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{{singlechart|Billboardjapanhot100|84|artist=Kesha|rowheader=true|accessdate=August 24, 2017}}
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! scope="row"| Netherlands Tip ([[Single Top 100]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Kesha&titel=Praying&cat=s|title=Dutchcharts.nl – Kesha – Praying|publisher=Hung Medien|accessdate=July 14, 2017|language=Dutch}}</ref>
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! scope="row"| New Zealand ([[Recorded Music NZ]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nztop40.co.nz/chart/singles?chart=4390|title=NZ Top 40 Singles Chart|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|date=August 28, 2017|accessdate=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
! scope="row"| New Zealand ([[Recorded Music NZ]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nztop40.co.nz/chart/singles?chart=4390|title=NZ Top 40 Singles Chart|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|date=August 28, 2017|accessdate=August 25, 2017}}</ref>

Revision as of 22:04, 3 September 2017

"Praying"
Kesha with various colors painted on her face and neck.
Single by Kesha
from the album Rainbow
ReleasedJuly 6, 2017 (2017-07-06)
Recorded2017
GenrePop
Length3:50
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Ryan Lewis
Kesha singles chronology
"True Colors"
(2016) 		"Praying"
(2017)

"Praying" is a song recorded by American singer Kesha for her third studio album, Rainbow (2017). It was made available for digital download by Kemosabe Records on July 6, 2017 as the record's lead single. Kesha wrote "Praying" with Ben Abraham, Andrew Joslyn, and the song's producer, Ryan Lewis. The song is a gospel and soul-influenced pop piano ballad that features violins and drums in its instrumentation. It was written to showcase Kesha's vocal range and to represent her as a person. According to Kesha, "Praying" is about "hoping everyone, even someone who hurt you, can heal".[1] Reviewers suggested that the recording is about Dr. Luke, whom Kesha accused of sexual assault and emotional abuse.

"Praying" received critical acclaim, with music critics finding the song powerful and noting it as a departure from the singer's previous efforts. Kesha's vocals on the track were also praised. Commentators offered conflicting interpretations of the song's message; some felt that the song is about forgiveness, while others felt that Kesha displayed anger on the track. Commercially, "Praying" has reached number 6 in Australia as well as the top 20 in Canada, Hungary, and Scotland and the top 30 in Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Jonas Åkerlund and was released the same day as the song. It features the singer at Salvation Mountain and various religious symbolism, both biblical and Hindu. It received a mostly positive response, as well as comparisons to Beyoncé's visual album Lemonade (2016).

Background and release

Ryan Lewis co-wrote and produced "Praying".[2]

From July to October 2016, Kesha embarked on her third world tour, Kesha and the Creepies: Fuck the World Tour, performing various cover versions of songs and several rock and country reworkings of her own hit singles.[3][4] During that time, she wrote multiple songs for Rainbow.[5][6][7][8] Producer Ryan Lewis began working on the lyrics and production of "Praying" while he was on tour over a year before its release. He felt that the ballad would be suitable for a female artist, and his wife suggested that Kesha should sing it. Lewis contacted the singer's management to see if she would like to collaborate with him. Kesha accepted the offer due to her fondness for his work with Macklemore, particularly admiring how their discography together features a mix of "fun" and politically progressive songs. Lewis came to Kesha with a "rough idea" for the song and encouraged her to do whatever she wanted on the track. When she belted out a whistle note, she surprised him; Lewis later said it was one of his favorite moments ever to occur in a studio. "Praying" was completed two days after Kesha began working on it. Lewis said that his ambitions when writing the song were to showcase the singer's vocal range and to represent her as a person; he felt that the finished track accomplished both goals.[9]

In a radio interview with SiriusXM, Kesha revealed that "Praying" deals with suicidal thoughts that she has had. In the same interview, she said that she feels it is healthy to discuss such emotions, and that "[she] think[s] the beautiful part is that you hold onto hope [...] and you keep showing up for yourself."[10] Prior to its release, the singer premiered "Praying" and four other songs from Rainbow at a press playback in London. There, she expressed her feelings about the song, saying, "I've never been more excited about a piece of art I've ever done in my entire life. This is truly from the inside of my guts."[11] Kesha announced the single's release in a video made for her fans.[12] In an accompanying letter posted to Lena Dunham's feminist blog Lenny Letter, she wrote about the meaning of the song, saying "I have channeled my feelings of severe hopelessness and depression, I've overcome obstacles, and I have found strength in myself even when it felt out of reach. I've found what I had thought was an unobtainable place of peace. This song is about coming to feel empathy for someone else even if they hurt you or scare you. It's a song about learning to be proud of the person you are even during low moments when you feel alone. It's also about hoping everyone, even someone who hurt you, can heal."[1] The song became Kesha's first solo single since 2012.[13]

