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==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
[[File:Mariah Carey 1990.jpg|left|thumb|upright|Fifth Harmony group member Dinah Jane and critics compared "Deliver" to music by Mariah Carey (''pictured in 1990'').<ref name="Source10" /><ref name="Source5" /><ref name="Source4" />|alt=A woman with curly hair smiles toward the camera. She is wearing a dark green coat.]]
[[File:Mariah Carey13 Edwards Dec 1998.jpg|left|thumb|upright|Fifth Harmony group member Dinah Jane and critics compared "Deliver" to music by Mariah Carey (''pictured in 1998'').<ref name="Source10" /><ref name="Source5" /><ref name="Source4" />|alt=A woman with curly hair smiles toward the camera. With a microphone in her hand.]]


"Deliver" received primarily positive reviews from [[Music criticism|music critics]]. Matt Collar of [[AllMusic]] praised the single as a "sensual, '90s-style R&B anthem", and identified it as a highlight from the album.<ref name="Source6" /> Jon Caramanica of [[The New York Times|''The New York Times'']] wrote it is "a smooth blend of bright pop-soul from the early Mariah Carey era and modern-day trap-influenced gothic R&B".<ref name="Source10" /> Mike Wass responded positively to the lyrics and composition, writing it contains "a chorus that burrows further into your brain after each listen". Wass suggested that "Deliver" should be released as the album's third single.<ref name="Source9" /> A contributor for [[MTV (UK and Ireland)|MTV]] cited the song as their favorite from the album,<ref name="Source8">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/fifth-harmony/news/fifth-harmony-go-vintage-for-the-amazing-deliver-video|title=Fifth Harmony Go Vintage For The Amazing 'Deliver' Video|date=September 11, 2017|publisher=[[MTV (UK and Ireland)|MTV]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914002741/http://www.mtv.co.uk/fifth-harmony/news/fifth-harmony-go-vintage-for-the-amazing-deliver-video|archivedate=September 14, 2017}}</ref> and Maeve McDermott called it a "bouncy standout".<ref name="Source12">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/08/24/album-week-fifth-harmony-self-titled-album-their-best-yet/594710001/|title=Album of the week: Fifth Harmony's self-titled album is their best yet|last=McDermott|first=Maeve|date=August 24, 2017|work=[[USA Today]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310084905/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/08/24/album-week-fifth-harmony-self-titled-album-their-best-yet/594710001/|archivedate=March 10, 2018}}</ref> Katherine St. Asaph of [[Spin (magazine)|''Spin'']] praised "Deliver" for "cut[ting] through the tropical-rhythmic sameness" of the album.<ref name="Source13">{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2017/08/fifth-harmony-self-titled-album-review/|title=Review: Fifth Harmony’s First Album Without Camila Cabello Feels Like a Placeholder|last=St. Asaph|first=Katherine|date=August 31, 2017|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329214017/https://www.spin.com/2017/08/fifth-harmony-self-titled-album-review/|archivedate=March 29, 2018}}</ref> [[AXS (company)|AXS]]{{'}} Lucas Villa responded positively to the group's vocals, writing that they "come through with soulful, sassy performance".<ref name="Source21" />
"Deliver" received primarily positive reviews from [[Music criticism|music critics]]. Matt Collar of [[AllMusic]] praised the single as a "sensual, '90s-style R&B anthem", and identified it as a highlight from the album.<ref name="Source6" /> Jon Caramanica of [[The New York Times|''The New York Times'']] wrote it is "a smooth blend of bright pop-soul from the early Mariah Carey era and modern-day trap-influenced gothic R&B".<ref name="Source10" /> Mike Wass responded positively to the lyrics and composition, writing it contains "a chorus that burrows further into your brain after each listen". Wass suggested that "Deliver" should be released as the album's third single.<ref name="Source9" /> A contributor for [[MTV (UK and Ireland)|MTV]] cited the song as their favorite from the album,<ref name="Source8">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/fifth-harmony/news/fifth-harmony-go-vintage-for-the-amazing-deliver-video|title=Fifth Harmony Go Vintage For The Amazing 'Deliver' Video|date=September 11, 2017|publisher=[[MTV (UK and Ireland)|MTV]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914002741/http://www.mtv.co.uk/fifth-harmony/news/fifth-harmony-go-vintage-for-the-amazing-deliver-video|archivedate=September 14, 2017}}</ref> and Maeve McDermott called it a "bouncy standout".<ref name="Source12">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/08/24/album-week-fifth-harmony-self-titled-album-their-best-yet/594710001/|title=Album of the week: Fifth Harmony's self-titled album is their best yet|last=McDermott|first=Maeve|date=August 24, 2017|work=[[USA Today]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310084905/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/08/24/album-week-fifth-harmony-self-titled-album-their-best-yet/594710001/|archivedate=March 10, 2018}}</ref> Katherine St. Asaph of [[Spin (magazine)|''Spin'']] praised "Deliver" for "cut[ting] through the tropical-rhythmic sameness" of the album.<ref name="Source13">{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2017/08/fifth-harmony-self-titled-album-review/|title=Review: Fifth Harmony’s First Album Without Camila Cabello Feels Like a Placeholder|last=St. Asaph|first=Katherine|date=August 31, 2017|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329214017/https://www.spin.com/2017/08/fifth-harmony-self-titled-album-review/|archivedate=March 29, 2018}}</ref> [[AXS (company)|AXS]]{{'}} Lucas Villa responded positively to the group's vocals, writing that they "come through with soulful, sassy performance".<ref name="Source21" />

