3 Words (song)

"3 Words"
Single by Cheryl Cole featuring will.i.am
from the album 3 Words
B-side "Boys"
Released 20 December 2009
Format
Recorded 2009; Record Plant Studios (Los Angeles, California)
Genre Dance-pop
Length 4:04
Label Fascination
Writer(s)
Producer(s) will.i.am
Cheryl Cole singles chronology
"Fight for This Love"
(2009)		 "3 Words"
(2009)		 "Parachute"
(2010)
will.i.am singles chronology
"It's a New Day"
(2008)		 "3 Words"
(2009)		 "OMG"
(2010)

"3 Words" is a song recorded by English singer Cheryl Cole for her 2009 debut studio album of the same name. It was released in the UK and Ireland on 20 December 2009 by Fascination Records and later in 2010 by Universal Music, sometimes serving as the lead single for 3 Words. The uptempo dance-pop song was written by Cole and George Pajon. It was also written and produced by will.i.am who has guest vocals on the song. 3 Words was cited by Cole as her favourite song from the album for being different from what people expected.

"3 Words" was praised by contemporary critics who said it was "a sophisticated love song" and the "standout track" from the album. Its unconventional production abandons the use of 'verse-chorus-verse' structure instead, opting for a throbbing build up to a climax. The accompanying video, directed by Saam, features the singer in various fashion ensambles often contrasting colour with will.i.am and, paying homage to Madonna. It also makes use of split screen cinematography and camera effects for the transition of scenes.

The song was promoted on Cheryl Cole's Night In. The single was less commercially successful compared to its predecessor "Fight for This Love" but despite not peaking at number one, it went on to become Cole's second consecutive UK top-five and Irish-top ten hit. It was also a top five hit in Australia and has since been certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association and silver by the British Phonographic Industry.

Composition

"3 Words"
24 second sample of "3 Words" showing the unconventional arrangement and throbbing progression of the melody.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"3 Words" is an uptempo dance-pop song[1][2] which features guest vocals from will.i.am who produced the song as well as, writing the lyrics with Cole and George Pajon. Serving as the opening and title song of Cole's debut album, the song is written in the key of C♯ minor with a time signature in common time and a tempo of 129 beats per minute.[3] Noticeably missing is the standard use of a "verse-chorus-verse song structure".[2] The song's backing track consists of a sparse yet complex chord progression of C♯ m, G♯ m, C♯ and A major/C♯.[3] The production features loops of acoustic guitar[4] with a piano melody[5] to form an "atmospheric love song"[6] in the vocal range of G♯3 to B4.[3]

Critics stated that the "sophisticated love song"[7] is difficult to class by genre because it was "unconventional", something which Cole agreed when she said, "[its] totally different from anything I've done [with Girls Aloud] or liked before".[8] Some industry critics also noted that "3 Words" was "unlike many things currently [at that time] on radio or being released".[5] Cole said that the song took its inspiration froms her newly acquired love for dance music on the charts, especially David Guetta & Kelly Rowland's "When Love Takes Over".[8]

Critical reception

Cole described it as her favourite song on the album[8] and music critics generally agreed. Tom Ewing of The Guardian called the song Cheryl's "showcase [...] built on dark loops of treated acoustic guitar and building into a claustrophobic dance track. It's as brave and novel a song as anything Cole's group have released."[1] Daniel Wilcox even went as far as to say the song was "far more interesting and innovative than anything her girl group has done in their entire careers."[4] "3 Words" has been described as "mesmerizing in its listlessness" as well as being "unlike anything Cheryl or Will.I.Am have released" and "to what's currently being played on the radio."[5] It was labeled a standout track by many reviewers,[9][10] with Killian Fox of The Observer referring to the song as "a slick, sophisticated love song that hints at what this album could have been."(positive)[7] David Balls of Digital Spy wrote, "Snubbing traditional verse-chorus-verse song structure, and beginning with spare acoustic guitar strums, '3 Words' builds slowly towards a throbbing and infectious, if slightly brief, arms-in-the-air climax [...] it's hard to deny that Chez pulls off this less-than-obvious offering with aplomb."[2]

