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Party (Beyoncé song)

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"Party"
Song

"Party" is a song by American recording artist Beyoncé Knowles featuring American rapper André 3000, taken from her fourth studio album, 4 (2011). The song was composed by Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Beyoncé Knowles, André Lauren Benjamin, Dexter Mills, Douglas Davis and Ricky Walters. It samples the 1985 classic, "La Di Da Di". "Party" leaked online on June 7, 2011, that is, three weeks prior to the official release date of the album. An R&B-mid-tempo song, "Party" heavily exhibits elements of the late 1980s funk and soul music. Lyrically, the song finds Knowles as the female protagonist in the mood for some loving as well as referencing to a get-together for two persons.

"Party" was generally well-received by music critics. They acclaimed the rapped verse of André 3000, who had been keeping his collaborations to a minimum since the past few years. Critics also commented the assertiveness, as well as the sensuality with which Knowles sings, and generally praised the production handled by West. It was also coined as a "summer jam" by some of them. Following the release of 4, "Party" charted at number 19 on the South Korea Gaon International Singles Chart. It also received considerable rotation on US urban radio, resulting to its appearance on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it has peaked at number 57 so far.

In early August 2011, it was reported an accompanying music video for "Party" has been shot in New Jersey, and that it may feature cameo appearances by Knowles' younger sister, Solange Knowles, and former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland. The song was part of Knowles' set list for her 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé, held in Roseland Ballroom, New York City in August 2011.

Background and development

Kanye West (pictured) coined the phrase "swagu" in "Party".[2]

"Party" was written by Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Beyoncé Knowles, André Lauren Benjamin, Dexter Mills, Douglas Davis and Ricky Walters. Production was handled by Knowles, West, and Bhasker.[3] Knowles told Gabriel Alvarez of Complex magazine that she was very happy and keen to work with Kanye West who handled the production of "Party". This was because West's single "Runaway" (2010) drove her to the edge of tears the first time she heard.[4] She further said: "The fact that he's belting out his pain, his confusion, and his anger, with no pre-written lyrics, was so moving. He's singing his heart out for five minutes. He is so vulnerable. I love when an artist can be so honest."[4]

On May 25, 2011, it was revealed by Rap-Up that American rapper André 3000, who had been keeping his features to a minimum in recent years, would appear as a featuring artist on fifth song featured on the track-listing of her then fourth upcoming studio album, 4. This was the only collaboration present on the final track-list of the record.[5] Later on June 4, 2011, it was revealed that "Party" interpolates "La Di Da Di" (1985) as performed by Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew featuring MC Ricky D., and written by Douglas Davis and Ricky Walters.[3][5] The original record contains the lyrics, "La di da di, we like to party.", which the songwriters included on "Party".[6] Two days later, "Party" leaked on the internet followed by the whole album, three weeks prior to its official release date, scheduled for June 28, 2011.[7] Speaking of his collaboration with Knowles, André 3000 said: "I've always felt Beyoncé was one of the best performers of our time, so to collaborate with her was an honor and a pleasure."[8]

Music and lyrics

"Party" is a mid-paced song that draws from the genre of R&B.[9] It also exhibits elements of funk music,[10] as well as soul music,[11] and is built on "scooping, gliding multi-tracked" 1990 girl-ground harmonies alongside mid-tempo bounces, something stated by Thomas Conner from Chicago Sun-Times,[12] and Ryan Dombal of Pitchfork Media.[13] According to David Amidon of PopMatters, the song's music "is largely reminiscent of late 1980s diva histrionics";[14] it has a 808-retro beat and a 1980s style smooth groove.[15][16] This is further illustrated by the song's instrumentation, which consists of 1980s slow-bouncing synthesizers[17][18] and bubbly 1980s keyboard tones.[13] Gil Kaufman of MTV News commented that synthesizers and drum machine used in "Party" creates a groove reminiscent of "a New Jack Swing seduction."[18] Jon Caramainca of The New York Times wrote that the production of "Party" recalls "the tinny, casual early work of New Edition",[19] James Reed of The Boston Globe wrote that its music arrangement comes pretty close to sounding like "a parody by The Lonely Island or Flight of the Conchords",[20] Roberts Randall of The Los Angeles Times found that "Party" sounds like a "half-speed remix of a Human League song."[21] and Kevin O'Donnell of Spin magazine found the song to be reminiscent of Prince in his 1980s prime.[15]

