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3 Words (song)

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"3 Words"
Song
B-side"Boys"

"3 Words" is a song by British recording artist Cheryl Cole (of Girls Aloud). The song is both the opening and title song from debut studio album. It was released in the UK and Ireland on December 21, 2009 by Fascination Records and later in 2010 by Universal Music, sometimes serving as the lead single for 3 Words. The uptempo synth and dance music-inspired pop song was written by Cole and George Pajon. It was also written and produced by will.i.am who has guest vocals on the song. 3 Words was cited by Cole as her favourite song from the album for being different to what people expected.

"3 Words" was praised by contemporary critics who said it was "a sophisticated love song" and the "standout track" from the album. Its unconventional production abandons the use of 'verse-chorus-verse' structure instead, opting for a throbbing build up to a climax. The accompanying video, directed by Vincent Haycock, features the singer in various fashion ensambles often contrasting colour with will.i.am and, paying homage to Madonna and Lady Gaga. It also makes use of split screen cinematography and camera effects for the transition of scenes.

The song was promoted with only several performances, one of which was Cheryl Cole's Night In. The single was less commericially successful compared to its predecessor "Fight for This Love" but despite not peaking at number one, it went on to become Cole's second consecutive UK top-five and Irish-top ten hit. It was also a top five hit in Australia and has since been certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association and gold by the British Phonographic Industry.

Musical composition and style

"3 Words"
24 second sample of "3 Words" showing the unconventional arrangement and throbbing progression of the melody.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"3 Words" is an uptempo synthpop,[1] dance music[2] pop song.[3] It features guest vocals from will.i.am who produced the song as well as, writing the lyrics with Cole and George Pajon. Serving as the opening and title song of Cole's debut album, the song is written in the key of C♯ minor with a time signature in common time and a tempo of 129 beats per minute.[4] Noticeably missing is the standard use of a "verse-chorus-verse song structure".[3] The song's backing track consists of a sparse yet complex chord progression of C♯ m, G♯ m, C♯ and A major/C♯.[4] The production features loops of acoustic guitar[5] with a piano melody[6] to form an "atmospheric love song"[7] in the vocal range of G♯3 to B4.[4]

Critics stated that the "sophisticated love song"[8] is difficult to class by genre because it was "unconventional", something which Cole agreed when she said, "[its] totally different from anything I've done [with Girls Aloud] or liked before".[9] Some industry critics also noted that "3 Words" was "unlike many things currently [at that time] on radio or being released".[6] Cole said that the song took its inspiration froms her newly acquired love for dance music on the charts, especially David Guetta & Kelly Rowland's "When Love Takes Over".[9]

Critical reception

Cole described it as her favourite song on the album[9] and music critics generally agreed. Tom Ewing of The Guardian called the song Cheryl's "showcase [...] built on dark loops of treated acoustic guitar and building into a claustrophobic dance track. It's as brave and novel a song as anything Cole's group have released."[2] Daniel Wilcox even went as far as to say the song was "far more interesting and innovative than anything her girl group has done in their entire careers."[5] "3 Words" has been described as "mesmerizing in its listlessness" as well as being "unlike anything Cheryl or Will.I.Am have released" and "to what's currently being played on the radio."[6] It was labeled a standout track by many reviewers,[1][10] with Killian Fox of The Observer referring to the song as "a slick, sophisticated love song that hints at what this album could have been."(positive)[8] David Balls of Digital Spy wrote, "Snubbing traditional verse-chorus-verse song structure, and beginning with spare acoustic guitar strums, '3 Words' builds slowly towards a throbbing and infectious, if slightly brief, arms-in-the-air climax [...] it's hard to deny that Chez pulls off this less-than-obvious offering with aplomb."[3]

Louise McCudden of Inthenews.co.uk, however, argued that although "her voice sounds pleasant [...] the song itself is too long and becomes tedious fairly fast."[11] Vicki Lutas had a mostly negative review for the song saying "at the end of the day it does sound like something you could have made up when you were at school", though she did oraise the backing track for being "dark, eerie and cold in a chilling way; in an infectious way". However she pointed out that "the vocal arrangement and the actual vocals themselves do nothing more for the song", and respected that "it's a brave song choice, but it's hap-hazard vocal line seems to scream... C-R-I-N-G-E.".[12]