Louise McCudden of Inthenews.co.uk, however, argued that although "her voice sounds pleasant [...] the song itself is too long and becomes tedious fairly fast."[11] Vicki Lutas had a mostly negative review for the song saying "at the end of the day it does sound like something you could have made up when you were at school", though she did praise the backing track for being "dark, eerie and cold in a chilling way; in an infectious way". However she pointed out that "the vocal arrangement and the actual vocals themselves do nothing more for the song", and respected that "it's a brave song choice, but it's hap-hazard vocal line seems to scream... C-R-I-N-G-E.".[12]

Chart performance

In the United Kingdom, "3 Words" made its official debut on the UK Singles Chart at number twenty-six, following strong digital sales from the release of the album, two weeks prior.[13] Then a day before its digital release[14] and two days before its CD release[15] the single climbed to number fourteen.[16] Later during the first week of 2010 it would go on to peak at number four,[17] giving Cole her third consecutive top-five UK hit if her feature on will.i.am's "Heartbreaker" is included.[18] On 14 May 2010 the single was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipping 200,000 copies.[19]

The single also achieved top ten success in the Republic of Ireland, where it reached number seven[20] becoming her third consecutive top-ten single. Coincidentally, it is the second song featuring Cole's vocals to peak at number seven in Ireland, the first being will.i.am's "Heartbreaker".[21] Internationally the single peaked top five in Hungary,[22] and Australia.[23] In the latter it performed better than any song Cole released with Girls Aloud beating the previous best entry "Jump" by eighteen places.[24] "3 Words" is the only song from Cole's debut album to peak within the top fifty of the Australian Singles Chart[25] and was subsequently certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipping 70,000 units.[26] Additionally it peaked at top-ten in Italy.[27] The song debuted at 14 on the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. It later rose to number 12, staying in the charts for 12 weeks.

Music video

Background and concept

Cole filmed two music videos for "3 Words".[28] The first music video was a viral version directed by Vincent Haycock, in the week beginning 19 October 2009[29] "on the only rainy night in Los Angeles in six months."[28] The second version was the official "split screener", directed by Saam,[28] that premiered on 27 November 2009.[30] The video was described as being distinctly different from that of previous single "Fight for This Love",[31] drawing comparisons to Madonna[32] and Lady Gaga.[33] The overall goal of the video was described as "tell[ing] the story of a couple who socialise separately and are both approached by members of the opposite sex. Despite the other person showing a romantic interest in them".[6] The singers go on to declare each other is 'the love of my life' and 'through the ups and the downs... never let go'."[6] The "edgy and arty" video[32] features "a split screen, unconventional camera angles and modern dance."[34]

A frame from the "Egyptian-themed" scene in the middle and end of the video, where Cole wears a brunette wig and dances with backing dancers.

Synopsis

The video begins with Cole sitting alongside will.i.am, wearing a "Lady Gaga-inspired platinum blonde wig"[31] and a "lace veil".[33] In the early scenes she "swaps her bronzed tan for alabaster skin, smokey eyes and pale lipstick".[34] In the next scene she can be "seen looking wistfully into the distance in a slinky floor-length black dress with brown hair extensions cascading over her shoulders",[6] whilst in a third scene she is depicted as an "Egyptian goddess".[30] Each scene incorporates "dance shots interspersed with sequences in which the focus falls on the two stars alone, seemingly searching each other, as it were ... experimenting more with her looks and even taking a chance with Lady Gaga-esque outfits for her dancers, including veils that cover their faces and black leotards."[35] It’s shot with a split screen, meaning Cheryl and will.i.am do not come into physical contact.[36]

