Perfume (Britney Spears song)

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"Perfume"
Song

"Perfume" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her eighth studio album, Britney Jean (2013). It was written by Spears, Sia and Christopher Braide, while the song was produced by will.i.am and co-produced by Keith Harris and Braide. A musical departure from its EDM-influenced predecessor, "Work Bitch", the song was met with general acclaim from fans and critics.[1] Spears first performed the song on her residency concert Britney: Piece of Me in 2013.

Background and release

In July 2013, Spears acknowledged through Twitter that she "wrote such a special song" with Australian singer-songwriter Sia Furler,[2] which was later revealed to be Spears' favorite track on Britney Jean, the ballad "Perfume".[3] In October 2013, it was announced that the song would serve as the second single for the album.[4] RCA Records' CEO Peter Edge said he felt "fairly strong" that the song would be the second single after hearing it, and that it could be "a big career song."[5] He continued to praise Spears' vocals, commenting that "she sings it beautifully and it has a real sincerity to it. And it's outstanding -- I think people are not only gonna be surprised but also see another side of Britney."[5] Spears' manager Larry Rudolph described "Perfume" as being "a breakup song that's about wanting the next girl to smell your perfume on the guy afterwards. The lyric[s] [are] really unique and she sings the shit out of it."[6]

On November 1, 2013, Spears tweeted that she would reveal previews of "Perfume" through her Snapchat account. Along with the lyrics "I want to believe / It's just you and me / Sometimes it feels like there's three of us in here, baby / So I wait for you to call and I try to act natural / Have you been thinking 'bout her or 'bout me / And while I wait, I put on my perfume / Yeah I want it all over you", the singer also shared the artwork for the single.[7] The song was originally scheduled for release on November 5, 2013, along with the pre-order of Britney Jean.[4] However, Spears made the song available for streaming via Facebook two days earlier on November 3, 2013 instead.[8] It was then made available for purchase at midnight on November 4, 2013; one day ahead of the scheduled date. Following the release of "Perfume", she tweeted: "Thank u all SO much for the kind words!! I'm so happy u guys are loving the song as much as I do! #PerfumePremiere".[9] Record producer Dr. Luke revealed that the single release of the song is a "radio-friendly" edit, while the "rawer" and "less produced" original version would be included as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of Britney Jean.[10]

An acoustic version of the song featuring Sia was released as part of the compilation Pop Goes Live: Volume 3.[11][12]

Composition

"Perfume"
A 21-second sample of the song's chorus features Spears singing over an instrumentation with infused soaring strings and bubbling synthesizers.[13] Lyrically, the song plays heavily on themes of jealousy and suspicion in a relationship.[14]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Perfume" is an '80s-influenced power ballad, which Spears described as "incredibly special to me because it hits close to home, and I think the story is relatable to everyone. Everyone's been through an insecure moment in a relationship that's left them vulnerable and I think this song captures that."[15][16][17] Produced by will.i.am, Chris Braide, and Keith Harris, the instrumentation infuses an orchestral piano, soaring strings and bubbling synthesizers.[13][18] Braide was responsible for the vocal production, and commented to Bradley Stern of MuuMuse: "When I was producing her vocals, it was obvious to me why she's still one of the greatest pop stars ever. Unmistakably Britney, effortlessly iconic."[19] Lance Tolbert was responsible for the song's keys.[20]

Lyrically, the song plays heavily on themes of jealousy and suspicion in a relationship.[14] The song starts with Spears singing, "Do I imagine it, or do I see your stare / Is there still longing there? / Oh I hate myself, and I feel crazy / Such a classic tale".[16] Critics noted the singer's vocals are surprisingly strong, and compared them to those of recording artist Gwen Stefani.[13][21] Regarding the lyrics, Amy Sciarretto of PopCrush wrote, "it's Brit's most lyrically weighty song in quite some time. In fact, this sounds like something we'd expect Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood to record."[15] Spears told the Associated Press the song was about her split with Jason Trawick in January 2013, and commented, "I think it will make girls not feel alone in this situation. When they're alone in their room and they broke up with their boyfriend, they have a song they can go to and listen to, just makes them feel better about themselves."[22]

Melodically, "Perfume" is written in the key of E♭ major, and is set in the common time with a moderately slow tempo of 80 beats per minute. The song follows the sequence of A♭ - E♭ - B♭ - Fm7 as its chord progression, and Britney's voice spans from the low note of G3 to the high note of B♭4.[23]

