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[[Category:Billboard Hot Dance Airplay number-one singles]]
[[Category:Billboard Hot Dance Airplay number-one singles]]
[[Category:Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs number-one singles]]
[[Category:Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs number-one singles]]

[[pl:Happiness (singiel)]]

Revision as of 19:52, 9 March 2011

"Happiness"
Song

"Happiness" is the debut single by American recording artist Alexis Jordan. It is the lead single from her self-titled debut studio album, released in the United States on June 17, 2010. The upbeat dance-pop song was written by Stargate, Deadmau5, and Autumn Rowe, with Stargate also handling production. The song is about finding love in yourself before finding it in someone else.

"Happiness" was generally well-received by many critics, with some complimenting Jordan's vocal abilities. In the United States, the song topped the Hot Dance Club Songs chart, giving Jordan her first number one on the chart. It has also charted in the top five in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. An accompanying music video, directed by Aggressive sees Jordan being torn apart from her love interest. It was noted for its similarities to Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head" clip.

Background

After being eliminated from the first season of America's Got Talent in 2006, Jordan began posting videos of herself singing cover songs on YouTube, of which she later became a viral sensation for.[1] After receiving a phone call from Stargate, Jordan flew over to New York to record a few songs with them. It was then announced in the press in March 2010 that she had signed to StarRoc/Roc Nation after Jay-Z had noticed her in the studio with Stargate.[1]

Composition and critical reception

Alexis Jordan "Happiness" (2010)
A sample of the song, described as an "irresistible pop anthem".
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Happiness" is an upbeat[1] dance-pop song,[2] influenced by house music.[3] Produced by Stargate, the song samples Deadmau5's "Brazil (2nd Edit)".[2] Unlike a lot of club music, "Happiness" stays G-rated with lyrics such as: "Through strength I found love/In time I found myself in happiness".[4] In explaining the song, Jordan revealed it is about "finding love in yourself before you find it in someone else, because a lot of people lose themselves when they fall in love, and they forget who they are, and that's what you've gotta do. You've gotta find someone who loves you for you".[5] Songwriter Autumn Rowe has said in an interview that "Happiness" has an African influence.[6]

Fraser McAlpine of BBC Music awarded the song four stars and said "If Madonna had put this out, it would be hailed as one of the best songs of her long and varied career. And she possibly would struggle to get the crystal purity of those top notes, which means Alexis is officially better than Madonna".[7] Bill Lamb of About.com praised the song for its "danceable beat" and "simple, pleasant melody" but also called the song an "insubstantial fluff" and that its "sound lacks any particular distinction".[2] Kevin O'Donnell of NPR Music called the song an "irresistible pop anthem" and said "this is disco music for a Disney audience — and, amazingly enough, it works".[4]

Nick Levine of Digital Spy awarded the song five stars, describing the song as a "tale of romantic regret, realisation and ultimately exultation".[8] Andrew Butler of Pink Paper magazine was impressed with the song, stating "It really does make you feel happy, through a mixture of its fabulously put together lyrics, infectious humming and danceable tunes".[9] Emma Johnson of Liverpool Echo called the song "one of the most infectious tracks of the year",[10] while AOL Radio named it the sixth top dance song of 2010.[11]

Chart performance

In the United States, "Happiness" debuted on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart at number forty.[12] It climbed the chart in subsequent weeks and peaked at the top position for the week, July 17, 2010.[13] The song held the position for one week before losing it to Wynter Gordon's "Dirty Talk".[14] Also in the US, the song reached number one on the Hot Dance Airplay chart.[15] In the United Kingdom, the song debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number three on November 13, 2010.[16] It made its Irish debut at number thirty-six[17] and peaked at number thirty-one.[18] It also debuted on the Scottish Singles Chart at number four.[19] On the European Hot 100 Singles chart, "Happiness" reached number thirteen.[20] In Australia, the song debuted on the ARIA Singles Chart at number twenty-five on December 19, 2010,[21] before peaking at number three in its sixth week on the chart. It also certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association.[22]

