Jump to content

Beat of My Drum

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Spiceitup08 (talk | contribs) at 23:56, 16 August 2011. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

"Beat of My Drum"
Song
B-side"Disco, Blisters and a Comedown"
"Porcelain Heart"

"Beat of My Drum" is a song by British recording artist Nicola Roberts. It was released on 5 June, 2011 via Polydor Records as the first single from Roberts's upcoming debut album, Cinderella's Eyes. The song was produced by Diplo and French producer Dimitri Tikovoi, and was co-written by Roberts to have a British and fun concept, specifically to be a song of which people can sing and dance to. "Beat of my Drum" is a dance-pop track with themes of indie-pop and has been compared to the work of artists including M.I.A. and Major Lazer. Lyrically, the song discusses days in her band Girls Aloud of which she felt undervalued.

The song gathered acclaim amongst contemporary critics with reviews positively commenting on the hooks of the track as well as its originality in comparison to other solo efforts from the girl band Girls Aloud of which Roberts is part of. Commercially, the song failed to make a large impact; in the United Kingdom the song charted at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart and one place higher on the Scottish Singles chart, whereas in Ireland the song peaked at number 37. A music video featuring Roberts in a hall with various dancers, performing street style dancing saw her wear 1970s and 1980s inspired outfits and gained positive responses from critics. Roberts performed the song on T4 on the Beach, which was her first solo television performance, and on The Paul O'Grady Show.

Background

The song was produced by record producer Diplo and French producer Dimitri Tikovoi,[1] Roberts confirmed that she had co-written all of the tracks off of her debut album Cinderella's Eyes album with lyricism in the album telling stories of things that have happened in her life.[2] Roberts stated that she always wanted the track to be something different from what her rivals were presenting in the charts,[2] she stated that she loved that "it's a song everyone can sing and dance to".[3] Whilst talking of "Beat of my Drum", Roberts said that the song had a "fun concept" with a British influence, in relation to the album, Roberts said "The album has a very British sound, that was important to me".[2]

In an effort to perfect the music, Roberts noted communications were strict between her and Diplo, who co-produced the track.[4] She explained whilst talking to The Guardian, "I had to ring him [Diplo] and … you know when you ring a boy for the first time? I knew I only had one chance, so I just fired at him. 'I want this, I want that, don't send it back like that. I'm going to send you the session again just so you've got it.' He reassured me a bit, and I put the phone down, thinking, it's not in my hands now".[4] When she got the track back from Diplo, she was too nervous to listen to it as she did not want to be let down by it because it meant so much to her.[4] Whilst back in her hometown of Liverpool she put her younger brother and sister in the car with her, and after burning the track to a CD, drove to a deserted field in Liverpool and played it loudly.[4] After positive responses from the pair, Roberts declared "I'm so proud of it. I can't believe it's mine. The man is a genuis".[4]

Composition

"Beat of my Drum" is a dance-pop track with themes of indie-pop[1] and features militant dance beats with the introduction vocals being of a monotonous quality compared to the vocals of artist Uffie.[1] Roberts sings "L. O. V. E. Dance to the beat of my drum" in a "playfully" commanding vocal performance during the chorus section, with the chorus riff being compared to a cheerleader chant[1] as well as gaining comparisons to artists M.I.A. and Daphne & Celeste.[5] The song has been described as "erratic", as it has elements of; "Pon de Floor" by Major Lazer with comparisons deriving from the beats and stutters within the track.[1] The chorus consisting of chants, is different from the spoken verses, which are also different to the bridges within the track,[1] featuring the lyrics "Don't it make your heart go wow, How I've turned this whole thing around?", the dancehall themes furthered comparisons to Major Lazer[5]. Lyrically the song refers to days in which she felt undervalued as part of the band Girls Aloud, she sings; "Two left feet I had no beat, Baby in the corner learning quick, keep up, keep up, keep up", the vocals are performed against sirens[5], Roberts discussed the lyricism on the Cinderella Eyes album, saying:

The lyrics are quite personal. I like rap music, and rappers use real-life language and don’t hold back in what they talk about. My lyrics aren’t generic pop lyrics just there because they rhyme. I’ve tried to write things as I’d say them, so it sounds more like me. There’s a song called Sticks And Stones, which is about when I was 17 and I thought I’d won the jackpot when I got in the band [Girls Aloud], and then things not turning out as I might have expected. The middle eight on that song is very honest and truthful.[6]

B-sides

"Porcelain Heart" a pop song with themes of glam-pop is featured as a b-side for the single. The track has been described as "dramatic", with Roberts vocals being theatrical, and vibrato.[7] The song has gathered comparisons to Roberts's band, Girls Aloud, as well as comparisons to Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Clare Maguire.[7] A second B-Side, named "Disco Blisters, and a Comedown", was also released alongside the single. Lyricism of the track discusses a night out and has sexual references, referencing politician John Prescott as Roberts sings "Why do the lights in the kebab shop make this guy look less hot?, He's looking like John Prescott."[8]