Composition and lyrical interpretation

"Praying"
A 19-second sample of "Praying", a gospel and soul-influenced pop piano ballad.[14][15][16]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Praying" is a pop piano ballad[14] written by Kesha, Ryan Lewis, Ben Abraham, and Andrew Joslyn that features elements of gospel music[16] and soul music.[15] The song was produced by Lewis[16] and is written in the key of G minor, with a moderately slow tempo of 74 beats per minute.[17] Vox's Caroline Framke felt that the song is a departure from the "dive bar party anthems" which Kesha has become known for.[18] The song's production is minimal;[19] Kesha is joined on the track by violins, "distant" backing vocals,[20] and drums.[21] Dan Weiss of Billboard deemed "Praying"'s arrangement "unfashionable" and said the song sounds unlike contemporary music.[22] The chorus of "Praying" features Kesha singing "I hope you're somewhere praying, praying/ I hope your soul is changing, changing/ I hope you find your peace falling on your knees, praying."[12] The song's chorus is "soaring but simple", in the vein of "Beautiful" (2002) by Christina Aguilera and "Til It Happens to You" (2015) by Lady Gaga.[23]

According to Kesha, "Praying" is "about hoping everyone, even someone who hurt you, can heal."[1] The song addresses a tormentor with the lyrics: "You brought the flames and you put me through hell/ I had to learn how to fight for myself/ And we both know all the truth I could tell/ I'll just say this: I wish you farewell."[20] Spencer Kornhaber of The Atlantic said that the song's message was "love your enemies" and displayed "Christlike grace", further noting that Kesha did not exude invulnerability on "Praying" the way she did in some of her previous songs, like "Dinosaur" (2010).[23] Similarly, Eve Barlow of Variety said that Kesha "pushes through her demons and possesses a remarkable level of empathy and understanding" on the track.[24] Conversely, Pitchfork's Jillian Mapes felt that the song's sentiments were akin to "telling the person who ruined your life to 'take care' when you really mean 'fuck you,'"[25] while Billboard's Dan Weiss interpreted the song as a "coded threat that [Kesha] will no longer be silenced."[22] According to Tatiana Cirisano of Billboard, "While the chorus aims for reconciliation with an unnamed listener...there's still a flicker of anger in the singer's words, like in the lyric '...When I'm finished, they won't even know your name.'"[26]

The Guardian, The Atlantic, MTV UK, and Complex each reported that the song was about Dr. Luke, the producer whom Kesha accused of sexually assaulting and emotionally abusing her;[11][23][14][19] Dr. Luke is never mentioned in the song by name. Kornhaber felt that the song's opening lyrics—"You almost had me fooled / Told me that I was nothing without you"—recall Kesha's allegation that Dr. Luke told her "You are not that pretty, you are not that talented, you are just lucky to have me....You are nothing without me."[23] Dan Weiss of Billboard found the song similar to Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" (1995), a song which "empowered women to...call out men’s abuses," "A Torch" (1998), a song about a vengeful rape victim from Sarge's album The Glass Intact, and Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" (2009), a song about the singer's assault at the hands of Chris Brown.[22]

Kesha has said that "Praying" "showcases my voice in a way my voice has never been showcased in my entire life."[27] Her vocals on the track span from D3 to F6.[17] Jillian Mapes of Pitchfork noted that the singer's vocals on "Praying" are less digitally manipulated than they are on her Dr. Luke-produced records.[25] Three minutes and fourteen seconds into the track, she sings at the top of her register, nearly screaming[14] in a manner reminiscent of Mariah Carey.[23] Weiss compared Kesha's vocals on "Praying", particularly on the song's high note, to those of Demi Lovato on her song "Skyscraper" (2011) and Sia on her song "Alive" (2015).[22] Ryan Dunn states that the story of Jonah is woven throughout the song "Praying" and that for both Kesha and Jonah, prayer was instrumental in bringing them through distress.[28]