Music video

Two frames showing Jordan in the backseat of her orange car (upper) and at a swimming pool with four back-up dancers (lower)

The music video for "Happiness" was directed by Aggressive[23] and premiered online on May 20, 2010.[24] While being interviewed, Jordan described the video as "fun, colorful, and young. The video makes you want to dance. I wanted to do something unique. I want to be an artist that leaves a mark on the industry".[25]

The video is set in a colorful city and has a futuristic theme to it. The storyline of the video begins with Jordan dropping off her boyfriend at a bus stop, as they appear to be breaking up.[26] She is seen sitting in the backseat of her orange-colored car, and starts to sing the song's first verse, just as the wind begins to pick up, sliding her car and the bus stop, where her boyfriend is at, in oposite directions.[26] Throughout the video, the city moves in motion. It is intercut with other scenes, including Jordan dancing with four other back-up dancers at a swimming pool, a man reading a newspaper while holding a Dalmatian dog by its leash, and also a woman with a few shopping bags. During the car scenes, Jordan sees flashbacks of her boyfriend in the car's rear-view mirror. She later realises that he makes her happy and moves to the driver's seat, to stop the car. Jordan then reverses the car, sending her back to the bus stop.[26]

Some critics compared the video to Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head" clip, due to both videos having a futuristic theme, with similar car scenes.[27] MTV's Chris Ryan said "the video has a real "Can't Get You Out Of My Head"/altered reality vibe to it, with everyday scenes played out with a dreamlike quality".[28]

Formats and track listings

Digital download[29]
  1. "Happiness" – 4:02
US remix promo[30]
  1. "Happiness" – 4:03
  2. "Happiness" (Wideboys Radio Edit) – 4:08
  3. "Happiness" (Dave Aude Radio Edit) – 4:19
  4. "Happiness" (Jump Smokers Radio Edit) – 3:47
  5. "Happiness" (Extended Mix) – 5:39
  6. "Happiness" (Wideboys Club Mix) – 5:35
  7. "Happiness" (Dave Aude Club Mix) – 8:38
  8. "Happiness" (Jump Smokers Extended Mix) – 4:12
  9. "Happiness" (Instrumental) – 5:42
  10. "Happiness" (Wideboys Dub Mix) – 5:36
  11. "Happiness" (Dave Aude Dub Mix) – 7:40
UK and Ireland digital EP[31]
  1. "Happiness" – 4:02
  2. "Happiness" (Michael Woods Remix) – 7:42
  3. "Happiness" (Wideboys Club Mix) – 5:35
  4. "Happiness" (Dave Aude Club Mix) – 8:38
US Remixes EP[32]
  1. "Happiness" (Jump Smokers Extended Mix) – 4:12
  2. "Happiness" (Wideboys Club Mix) – 5:35
  3. "Happiness" (Dave Aude Club Mix) – 8:38
Australia and New Zealand digital EP[33]
  1. "Happiness" – 4:03
  2. "Happiness" (Wideboys Radio Edit) – 4:08
  3. "Happiness" (Jump Smokers Radio Edit) – 3:47
German CD single[34]
  1. "Happiness" – 4:03
  2. "Happiness" (Michael Woods Remix) – 7:42

Charts and certifications

Release history

Country Date Format † Label
United States[30] June 17, 2010 Promo CD StarRoc, Roc Nation
September 7, 2010[32] Remix EP
Ireland[29][31] October 29, 2010 Main version, extended play Sony Music Entertainment
United Kingdom[45][46]
Australia[33] December 10, 2010 Extended play
New Zealand[47]
Germany March 18, 2011[34] CD single