Revision as of 00:14, 23 April 2018

"Deliver"
Song

"Deliver" is a song by American girl group Fifth Harmony from their self-titled third studio album (2017). Released on August 25, 2017, the song served as a promotional single for the album. The Stereotypes produced "Deliver" and wrote it with Taylor Parks, Whitney Phillips, and Fifth Harmony. It is a R&B, pop, and soul song; its lyrics revolve around sexuality. Fifth Harmony compared the song to 1990s R&B music, by artists including Mariah Carey and Destiny's Child. Music critics praised "Deliver" for its composition and the group's vocals; some commentators were more critical of its relevancy to 2017 music.

David Camarena directed the music video for "Deliver". Released on September 8, 2017, it features Fifth Harmony performing the song wearing black gowns. Commentators wrote that classical Hollywood cinema, such as the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes inspired the video's style and the group's performance. The video received positive reviews from music critics. Fifth Harmony promoted the single further with live performances on Live with Kelly and Ryan and their PSA Tour.

Recording and release

The Stereotypes produced "Deliver" and wrote it with Taylor Parks, Whitney Phillips, and Fifth Harmony.[1] The Stereotypes members Jeremy Reeves, Jonathan Yip, Ray McCullough, and Ray Romulos also played the instruments. Recorded at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles, the vocals were produced by Parx and Phillips, programmed by the Stereotypes, and recorded by Ronald (RD) Estrada. Phil Tan mixed the song. Parks provided additional vocals for the track. Bill Zimmerman worked as an additional and assistant engineer.[2] The song was released as a "buzz track" from the group's self-titled third studio album (2017),[3] and made available for digital download with the album's release on August 25, 2017.[4]

Composition and lyrics

"Deliver"
An audio sample of the song. Backed by a piano and "trap-lite beats",[5] it was described as a "piano-powered, gospel-tinged exercise in monumental swagger" by Chris DeVille of Stereogum.[6]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Deliver" is a R&B, pop, and soul song that lasts three minutes and 26-seconds.[7][8][9] The instrumental includes a piano and "trap-lite beats".[5] Jason Lipshutz of Billboard described its composition as "buttery",[10] and Rob Copsey of the Official Charts Company called it an example of how the group "delve[s] into vintage R&B-soul".[8] Chris DeVille of Stereogum interpreted it as a "piano-powered, gospel-tinged exercise in monumental swagger" and compared it to R. Kelly's 2007 single "I'm a Flirt".[6] Mike Wass of Idolator wrote that it is a "R&B-leaning banger", with lyrics focusing on sexuality.[3] Mike Nied of the same publication described the song as focusing on a "promise to unleash a sexy time".[11] Lyrics to "Deliver" include: "Yeah, my baby knows that I deliver / That's exactly I'm gon' do."[5] Chuck Campbell of the Knoxville News Sentinel wrote that the single contained an "aggressive R&B hook".[12]

Lauren Jauregui identified it as "a song from the album that best shows off its R&B moments", and compared it to music released by Destiny's Child. Discussing the single's composition, she said: "The melodies are crazy and the concept is awesome. It bounces, and it’s super clever. Definitely one of my favourites on the album."[8] Ally Brooke spoke positively of the composition, citing it as "almost a creative chaos", and Normani said that "Deliver" reminded her of "Endless Love" from the group's debut album Reflection (2015).[1] Brooke compared "Deliver" to music released by Motown, and described its sound as a "kind of funky, jazz, R&B soul".[13]