Reception

Critical reception

"I haven't seen one bad review from the single or album samplers – it seems too good to be true. The response from critics has been amazing. It's like being at school and being told ‘well done’ by the teachers but I want my classmates to like it too. I want the people at home to get something from the record. Then I'll be doubly happy."
—Roberts, Metro.[6]

The song has received positive reviews from critics. Robert Copsey, writing for Digital Spy, gave the song five out of five stars, saying that "Once named the least desirable member of Girls Aloud, the transformation of Nicola Roberts from pasty and awkward backing singer into glowing, haute couture pop songstress has been a magnificent spectacle."[5] Jeff Benjamin of Billboard called Roberts's effort the most "intriguing" out of all the Girls Aloud solo efforts. He said that Roberts had potential for success in the United States, comparing the song to the work of such artists as M.I.A., Robyn and Kelis. He asked readers to imagine that "a young M.I.A. -- mixed with Robyn and Yelle -- went on a shopping spree to Urban Outfitters, started chanting "L! O! V! E!" and turned it all into a true summer anthem."[9] Website Popjustice noted that "Beat Of My Drum" "hardly happened by accident but at the same time it feels really carefree and spontaneous" explaining, "and what we mean by that is that you can tell a lot of care and attention has gone into it".[10] Dean Piper of the Daily Mirror called the song "fantastic" claiming that Roberts "means business with her debut solo material", and saying he could not "get enough of the single", calling it "classic pop, fresh and fantastic."[11] Michael Cragg, writing for The Guardian, compared the chanting chorus to that of Justice vs. Simian's track, "We Are Your Friends". He called it both "ridiculously cool and a bit naff".[12]

Chart performance

In the United Kingdom the song debuted at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart, on the issue date of June 18, 2011.[13] The following week the single fell outside of the top 40 to number 64 and continued falling in its third week placing at number 88.[13] However on July 16, 2011, the fourth week it rose to number 76 and again in its fifth week where it charted at number 50.[13] In Ireland, the single debuted and peaked at number 37 on the chart[14], whilst in Scotland the song debuted at number 26 on the issue date of June 18, 2011.[15]

Music video

Roberts in the video for "Beat of My Drum", wearing an 80's inspired outfit she performs with these four female dancers as seen in the image, throughout the video.

The music video for the track was directed by Wendy Morgan, Roberts called her "focused and passionate" and said she felt comfortable with her immediately claiming that she herself is a perfectionist, she also claimed that Morgan was also which were grounds upon why they enjoyed working together.[16] The music video and production was featured on the Through Nicola's Eyes webisodes in which she stated that she found the production of the music video very stressful noting "I'm nervous and I'm dreading the night before [..] I know I'm going to be like losing half a stone in weight overnight, so I'm going to have to get myself into the zone."[17] She stated that the pressure derived from her time with Girls Aloud leaving her uncomfortable on her own as it would be only her on which critics would be focusing.[17] During the shoot of the music video Roberts furthered statements about the pressures of a solo career as the director was telling her to be "good" during the shoot but said that feeling uncomfortable during the shoot could have a negative effect on the overall video, Roberts explained "You’ve got to like be strong and be professional and get through it, obviously enjoy it, but if you feel uncomfortable, you can’t look uncomfortable otherwise it’s not going to work".[18]

On Roberts' official Twitter account she wrote about her excitement for the video saying "ARGHHHHHH! I'm SO proud of Team Ginge! Just had my final video cut through. I'm SO excited for you to see it. I LOVE it and cant believe it".[3] MTV Buzzworthy stated they were "sold" on the concept, explaining; "Outfitted in a colorful onesie, Nicola employs a troupe of dancers, a drumline, and a cheerleading squad, in her "Beat Of My Drum" video before mounting a stack of speakers, which she uses as a platform to urges listeners to dance to the beat of her drum."[2] The Daily Mails Jessica Satherley responded well noting "And her adventurous dance moves certainly give her Girls Aloud pal Cheryl Cole a run for her money."[19] The Daily Mail also reported that Perez Hilton liked the video, in his tweet he commented "I am dancing to the beat of my drum!!! Just heard the song in full and I am LIVING for your new single! Vid looks HOT too!!".[19]