Critical reception

"Praying" received critical acclaim.[29] Maria Sherman of Complex called "Praying" "more purposeful than the music that made [Kesha] famous. Those looking to make pop music with real resonance would be wise to look to this song, and whatever Kesha does next."[14] Eve Barlow of Variety commented that the song would "be enough to induce goosebumps in even the harshest of cynics."[24] Dan Weiss of Billboard commended the song, saying "It would hard for even the biggest pop agnostic to not be rendered speechless by Kesha's new video and song 'Praying.'"[22] In a separate Billboard article, Gil Kaufman said that the song is "pure ecstasy for your ear buds."[9] Time's Raisa Bruner called the song "powerfully emotional", adding that "when she breaks out into a flawless whistle tone, it pretty much seals the deal: this new Kesha is stronger than ever, both as an artist and, seemingly, as a human."[30] The Atlantic praised it for being "deeply felt", and said that "Kesha's voice is powerful here—and more capable than people might expect".[23]

William Ferrer of The Seattle Times said that "Praying" is "a bone-chilling must-listen," writing that "We’re only one single into Rainbow...and I’m already certain her record is going to be one of the year’s finest."[31] Issy Sampson of The Guardian said that "Praying" is "a full-on chest-thumping, foot-stamping inspirational ballad, and [Kesha's] voice sounds better than ever....and it’s good enough to make you forgive her for Timber [sic]." Sampson also noted that "Praying" is to Kesha's oeuvre what "Fighter" (2002) was to Christina Aguilera's.[32] Pitchfork's Jillian Mapes said that the song is "a powerful statement of resiliency, even if the resulting song’s familiar piano melody sounds comparatively tepid." She favorably compared "Praying" to the work of Adele and Florence Welch.[25] Hugh McIntyre of Forbes called "Praying" "a very important song," adding that "with a song as powerful and beautiful as 'Praying,' [Kesha] will have no trouble collecting many new fans as she enters this next phase of her career."[2]

Althea Legaspi and Elias Leight of Rolling Stone called "Praying" "triumphant" and "uplifting",[20] while Patrick Hosken of MTV deemed it "about as soul-baring as anything gets."[33] Tom Breihan of Stereogum opined that "Praying" is "grand and expansive".[34] HuffPost's Daniel Welsh wrote that "Praying" is an "empowering and haunting ballad" which "may come as something of a surprise to more casual Kesha listeners, who are perhaps more used to hearing her glittery songs about partying and having a good time."[13] According to Matthew Rozsa of Salon, "'Praying' is likely to be remembered as the moment when Ke$ha became Kesha — that is, when her overproduced image of a party girl transformed into that of a soulful artist". Rozsa also felt that the critical acclaim that the song received was well-deserved.[29] Caroline Framke of Vox said that "As Kesha embraces her pain and rage, the song becomes something much more intense and weird and furious and hopeful — something that feels much more like Kesha herself."[18]

Commercial performance

"Praying" debuted at number four on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart for the week ending July 22, 2017,[35] although it was released during the last day of the sales, streaming and radio tracking week from June 30 to July 6, 2017.[36] According to Nielsen SoundScan, "Praying" sold 17,738 copies in the United States in its first day of release.[37] The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 at position 25 on July 29, 2017, subsequently rising to number 22 following the release of Rainbow. It also peaked on the Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 charts at numbers 16 and 18, respectively.[35] Worldwide, "Praying" reached the top ten in Australia,[38] while charting within the top 40 in multiple countries like Canada, Scotland, Ireland and Spain.[39][40][41][42] The single was certified Gold by Australia's Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Platinum by Canada's Music Canada for selling 35,000 and 70,000 units, respectively.[43][44]

Music video

Background and development

The music video for "Praying" was partially shot at Salvation Mountain.

