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Rose Colored Glasses (Kelly Rowland song)

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"Rose Colored Glasses"
Song

"Rose Colored Glasses" is a song by American recording artist Kelly Rowland. Written by Ester Dean and Dr. Luke, the electro-synthpop ballad is the second single released from Rowland's as-of-yet untitled third studio album (2011). The lyrics of the song reflect Rowland's experiences, which caused her to cry during the recording process as she reminisced previous relationships. Dr. Luke produced the song with synths, drums and an electro crescendo. The single was released in some parts of Europe on June 28, 2010 and a day later to US radio stations and digital download on June 29, 2010. It serves as one of two American lead singles.

Critics praised "Rose Colored Glasses" for its classy delivery and emotional content, agreeing that it was Rowland's best chance of achieving U.S. chart success. An accompanying music video was directed by Rankin with a 3-D concept, featuring atmospheric visuals and mood-lit scenes including streamers, doves and rose petals. Critics also praised the video for its simplicity, stunning visuals and the variety of outfits worn by Rowland during the video. Commercially, "Rose Colored Glasses" was not successful, only managing to chart at number thirty-nine on the US Top 40 Airplay chart, compiled by Media Base.

Background

Initially, the David Guetta-produced dance song "Commander" was revealed to be the album's lead single on March 29, at the 2010 Winter Music Conference.[1] However, an official press release from Universal Motown Records revealed that "Commander" would not serve as the album's lead single in the United States.[2] It was then confirmed that another single, "Shake Them Haters Off", penned by Ne-Yo,[3] would be released exclusively to the United States.[4] However, plans were changed for a third time when two separate singles for pop and urban radio were announced on June 11, 2010.[5][6] "Grown Woman" was serviced to Rhythmic radio on June 29, 2010 as the album's first urban single,[7][8] while "Rose Colored Glasses" was serviced to Mainstream/Top 40 radio[9][8] and for digital download on June 29, 2010 as the album's first pop single.[10][11]

Lyrics and composition

Kelly Rowland - "Rose Colored Glasses"
20 second sample of the emotional and dark subject matter in the chorus.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Rose Colored Glasses" is a mid-tempo electropop[12] ballad written by Ester Dean and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald.[5][13][14] It has a synthesized production[15] helmed by Dr. Luke[16] with an opening electro crescendo[12] and middle 8 drum sequence, which is similar to sequences often used by American songwriter-producer Ryan Tedder.[15] Rowland sings the song with emotion and smooth vocals.[12] Meanwhile lyrics "explores the subtle ways that perspective can truly change everything ... [telling] a story of a relationship that, on the outside, seems troubled".[12]

TeenToday described the single as a "shout-out to all those that see her relationship for something it isn't", noting a "dark" subject matter and more "emotion" than the international single "Commander".[15] During an iheartradio concert, Rowland said that the first time she heard the song it made her think of all of the relationships where she had to wear rose colored glasses. When recording the song with Dean in the studio, she began to cry at the thought of all the "toxic relationships" she had been in.[17] During the single's video shoot, she further explained that the song had attributable elements and echoes of her real life experiences. Rowland said, "it's just so nice to express that emotion and get it all out there because everyone out there, I'm sure you guys can relate to the pain of feeling like a complete idiot when everybody's laughing at you when you're getting played by the person in your life at the time. And you just need to take off your rose colored glasses."[18]