Reception

The video received mixed to positive reviews from critics who praised Cole's sense of fashion but cited that the video was unoriginal. Elena Gorgan of Softpedia said "even with all this, she hardly manages to create a strong impression .., the video fails to break any visual ground, albeit standing on its own as a stylish video."[35] The Daily Mail agreed saying "[The story] which will no doubt be interpreted by fans as an insight into Cheryl's marriage to footballer Ashley Cole. Cheryl has ditched her street dance gear for a gown fit for a diva along with suitably styled big hair ... But as she teams up with Black Eyed Peas rapper will.i.am is sporting a more feminine look. The net result is, sorry to say it, very regal but a bit on the dull side."[6] Lisa McGarry of 'Unreality TV' said the platinum wig was "strange" She also said "if it doesn’t look great, at least it looks shocking."[33] Meanwhile, David Balls of 'Digital Spy' said "[in] this glitzy split-screen affair, Cheryl looks effortlessly classy and glam as she transforms into an Egyptian goddess and - with more success than a certain Mrs. B (Mel B) back in 2001 [with "Feels so Good"] - shows how to wear a blonde wig without looking like you're on a dirty weekend in the Toon. Perfectly complimenting the song itself, this super-glossy clip also suggests that Cole has a firm eye on global stardom over the next year."[30] Fame magazine called the video "a little edgier than anything Girls Aloud have done".[36]

Live performances

The song received its worldwide radio premiere on 13 October 2009 on BBC Radio 1's The Chris Moyles Show.[37] Cole performed "3 Words" for the first time with will.i.am during her one-off special for ITV, Cheryl Cole's Night In. A reporter of The Daily Mail said Cheryl "[performed in] a glamorous flowing Kate Bush-esque black gown a duet of her latest single '3 Words'.[38] In January 2010 Cole flew to Germany to perform "3 Words" at German Award Ceremony, DLD Starnight at the Haus der Kunst in Munich.[39] She also performed the song as part of a four-song set at 'BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend[40] as well as performing at the 'De Grisogono jewellery dinner party' at the Eden Rock Hotel in Cap d'Antibes during the Cannes Film Festival.[41]

Track listing

  • Digital download[14]
  1. "3 Words" (Radio edit) – 4:04
  1. "3 Words" – 4:04
  2. "Boys" (Emeli Sandé, James Murray, Mustafa Omer, Shahid Khan) – 3:41
  1. "3 Words" (Steve Angello Radio Re-Production) – 3:59
  2. "3 Words" (Doman & Gooding I Love You Edit) – 3:36
  3. "3 Words" (Geeneus-Rinse FM Radio Dub Edit) – 3:33
  1. "3 Words" (Album version) – 4:33
  2. "3 Words" (Steve Angello Radio Re-Production) – 4:00
  3. "3 Words" (Doman & Gooding I Love You Edit) – 3:38
  4. "3 Words" (Geeneus-Rinse FM Radio Dub Edit) – 3:33
  1. "3 Words" (Radio edit) – 4:04
  2. "3 Words" (Steve Angello Extended Re-Production) – 5:42
  3. "3 Words" (Doman & Gooding I Love You Remix) – 6:27
  4. "3 Words" (Geeneus-Rinse FM Main Mix) – 6:02

Credits and personnel

"3 Words" was recorded at Record Plant Studios, Los Angeles (CA).[46]

Charts

Charts

Chart (2009–10) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[23] 5
Australia (ARIA Dance Chart)[47] 2
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[48] 56
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[49] 14
Germany (Official German Charts)[50] 27
Hungary (Single Top 40)[22] 5
Ireland (IRMA)[20] 7
Italy (FIMI)[27] 7
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[51] 20
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[52] 32
Scotland (Official Charts Company)[53] 6
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[54] 44
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[55] 4

End-of-year charts

Chart (2009) Position
UK Singles Chart[56] 91
Australian Singles Chart[57] 59
Australian Dance Singles Chart[58] 14
Chart (2010) Position
Italian Singles Chart[59] 83
UK Singles Chart[60] 161

