  67. ^ "Goud/Platina". NVPI. Retrieved 2 July 2019. Note: type "Rita Ora" into search.
  68. ^ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2019 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  69. ^ "Thank you 🇹🇼 I had such an amazing night!!! Thank you for making my album Gold". Rita Ora on Instagram. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  70. ^ "British album certifications – Rita Ora – Phoenix". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 22 March 2019. Select albums in the Format field. Select Gold in the Certification field. Type Phoenix in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  71. ^ "Rita Ora - Phoenix (Vinyl)". bengans.eu. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
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