The song's accompanying video was released on July 6, 2017.[20] It was directed by Jonas Åkerlund, who previously directed the videos for Madonna's "Ray of Light" (1998), Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" (2002), and Lady Gaga's "Telephone" (2010).[23] Kesha has described the experience of working with Åkerlund as "a dream come true" and said that the process of shooting the video was akin to a good, long therapy session.[27] The video was shot at Salvation Mountain, Niland, California, and the Salton Sea over the course of a single day. The outfits that Kesha wore in the video were inspired by the locations that the video was shot at, as well as her fondness for vintage 1960s and 1970s clothing. Kesha and her stylist for the video, Samantha Burkhart, picked out a rainbow dress for the singer to wear in the video, despite Åkerlund's concerns that the dress was too similar to the dress that Beyoncé wore in her "Hold Up" video. Åkerlund also wanted Kesha to wear black angel wings in the video to make her appear "fucked-up", but Burkhart insisted that Kesha should wear white angel wings to emphasize her purity and beauty.[45] Kesha has said that the video depicts her life metaphorically.[27] According to Burkhart, Kesha portrays a fallen angel who is "still very pure" in the clip.[45]

Synopsis

The video alternates between being shot in black-and-white and being shot in color[20] and features title cards stylized to resemble Hindi script.[46] The video commences with a shot of Kesha inside of a coffin, flanked by a pair of drooling men wearing suits and pig masks with a neon cross in the background.[21] While inside of the casket, Kesha is seen wearing a nose ring, dark blue lipstick, and a headpiece.[47] Then Kesha is seen on the surface of the open ocean lying in a rafter.[18] In a voice-over, she says "Am I dead? Or is this one of those dreams? Those horrible dreams that seem like they last forever? If I am alive, why? If there is a God or whatever, something, somewhere, why have I been abandoned by everyone and everything I've ever known? I've ever loved? Stranded. What is the lesson? What is the point? God, give me a sign, or I have to give up. I can't do this anymore. Please just let me die. Being alive hurts too much."[16] In the clip, Kesha plays the piano while wearing a crown of thorns, angel wings, and what Christina Cauterucci of Slate described as "a scaly mermaid-looking suit". Later in the video, Kesha is seen with an eye painted on her forehead as she prays at an altar before a neon cross.[46] She is also chased by the men with pig masks.[21] A recurring scene in the video features a wall of television sets with messages such as "the television will not be revolutionized", "weapons of mass deception", "do not engage," and "you're too thin" painted on them in red. Kesha starts to ravage them.[46][48] Shots of Kesha crying black tears are interspersed throughout the video.[48] At the song's climax, Kesha throws around colored powder in a manner similar to what is done during Holi, a Hindu festival which celebrates the victory of good over evil. The music video ends with Kesha walking on water like Jesus Christ[46] and text that says "the beginning".[23]

Reception and analysis

Multiple critics compared the "Praying" video to Beyoncé's visual album Lemonade (2016).

Dan Weiss of Billboard praised the video, calling it "by some distance the most serious and emotionally overpowering work [Kesha] has ever released." He found the religious imagery in the video reminiscent of Madonna's video for "Like a Prayer" (1989) and the video's use of pigs similar to Nine Inch Nails' video for "Closer" (1994) and Silverchair's video for "Tomorrow" (1994).[22] Stereogum's Tom Breihan said the video was "a vivid, surreal vision from director Jonas Åkerlund"[34] while MTV's Patrick Hosken called it an "emotional gut-punch".[33] Raisa Bruner of Time called the video "a powerful, colorful, and, yes, glitter-filled celebration of overcoming." Bruner also deemed the music video a "comeback" for the singer.[49] HuffPost's Daniel Welsh felt that the video "feature[s] [Kesha's] usual mix of bright colours and outlandish costumes [and] an important message about overcoming troublesome times and seeing the light in the darkness."[13] Jezebel writer Julianne Escobedo Shepherd called the clip "an emotional new video that encapsulates the depression and struggles [Kesha has] been through over the past few years."[50] Mike Wass of Idolator deemed the video "an intense viewing experience."[51] Nashville Scene's Stephen Trageser commented that the video was "psychedelic" and bore similarities to the work of Alejandro Jodorowsky; he also felt that it marked a "glorious return" for Kesha.[52]

