Released 2014 Length 2:54 | Genre Soca-pop Label Epic | |
Recorded The Carriage House
(Nolensville, Tennessee) Writer(s) Meghan Trainor
Kevin Kadish | ||
"Title" is a song by American singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor for her debut extended play and studio album of the same name from 2014 and 2015, respectively. Trainor collaborated with Kevin Kadish during the songwriting process, who also produced it. "Title" is a soca-pop recording, which additionally incorporates elements of folk and ska. Its lyrical content delves on the singer demanding her love interest to put a name on their relationship status. In 2015, Trainor released a music video for "Title" directed by Anthony Phan. The video for "Title" was released via the special edition of its parent album. It peaked at number 9 in New Zealand and number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100, being certified Gold in both the countries. Trainor performed the song at MTV, in a session for the National Post, during the Jingle Ball Tour 2014 and on her That Bass and MTrain tours.
Contents
Background and composition
"Title" was written by Trainor and Kadish, and produced by the latter. Trainor felt that "Title" showcased what her artistic style was about, and said that she loved that it showed a little Caribbean drum before the chorus and a rap bridge that was a new sound for her. It was described by the singer as "call me your girlfriend, I'm sick of being your boo thing, so call me your girlfriend and give me that title". Trainor played ukulele on the song, while Kadish programmed, mixed, recorded and engineered it. He also played the electric guitar, bass, acoustic guitar and synthesizer on "Title". Mastering was handled by Dave Kutch whereas David Baron played piano and organ on the song.
"Title" is a soca-pop song which runs for a duration of 2 minutes and 54 seconds (2:54). It blends horns and background vocals with ukulele folk-pop and island percussion morphed into a programmed beat. It contains handclaps and subtle modern sound effects. Trainor uses an assertive throwback aural tone on the song. The rap verse in "Title" was compared to the works of Australian rapper Iggy Azalea and American duo Karmin. The song's lyrics see Trainor demanding her lover to put a name on their relationship status. Christina Garibaldi of MTV News wrote that the song serves a lesson for women not to settle for a friends-with-benefits relationship.
Background and concept
A music video for "Title" was shot in Los Angeles on October 21, 2014, at a downtown movie palace. It was directed by Anthony Phan. Its premise follows a theme inspired by the AAU Mr. America pageant. Trainor was accompanied by several film makers and male models who wore sashes, while sporting a sparkling dress and lime green fur for the shoot. The music video was released on November 20, 2015, on the special edition of the album.
Synopsis
The video begins with Trainor performing "Title" accompanied by her ukulele and background dancers, interspersed with shots of Trainor's brother Ryan filming the performance. The venue is then revealed to be a "Mister America" pageant. Trainor then, while singing, introduces the contestants of the pageant, wearing a black coloured coat. Trainor continues performing, while the contestants walk down the ramp. Trainor is shown singing, while sitting on a couch of flowers, donning a crown and a white gown. The contestants are depicted in a gymnasium, performing weight-lifting and other exercises. The half-naked contestants walk down the ramp, dance, and cycle, as Trainor's performance progresses. Trainor is then shown singing the song on royal staircases, in a pastel-coloured gown and lime fur. Trainor presents a crown to the winner of the pageant. The video ends with shots of Trainor's performance interspersed with Trainor and the newly crowned winner walking down the ramp.
Live performances
Trainor performed "Title" live at MTV on October 6, 2014, and in a session for the National Post on October 14. She has also included it in her set lists for the Jingle Ball Tour 2014, the That Bass Tour and the MTrain Tour.
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Title.