When talking about "Deliver" during a track-by-track review of the album, Dinah Jane said: "It’s the kinda song for when you’re getting down with your man."[14] She described the single as reminiscent of 1990s R&B, specifically music recorded by Mariah Carey, and explained: "It's the direction and lane we were trying to touch."[14] Jane went on:

Let me just say that [producer/songwriter] Taylor Parks delivered on this song — like, she wrote this song when we were in the room with her. She was there with us when we did 'BO$$,' and this is our second record with her, so once we played her some of our songs, she immediately came up with this direction. It definitely gives off the Mariah Carey tones — a little bit of R&B but modernized, and I think that’s why I love it so much. I love me some Mariah Carey, I grew up on that because of my mother. It’s just so special to me, especially melodically, it’s so thick — like, the little pre-chorus, it’s like you’re bouncing off of the melody, but you’re not.

— Dinah Jane, Billboard[10]

Critical reception

A woman with curly hair smiles toward the camera. With a microphone in her hand.
Fifth Harmony group member Dinah Jane and critics compared "Deliver" to music by Mariah Carey (pictured in 1998).[9][10][14]

"Deliver" received primarily positive reviews from music critics. Matt Collar of AllMusic praised the single as a "sensual, '90s-style R&B anthem", and identified it as a highlight from the album.[7] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times wrote it is "a smooth blend of bright pop-soul from the early Mariah Carey era and modern-day trap-influenced gothic R&B".[9] Mike Wass responded positively to the lyrics and composition, writing it contains "a chorus that burrows further into your brain after each listen". Wass suggested that "Deliver" should be released as the album's third single.[3] A contributor for MTV cited the song as their favorite from the album,[15] and Maeve McDermott called it a "bouncy standout".[16] Katherine St. Asaph of Spin praised "Deliver" for "cut[ting] through the tropical-rhythmic sameness" of the album.[17] AXS' Lucas Villa responded positively to the group's vocals, writing that they "come through with soulful, sassy performance".[5]

Other critics had a negative response to "Deliver".[18][19] Allan Raible of ABC News was critical of the single, and cited it as an example of how Fifth Harmony "are mining a now stale formula that Destiny’s Child pretty much perfected right around the time of 'Bills, Bills, Bills'".[18] Discussing the Stereotypes' nomination for the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in part for his work on "Deliver",[19][20][a] Nolan Feeney of Entertainment Weekly wrote that the Fifth Harmony song does not "feel nearly as essential in 2017" as the producers' other work.[19]

Music video and promotion

A black-and-white image of four women performing a song while wearing strapless black gowns with matching gloves.
Music critics compared Fifth Harmony's look and performance in the music video to past girl groups and classic Hollywood.[14][21][22] Brent Furdyk of ET Canada compared their gowns to Marilyn Monroe's from the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.[22]

The music video for "Deliver" was released on September 8, 2017, through Fifth Harmony's Vevo account.[23] Media outlets described it as a "surprise" release.[14][21] Before the release, the group tweeted: "Surprise, Harmonizers! We wanted to DELIVER something special as a thank you for your incredible support." It was the fourth video released to promote the album; the other three were "Down", "He Like That", and "Angel".[14]

David Camarena directed the video,[21][b] which featured the group performing the single "wear[ing] matching black gowns, gloves and assorted diamond jewelry" and "retro hairstyles".[14][21] Daniel Kreps of Rolling Stone wrote that the group members appear in "full-on glam mode",[21] and Ashley Iasimone of Billboard described the video as "full of subtle, synchronized stage moves and beauty shots".[14] Alternating between black and white and color shots, the video features each singer in solo shots and a group performance.[15][24] Kreps and Iasimone compared Fifth Harmony's performance as being similar to those of previous girl groups.[14][21] A writer from MTV wrote they "recreate the classic Hollywood glamour look" by playing "beauties from the 1930s".[15] Brent Furdyk of ET Canada compared the video's style to Marilyn Monroe's performance of the song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.[22] Madeline Roth of MTV News contrasted the video for "Deliver" with the more sexual one for the group's single "He Like That".[24]

The video received positive reviews from music critics.[3][15][25][26] A reviewer for MTV praised the group's performance and appearance in the video, writing: "It is clear that Fifth Harmony are more confident and comfortable than ever before this era, and the music is way more enjoyable for it!"[15] Mike Wass responded positively to the video and its simple concept. He explained that it is "[a] retro video is well worth a watch".[3] Sam Warner of Digital Spy wrote that the video "delivers on every front",[25] and Ryan Reed of Rolling Stone called it "a glamorous video".[26]

