Let Me (Zayn song)
"Let Me" | ||||
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Single by Zayn | ||||
from the album Icarus Falls | ||||
Released | 12 April 2018 | |||
Studio |
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Genre | ||||
Length | 3:05 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) |
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Zayn singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Let Me" on YouTube |
"Let Me" is a song recorded by English singer and songwriter Zayn. Written by Michael Hannides, Anthony Hannides, Zayn, Alan Sampson, Khaled Rohaim and produced by Rohaim and MakeYouKnowLove, it was released by RCA Records on 12 April 2018, as the lead single from Zayn's second studio album Icarus Falls (2018).
Release
On 24 March 2018, Zayn posted a 15-second teaser on Twitter with the "soon" emoji. The video starts with the words "coming soon" and then features a montage of scenes from the music video. It ends with the words "the story continues" flashing on the screen.[1][2] On 29 March, he uploaded a picture of himself sitting with the song's music video director, captioning the post: "Coming soon".[3] He wiped his Instagram account on 7 April,[4] before posting a second teaser on the day after, which was attached with the song's release date "04.12.18". Starting off with Zayn looking out over the ocean, the clip quickly cycles through music video shots and words in red on a black background.[5][6][7] The third teaser was released on 12 April, it showed more clips from the music video and revealed the song's release time, as well as Zayn's character name.[8]
During an interview with Nick Grimshaw on The Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Zayn refused to disclose who the song is about, saying: "It's not always the wisest thing to do, it just complicates things so I have tended not to do that anymore, I just keep it to myself."[9]
Composition
"Let Me" is an upbeat pop and R&B track featuring "a slick, easygoing production".[10][11] Written and recorded at Jungle City Studios and Electric Lady Studios in New York City,[12][13] the song is based on a simple beat and an electric guitar sample.[14] Lyrically, the song is about taking care of a partner for the rest of their lives.[15]
Music video
The music video was directed by José Padilha, and it serves as a sequel to the visual for "Dusk Till Dawn".[16][17] Creatively developed by Zayn himself in collaboration with the director, it starred Cuban-American actor Steven Bauer as a kingpin who attempts to keep Zayn, as Roko, under his control. It begins with Zayn dropping off a black briefcase at Bauer's apartment, where he amorously stares at Bauer's girlfriend, played by model Sofia Jamora.[18][19] He later arrives at a club to make a delivery to Bauer, after which the video transitions into dreamlike images of him being physically intimate and implying sex with the woman he saw earlier. As Zayn delivers a brief case to Bauer at a club, sexual attraction and tension between Zayn and the woman rise as they pass by each other. Bauer orders his henchmen to take down Zayn as he exits. Zayn quickly overpowers and defeats each of the larger men with martial arts moves. Just as Zayn defeats the henchmen, he turns toward the woman and finds she is being held across the room, gun to her head, by Bauer. Bauer then points the weapon at Zayn. The woman suddenly displays martial arts skills and flips Bauer with a single move, throwing him to the floor.[20] The video ends with the couple sailing into the sunset in a cigarette boat, as the words "to be continued" roll across the screen.[21][22] As of January 2019, the music video has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.[23]
Critical reception
Hugh McIntyre of Forbes found the song "decidedly sweeter and more restrained than his recent offerings", complimenting its ability to not "rely on big electro beats or any gimmicks to sell itself". He also praised Zayn for managing his falsetto "as well as he has much grander performances in the past".[24] Lauren O'Neill of Noisey called the song an indication of "a mellower, more grown-up approach on album two", writing that it showcases "the strong upper part of Zayn's vocal range and falsetto".[25] Writing for Pitchfork in a review of Icarus Falls, Maura Johnston said Zayn's "ability to just barely pull off th[e] bodice-ripper-worthy" opening line, "Sweet baby, our sex has meaning", is a "sign of his skillful interpretative sense". Johnston also called it "a gorgeous opening, straddling the space between the breezy acousti-R&B that dominated the late '00s and the snare-heavy rhythms of modern trap-pop while also flaunting Zayn's falsetto".[26]
Time listed it as the sixth worst song of 2018, describing it as "defanged" and "vapid", the melody as "forgettable", and the verses as "cringe-worthy".[27]
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal.[28]
- MakeYouKnowLove – production, vocal production
- Khaled Rohaim – production, drums, vocal production
- Alan Sampson – production, guitar
- Serban Ghenea – mixing
- Zeke Mishanec – engineering
- John Haynes – engineering
- Lewis Allen – guitar
- Michael Hannides – piano
Charts
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[61] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[62] | Platinum | 40,000‡ |
Canada (Music Canada)[63] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ)[64] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[65] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | 12 April 2018 | Digital download | RCA | [28] |
United States | 17 April 2018 | Contemporary hit radio | [66] |
References