Chart performance

"3 Words" made its official debut on the UK Singles Chart at number twenty-six, following strong digital sales from the release of the album, two week prior.[13] A day before its digital release[14] and two days before its CD release[15] the single climbed to number fourteen[16] although it and then in first week of 2010 it would go on to peak at number four.[17] It gave Cole her third consecutive top-five UK hit if her feature on will.i.am's "Heartbreaker" is included.[18] On 14 May 2010 the single was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for selling/shipping 60,000+ copies.[19] It was more successful than fellow X Factor judge Dannii Minogue's second single "Success", which reached number eleven in 1991[20] and Cole's protege, Alexandra Burke's second single "Broken Heels" which peaked at number eight.[21]

The single achieved similar success, reaching number three in Scotland[22] and in Ireland where it reached number seven[23] becoming her third consecutive top-ten single. Coincidently, it is the second song featuring Cole's vocals to peak at number seven in Ireland, the first being will.i.am's "Heartbreaker".[24] Internatioanlly the single peaked top five in Hungary,[25] and Australia.[26] In the latter it performed better than any song Cole released with Girls Aloud beating the previous best entry "Jump" by eighteen places.[27] "3 Words" is the only song from Cole's album to peak within the top fifty of the Australian Singles Chart[28] and was subsequently certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for selling/shipping 70,000+ units.[29] Additionally it peaked at top-ten in Italy.[30]

Music video

Background and concept

File:Cheryl cole 3 words video.JPG
Cole sporting a Lady Gaga-inspired platinum wig with lace face veil contrasting, alongside will.i.am

Cole filmed two music videos for "3 Words".[31] The first music video was a viral version directed by Vincent Haycock, in the week beginning 19 October 2009[32] "on the only rainy night in Los Angeles in six months."[31] The second version was the official "split screener", directed by Saam,[31] that premiered on 27 November 2009.[33] The video was described as being distinctly different to that of previous single "Fight for This Love",[34] drawing comparisons to Madonna[35] and Lady Gaga.[36] The overall goal of the video was described as "tell[ing] the story of a couple who socialise separately and are both approached by members of the opposite sex. Despite the other person showing a romantic interest in them".[7] The singers go on to declare each other is 'the love of my life' and 'through the ups and the downs... never let go'."[7] The "edgy and arty" video[35] features "a split screen, unconventional camera angles and modern dance."[37]

Synopsis

The video begins with Cole sitting alongside will.i.am, wearing a "Lady Gaga-inspired platinum blonde wig"[34] and a "lace veil".[36] In the early scenes she "swaps her bronzed tan for alabaster skin, smokey eyes and pale lipstick".[37] In the next scene she can be "seen looking wistfully into the distance in a slinky floor-length black dress with brown hair extensions cascading over her shoulders",[7] whilst in a third scene she is depicted as an "Egyptian goddess".[33] Each scene incorporates "dance shots interspersed with sequences in which the focus falls on the two stars alone, seemingly searching each other, as it were ... experimenting more with her looks and even taking a chance with Lady Gaga-esque outfits for her dancers, including veils that cover their faces and black leotards."[38] It’s shot with a split screen, meaning Cheryl and will.i.am do not come into physical contact.[39]

Reception

The video recieved mixed to negative reviews from critics who praised Cole's sense of fashion but cited that the video was unoriginal. Elena Gorgan of Softpedia said "even with all this, she hardly manages to create a strong impression .., the video fails to break any visual ground, albeit standing on its own as a stylish video."[38] The Daily Mail agreed saying "[The story] which will no doubt be interpreted by fans as an insight into Cheryl's marriage to footballer Ashley Cole. Cheryl has ditched her street dance gear for a gown fit for a diva along with suitably styled big hair ... But as she teams up with Black Eyed Peas rapper will.i.am is sporting a more feminine look. The net result is, sorry to say it, very regal but a bit on the dull side."[7] Lisa McGarry of 'Unreality TV' said the platinum wig was "strange" She also said "if it doesn’t look great, at least it looks shocking."[36] Meanwhile David Balls of 'Digital Spy' said "[in] this glitzy split-screen affair, Cheryl looks effortlessly classy and glam as she transforms into an Egyptian goddess and - with more success than a certain Mrs. B (Mel B) back in 2001 [with "Feels so Good"] - shows how to wear a blonde wig without looking like you're on a dirty weekend in the Toon. Perfectly complimenting the song itself, this super-glossy clip also suggests that Cole has a firm eye on global stardom over the next year."[33] Fame magazine called the video "a little edgier than anything Girls Aloud have done".[39]

