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Misery (Gwen Stefani song)

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"Misery"
Song

"Misery" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani, taken from her third studio album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like. While originally intended to be released as the album's second single, Interscope Records released it as a promotional single on March 11, 2016, before Stefani revealed on Instagram that it is the album's third single. It was serviced to hot adult contemporary radio on May 23, 2016. The electropop track was written by Stefani, Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, Mattias Larsson, and Robin Fredriksson, while production was handled by Mattman & Robin.

Lyrically, "Misery" discusses getting over a past lover, while accepting a new one. Many critics felt that the song was inspired by her relationships with Gavin Rossdale and Blake Shelton, and Stefani confirmed in an interview that "Misery" was written about the latter. Upon release, "Misery" received highly positive reviews from music critics, who praised the song for being "addictive" and "catchy". However, some critics were confused over who the song was written about. A lyric video for the song was uploaded to Stefani's Vevo account on March 10, 2016 and featured hand-drawn illustrations created by Stefani; the song's official video debuted on May 31 and displayed Stefani in various dresses and outfits.

Background and release

After the lackluster response to Stefani's previous singles, "Baby Don't Lie" and "Spark the Fire", she scrapped the release of her studio album to begin work on "more authentic" material.[1] When Stefani divorced her then-husband Gavin Rossdale, she began writing intimate songs for a brand-new project.[2] Following the completion and release of "Used to Love You", Stefani continued writing personal tracks to express her feelings.[3] Several months after writing various songs, Stefani began shifting focus and writing tracks about Blake Shelton instead of Rossdale; Stefani confirmed that "Misery" was written about "her newfound happiness with Shelton" in an interview with Dana Ross Falcone of Entertainment Weekly.[4]

"Misery" became one of the later songs written for the project, and was later announced to be the second single released from This Is What the Truth Feels Like.[5] Stefani later confirmed via Twitter that "Misery" would be released instead as a promotional single on March 8, 2016.[6] After providing a sneak preview of the track on Instagram on March 10, 2016, Stefani released the track to the iTunes Store an hour later.[4] The song was serviced to hot adult contemporary radio on May 23, 2016 as the album's third single.[7]

Composition

An electropop song,[8] "Misery" was written by Stefani, Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, Mattias Larsson, and Robin Fredriksson; production of the track was handled by Swedish songwriting duo Mattman & Robin.[9] As described by Dee Lockett of Vulture, "Misery" contains "some synths, a funky bassline, and well-placed hand claps to disguise the pain."[10] Leoni Cooper of NME stated that "Misery" has "future-disco beats", and "captures the highs and lows of being "gobsmacked in love,"[11] using the metaphor that "a love is as irresistible as drugs."[12] Nicki Gostin, writing for the New York Daily News, questioned the song's subject matter, stating "it's not clear who she's crooning about — ex Gavin Rossdale or new love Blake Shelton";[13] Alexis Rhiannon of Bustle claimed that the song "give[s] an inside look to a painful past relationship."[14]

Critical reception

Upon release, "Misery" received mostly favorable reviews from contemporary music critics. Daniel Kreps of Rolling Stone called the song "addictive" and "catchy" while having "feel-good lyrics."[15] Mashable's Emily Blake praised the song and stated "try not to get hooked."[16] A reviewer from TooFab enjoyed the "surprisingly upbeat" sound of the track compared to Stefani's single, "Used to Love You".[17] Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Leah Greenblatt dubbed "Misery" as a "come-on disguised as [a] caution"; Greenblatt further praised the song for being a "stomper".[18] Sal Cinquemani of Slant called the track a "standout".[19]

Lucas Villa of AXS praised Stefani for "continu[ing] her streak of solid pop tunes by turning her confessional lyrics into completely delectable hooks," further stating that "if this is misery, sign us up for more of it please";[20] similarly, Emilee Lindner of fuseTV praised the track for "Gwen's bouncy voice".[21] Lauren Duca, writing for The Frisky, labeled "Misery" as "catchy" and joked that "whether the song's subject is Gavin Rossdale or Blake Shelton, I'd burn calories listening to this song if it was about a Pomeranian Gwen met at a shelter and regrets not adopting."[22] On the same subject of Shelton and Rossdale, Amanda Bell of MTV News enjoyed the song, but was confused over the song's lyrics and compared it to Stefani's song "Make Me Like You", stating "and unlike ["Misery"], "Make Me Like You" was pretty straightforward with the 'in like' adoration message" but later said she's "miserably stumped" when it comes to "Misery".[23]

Music videos

Two videos were produced for "Misery". A lyric video for the track was released on March 10, 2016 on Stefani's official YouTube account.[24] The video displays handwritten lyrics by Stefani on graph paper, note cards, and post-it notes; it also features several photos of Stefani during a photo shoot for This Is What the Truth Feels Like.[25]