Critical reception

Upon release, "Perfume" received general acclaim from music critics, who noted the musical departure from its EDM-influenced predecessor, "Work Bitch" and praised Spears' vocal performance.[1] Marc Hogan of Spin gave a generally positive review of "Perfume", complimenting Spears for conveying "the type of emotional vulnerability" that is not evident on most of her hit singles.[8] Melinda Newman of HitFix lauded the song, stating Spears' vocal ability "is as strong as it has ever been" on the song and also stated it was Spears' "best song in years".[21] Robbie Daw of Idolator praised the song's lyrical content, however stated it "wouldn't exactly reshape Top 40 radio".[1] Jason Lipshutz of Billboard thought the song allowed Spears to momentarily discard the confident exterior of ‘Work Bitch’ and express vulnerability over ‘paranoid’ feelings about her romantic interest,"[1] while Katie Atkinson of Entertainment Weekly deemed the song "in the vein" of the singer's early ballads "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know" (2000) and "Everytime" (2003).[1] Joe Wilde of Contactmusic felt "Perfume" was similar to "Lucky" (2000), and deemed it "a much more delicate release" when compared to "Work Bitch".[24] Los Angeles Times journalist Mikael Wood noted that "Spears goes unexpectedly soft" on the song, adding that "she's pleading, not commanding. And that returns the star to the appealingly complicated zone of such tough/not-tough classics as 'Everytime' and 'Piece of Me'."[25] Tarun Mazumdar of International Business Times said "Perfume" is like "like breathing fresh air" for not including "annoying electro beats and overly done dubstep".[18] Mazudmar also wrote the song would be "memorable" as the singer hasn't released a ballad as a single in a long time.[18]

A reviewer for Popjustice rated "Perfume" an 8 out of 10, and explained why he gave the song such rate: "1. The melody — it's a cracker. 2. The tempo — it's mid, but it's not boring. 3. The lyrics — they are quite touching if you've had a drink or two. And also well done Britney for: 4. The singing, which is very much on the right side of competent."[26] Bill Lamb of About.com rated the song 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising the "drama in the lyrics" and "pulsating, intense production"; however, he criticized Spears' "weak vocals".[27] Despite writing that the song "stands out from current pop hits both in being a ballad and in conveying dramatic feelings in a more complex, thoughtful manner than usual," Lamb thought the singer "sounds like she is so careful in sculpting her performance that she doesn't really feel the song."[27] New York Daily News contributor Jim Farber gave the song a mixed review, commenting that the song's production is "careful", and describing Spears as "pale" as she "overly ambitious [emotes]."[13] Alexa Camp of Slant Magazine cited the lyrics "I put on my perfume/Yeah, I want it all over you/I'm gonna mark my territory" and commented that Spears "equates lingering fragrances to territorial pissings and [the song] effectively reveals Brit to be a water sports enthusiast."[28]