Critical reception

The song has received praise from critics. Robbie Daw of Idolator said that although he "liked the dancability of the Kelly's upbeat tunes", it was "as nice to hear her take on a ballad again". He called the single her best chance of "finally crack[ing] the upper reaches of the Hot 100 once again."[13] Following the video's premier Daw would say that alongside " Kelly looking stunning in the video" the song has "hit" potential. "Surely the timing is right—especially with all the other singles Dr. Luke has had a hand in dominating the charts—for Rowland to be allowed into the spotlight once more."[19] Olly Meakins of Teentoday.co.uk agreed calling the song "pretty" as well as praising its "big but not-quite anthemic chorus" with "synth beats that features Kelly’s trademark classy, controlled delivery."[15] Lizzie Goodwin of 'Gather.com' agreed that the song though different to her previous singles, stands on its own as a catchy tune. "Though it’s no 'When Love Takes Over', Kelly Rowland’s latest single and music video 'Rose Colored Glasses' isn’t half-bad. It might not be a dance hit, but her new single is pretty catchy and is a great addition to include in a breakup/girl empowerment playlist. (Ladies, you know you have one in your iTunes library!)"[20] Meakings agreed that "the single holds its own against "Commander. The quite brilliant middle 8 / empowerment / enough is enough moment features a crescendo of ‘take ‘em off’s, but its real strength is in its story and theme, that carry an emotional weight that Commander‘s talk of ‘dance floor loving’ could never reach."[15] Mack from 'Sound-Savvy' said "Kelly always makes those love songs that make you re-examine things... While I don’t think 'Rose Colored Glasses' will impact as hard as Commander, its a formidable single in its own right and I kinda like it."[21] Jeremy Helligar of 'True/Slant' commented the song was "still to the left of what normally passes for modern R&B".[22] Despite accepting that Rowland has had her moments with the club songs, Melinda Newman of 'HitFix' said "Rose Colored Glasses, produced by Dr. Luke, is a show stopper (and a nice production by him-- we often find him too slick)."[23] Jeremy Helligar of True/Slant said that Rowland had done a smart thing by not released "Commander" in the US. He said "[Rowland's] edgier preference of dance music is very different to the dance-pop that Lady Gaga often takes to the top of the charts" in the United States.[22]

Release and chart performance

The cover divided opinions with Becky Bain of 'Idolator' liking the "simplicity of the black and white cover" though felt it strange that the image "didn't have color or glasses"[24] whereas Rap-Up magazine thought the opposite saying that "Rowland's eyes do the talking with the black-and-white artwork".[8] On June 28, 2010 the single was released as a digital download in Belgium,[25] Norway[26] and Sweden.[27] It was released as a U.S. lead single for pop radio on June 29, 2010[9] as well as digital download.[10] On July 23, 2010 it was also released in other parts of Europe such as The Netherlands and Italy.[28][29]

In the week ending September 11, 2010, "Rose Colored Glasses" was played 585 times across thirty-four stations according to Media Base. However none of those stations officially added the song to their playlists.[30] MediaBase's seven day airplay report shows that in the last week of August, the single managed to peak at number thirty-nine on the U.S. Top 40 Airplay chart.[31]

Music video

Background and concept

Rowland first revealed on New York's 103.5 KTU FM that the video was due to be filmed in the last week of July 2010.[32] The video shoot begun on July 31, 2010,[33] and a photo, from what would later become the tube dress and dove scenes, was released to her official website on August 2, 2010.[34] The clip was filmed using 3-D technology and helmed by British fashion photographer John "Rankin" Wadell, whose previous credits include "Say it Right" by Nelly Furtado and "Acapella" by Kelis.[35][18] Behind the scenes footage on Rap-Up TV, revealed that the video focusses on the theme of the song - the pain of leaving a relationship.[18]

File:Kelly Rowland - RCG Video Snaps.jpg
The three frames of the video, showing Rowland surrounded by petals, by streamers, and by doves. The 3D concept clip features these scenes, plus others, interspliced.