"Party"
A 25-second sample of "Party", which Joanne Dorken of MTV UK described as a "dance-floor filler, which is reminiscent of the music [Knowles] was making with [the] Destiny's Child back in the nineties [...] but of course, with that Sasha Fierce edge."[22]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Lyrically, "Party" finds Knowles as the female protagonist in the mood for some loving as well as referencing to a get-together for two persons.[2][17] As the song begins, Kanye West rhymes about "swag sauce" and "swagu" in the introductory lines: "You a bad girl, your friends bad too / You got the swag sauce, you're drippin' Swagu",[2] before passing the torch to Knowles who sings slowly and steadily: "I may be young but I'm ready / To give you all my love / I told my girls you can get it / Don't slow it down, just let it go / So in love / I'll give it all away / Just don't tell nobody tomorrow".[7][23] In the chorus lines, Knowles she harmonizes over the sample "La Di Da Di": "Cause tonight's the night that I give you everything / Music knocking until the morning light / 'Cause we like to party [...]".[7]

In the second verse, Knowles belts out in a thick stack of smooth, layered vocals.[2] After that she has delivered the chorus for the second time, André 3000 surfaces around the 2:15 mark with some very naughty references to milk, shown in the lyrics of his rapped verse:[2][18] "[...] I got a homeboy named Butta and another homeboy, that nigga named Cheese / Fuck wit' me baby, I make it milk 'til it drip down yo' knees [...]", before switching gears altogether and getting philosophical about his own career with lines like:[2] "Kiddo say he looks up to me, this just makes me feel old/ Never thought that we could become someone else's hero / Man, we were just in the food court eating our gyros [...]",[7] and finally adopting a "multi-syllabic tongue twister" to deliver some of the finishing lines.[15] The song runs out with Knowles reiterating the lines "Cause we like to party, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey" and then a reprise of West's opening lines.[18]

Critical reception

André 3000 (pictured), whose rhymes were described as "a blue moon, rare and pretty amazing" by Erika Ramirez of Billboard magazine.[24]

Matthew Perpetua of Rolling Stone showed appreciation for André 3000's performance and the song itself, writing: "André 3000 is sharp and effortlessly charismatic on his rapped verse, but the real attraction here is the track itself."[16] Similarly, David Amidon of PopMatters commented that the song features "one of those rare 'look how effortless rapping is for me'."[14] This was further echoed by Ryan Dombal of Pitchfork Media, who wrote that "[4's] carefree retro sensibility pops up on three more highlights, including 'Party', which combines a pitch-perfect André 3000 guest verse, a Slick Rick sample, [...] while its bounce provides prime summer barbecue background."[13] Rich Juzwiak of The Village Voice was also positive: "'Party' sounds right out of The SOS Band's catalog (its plodding tempo is the only thing that lets you know she isn't quoting a particularly poetic, desperately meth-seeking craigslist m4m ad [...]".[25] Jon Caramainca of The New York Times wrote that Knowles sings the song "in her best impression of naughtiness."[19] Ricky Schweitzer of One Thirty BPM also showed high favorism for "Party", writing:

"The majority of 4 consists of mid-tempo pieces, but unlike the filler that might have occupied this pacing on previous albums, many of this album’s greatest strengths lie in this realm. Perhaps best exemplifying this spirit is the André 3000 and Kanye West assisted, 'Party' in which Beyoncé relaxes into a beat that, while not be easy to grind to, still works perfectly as a party anthem. Beyoncé reminds us that a party is not only meant for dancing. It is a place where you go to enjoy the company of others and often times, that involves real human conversation and interaction. Echoing this sentiment, André’s verse is tranquilized from his customarily rapid-fire delivery to a drawl more reminiscent of Lil’ Wayne than his traditional work with Outkast. 'Party' like much of 4, is a conversation, and André 3000 wants to be heard."[26]

Consequence of Sound writer Chris Coplan praised the minimal production and simplistic lyrics of "Party" further describing the song as being as "simple as a Beyoncé song gets: a low-key, synth-y beat paired with inspired vocals by Beyoncé and a killer, fluid verse by Mr. Benjamin [André 3000]."[27] Adam Markovitz of Entertainment Weekly wrote that "the promisingly named 'Party' [...] turns out to be a slow-jam invitation to an after-work mixer with light refreshments."[28] Chicago Sun-Times's Thomas Conner complimented the harmonies "scooping, gliding multi-tracked harmonies that almost make moot the idea of a Destiny's reunion."[12] Gil Kaufman of MTV News was also positive, writing that "[...] unlike the at-points frantic 'Run the World (Girls)' [Party] takes its time, lyrically and musically, with Beyoncé luxuriating over her vocals and singing about the beauty of nice and slow."[18] Calling "Party" as "a proudly retro slice of R&B", James Reed of The Boston Globe wrote that the song is "an irresistible summer jam that I haven't been able to stop humming for a week straight."[20] Jim Farber of Daily News echoed Reed's sentiments, writing that "Party" would surely be "a top-down anthem for months to come."[29] Similarly, Joanne Dorken of MTV UK wrote that "Party" is bound to be a "monster hit" and concluded that it is a " stand out tune on the album."[22]