Music video

The music video was directed by Joseph Kahn, who previously directed Spears' videos for "Stronger", "Toxic", and "Womanizer". Spears stated: "We've had a lot of success together & there is nobody I trust more with this super personal song".[29] Spears uploaded several pictures while on the set of the video on November 19, 2013 via Facebook. One picture showed Spears and her love interest making out in the middle of a desert while another saw them sitting on a rooftop.[29][30] After Day 1 ended, Khan tweeted: "Phenomenal performance by Britney Spears. Blown away".[31] On November 20, 2013 (Day 2 of filming), several pictures from the shoot surfaced online, it showed Spears pointing a gun towards a man sitting inside the driver's seat of a car.[32] On December 5, 2013, Spears uploaded a 36-second teaser of the video to her official YouTube account.[33] That same day, Kahn tweeted that the final version of the video is "EXTREMELY different" than the original edit, adding: "Don't get me wrong. Official cut is still cool, I think. [I] Just love my original edit".[34] On December 7, 2013; Spears uploaded a second teaser via her Instagram account and stated: "We've set a date! Perfume vid will premiere Tuesday [December 10, 2013] on VEVO. Had to dig deep and really play with some acting chops for this one!".[35][36] That same day, Khan tweeted: "Internet calm down. I never said I didn't like the #Perfume video. I said I preferred my very different cut but their cut is fine. Jeez.....Artists have the right to release their videos the way they want. I'm just a work for hire. It's their money & their career. No worries......That said, I fucking love my cut of #Perfume. One of the best things I've ever done. I'm happy it exists for my own eyes at least".[37][38][39] When asked if the director's cut will be released in the future, Khan replied: "Nope. Probably never. Ever".[40] On December 8, 2013; Spears uploaded a third teaser via Instagram.[41] On December 9, 2013, the fourth and final teaser was premiered via MTV.[42] On December 10, 2013, Khan tweeted: "Wish they'd release the director's cut of #perfume. Britney's performance is unbelievable. A true artist in it. Game changer. Official cut is a good video as you'll soon see. But it's a true loss not to see what she really did. It's incredible. Beyond other artists. But to be VERY honest. Some people would prefer the official version. It's prettier. Simpler. I like it. But I love [my] [director's cut] so much more. Maybe if your voice is loud enough they'll release it. But other than that, I just needed to tell the truth. Something amazing is waiting".[43][44][45][46] Following this, a Spears fan tweeted a link to a Petition urging RCA to release the director's cut; the petion's goal is to reach 1,000 signatures. Khan approved of the petition by re-tweeting it.[47] Following the video's release, Khan tweeted: "The director's cut is a minute longer and there's a very shocking ending. But not what you think. I call it BREAKING BADNEY".[48] Later, a fan asked Khan what are the differences between the official version and the director's cut, Khan replied: "Lots of small changes that lead to big differences [as well as] big changes that tell a different story; More intense, more emotion, more tragic".[49] In an interview with VideoStatic, Khan mentioned the director's cut again, stating: "It sucks, especially since my director's cut is an entirely different video. The released edit is missing half of the story and all of the editorial structure. It took a lot of serious salvaging of footage to get it to an acceptable place after the concept was gutted. It's like watching people petting a shaved, bald, declawed cat. I don't gain any satisfaction from people liking work I did that's heavily compromised. I need to stand behind the work honestly ; otherwise I feel like a fraud. I guess people still like the video because of the gritty look which feels different, and the twist of the second girl in the second act. A narrative in two identical parts is still a solid idea even in compromised form. But it's such a faint reflection of the real narrative with broken execution and far less ambition. If they liked the weak version, I'd bet they'd love the strong one. No one knows what they're missing, and they're missing a lot".[50]

Live Performances

The song was performed for the first time during Spears' Las Vegas residency concert Britney: Piece of Me.

Track listing

  • Digital download
  1. "Perfume" – 3:59
  • Official remixes
  1. "Perfume" (The Dreaming Mix)
  2. "Perfume" (Chew Fu Refix Extended Mix)
  3. "Perfume" (Chew Fu Refix Mixshow)
  4. "Perfume" (Chew Fu Refix Radio Edit)

Charts

Chart (2013) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[51] 61
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[52] 69
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[53] 11
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[54] 41
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[55] 70
France (SNEP)[56] 34
Invalid chart entered Germany2 78
Ireland (IRMA)[57] 36
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[58] 100
South Korea International Songs(Gaon)[59] 6
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[60] 13
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[61] 74
US Billboard Hot 100[62] 76
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[63] 22

Release history

Country Date Format Label
Canada[64] November 4, 2013 Digital download Sony
France[65]
Germany[66]
Italy[67]
United States[68] RCA
United States[69] November 12, 2013 Contemporary hit radio