The official music video debuted on May 31, 2016, also on her YouTube account.[26] The video directed by longtime collaborator Sophie Muller and was filmed at a warehouse and parking garage with varying locations at a loft space, a staircase, and a hydraulic elevator.[27][28]

Synopsis

Stefani's "black bob wig" look was compared to her style with the Harajuku Girls.[29]

The video opens with Stefani standing behind a counter in an abandoned warehouse.[28] Her attire consists of an outfit similar to that of Lady Liberty.[30] Various scenes of Stefani in a garden-inspired sheer dress and a "flower crown" appear, as darkened shots of her face also are shown, amongst a trio of background dancers.[29] For the song's pre-chorus, Stefani is shown in a gothic, black dress, sitting on a white couch, where she pretends to faint.[31] During the entire chorus, Stefani wears a red, flowing dress and activates a smoke machine.[29]

The second verse shows her in the garden dress, where she continually rides an elevator through the warehouse; in a separate scene, the background dancers also ride the elevator. In front of a flower wallpaper, Stefani wears a fluffy, pink dress where she gracefully falls to floor. The next chorus displays Stefani in a black bob wig, "walk[ing] effortlessly down some stairs in patent leather, thigh-high stilettos".[32] The song's bridge has Stefani wearing a black and white leotard with thigh-high silver boots, while sitting on a stool.[29] A black horse appears, alongside Stefani in a black and white-striped dress, before she slowly runs away from the horse. The song's final chorus has Stefani riding a bicycle through a brightly-lit parking garage,[31] before she returns to the smoke machine and, once again, falls to the ground as the screen fades to black.[29]

Reception

The official music video received highly favorable reviews from music critics. Seija Rankin of E! Online stated "Contrary to the song's title, this tune and the corresponding video is not actually miserable at all; it's quite upbeat."[29] Madison Vain for Entertainment Weekly applauded the visual, calling it "gorgeous" and a "high-fashion affair".[27] Matthew Scott Donnelly, writing for Pop Crush, applauded it for "turn[ing] a parking garage into [an] artist's oasis"; he also appreciated the video's "cool, sexy edge".[31] Nate Scott from the USA Today acclaimed the video: "Good lord, this video. Who is the art director? Come take my life over and make everything this beautiful."[33]

Live performances

Stefani performed "Misery" for the first time on March 17, 2016. The performance was during a special private concert for MasterCard users in Tokyo, Japan. During the performance, Stefani wore "cropped red track pants and a red sequined cage top over a black bra" as the lyric video was displayed as the backdrop; "Misery" was followed by a performance of "Make Me Like You".[34] On her Saturday Night Live performance of "Misery", Stefani wore torn jeans and a high-waisted top, accompanied by several backup singers, including No Doubt bandmates Gabrial McNair and Stephen Bradley.[35] Stefani performed "Misery" on April 19, 2016 on The Voice. Stefani and her back-up dancers wore "colorful, tribal style ensembles" and performed using "a trippy, psychedelic lighting scheme".[36]

Track listing

Digital download - Misery (Remixed)[37]
No.TitleLength
1."Misery (Lincoln Jesser Remix)"3:50
2."Misery (Division 4 & Matt Consola Extended Remix)"6:24
3."Misery (Steven Redant Club Mix)"4:23

Credits and personnel

Management
Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of This Is What the Truth Feels Like[38]

Charts

Chart (2016) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[39] 74
Canadian Digital Songs (Billboard)[40] 42
France (SNEP)[41] 127
Scotland (OCC)[42] 72
UK Singles (OCC)[43] 171
UK Singles Downloads (OCC)[44] 83
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[45] 11
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)[46] 37
US Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[47] 45

Release history

Country Date Format Label Notes
Worldwide March 11, 2016[48] Digital download Interscope Promotional single
United States May 23, 2016[7] Hot adult contemporary Official single
Worldwide June 24, 2016[37] Digital download Misery (Remixed)