However, Matthew Horton of BBC Online viewed "Party" as one of the "less successful interruptions" on 4.[10] Similarly, Embling of Tiny Mix Tapes gave the song a mixed review, writing: "[...] the less said about the phrase 'swag goo' the better; 'Party', the song on which those unfortunate words appear — Kanye West providing that unfortunate pun — is otherwise wonderful, but yet some errors are too grievous to forgive."[30]

Music video

On August 2, 2011, Rap-Up reported that Knowles began filming the music video for "Party" in the Oakdale Mobile Home Park in South Brunswick Township, New Jersey.[31] The video called for multiple flashy fashions, a red muscle car, and colorfully-dressed dancers.[31] Solange Knowles, Knowles' younger sister, and former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland were both seen on the set of the music video, and are expected to make cameos.[31] Rowland elaborated a bit about her role in the video in an interview with NeonLimelight: "I'm just doing a cameo. We just had a really good time [...] While filming the video, we noticed that we were doing certain stuff that we used to do as kids. We kinda felt a little goofy for a second, so we stopped. But we just had a good time."[32] Also, Rowland confirmed in an interview with Idolator on August 3, 2011, that Knowles directed the video.[33]

Live performance

Knowles performed the song live for first time on August 14, 2011 during her 4 Intimate Nights With Beyoncé in Roseland Ballroom, New York City.[34] Wearing a gold dress, she performed the song in front of 3,500 people and she was backed by her all-female band and her backing singers, called the Mamas.[34] Erika Ramirez of Billboard magazine commented that "[Knowles] slow-winded to 'Party' as the crowd swayed their arms back and forth and stretched out the 'y' to every other verse."[35] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times, who apparently did not received "Party" positively, however wrote that "[Knowles] is an outrageously nimble entertainer, enough so that it compensated for this album’s awkward or halfhearted choices: the too-goofy Kanye West hook on 'Party'."[36] Yolanda Sangweni of Essence magazine stated that "on songs like 'Rather Die Young' and 'Party', [Knowles] reminds us her vocal chops are what got her here."[37] Brad Wete of Entertainment Weekly stated that "Party" was among the several highlights of the show.[34] Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone the live performance of "Party" was "beatific and lovely."[38] Joycelyn Vena of MTV News concluded that "it was [Knowles'] ability to throw a party during faster jams like 'Party', 'Countdown', 'End of Time' and 'Run the World (Girls)' that put on full display her range as a performer, dancing and singing live the entire night."[39]

Chart performance

Without being released as a single, "Party" debuted at number 29 on the South Korea Gaon International Singles Chart for the week ending July 2, 2011, selling 17,460 digital downloads.[40] The following week, it sold 17,995 downloads, which enabled it ascend to number 19 where it peaked.[41] "Party" debuted at number 90 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart issue dated July 21, 2011.[42] The following week, "Party" moved to number 72 on the chart,[42] and one week later, it climbed to number 57.[42] For the week ending September 10, 2011, "Party" moved from number 55 to number 50 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[43]

Chart (2011) Peak
position
South Korea Gaon International Singles Chart[41] 19
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[44] 50

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from 4 liner notes.[3]