Promotion

The song received its worldwide radio premiere on 13 October 2009 on BBC Radio 1's The Chris Moyles Show.[40] Cole performed "3 Words" for the first time with will.i.am during her one-off special for ITV, Cheryl Cole's Night In. A reporter of The Daily Mail said Cheryl "[performed in] a glamorous flowing Kate Bush-esque black gown a duet of her latest single '3 Words'.[41] In January 2010 Cole flew to Germany to perform "3 Words" at German Award Ceremony, DLD Starnight at the Haus der Kunst in Munich.[42] She also performed the song as part of a four-song set at 'BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend[43] as well as performing at the 'De Grisogono jewellery dinner party' at the Eden Rock Hotel in Cap d'Antibes during the Cannes Film Festival.[44]

Track listing

Credits

"3 Words" was recorded at Record Plant Studios, Los Angeles (CA).[49]

Charts and certificates

Release history

Region Date Format Label
Ireland 20 December 2009 Digital download,[56] Digital EP 1,[57] Digital EP 2[58] Polydor Records
United Kingdom Digital download,[14] Digital EP 1,[47] Digital EP 2[48] Fascination Records
21 December 2009 CD single[15]
Australia 12 February 2010 Digital download[59] Universal Music
Digital remix EP[46]
Italy[60] 14 April 2010[30] Digital download
Germany 25 June 2010[45]
Belgium[61] 14 July 2010