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
Australia (ARIA)[26] Platinum 70,000^
Italy (FIMI)[61] Gold 15,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[19] Silver 340,000[62]

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone

Release history

Region Date Format Label
Ireland 20 December 2009 Digital download,[63] Digital EP 1,[64] Digital EP 2[65] Polydor Records
United Kingdom Digital download,[14] Digital EP 1,[44] Digital EP 2[45] Fascination Records
21 December 2009 CD single[15]
Australia 12 February 2010 Digital download[66] Universal Music
Digital remix EP[43]
Italy[67] 14 April 2010[27] Digital download
Germany 25 June 2010[42]
Belgium[68] 14 July 2010

References

  1. 1 2 Ewing, Tom (22 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Archived from the original on 24 October 2009. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 David Balls (21 December 2009). "Cheryl Cole: '3 Words'". Digital Spy. Hachette Fillapacchi UK. Archived from the original on 3 January 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 "Cheryl Cole - 3 Words sheet music". Musicnotes.com. Alfred Publishing.
  4. 1 2 Wilcox, Daniel (27 October 2009). "3 Words Review". 411mania.com. Archived from the original on 28 October 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  5. 1 2 3 Stern, Bradley (15 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words (Single Review)". MuuMuse.com. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Anon. (15 November 2009). "Regal but dull: How to sum up Cheryl Cole's diva makeover in 3 Words". The Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  7. 1 2 Fox, Killen (25 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words". The Observer. Guardian Media Group. Archived from the original on 28 October 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  8. 1 2 3 "3 Words". Brightcove. 15 October 2009. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
  9. ↑ Dan Cairns (25 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words". The Sunday Times. News International. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  10. ↑ Paphides, Pete (24 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: 3 Words". The Times. News International. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  11. ↑ McCudden, Louise (27 October 2009). "Cheryl Cole: Three Words review". Inthenews.co.uk. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  12. ↑ Lutas, Vicki (12 December 2009). "Cheryl Cole - 3 Words (Review)". BBC Chart Blog. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  13. ↑ "UK Singles Chart Archive". The Official Charts Company. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  14. 1 2 3 Amazon MP3. "3 Words - digital download (Cheryl Cole)". Amazon.co.uk. Amazon. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  15. 1 2 3 "3 Words - single (Cheryl Cole)". Amazon.co.uk. Amazon. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  16. ↑ "UK Singles Chart Archive". The Official Charts Company. 19 December 2009. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  17. ↑ "UK Singles Chart Archive". The Official Charts Company. 2 January 2010. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  18. ↑ "Artist History - Cheryl Cole". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  19. 1 2 "British single certifications – Cheryl Cole – 3 Words". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 4 June 2016. Enter 3 Words in the field Keywords. Select Title in the field Search by. Select single in the field By Format. Click Search
  20. 1 2 "Chart Track: Week 52, 2009". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  21. ↑ "Artist History - Cheryl Cole". IRME/Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  22. 1 2 "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  23. 1 2 "Australian-charts.com – Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am – 3 Words". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  24. ↑ "Girls Aloud Singles History (AUS)". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  25. ↑ "Artist History - Cheryl Cole". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  26. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2010 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  27. 1 2 3 "Italiancharts.com – Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am – 3 Words". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  28. 1 2 3 "Cheryl Cole's 3 Words by Vincent Haycock". Promonews TV. 4 December 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  29. ↑ Gottlieb, Steven (19 October 2009). "SHOT: Cheryl Cole f/ Will.I.Am - Vincent Haycock, director". Video Static. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  30. 1 2 3 Balls, David (27 November 2009). "Anyone for a New Cheryl Cole video?". Digital Spy. Hachette Filapacchi UK. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  31. 1 2 Crowther, Lorraine (27 November 2009). "SEE VIDEO Cheryl Cole goes platinum blonde for 3 Words". Now. IPC Media. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  32. 1 2 "It's all about the hair in Cheryl's new video". 3AM. 27 November 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  33. 1 2 3 McGarry, Lisa (27 November 2009). "X Factor Fashion: Cheryl Cole goes blonde for new single '3 Words'". UnrealityTV. Archived from the original on 29 August 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  34. 