Released March 13, 2001 Genre R&B, pop Label Interscope | Format Maxi, 12", CD single Length 5:21 | |
Recorded Summer 2000 at Flyte Tyme Studios
(Edina, Minnesota) | ||
"Free" is a song by American recording artist Mýa. It served as the third and final single from her second studio album Fear of Flying (2000). Originally featured on the soundtrack to the 2000 film Bait, the song was one of the two tracks added to the re-release edition of Fear of Flying on November 7, 2000. It was written and composed by Jimmy Jam, Harrison, Terry Lewis, Alexander Richbourg, and Tony Tolbert. The lyrics of the song speak of being young and enjoying life.
Contents
The song received generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, musically comparing Free to Janet Jackson’s fourth studio album Control (1986). "Free" underperformed on Billboard's US Hot 100; peaking and spending two non-consecutive weeks at number forty-two. It was the second single by Harrison that failed to reach the coveted Top 40. It performed even worse on Billboard's component chart Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart peaking at a moderately low number fifty-two. Internationally, the single reached the Top Five in Australia and Top 20 in the UK. The song’s accompanying music video was filmed by director Dave Meyers. Harrison incorporates various dance routines throughout the video, choreographed by Brian "Footwork" Green, which won him an ACA (American Choreographer's Award) in 2001.
Composition
"Free" is in the key of B minor. The song's tempo is set at a moderate dance beat at 112 beats per minute in common time. Harrison's vocal range span from a F3 to D5. The lyrics of "Free" are composed in the traditional verse-chorus form. Mýa opens the song with brief spoken lyrics. She begins the first verse, followed by the chorus leading her into the second verse. The song continues to the bridge, chorus, then fades out with Mýa's chant.
Reception
Free garnered mixed to positive reviews. Billboard compared the song to production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis earlier work with Janet Jackson and added: "Free" is all about being a strong, self-sufficient, independent woman—a nearly ubiquitous theme these days among female artists (check out currents songs by Destiny’s Child, Kandi, and Chanté Moore). But what comes across strongest in this song is the trademark Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis sound. As a matter of fact, the track practically rips off what we know as the Janet Jackson style, with Mýa’s fragile voice possessing many of the same qualities as Janet’s. Acknowledging, "Free" is just a little too girly pop-sounding, even for the pop audience out there today." NME gave the song a mixed review and wrote "R&B's enduring (annoying?) cutesy pie has done the double. Released a single that ties in with her butter wouldn't melt image -how else to you explain the lyrics, "I'm me/single, sexy and free"? Yes, make no mistake, this is Mýa trapped in Lolita land (check out the video below) not sure if she's the insolent girlfriend ('Case of the Ex') or, as this track would paint her, a pre-teen with no idea of her temptation, but aware that she has 'something about her'. Musically, this is right up Janet Jackson's old alley - more so before Janet found 'Control' and became obsessed with sex. So, if you're a chick who's so cute you turn yourself on, but still a virgin, this is your anthem. But of course, you'll be singing it to yourself, cos you love yourself so darn much, won't ya?!
Chart performance
In the United States, for the issue dated week of February 3, 2001 Free was Billboard’s Hot 100 “Hot Shot Debut” of the week debuting at number seventy-six. In its third week it ascended from 74-61 issue dated week of February 17, 2001. The song reached its peak at number forty-one in its fourth week ascending from 61-41 issue dated week of February 24, 2001. It spent a total of 17 consecutive weeks on the chart. It was the second single released by Harrison to miss the coveted pop Top 40. On Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart the song failed to achieve success; peaking at a moderately low fifty two issue dated week of December 28, 2000.
Free was moderately successful in international territories. In Australia, it debuted at number eleven during the week of June 3, 2001. It reached its peak at number four in its sixth week during the week of July 8, 2001. It spent a total of 15 consecutive weeks on the chart and was certified platinum by Australian Recording Industry Association for shipments of 70,000 units sold. It found success in the UK, it debuted and peaked at number eleven during the week of June 9, 2001. It spent a total of 6 consecutive weeks on the chart.
Music video
The music video for Free was directed by Dave Meyers. Harrison explained to LAUNCH how involved she was in the making of "Free" speaking on following: the roller-skating, party dances, locking and Waacking were actually of all her concepts. Harrison got together with an underground dancer/choreographer named Brian Green (a.k.a. Brian " Footwork " Green ), and they put it together on their own. Mýa revealed it was a struggle and a fight working with someone underground because he's not established, but continued by saying that was the best thing about making Free because I knew him and what he had to offer and it was great.