Radio add dates

Country Date Format
United States[1] August 30, 2011 Urban radio

References

  1. ^ a b "Urban/UAC Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on August 24, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Daw, Robbie (June 7, 2011). "Beyonce, Andre 3000 & Kanye West Have A Slow-Jam 'Party' On New '4' Track". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c 4 (Media notes). Columbia Records. 2011. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |artist= ignored (|others= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b Alvarez, Gabriel (July 19, 2011). "Beyoncé: Mighty Fly (2011 Cover Story & Gallery)". Complex. Complex Media Network. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  5. ^ a b "Beyoncé Parties With André 3000 On New Album". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. May 25, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  6. ^ "Beyoncé Samples Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh on André 3000 Collaboration". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  7. ^ a b c d "New Music: Beyoncé F/André 3000 - Party". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  8. ^ "André 3000 Calls Beyoncé One of the Best Performers". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. June 20, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  9. ^ MacBain, Hamish (June 21, 2011). "Beyonce - Album Review: Beyonce - '4' - Album Reviews". NME. IPC Media. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  10. ^ a b Horton, Matthew (June 22, 2011). "BBC - Music - Review of Beyoncé - 4". BBC Online. BBC. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  11. ^ Tao, Conrad (June 24, 2011). "Review of Beyoncé - 4". Sputnikmusic. Jeremy Ferwerda. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  12. ^ a b Conner, Thomas (June 22, 2011). "CD review: Beyonce, '4' - Music: Via Chicago". Chicago Sun-Times. Sun-Times Media Group. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  13. ^ a b c Dombal, Ryan (June 28, 2011). "Album Reviews: Beyoncé: 4". Pitchfork Media. Ryan Schreiber. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  14. ^ a b Amidon, David (June 29, 2011). "Beyoncé: 4". PopMatters. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
  15. ^ a b c O'Donnell, Kevin (June 7, 2011). "OutKast's Andre 3000 Joins Beyonce's 'Party'". Spin. Spin Media LLC. Retrieved August, 3 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  16. ^ a b Perpetua, Matthew (June 8, 2011). "Beyoncé's '4': A Track-by-Track Breakdown". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  17. ^ a b Exton, Emily (June 8, 2011). "Beyoncé: 4 - Party". PopDust. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  18. ^ a b c d e Kaufman, Gil (June 7, 2011). "Beyonce's 'Party' Track, Featuring Andre 3000, Leaks". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  19. ^ a b Caramanica, Jon (June 27, 2011). "On '4,' Beyoncé Bids Farewell (for Now) to Her Old Selves". The New York Times. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr.. The New York Times Company. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  20. ^ a b Reed, James (June 26, 2011). "CD review: Beyoncé shows a softer side on '4'". The Boston Globe. The New York Times Company. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  21. ^ Randall, Roberts (June 28, 2011). "Album review: Beyonce's 4". Los Angeles Times. Eddy Hartenstein. Tribune Company. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  22. ^ a b Dorken, Joanne (June 21, 2011). "Beyoncé '4' Track By Track Review". MTV UK. MTV Networks. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
  23. ^ Rizoh (June 8, 2011). "Beyonce Throws A "Party" With Kanye, Andre 3000 & Slick Rick". Houston Press. Stuart Folb. Village Voice Media. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  24. ^ Ramirez, Erika (June 28, 2011). "Beyonce's '4:' Track-by-Track Review". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  25. ^ Juzwiak, Rich (June 28, 2011). "Beyonce's Odes to Joy". The Village Voice. Village Voice Media. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  26. ^ Schweitzer, Ricky (July 3, 2011). "Album Review: Beyoncé – 4". One Thirty BPM. Evan Kaloudis. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  27. ^ Coplan, Chris (June 24, 2011). "Album Review: Beyoncé – 4". Consequence of Sound. Complex Media Network. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  28. ^ Markovitz, Adam (July 10, 2010). "4 review - Beyoncé Review". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
  29. ^ Farber, Jim (June 28, 2011). "Beyonce review: Singer shows softer side and lyrical power with new album '4'". Daily News (New York). Mortimer Zuckerman. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  30. ^ Embling (June 28, 2011). "Beyonce - 4 Music Review". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  31. ^ a b c "Beyoncé Pull Into Trailer Park to Shoot 'Party' Video". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. August 2, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  32. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (August 5, 2011). "Beyonce's 'Party' Video: Why We're Dying For An Invite". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  33. ^ Bain, Becky (August 3, 2011). "Kelly Rowland Cameos In Beyonce-Directed 'Party' Video". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  34. ^ a b c Wete, Brad (August 15, 2011). "Beyonce performs first of four-night run of her new '4' album at small NYC theater -- an EW review". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
  35. ^ Ramirez, Erika (August 15, 2011). "Beyonce's Intimate Night At Roseland Ballroom: Idolator Review | Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
  36. ^ Caramanica, Jon (August 15, 2011). "Closer to Her Fans and Further Away From Her Past". The New York Times. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr.. The New York Times Company. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
  37. ^ Yolanda Sangweni (August 17, 2011). "Beyonce Gives an 'Intimate' Performance in NYC". Essence. Time Inc. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
  38. ^ Rosen, Jody (August 15, 2011). "Beyonce Gets Intimate in First of '4' Roseland Ballroom Shows | Rolling Stone Music". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
  39. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (August 17, 2011). "Beyonce Serves Up Intimate Performance In NYC". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
  40. ^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: June 26, 2011 to July 2, 2011)". Gaon Chart. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  41. ^ a b "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: July 3, 2011 to July 9, 2011)". Gaon Chart. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  42. ^ a b c "Week Ending July 21, 2011: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Greatest Gainers)". Please note that you should launch the visualizer to see the progression of the song on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved August 3, 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  43. ^ "Week of September 10, 2011 - Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (41 - 50)". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
  44. ^ "Beyoncé Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved August 3, 2011.

External links

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