Racked.com's Elana Fishman praised the video's "stunning costumes," particularly its "standout rainbow gown".[45] Jon Pareles of The New York Times felt that the outfits that Kesha wore in the clip, as well as the parts of the clip where she plays the piano, made her come across "like a disciple of Lady Gaga".[53] Spencer Kornhaber of The Atlantic said the clip is "a high-gloss technicolor pop production from one of the masters of the form, director Jonas Åkerlund" and that it reminded him of Kesha's earlier work.[23] Conversely, The Arizona Republic's Zachary Hansen opined that "The aesthetic of the video is in stark contrast to almost everything Kesha previously has done" and that it showed "Kesha at her most serious."[54] Maria Sherman of Complex complimented the use of Salvation Mountain in the video, writing "It’s the perfect backdrop for the song, [with its] bright, colorful bible [sic] verses painted on neon adobe in the Colorado Desert in California. It’s an unexpected place to find hope, mirroring Kesha’s move from desolation to empowerment."[14] Christina Cauterucci of Slate wrote that "The video’s haphazard use of religious symbolism—is she really supposed to be a savior figure?—confuses the thrust of the song". She added that the imagery in the clip "speak[s] to [Kesha's] vision for her new album as a kind of rebirth."[46]

Vox's Caroline Framke felt that the video referenced Beyoncé's visual album Lemonade (2016) multiple times. Framke found the monologue in the video similar to Beyoncé's "Pray You Catch Me", while the rainbow outfit that Kesha wore reminded her of the yellow dress that Beyoncé wore in her "Hold Up" video,[18] which was also directed by Åkerlund;[31] Framke wrote that "evoking Beyoncé's imagery at the video’s onset dilutes the message, making it feel more like an homage than the emotional purge [Kesha] says it is."[18] Similarly, The Stranger's Amber Cortes felt that "Kesha definitely takes a few pages from Beyonce’s playbook" in the "Praying" clip, writing that Kesha's video emulated the "watery imagery" of the video for "Hold Up". Cortes cited this similarity as one of the "flaws" of the "Praying" clip.[55] William Ferrer of The Seattle Times also found the "Praying" video similar to Lemonade, but said "Yet, there's something haunting about 'Praying' that sets it apart from Lemonade. Maybe it's the Bible images, the gospel undertones, or the American Horror Story: Roanoke pig-people that chase Kesha in her rainbow duds, but 'Praying' feels more ethereal, more eerily uncertain than Beyonce’s self-assured tour de force. And that's OK. Frankly, 'Praying' is better for it."[31]

Charts

Chart (2017) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[38] 6
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[56] 68
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[57] 19
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[39] 11
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[58] 21
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)[59] 20
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[60] 50
France (SNEP)[61] 75
Hungary (Single Top 40)[62] 13
Ireland (IRMA)[41] 23
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[63] 84
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[64] 37
Portugal (AFP)[65] 53
Scotland (OCC)[40] 16
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[66] 49
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[42] 30
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[67] 77
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[68] 64
UK Singles (OCC)[69] 26
US Billboard Hot 100[70] 22
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[71] 29
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)[72] 13
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[73] 17

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[43] Platinum 70,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[44] Gold 0‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label Ref
Various July 6, 2017 Digital download Kemosabe [16]
Italy July 14, 2017 Contemporary hit radio Sony [74]
United Kingdom RCA [75]
United States July 18, 2017
  • Kemosabe
  • RCA
 [76]