Scenes include vivid colors, unique visuals and mood-responsive lighting. During the shoot Rowland said "This video has been one of the best video experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve shot a lot of videos, but this one is probably the most intriguing because of how it’s shot, the lighting—everything is so detailed."[36] Rankin said that "the concept for the video was 3D" to best portray how "the people look at you're relationships with an optimism that can't be seen from the inside". The scenes feature the use of circular trap and turntables so that Rowland "could be seen from every angle".[18] "Rose Colored Glasses" was set to premier on the Vevo network on September 20, 2010,[37] however it was uploaded to her Vevo account on 15 September 2010, five days earlier than expected.[38]

Synopsis

The video begins the lights brightening on various scenes of Rowland that appear during the video. As the vocals kick in, Rowland is seen dressed in waist-high trousers a white blouse and a black tie. The first scene of the video features Rowland and her man (played by Alvino Lewis), arguing. Then during the song's build-up she is dressed in a black and white netted catsuit, standing in front of flowing pink and red streamers. Just before the chorus she appears with against a dark backdrop, with her hair tighed in a tight bun and wearing a low cut corset. In the chorus she appears in a gold glittery dress surrounded by smoke, on a turntable, spliced with scenes of the argument and a blue-tinged image of Rowland. As she sings the name of the song the images flick to one where she is surrounded by windswept rose petals (top).[39] As the second verse kicks in you once again see the blue tinged image of Rowland and a new scene where she is dressed in a black ball gown with frills around the neck and shoulder, on the turntable again. This is spliced with more scenes of Rowland is her gold dress. As the chorus builds for a second time Rowland is seen wearing a tube dress, before switching to the dark cosret scene where it begins to rain. Then Rowland is seen surrounded by white doves (bottom) which fly around her while she spins on the circular trap. The bridge of the song focusses on the dark corset scenes where the rain increases and Rowland's facial expressions display deep sadness. Billboard commented on the last scenes "in the end, Rowland finally takes those 'Rose Colored Glasses' off -- the ones that have prevented her from seeing how truly damaging her relationship is -- punching through a glass wall before pastel-colored butterflies appear in representation of her breakthrough." The video ends blue-tinged images, where she sheds a single tear.[39]

Reception

Critics generally praised the clip's simplicity, the visuals and the choice of outfits. A reviewer from Rap-Up said "Kelly Rowland turns her tears into art in the eye-popping video for 'Rose Colored Glasses', They focussed on the choice of visuals saying "the clip shows the Destiny’s Child alum struggling with a relationship, while numerous wardrobe changes, vivid colors, doves, and stunning shots of Kelly burst onto the screen."[40] Liz Goodwin of 'Gather.com' agreed with the visuals saying "In the music video, Kelly Rowland's body is looking fantastic. (Though she could switch up the weave for another hairstyle.) The outfits are hot – she’s looking fit! Kudos to Kelly for pulling off the very, very low-cut corset without falling out of it! She can be grateful to gravity for still being on her side...and for double-sided tape."[20] Robbie Daw of Idolator said "We hope two things happen now that Kelly Rowland’s Rankin-directed 'Rose Colored Glasses; music video has premiered: 1.) you like it and show Miss Kelly some love on iTunes, and 2.) radio programmers in this fine country open their ears and show Miss Kelly major love on the airwaves... Kelly looks truly stunning in this video, from the opening shot of her wearing a dress shirt and tie to the couture dresses she vamps in expertly."[19]

Mariel Concepcion of Billboard was also positive of the video saying that "not only does she walk away from an unhealthy situation in the clip -- she looks completely stunning while doing so."[39] A reviewer from 'Kayrhythm.com' said "The clip is fairly successful, despite its simplicity and sobriety, which probably result from a lack of budget. In the song, Kelly is very beautiful and very emotional because it gives way to sadness created by the decline of a relationship with her boyfriend. In the absence of a spectacular clip, Kelly still focused on her wardrobe, perfect for the occasion.". However the reviewer pointed out that the video works because of Rowland having a good team behind her. "Kelly's team is really good. Imagine the damage that Kelly could have done with the team of Rihanna!..."[41] Julia Guez of 'Ados.fr' was also critical of the clip saying "the aesthetic is the rendezvous, the Destiny's Child alum appears sexier than ever, but why has it increased the costumes? Something is missing ... coherence, an imprint? We do not yet see the real Kelly ..."[42]