References

  1. ^ Riotta, Chris (August 14, 2015). "Gwen Stefani New Album 2015: Latest on Her Next Release". Music.Mic. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  2. ^ Carroll, Sarah (November 2, 2015). "Interview: Gwen Stefani Opens Up About Her Divorce, New Music, & More With Carson Daly". 97.1 AMP Radio. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
  3. ^ Vain, Madison (October 19, 2015). "Gwen Stefani scrapped an entire album and started again: 'It didn't feel right'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
  4. ^ a b Falcone, Dana Rose (March 10, 2016). "Hear Gwen Stefani's new track 'Misery'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  5. ^ Kreps, Daniel (November 2, 2015). "Gwen Stefani: 'I Have Enough for Probably Two Albums'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  6. ^ Wass, Mike. "Gwen Stefani Preps "Misery" As Next 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like' Buzz Single". Idolator. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on May 21, 2016. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
  8. ^ Cills, Hazel (March 17, 2016). "Gwen Stefani Moves Forward Messily on This Is What The Truth Feels Like". MTV News. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  9. ^ "Gwen Stefani This Is What the Truth Feels Like". AllMusic. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  10. ^ Lockett, Dee. "Gwen Stefani Begs to Be Put Out of Her Misery on Her New Song, Surprisingly Doesn't Also Make You Feel Miserable". Vulture. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
  11. ^ Ryan, Patrick (March 17, 2016). "Album of the week: Gwen Stefani shares her 'Truth'". USA Today. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  12. ^ Zaleski, Annie (March 21, 2016). "Gwen Stefani goes her own way on This Is What The Truth Feels Like". The A.V. Club. Retrieved March 21, 2016.
  13. ^ Gostin, Nicki (March 11, 2016). "Is Gwen Stefani's latest single 'Misery' about new boyfriend Blake Shelton or ex Gavin Rossdale?". New York Daily News. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  14. ^ Rhiannon, Alexis (March 11, 2016). "Gwen Stefani's "Misery" Lyrics Give An Inside Look Into A Painful Past Relationship — Listen". Bustle. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  15. ^ Kreps, Daniel (March 11, 2016). "Hear Gwen Stefani's Addictive New Song 'Misery'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  16. ^ Blake, Emily. "Listen to Gwen Stefani's new single 'Misery,' and try not to get hooked". Mashable. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  17. ^ "Gwen Stefani Releases New Single "Misery," Talks "Juicy" Split from Gavin Rossdale". TooFab. March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  18. ^ Greenblatt, Leah (16 March 2016). "Gwen Stefani's This Is What the Truth Feels Like: EW Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 19 March 2016. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (March 17, 2016). "Gwen Stefani This Is What the Truth Feels Like". Slant. Retrieved March 18, 2016. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ Villa, Lucas (March 16, 2016). "Listen: Gwen Stefani finds love in 'Misery' with new song". AXS. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  21. ^ Lindner, Emilee (March 11, 2016). "Gwen Stefani's New Song Will Put You Out Of Your 'Misery'". fuseTV. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  22. ^ Duca, Lauren. "Let Gwen Stefani's New Single Put You Out Of Your "Misery" On The Elliptical". The Frisky. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  23. ^ Bell, Amanda (March 11, 2016). "Gwen Stefani Admits To Living In 'Misery' Since Dating Blake Shelton". MTV News. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
  24. ^ "Gwen Stefani – Misery (Lyric Video)". YouTube. March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  25. ^ Daly, Rhian. "Gwen Stefani shares new song 'Misery' – listen". NME. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  26. ^ "Gwen Stefani – Misery". YouTube. May 31, 2016. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  27. ^ a b Vain, Madison (May 31, 2016). "Gwen Stefani releases gorgeous 'Misery' video". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 1, 2016. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  28. ^ a b Grant, Sarah (May 31, 2016). "Watch Gwen Stefani Strike a Pose in 'Misery' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 1, 2016. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  29. ^ a b c d e f Rankin, Seija (May 31, 2016). "The Importance of Leotards, and Other Things We Learned From Gwen Stefani's "Misery" Video". E! Online. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  30. ^ Gonzales, Erica (May 31, 2016). "All Of The Gorgeous Looks From Gwen Stefani's "Misery" Music Video". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved June 1, 2016. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  31. ^ a b c Donnelly, Matthew Scott (May 31, 2016). "Gwen Stefani Turns A Parking Garage Into Artist's Oasis In New 'Misery' Video". Pop Crush. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  32. ^ Geffen, Sasha (May 31, 2016). "Let Gwen Stefani's 'Misery' Video Be Your Summer Fashion Inspo". MTV. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  33. ^ Scott, Nate (June 3, 2016). "10 best songs of the week feat. Kanye West, The Strokes, Gwen Stefani". USA Today. Retrieved June 5, 2016.
  34. ^ Wetherille, Kelly (March 16, 2016). "Gwen Stefani Rocks Out in Tokyo". WWD. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  35. ^ Kreps, Daniel (3 April 2016). "Watch Gwen Stefani Rock Space Shorts, Bring 'Misery' to 'SNL'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 3 April 2016. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  36. ^ Seemayer, Zach (April 19, 2016). "Blake Shelton Beams, Gives Standing Ovation After Gwen Stefani's Performance of 'Misery' on 'The Voice'". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  37. ^ a b "iTunes (U.S.) – Music – Gwen Stefani – Misery (Remixed) - Single". iTunes (U.S.). June 24, 2016. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  38. ^ This Is What the Truth Feels Like (CD liner notes). Gwen Stefani. Interscope Records. 2016.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  39. ^ "Gwen Stefani – Misery". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
  40. ^ "Gwen Stefani – Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  41. ^ "Gwen Stefani – Misery" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  42. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  43. ^ Chart Log UK: "Update 19.03.2016". UK Singles Chart. Zobbel.de. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  44. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  45. ^ "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  46. ^ "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  47. ^ "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  48. ^ Rettig, James (March 11, 2016). "Gwen Stefani – "Misery"". Stereogum. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
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