References

  1. ^ a b c Kesha (July 6, 2017). "Kesha Fights Back in Her New Single, "Praying"". Lenny Letter. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
  2. ^ a b McIntyre, Hugh (July 6, 2017). "Kesha Returns Triumphantly With New Single 'Praying'". Forbes. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  3. ^ "Kesha Announces Kesha and The Creepies: The Fuck the World Tour". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  4. ^ Spanos, Brittnany (July 19, 2016). "Kesha Announces Tour, 'Creepy' New Music Project". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  5. ^ McHenry, Jackson (October 26, 2016). "Kesha Has Already Written and Recorded 22 New Songs That Are Just Waiting to Be Released; Dr. Luke Claims 'She Exiled Herself'". Vulture. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  6. ^ McDermott, Maeve (October 26, 2016). "Kesha wrote a 22-song album — and can't release it". USA Today. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  7. ^ Ungerman, Alex (September 13, 2016). "Kesha Sparks Taylor Swift Collaboration Rumors With Cryptic Photo -- See What She Said!". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  8. ^ Denham, Jess (September 13, 2016). "Taylor Swift and Kesha rumoured to be collaborating after mysterious Instagram post". The Independent. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  9. ^ a b Kaufman, Gil (July 21, 2017). "Kesha Says Working With Ryan Lewis on 'Praying' Was 'Easy, Perfect and Beautiful'". Billboard. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  10. ^ Reed, Ryan (July 7, 2017). "Kesha: Recording New Album Was 'Way to Cope' With Depression". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  11. ^ a b Snapes, Laura (July 6, 2017). "Kesha returns: 'Rainbow is truly from the inside of my guts'". The Guardian. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  12. ^ a b Lawrence, Derek (July 6, 2017). "Kesha references Dr. Luke turmoil in emotional new single, music video". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  13. ^ a b c Welsh, Daniel (July 6, 2017). "Kesha's New Song 'Praying' Is Here, And It's A Powerful Statement About Leaving Darkness Behind". HuffPost. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  14. ^ a b c d e f Sherman, Maria (July 6, 2016). "Kesha Takes Aim at Dr. Luke on "Praying," a Pop Anthem Fueled by Injustice". Complex. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
  15. ^ a b Luz Henning Santiago, Amanda (July 7, 2017). "Kesha shared the powerful meaning behind her first single in 4 years". Business Insider. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
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  17. ^ a b "Kesha 'Praying' Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  18. ^ a b c d e Framke, Caroline (July 6, 2017). "Kesha's new single "Praying" is a scorched-earth ballad on betrayal and hope". Vox. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  19. ^ a b "Brand New Kesha Single 'Praying' Has Landed". MTV UK. July 6, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2017. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  20. ^ a b c d e Legaspi, Althea; Leight, Elias (July 20, 2017). "Kesha Previews New Album With Triumphant Song 'Praying'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  21. ^ a b c Cinquemani, Sal. "Review: Kesha Makes a Defiant Return with Powerful New Single and Video "Praying"". Slant Magazine. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
  22. ^ a b c d e f Weiss, Dan (July 6, 2017). "8 Precedents for Kesha's Gut-Wrenching 'Praying' Video". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i Kornhaber, Spencer (July 6, 2017). "Kesha's Comeback Message: Love Your Enemy". The Atlantic. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  24. ^ a b Barlow, Eve (July 6, 2017). "Song Review: Kesha's 'Praying'". Variety. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  25. ^ a b c Mapes, Jillian (July 7, 2017). "Kesha "Praying"". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  26. ^ Cirisano, Tatiana (July 6, 2017). "With Confessional, Defiant 'Praying' Lyrics, Kesha Opens About Tumultuous Past Five Years". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  27. ^ a b c Valentine, Claire (July 6, 2017). "Watch Kesha's Behind-the-Scenes Look at Her Triumphant "Praying" Video". Paper. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  28. ^ Dunn, Ryan (2017). "Forgiveness and Kesha's "Praying"". The United Methodist Church. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  29. ^ a b Rozsa, Matthew (July 14, 2017). "I demand a critical reappraisal of Kesha's brilliant, brilliant music". Salon. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  30. ^ Bruner, Raisa (July 7, 2017). "5 Songs You Need to Listen to This Week". Time. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  31. ^ a b c Ferrer, William (July 6, 2017). "Review: Kesha is back with emotional, haunting new single 'Praying'". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  32. ^ Sampson, Issy (July 14, 2017). "Jax Jones's Instruction: a Macarena for our times". The Guardian. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  33. ^ a b Hosken, Patrick (July 6, 2017). "Kesha Returns with Emotional Gut-Punch Video for 'Praying'". MTV. Retrieved July 14, 2017. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  34. ^ a b Breihan, Tom (July 6, 2017). "Kesha – "Praying" Video". Stereogum. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  35. ^ a b "Chart Search – Kesha". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2017. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  36. ^ Cantor, Brian. "Kesha's "Praying" Debuts On Bubbling Under Hot 100 Chart". Headline Planet. Retrieved July 22, 2017. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  37. ^ "Nielsen SoundScan charts – Digital Songs – Week Ending: 07/06/2017" (PDF). Nielsen SoundScan. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  38. ^ a b "Kesha – Praying". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  39. ^ a b "Kesha Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  40. ^ a b "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  41. ^ a b "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  42. ^ a b "Kesha – Praying" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
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