Released October 31, 2006 Recorded 2006 Length 4:16 | Format Digital download
CD Genre R&B
pop
electronic Label Epic
Sony Urban Music | |
"Ice Box" is the second single from Omarion's second album, 21. The song features backing vocals by Timbaland. The song peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it his most successful solo single to date. The liner notes credit the production to The Royal Court. The Royal Court includes King and Sir John who are both part of Timbaland’s Camp. The Royal Court is the production team that contributed to the success of “Ice Box”. The song uses a sample from Yasunori Mitsuda's "Memories of Green" from the Chrono Trigger video game (SNES) and its Original Soundtrack (OST). The song is a departure from his previous singles and is a mid-tempo number.
Contents
The single's physical CD release had been cancelled in the United Kingdom, but because the song had such success on the charts, it was decided that the physical release would go ahead. It was released on March 5, 2007. The single was influenced by the romantic relationship between Omarion and his girlfriend that had come to an end. In an interview discussing the hit “Ice Box”, Omarion speaks in very little detail about the reasons for the music produced. Omarion explains that he and his girlfriend at the time had two different worlds and the timing just wasn’t right.
Composition
"Ice Box" has a moderate tempo and it is written in the key of E-flat major.
Remixes & Other Versions
The official remix was later released, featuring Hip-hop and R&B artist Usher. Though Omarion did not specifically state the story behind his heartbreak, media has it that the single was inspired by the heartbreak after a cheating partner. The remix chronicles Omarion's feelings and thoughts after the infidelity of his girlfriend while Usher advises him.. The 2nd official remix features Usher & Fabolous.
Music video
The video was filmed by Anthony Mandler. It starts off with Omarion sitting at a table alone, with flashes of the video. The camera digitally goes inside of Omarion's body and stops to show his beating heart frigid cold. The icy blue heart represents the loneliness Omarion was feeling and also a sense of his pain. The metaphor illustrates Omarion’s heart “trapped in an Ice Box”. The camera zooms out of his body and the music begins. Omarion's girlfriend (played by Solange Knowles) appears sitting opposite him at the table. Throughout his video, his girlfriend will appear, disappear, and then reappear. The video is then taken into a forest like setting, where Omarion chases his girlfriend around. Scenes cut to Omarion dancing along with male backup dancers, (Choreography completed by Roland Tabor and Blake Anthony). The video ends with Omarion down on his knees after saying "...I'm tired of fighting", and Timbaland rides up in a Phantom and opens the door to let Omarion in. Omarion then puts on a pair of sunglasses and looks at Timbaland who taps the girl on the shoulder before they drive away.
Charts
"Ice Box" has become Omarion's most successful single as a solo artist, becoming his first single to chart within the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been certified gold as of July 2007.
In the UK "Ice Box" became Omarion's biggest hit, charting at #14, becoming his first Top 20 hit there.