Fifth Harmony promoted the single further with live performances.[14][27] On September 8, 2017, they performed "Deliver" on Live with Kelly and Ryan.[14] It was included on the set list for the PSA Tour.[27]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Fifth Harmony:[2]

Notes

  1. ^ The Stereotypes were nominated for the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for their work on "Deliver", "Before I Do", "Better", "Finesse", "Mo Bounce", "Sunshine", and "That's What I Like".[20]
  2. ^ Camarena had previously directed the music video for Fifth Harmony's single "Angel".[15]

References

  1. ^ a b Kennedy, Gerrick D. (August 18, 2017). "Fifth Harmony breaks down its 'passionate' new album track by track". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 24, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b Fifth Harmony (Inlay cover). Fifth Harmony. Epic and Syco. August 25, 2017.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. ^ a b c d e Wass, Mike (September 11, 2017). "The Ladies Of Fifth Harmony "Deliver" Glamor In Their New Video". Idolator. Archived from the original on April 3, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ "Fifth Harmony". Apple Music. August 25, 2017. Archived from the original on March 9, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b c d Villa, Lucas (August 27, 2017). "Review: Fifth Harmony kills it as a quartet on self-titled album". AXS. Archived from the original on August 27, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b DeVille, Chris (August 31, 2017). "So, How Are Fifth Harmony Holding Up Without Camila Cabello?". Stereogum. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b Collar, Matt. "AllMusic Review by Matt Collar". AllMusic. Archived from the original on December 3, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b c Copsey, Rob (August 11, 2017). "Fifth Harmony talk us through the best bits of their new album: 'It's all us, top to bottom'". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on September 18, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b c Caramanica, Jon (August 25, 2017). "Fifth Harmony Delivers a Sugary Pleasure and 11 More New Songs". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 6, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b c Lipshutz, Jason (August 25, 2017). "Inside Fifth Harmony's New Album: The Girls Go Track-By-Track". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 27, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ Nied, Mike (August 25, 2017). "Fifth Harmony's 'Fifth Harmony:' Album Review". Idolator. Archived from the original on December 30, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ Campbell, Chuck (August 26, 2017). "Fifth Harmony fizzles after departure of Camila Cabello". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  13. ^ Fabian, Renée (October 9, 2017). "Fifth Harmony "Deliver" On Latest Album, Talk Inspirations & Gucci Mane". Grammy Award. Archived from the original on April 4, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Iasimone, Ashley (September 8, 2017). "Fifth Harmony Surprises Fans With Classy 'Deliver' Video". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 13, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b c d e f "Fifth Harmony Go Vintage For The Amazing 'Deliver' Video". MTV. September 11, 2017. Archived from the original on September 14, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ McDermott, Maeve (August 24, 2017). "Album of the week: Fifth Harmony's self-titled album is their best yet". USA Today. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ St. Asaph, Katherine (August 31, 2017). "Review: Fifth Harmony's First Album Without Camila Cabello Feels Like a Placeholder". Spin. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ a b Raible, Allan (August 29, 2017). "Reviews: Fifth Harmony, Queens of the Stone Age, EMA and more". ABC News. Archived from the original on January 14, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ a b c Feeney, Nolan (November 28, 2017). "The 7 biggest snubs from the 2018 Grammy nominations". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ a b Halperin, Shirley (November 29, 2017). "Grammy Nominations: Sizing Up the Producer of the Year Race". Variety. Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ a b c d e f Kreps, Daniel (September 8, 2017). "See Fifth Harmony Go Glam in Surprise 'Deliver' Video". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 14, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ a b c Furdyk, Brent (September 8, 2017). "Surprise! Fifth Harmony Drops Unexpected New Video For 'Deliver'". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ "Fifth Harmony - Deliver". Vevo. September 8, 2017. Archived from the original on March 20, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ a b Roth, Madeline (September 8, 2017). "Fifth Harmony 'Deliver' Vintage Vibes". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 11, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ a b Warner, Sam (September 9, 2017). "Fifth Harmony deliver "something special" to fans by dropping a video for new track 'Deliver'". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ a b Reed, Ryan (October 18, 2017). "Watch Fifth Harmony's Vibrant 'He Like That' Performance on 'Kimmel'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 12, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b Geranpayeh, Sarvy (March 17, 2018). "Fifth Harmony in Abu Dhabi: A power-packed show". Gulf News. Archived from the original on March 22, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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