I Care 4 U (song)
"I Care 4 U" | |
---|---|
Song | |
B-side | "Don't Worry" |
"I Care 4 U" is a song by American R&B recording artist Aaliyah. It is a romantic R&B ballad written by Missy Elliott and Timbaland. The song was originally recorded for Aaliyah's 1996 album One in a Million, but the recording was withdrawn after its completion and re-recorded in 2000 for her 2001 self-titled third album.
"I Care 4 U" charted for 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2002, peaking at number 16. It was released as a radio single in 2003 in promotion of Aaliyah's posthumuous compilation album I Care 4 U (2002).
Background
"I Care 4 U" was written by Missy Elliott and Timbaland, who also produced the song, and recorded at Magic Mix Studios and Music Grinder Studios in Los Angeles.[4] Aaliyah originally recorded the song for her 1996 album One in a Million, but it was completed after the album had finished post-production, and she chose to save it for her next album.[5] The song is a soft romantic R&B ballad whose female narrator,[6] according to Aaliyah, says "don't cry, I'll wipe your tears. I love you, just give me the chance to show you."[5]
Critical reception
Ross Scarano from Complex praised the production of the song and went as far as comparing the song to the work of Angie Stone. According to Scarano "If it weren't from some low-in-the-mix beatboxing and complicated drum programming, "I Care 4 U" wouldn't register as a Timbaland production. The electric piano and extremely earnest multi-tracked vocals give off the sheen of neo-soul; this is Aaliyah doing Angie Stone".[3]
Chart performance
"I Care 4 U" debuted at number 75 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs as an "album cut" in the week of June 1, 2002.[7] It charted for 20 weeks on the Hot 100 Airplay (Radio Songs).[8] It peaked as an "album cut" at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the week of October 16;[9] it spent 20 total weeks on that chart as well.[8] Along with "More Than a Woman" and "Rock the Boat", the song helped give Aaliyah a strong presence on the radio following her death in 2001.[10]
"I Care 4 U" was released as a promotional recording for the compilation album of the same name in 2003.[11] In April 2003, it was released as a 12-inch single with the B-side "Don't Worry".[12]
Track listing
- A. I Care 4 U (LP version) (Missy Elliott, Timothy Mosley) - 4:34[11]
- B. Don't Worry (LP version) (Phalon Alexander, Johntá Austin) - 3:55[11]
Personnel
Credits adapted from Aaliyah (2001) liner notes.[4]
- Aaliyah – vocals
- Jimmy Douglass – engineer, mixing
- Missy Elliott – composer
- Bernie Grundman – mastering
- Timbaland – composer, producer
Charts
Weekly charts
References
External links |