Live performance and promotion

Rowland performed "Rose Colored Glasses" live for the first time as part of her 'iheartradio' setlist at the P.C. Richard and Son Theater in New York on August 25, 2010.[17] However The New York Post later alleged that Rowland lip-synced the performance and that her record label (Universal Motown) had banned 'iheartradio' from using the footage for an online video.[43] Entertainment Weekly reported that Rowland had recorded the in Simlish for the upcoming The Sims 3: Late Night expansion pack.[44] It was also performed as the last song of Rowland's setlist for her Walmart-Soundcheck mini-concert.[45]

Track listing

  • Digital download[10]
  1. "Rose Colored Glasses" - 4:01

Charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[46] 25
U.S. Top 40 Airplay (MediaBase)[31] 39

Radio and release information

References

  1. ^ "Kelly Rowland Commands the Stage". Rap-Up. 2010-03-29. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  2. ^ Universal Motown Records (2010-05-19). "Kelly Rowland signs to Universal Motown Records". The Earth Times. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  3. ^ Brockington, Ryan (2010-05-27). "Rowland! Rowland! Rowland gives me shivers". New York Post. NY Holdings, Inc. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  4. ^ Smith, Lizzy (2010-06-04). "Kelly Rowland wears FIVE dresses in one night... well, she has got a new single to promote". The Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  5. ^ a b Copsey, Robert (2010-06-11). "Kelly Rowland Alters Single Release Plans". Digital Spy (Hachette Filipacchi Médias). Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  6. ^ Brockington, Ryan (2010-06-22). "Kelly Rowland is Ready to Command Your Rump". New York Post. NY Holdings, Inc. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  7. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Release". All Access. All Access Music Group. 2010-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Text "2010-06-08" ignored (help)
  8. ^ a b c "Kelly Rowland Grown Woman & Rose Colored Glasses Single Covers". Rap-Up. 2010-06-18. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  9. ^ a b c "Top 40/Mainstream Future Release". All Access. All Access Music Group. 2010-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Text "2010-06-26" ignored (help)
  10. ^ a b c d Amazon MP3 (2010). "Kelly Rowland - Rose Colored Glasses". amazon.com. Amazon. Retrieved 2010-06-26.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ a b "Kelly Rowland - Rose Colored Glasses". 7 Digital (CA). 7 Digital. 2010-06-29. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  12. ^ a b c d Toor, Amar (2010-06-25). "Kelly Rowland, 'Rose Colored Glasses' -- New Song". AOL Radio Blog. AOL. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  13. ^ a b Daw, Robbir (2010-06-11). "Kelly Rowland Slows Things Down On New Single "Rose Colored Glasses"". Idolator. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  14. ^ http://repertoire.bmi.com/title.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&keyID=12067287&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&querytype=WorkID
  15. ^ a b c d e "Kelly Rowland Rose Colored Glasses - shit or hit?". teentoday.co.uk. 2010-06-11. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  16. ^ "Kelly Rowland Rose Colored Single". Rap Up. 2010-06-11. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  17. ^ a b "Kelly Rowland discusses and performs "Rose Colored Glasses" (LIVE) at iheartradio". Youtube. 2010-08-25. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
  18. ^ a b c d "Behind the Video: Kelly Rowland – 'Rose Colored Glasses'". Rap-Up.com. 2006-07-16. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  19. ^ a b Daw, Robbie (2010-09-15). "Kelly Rowland's "Rose Colored Glasses" Video: She Deserves A Smash Hit | Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on". Idolator.com. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  20. ^ a b "Kelly Rowland's Barely There Corset and... | Gather". Entertainment.gather.com. 2007-02-18. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  21. ^ Mack (2010-06-12). "NEW SINGLE: Kelly Rowland – Rose Colored Glasses". Sound-Savvy. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  22. ^ a b Helligar, Jeremy (2010-06-29). "Kelly Rowland's glass ceiling: When will the former Destiny's Child finally have her day in the U.S.?". True/Slant. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