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Daw, Robbie (November 4, 2013). "Britney Spears' 'Perfume': Review Revue". Idolator. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  2. ^ O'Mance, Brad (July 12, 2013). "Along with most other popstars, Britney's been writing songs with Sia". Popjustice. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  3. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (September 17, 2013). "Britney Spears Says 'Breakups Suck,' But They Make Great Music". MTV News. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  4. ^ a b Corner, Lewis. "Britney Spears unveils new album 'Britney Jean' artwork — picture". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  5. ^ a b Hampp, Andrew; Christman, Ed (October 22, 2013). "Q4 Label Special: RCA's Tom Corson and Peter Edge on Miley, Britney & JT, the Adult Xmas Market, 'Focusing on Hip-Hop & Rock' (From the Magazine)". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  6. ^ Peters, Mitchell (September 26, 2013). "Britney Spears' Manager Larry Rudolph on Vegas Residency Ticket Sales, Lip-Syncing and New Album (Exclusive)". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  7. ^ Lee, Christina (November 2, 2013). "Britney Spears Reveals Cover Art & Lyrics For Next Single "Perfume"". Idolator. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  8. ^ a b Hogan, Marc (November 4, 2013). "Britney Spears' Ballad 'Perfume' Smells Winningly Human". Spin. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  9. ^ Kirby, Jillian (November 4, 2013). "Britney Spears Releases New Song "Perfume"—Listen To The Track Here!". OK!. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  10. ^ Joannou, Andy (November 4, 2013). "Dr Luke: 'Second version of Britney Spears's Perfume is rawer'". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  11. ^ Ultimate Music | Britney Spears “Perfume” (featuring Sia) [Acoustic Version]
  12. ^ "Britney Spears & Sia Team Up On Acoustic Version Of "Perfume"". Idolator.com. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  13. ^ a b c d Farber, Jim (November 4, 2013). "Britney Spears' 'Perfume' is over-emotional departure from her last catchy single: Review". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  14. ^ a b "Britney Spears, 'Perfume' (Single Review)". MuuMuse. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  15. ^ a b Sciaretto, Amy (Nov3meber 3, 2013). "Britney Spears, 'Perfume' - Song Review". Retrieved November 6, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ a b Greenwood, Carl (November 4, 2013). "Britney Spears song Perfume is nearly here and we've got the full lyrics and the single artwork". Daily Mirror. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  17. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (November 3, 2013). "Britney Spears Sprays 'Perfume' As Second 'Britney Jean' Preview". Billboard. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  18. ^ a b c Mazumdar, Tarun (November 5, 2013). "Review: Britney Spears – 'Perfume' (Single) is a Spiritual Experience!". International Business Times. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  19. ^ Stern, Bradley (October 26, 2013). "Excluusive: Chris Braide on Britney's "Perfume": "Effortlessly Iconic"". MuuMuse. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  20. ^ Harris, Keith (November 4, 2013). "New Song: Britney Spears – Perfume". Harris Productions. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  21. ^ a b Newman, Melinda (October 29, 2013). "Listen: Britney Spears new single, Perfume, smells like a hit". Hitfix. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  22. ^ Dixon, Louise (October 21, 2013). "Britney Spears' Song About Jason Trawick Split On 'Britney Jean'". The Huffington Post. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  23. ^ "Perfume By Britney Spears - Digital Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  24. ^ Wilde, Joe (November 4, 2013). "Britney Spears Gets Personal On Latest Single 'Perfume'". Contactmusic. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  25. ^ Wood, Mikael (November 5, 2013). "Britney Spears in 'Perfume': Now the singer's working". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  26. ^ "Britney Spears – 'Perfume'". Popjustice. November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  27. ^ a b Lamb, Bill (November 5, 2013). "Britney Spears - "Perfume"". About.com. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  28. ^ Camp, Alexa (November 4, 2013). "Single Review: Britney Spears, "Perfume"". Slant Magazine. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  29. ^ a b Johnson, Zach (November 20, 2013). "Britney Spears Makes Out With a Mystery Man in the Desert for 'Perfume' Music Video Shoot". E! News. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  30. ^ http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/britney-spears-kisses-mystery-man-for-music-video-shoot-in-desert-20132011
  31. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/403133420215083009
  32. ^ http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2511010/Britney-Spears-shoots-man-new-Perfume-music-video.html
  33. ^ https://twitter.com/britneyspears/status/408780321736257536
  34. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/408802026760327168
  35. ^ https://twitter.com/britneyspears/status/409518245356396544
  36. ^ http://instagram.com/p/hpQyKsm8Hm/
  37. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/409304530388406272
  38. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/409305169055072256
  39. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/409305581212532736
  40. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/409306215684907008
  41. ^ http://instagram.com/p/hrFU5om8ML/
  42. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1718723/britney-spears-perfume-video-teaser-exclusive.jhtml
  43. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/410396437734649857
  44. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/410397585002610688
  45. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/410398946033274880
  46. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/410400155444072449
  47. ^ https://twitter.com/HybridFan3/status/410431369236729856
  48. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/410501947112697857
  49. ^ https://twitter.com/JosephKahn/status/410582013230325761
  50. ^ http://www.videostatic.com/interviews/2014/01/07/videostatic-interview-joseph-kahn
  51. ^ "Week Commencing ~ 18 November 2013 ~ Issue #1238" (PDF). Pandora Archive. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  52. ^ "Britney Spears – Perfume" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  53. ^ "Britney Spears – Perfume" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  54. ^ "Britney Spears – Perfume" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
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  57. ^ "Chart Track: Week 45, 2013". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  58. ^ "Britney Spears – Perfume" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
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  63. ^ "Britney Spears Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  64. ^ "Perfume (2013) - Britney Spears — MP3 Downloads". 7digital. Canada. November 4, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  65. ^ "Perfume". Amazon.fr (in French). Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  66. ^ "Perfume". Amazon.de (in German). Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  67. ^ "Perfume". Amazon.it (in Italian). Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  68. ^ "Perfume (2013) - Britney Spears — MP3 Downloads". 7digital. United States. November 4, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  69. ^ "Available for Airplay". Friday Morning Quarterback. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
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