1 2 Trombetta, Natalie (27 November 2009). "Who's that girl? Cheryl Cole transforms into a blonde bombshell for 3 Words video". The Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  35. 1 2 Gorgan, Elena (28 November 2009). "Video for '3 Words' from Cheryl Cole and will.i.am: While not breaking any ground but stylish enough". SoftNews NET. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  36. 1 2 "Cheryl Cole goes blonde and pale". Fame magazine. 27 November 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  37. ↑ "Cheryl Cole - 13 Oct 09". BBC Radio 1. BBC. 13 October 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  38. ↑ Anon. (13 December 2009). "Cheryl Cole shows off her glamorous new look as a sexy señorita in TV special". The Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  39. ↑ Smith, Lizzie (26 January 2010). "Cheryl Cole parades her slim figure in racy outfits at German awards". The Daily Mail. Associated News Ltd. Archived from the original on 6 February 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2010.
  40. ↑ "Cheryl Cole chooses camouflage for Big Weekend performance". The Metro. Associated Newspapers. 23 May 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  41. ↑ Petrou, Andrea (19 May 2010). "Cheryl Cole performs at the De Grisogono jewellery dinner in a Roberto Cavalli dress". Shiny Style TV. Shiny Digital. Archived from the original on 15 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  42. 1 2 "3 Words - single (Cheryl Cole)". Amazon.de. Amazon. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  43. 1 2 "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP". iTunes Store Aus. Apple Inc. 5 February 2010. Archived from the original on 26 February 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  44. 1 2 "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP 1". iTunes Store UK. Apple Inc. 20 December 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  45. 1 2 "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP 2". iTunes Store UK. Apple Inc. 20 December 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  46. ↑ 3 Words (CD booklet). Cheryl Cole. London: Fascination Records (Polydor). 2010. p. 5.
  47. ↑ "Australian Dance Chart" (PDF). ARIA Charts. Pandora. Retrieved 22 July 2010.
  48. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am – 3 Words" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  49. ↑ "Cheryl Cole – Chart history" European Hot 100 for Cheryl Cole. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  50. ↑ "Musicline.de – Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am Single-Chartverfolgung" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  51. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 23, 2010" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  52. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am – 3 Words" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  53. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2010-01-02". Scottish Singles Top 40.
  54. ↑ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201019 into search. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  55. ↑ "Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am: Artist Chart History" Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  56. ↑ "Charts Plus Year end 2009" (PDF). Charts Plus. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 August 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-19.
  57. ↑ "ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2010". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 2010-01-13.
  58. ↑ "ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Dance Singles 2010". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 13 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-01-13.
  59. ↑ "FIMI - Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana - Ricerche e dati di mercato". Fimi.it. 17 January 2011. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-28.
  60. ↑ "End Of Year Charts: 2010" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  61. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Cheryl Cole – 3 Words" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 31 December 2009. Select Online in the field Sezione. Enter Cheryl Cole in the field Filtra. Select 2009 in the field Anno. The certification will load automatically
  62. ↑ "Number 1 today in 2010: Lady Gaga's Bad Romance returns to the top". Official Charts. 9 January 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  63. ↑ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - single". iTunes Store Ire. Apple Inc. 20 December 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  64. ↑ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP1". iTunes Store Ire. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  65. ↑ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - EP 2". iTunes Store Ire. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  66. ↑ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - single". iTunes Store Aus. Apple Inc. Archived from the original on 29 March 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  67. ↑ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - single". iTunes Store Ita. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  68. ↑ "3 Words (feat will.i.am) - single". iTunes Store Bel. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2010.

External links

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