  23. ^ Newman, Melinda (2010-09-16). "Kelly Rowland takes off her 'Rose Colored Glasses' in beautiful clip". The beat goes on... hitfix.com. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
  24. ^ Bain, Becky (2010-06-17). "Single Cover Diva-Off, Part Deux: Kelly Rowland Vs. M.I.A." Idolator. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  25. ^ a b "Kelly Rowland - Rose Colored Glasses". 7 Digital (BE). 7 Digital. 2010-06-28. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  26. ^ a b "Kelly Rowland - Rose Colored Glasses". 7 Digital (NO). 7 Digital. 2010-06-28. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  27. ^ a b "Kelly Rowland - Rose Colored Glasses". iTunes Store Swe. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  28. ^ a b "Download Kelly Rowland - Rose Colored Glasses". Radio 538. Radio 538. 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
  29. ^ a b "Kelly Rowland - Rose Colored Glasses". 7 Digital (IT). 7 Digital. 2010-07-26. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  30. ^ "CHR/Top 40 New and Active". radio-info.com. Media Base. 2010-09-04. Retrieved 2010-09-03. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  31. ^ a b "Seven Day Publishes Airplay Report". All Access (All Access Media Group). 2010-09-05. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  32. ^ "Kelly Rowland, KTU Live Chat". kellyrowland.com. 2010-07-13. Retrieved 2010-07-15.
  33. ^ Rowland, Kelendria (2010-07-31). "Day 1 of the videoshoot for Rose Colored Glasses!! Stay tuned for updates from the set! :)". Twitter. Retrieved 2010-07-31.
  34. ^ "Sneak Peak: Kelly on the set of "Rose Colored Glasses" Video Shoot". kellyrowland.com. 2010-08-02. Retrieved 2010-08-02.
  35. ^ "On The Set: Kelly Rowland's "Rose Colored Glasses"". directlyrics.com. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
  36. ^ "Kelly Rowland Goes 3-D | Kelly Rowland | News | MTV UK". Mtv.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  37. ^ "Behind the Scene: Rose Colored Glasses | Kelly Rowland – Official Website". Kellyrowland.com. 2009-12-23. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  38. ^ “”. "Kelly Rowland - Rose Colored Glasses". Vevo (YouTube). Retrieved 2010-09-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  39. ^ a b c Concepcion, Mariel (2010-09-15). "Kelly Rowland Sees Pretty Colors In 'Rose Colored Glasses'". Billboard. New York: Nielsen Business Media.
  40. ^ "Video: Kelly Rowland – 'Rose Colored Glasses'". Rap-Up.com. 2006-07-16. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  41. ^ "KELLY ROWLAND N'A VRAIMENT PAS DE QUOI VOIR LA VIE EN ROSE…" (in French). kayrhythm.com. 2010-09-15. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  42. ^ Guez, Julia (2010-09-15). "Rose Colored Glasses: Kelly Rowland essaye encoure... le clip!" (in French). ados.fr. Retrieved 2010-09-15.
  43. ^ Posted: 1:21 AM, September 13, 2010. "Kelly Rowland lip syncs her beats". NYPOST.com. Retrieved 2010-09-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  44. ^ Vozick-Levinson, Simon (2010-09-02). "'Sims 3' exclusive: Travie McCoy, My Chemical Romance and more sing in Simlish". Entertainment Weekly / CNN. Retrieved 2010-09-02. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  45. ^ http://soundcheck.walmart.com/kelly-rowland
  46. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201034 into search.
  47. ^ Universal Motown Records Group (2010-07-06). "Kelly Rowland Scores No. 1 Hit on Billboard's Dance/Club Play Songs Chart with "Commander," Featuring David Guetta". The Earth Times. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
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