The video starts with two men, street dancing in a white hall with speakers and chairs scattered around. Shots of several people sat in seats as an audience are presented, whilst Roberts progresses to the microphone on top of a stage in front of various sized speakers, with shots varying between the two scenes throughout. Roberts then starts lip-synching to the song on the stage, she is wearing a striped 1980's inspired outfit, and after pushing over the microphone stand, a shot of her with three other females sees Roberts dancing in a synchronized motion. As the chorus plays disco inspired dance moves are performed with the three other women, whilst shots of the two men in the introduction watching them play regularly. The next shots sees Roberts leading the three other women through the hall until they start performing in the bridge section of the song, with men behind them watching and participating in parts. Another shot shows three men marching in a small white room, this leads into a shot of Roberts marching alongside a marching band of drummers whilst in the hall, and another showing the men and women featured in the video dancing vary throughout. The video then presents Roberts wearing a multi-colored sweater as a dress stood atop a speaker with dancers around her leads to a mix of shots throughout the video including one of Nicola in the sweater-dress shaping the letters; L, O, V, E, as featured in the lyrics with other dancers. The video ends with the dancers falling to the floor with Roberts remaining stood upon a speaker and lastly a shot of her interacting with her dancers ends the video.

Live performances

Roberts performed the song on 2011's T4 on the Beach, when asked whether she was nervous about the performance she stated "Last Thursday was my first live solo performance ever, and it was in front on 10,000 people, so no pressure! I'd forgotten what a crowd like that feels and looks like. I try not to get nervous - I don't like to think about things too much beforehand, otherwise I worry too much. I like to deal with the situation when it happens."[20] Roberts also performed the song on The Paul O'Grady Show, she sang the opening of the song acapella until she performed a troupe style dance performance with hand signs spelling out of the letters; L, O, V, and E whilst she sang them.[7]

Formats and track-listings

Charts

Chart (2011) Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA) 37[14]
Scotland (The Official Charts Company) 26[15]
UK Singles (The Official Charts Company) 27[13]

Release history

Region Date Label Format
Ireland 3 June 2011[24] Polydor Records Digital download
United Kingdom 5 June 2011[21]
11 July 2011[23] CD single

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Stern, Bradley. "Nicola Roberts: Beat of My Drum (Single Review)". MuuMuse. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  2. ^ a b c d "Nicola Roberts Talks "Fun" First Solo Single". Viacom. 2011-05-06. Retrieved 2011-08-11. Cite error: The named reference "mtv3" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Love, Ryan (2011-06-01). "Nicola Roberts confirms 'Beat of My Drum' premiere". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  4. ^ a b c d e Nicholson, Rebecca (2011-06-04). "Nicola Roberts: Diplo and Metronomy dance to the bang of my drum". The Guardian. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  5. ^ a b c d Copsey, Robert (2011-06-05). "Nicola Roberts 'Beat of my Drum'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  6. ^ a b Williams, Andrew (2011-06-26). "Nicola Roberts: I thought I'd won the jackpot when I got in Girls Aloud". Metro. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  7. ^ a b c Stern, Bradley. "THE NICOLA ROBERTS B-SIDE "PORCELAIN HEART" IS ARGUABLY EVEN MORE AMAZING THAN THE SINGLE". MuuMuse. Retrieved 2011-08-11. Cite error: The named reference "muse2" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  8. ^ "The greatest Nicola Roberts b-side in the admittedly short history of Nicola Roberts b-sides". PopMatters. 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  9. ^ Benjamin, Jeff (2011-06-06). "Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts: Will 'Beat Of My Drum' Spawn Stateside Breakout?". Billboard. Retrieved 2011-08-11. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  10. ^ "Nicola Roberts: 'Beat Of My Drum'". Popjustice. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  11. ^ Piper, Dean (2011-06-05). "Nicola Roberts' new single Beat Of My Drum is fantastic". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  12. ^ Cragg, Michael (2011-06-03). "New Music: Nicola Roberts". The Guardian. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  13. ^ a b c d "Chart stats". UK Singles Chart. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  14. ^ a b "GFK Chart-Track". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  15. ^ a b "Archive chart". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  16. ^ Roberts, Nicola (2011-05-25). "Beat of LA". Polydor Records. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  17. ^ a b "Nicola Roberts "Nervous" Performing Without Girls Aloud". Viacom. 2011-06-09. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  18. ^ "Nicola Roberts Feels Self Conscious Dancing". Viacom. Retrieved 2011-08-13.
  19. ^ a b Satherley, Jessica (2011-06-03). "Now that's just PANTS! Nicola Roberts dons bizarre patterned underwear in first solo video". Daily Mail. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  20. ^ Copsey, Robert (2011-06-18). "Nicola Roberts interview: "I begged for Kate Bush"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  21. ^ a b "Beat of my Drum Single". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  22. ^ "Beat of my Drum (Remixes) EP". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  23. ^ a b "Nicola Roberts Beat of my Drum CD Single". Universal Music. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
  24. ^ Ireland EP release "Beat of my Drum Single". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-08-11. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Beat_of_My_Drum&oldid=445237743"