References

  1. ^ a b Dan Cairns (25 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words". The Sunday Times. News International. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  2. ^ a b Ewing, Tom (22 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
  3. ^ a b c David Balls (21 December 2009). "Cheryl Cole: '3 Words'". Digital Spy. Hachette Fillapacchi UK. Retrieved 31 December 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  4. ^ a b c "Cheryl Cole - 3 Words sheet music". Musicnotes.com. Alfred Publishing. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  5. ^ a b Wilcox, Daniel (27 October 2009). "3 Words Review". 411mania.com. Retrieved 7 December 2009. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  6. ^ a b c Stern, Bradley (15 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words (Single Review)". MuuMuse.com. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  7. ^ a b c d e Anon. (15 November 2009). "Regal but dull: How to sum up Cheryl Cole's diva makeover in 3 Words". The Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  8. ^ a b Fox, Killen (25 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words". The Observer. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  9. ^ a b c "3 Words". Brightcove. 15 October 2009. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
  10. ^ Paphides, Pete (24 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words". The Times. News International. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  11. ^ McCudden, Louise (27 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: Three Words review". Inthenews.co.uk. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  12. ^ Lutas, Vicki (12 December 2009). "Cheryl Cole - 3 Words (Review)". BBC Chart Blog. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 19 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  13. ^ "UK Singles Chart Archive". The Official Charts Company. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  14. ^ a b c Amazon MP3. "3 Words - digital download (Cheryl Cole)". Amazon.co.uk. Amazon. Retrieved 17 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ a b c "3 Words - single (Cheryl Cole)". Amazon.co.uk. Amazon. Retrieved 17 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  16. ^ "UK Singles Chart Archive". The Official Charts Company. 19 December 2009. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  17. ^ "UK Singles Chart Archive". The Official Charts Company. 2 January 2010. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  18. ^ "Artist History - Cheryl Cole". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  19. ^ a b "BPI Gold & Platinum Search". (BPI). British Phonographic Industry. 14 May 2010. enter "3 Words" into the title field. Retrieved 17 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  20. ^ "Artist History - Dannii Minogue". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  21. ^ "Artist History - Alexandra Burke". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  22. ^ a b "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  23. ^ a b "Chart Track: Week 52, 2009". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  24. ^ "Artist History - Cheryl Cole". IRME/Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  25. ^ a b "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  26. ^ a b "Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am – 3 Words". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  27. ^ "Girls Aloud Singles History (AUS)". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  28. ^ "Artist History - Cheryl Cole". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  29. ^ a b "Single Accreditations". (ARIA). Australian Recording Industry Association. 2010. Retrieved 17 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  30. ^ a b c "Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am – 3 Words". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  31. ^ a b c "Cheryl Cole's 3 Words by Vincent Haycock". Promonews TV. 4 December 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  32. ^ Gottlieb, Steven (19 October 2009). "SHOT: Cheryl Cole f/ Will.I.Am - Vincent Haycock, director". Video Static. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  33. ^ a b c Balls, David (27 November 2009). "Anyone for a New Cheryl Cole video?". Digital Spy. Hachette Filapacchi UK. Retrieved 15 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  34. ^ a b Crowther, Lorraine (27 November 2009). "SEE VIDEO Cheryl Cole goes platinum blonde for 3 Words". Now. IPC Media. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  35. ^ a b "It's all about the hair in Cheryl's new video". 3AM. 27 November 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  36. ^ a b c McGarry, Lisa (27 November 2009). "X Factor Fashion: Cheryl Cole goes blonde for new single '3 Words'". UnrealityTV. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  37. ^ a b Trombetta, Natalie (27 November 2009). "Who's that girl? Cheryl Cole transforms into a blonde bombshell for 3 Words video". The Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  38. ^ a b Gorgan, Elena (28 November 2009). "Video for '3 Words' from Cheryl Cole and will.i.am: While not breaking any ground but stylish enough". SoftNews NET. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  39. ^ a b "Cheryl Cole goes blonde and pale". Fame magazine. 27 November 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  40. ^ "Cheryl Cole - 13 Oct 09". BBC Radio 1. BBC. 13 October 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  41. ^ Anon. (13 December 2009). "Cheryl Cole shows off her glamorous new look as a sexy señorita in TV special". The Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  42. ^ Smith, Lizzie (26 January 2010). "Cheryl Cole parades her slim figure in racy outfits at German awards". The Daily Mail. Associated News Ltd. Retrieved 12 February 2010.
  43. ^ "Cheryl Cole chooses camouflage for Big Weekend performance". The Metro. Associated Newspapers. 23 May 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  44. ^ Petrou, Andrea (19 May 2010). "Cheryl Cole performs at the De Grisogono jewellery dinner in a Roberto Cavalli dress". Shiny Style TV. Shiny Digital. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  45. ^ a b "3 Words - single (Cheryl Cole)". Amazon.de. Amazon. Retrieved 17 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  46. ^ a b "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP". iTunes Store Aus. Apple Inc. 5 February 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  47. ^ a b "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP 1". iTunes Store UK. Apple Inc. 20 December 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  48. ^ a b "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP 2". iTunes Store UK. Apple Inc. 20 December 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  49. ^ 3 Words (Media notes). London: Fascination Records (Polydor). 2010. p. 5. {{cite AV media notes}}: |format= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |albumlink= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |artist= ignored (|others= suggested) (help)
  50. ^ "Australian Dance Chart" (PDF). ARIA Charts. Pandora. Retrieved 22 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  51. ^ "Cheryl Cole – 3 Words" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  52. ^ "Cheryl Cole – Chart Search" Billboard European Hot 100 Singles for Cheryl Cole. Retrieved 25 July 2010. [dead link]
  53. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 23, 2010" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  54. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201019 into search. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  55. ^ "Cheryl Cole Ft Will I Am: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  56. ^ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - single". iTunes Store Ire. Apple Inc. 20 December 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  57. ^ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP1". iTunes Store Ire. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  58. ^ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP 2". iTunes Store Ire. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  59. ^ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - single". iTunes Store Aus. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  60. ^ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - single". iTunes Store Ita. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  61. ^ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - single". iTunes Store Bel. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
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