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Alexis, Nadeska (2010-03-26). "Alexis Jordan Snags Deal With Roc Nation". The BoomBox. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  2. ^ a b c Lamb, Bill (2010). "Alexis Jordan - Happiness". About.com. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
  3. ^ Slomowicz, Ron (2010-05-11). "Song of the Day: Alexis Jordan "Happiness"". About.com. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  4. ^ a b O'Donnell, Kevin (2010-12-14). "Alexis Jordan: An Unlikely Club Diva". NPR Music. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
  5. ^ "Alexis Jordan interview - Happiness". Virgin Music. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  6. ^ http://www.thismustbepop.com/2011/02/thank-you-for-music-autumn-rowe.html
  7. ^ McAlpine, Fraser (2010-11-01). "BBC - Chart Blog: Alexis Jordan - "Happiness"". BBC Radio 1. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
  8. ^ Levine, Nick (2010-11-01). "Music - Singles Review - Alexis Jordan: 'Happiness'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
  9. ^ Butler, Andrew (2010-10-25). "SINGLE: Alexis Jordan - Happiness". Pink Paper. Millivres Prowler Limited. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  10. ^ Johnson, Emma (2010-12-03). "Beyond Happiness: What's next for America's Got Talent star Alexis Jordan?". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  11. ^ "Top Dance Songs of 2010". AOL Radio. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  12. ^ "Dance Club/Play Songs - Week of May 15, 2010". Billboard. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  13. ^ a b "Dance/Club Play Songs - Week of July 17, 2010". Billboard. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  14. ^ "Dance/Club Play Songs - Week of July 24, 2010". Billboard. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
  15. ^ "Alexis Jordan Biography". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  16. ^ "Chart Stats - Alexis Jordan - Happiness". Chart Stats. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  17. ^ "GFK Chart-Track - Week ending 4 November 2010". GFK Chart-Track. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  18. ^ "GFK Chart-Track Week ending 2 December 2010". GFK Chart-Track. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  19. ^ "Archive Chart". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  20. ^ a b "European Hot 100 - Week of November 20, 2010". Billboard. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  21. ^ "Alexis Jordan - Happiness". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  22. ^ a b "Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
  23. ^ "Alexis Jordan Beams With "Happiness" In Her Debut Video". Idolator. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  24. ^ "Video: Alexis Jordan - 'Happiness'". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  25. ^ "Meet the New Chart Topping Diva in Jay-Z's Life". Us Magazine. Us Weekly. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
  26. ^ a b c "Alexis Jordan - The Making of "Happiness" Music Video". YouTube. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  27. ^ "Alexis Jordan - 'Happiness'". Orange UK. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
  28. ^ Ryan, Chris (2010-06-21). "Buzzworthy Obsession: Alexis Jordan's Happiness Video". MTV. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
  29. ^ a b "Happiness - Single - Ireland". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  30. ^ a b "Alexis Jordan - Happiness - Remixes". Discogs. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
  31. ^ a b "Happiness - EP - Ireland". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  32. ^ a b "Happiness - Remix EP - United States". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  33. ^ a b "Happiness - EP - Australia". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  34. ^ a b "Happiness: Alexis Jordan: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.de. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  35. ^ "Alexis Jordan – Happiness". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  36. ^ "Alexis Jordan – Happiness" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 2011-02-27.
  37. ^ "Alexis Jordan – Happiness" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 2011-03-05.
  38. ^ "Chart Track: Week 6, 2011". Irish Singles Chart.
  39. ^ "Alexis Jordan – Happiness" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 2011-03-05.
  40. ^ "Alexis Jordan – Happiness". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  41. ^ ZPAV Top5 Poland Airplay 12.02. - 18.02.2011
  42. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  43. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  44. ^ "Club Music, Hot Dance Songs, Club Songs, Dance Club Music Charts". Billboard. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  45. ^ "Happiness - Single - United Kingdom". Itunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  46. ^ "Happiness - EP - United Kingdom". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  47. ^ "Happiness - EP - New Zealand". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
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