- ^ Fredette, Meagan (25 March 2018). "Zayn Malik Has A Story To Tell Us & Maybe Some New Music". Refinery29. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn Malik Teases New Video That Sees Him Play A Bad Boy". Capital FM. 25 March 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Macke, Johnni (10 March 2018). "Zayn Malik Fuels Speculation Surrounding New Music". People's Choice Awards. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Bailey, Alyssa (7 April 2018). "Every Gigi Hadid Photo That Zayn Malik Just Deleted From His Instagram". Elle. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Hulton, Anna (9 April 2018). "Zayn Malik deletes everything from his Instagram and teases something very exciting". The Hits Radio. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "The Mystery Of Zayn Malik's Deleted Instagram Feed Has Finally Been Solved". MTV News. 9 April 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Davies, Megan (8 April 2018). "Zayn Malik teases a new project is coming this week after deleting everything from his Instagram". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "WATCH: Zayn Malik has dropped his brand new single 'Let Me'". Key 103. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Rearick, Lauren (12 April 2018). "Zayn Malik's "Let Me" Music Video Is an Action-Packed Thriller With a Surprise Twist". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Variety Staff (12 April 2018). "Zayn Malik Drops Action-Packed New Video 'Let Me,' Helmed by 'Narcos' Director Jose Padilha (Watch)". Variety. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Kaufman, Gil (12 April 2018). "Zayn is an International Man of Mystery in Epic 'Let Me' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "ZAYN Releases "Let Me" Single & Video Via RCA Records". RCA Records. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Murphy, Sarah (12 April 2018). "Zayn Returns with Video for New Song "Let Me"". Exclaim!. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Reed, Ryan (12 April 2018). "Zayn Searches For Beach Romance on New Song, Video for 'Let Me'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Kaye, Ben (12 April 2018). "Zayn returns with new song and video, "Let Me": Watch". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ White, Jack (12 April 2018). "Zayn Malik releases new single Let Me". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Carr, Mary (12 April 2018). "Zayn cracks skulls and gets the girl in new 'Let Me' music video". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
- ^ Pham, Jason (12 April 2018). "Zayn Malik Might've Cast a Gigi Hadid Look-Alike to Play His Music Video's Love Interest". StyleCaster. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Cantor, Brian (12 April 2018). "ZAYN Releases New Single "Let Me," Steven Bauer & Sofia Jamora Star In Video". Headline Planet. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Kim, Michelle (12 April 2018). "Zayn Shares New Song and Video "Let Me": Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Britton, Luke (12 April 2018). "Zayn returns with new single 'Let Me' and heist epic video". NME. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Dupre, Elyse (12 April 2018). "Zayn Malik Makes Out With Sofia Jamora in "Let Me" Music Video". E! News. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
- ^ "YouTube Stats of ZAYN - Let Me (Official Video)". kworb.net. Retrieved 2019-01-28.
- ^ McIntyre, Hugh (12 April 2018). "Zayn Releases Sexy New Single 'Let Me' With An Action-Packed Video". Forbes. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ O'Neill, Lauren (12 April 2018). "Zayn's New Song "Let Me" Is a Reminder That, Folks, He Fucks". Noisey. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ Johnston, Maura (18 December 2018). "Zayn: Icarus Falls Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ "The 10 Worst Songs of 2018". Time. 13 December 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- ^ a b "Let Me / ZAYN TIDAL". Tidal. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ "Zayn Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 32. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 16. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me". Tracklisten. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "Top 100 Ecuador" (in Spanish). National-Report. Archived from the original on 8 May 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
- ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
- ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Zayn". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles in Malaysia" (PDF). Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
- ^ "Mexico Airplay: April 28, 2018". Billboard. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 18, 2018" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me". VG-lista. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201822 into search. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201816 into search. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn – Let Me". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
- ^ "Zayn Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
- ^ "Zayn Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2018 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
- ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Zayn – Let Me" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
- ^ "Canadian single certifications – Zayn – Let Me". Music Canada. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
- ^ "Hot Singles - 2018". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
- ^ "American single certifications – Zayn – Let Me". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
- ^ "Top 40/M Future Releases". Archived from the original on 14 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.