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{{Infobox single
{{Infobox song
| Name = Better Than I Know Myself
| name = Better Than I Know Myself
| Cover = ALBTIKM2012.jpg
| cover = ALBTIKM2012.jpg
| Artist = [[Adam Lambert]]
| alt =
| type = single
| from Album = [[Trespassing (album)|Trespassing]]
| B-side =
| artist = [[Adam Lambert]]
| Released = December 20, 2011
| album = [[Trespassing (album)|Trespassing]]
| released = December 20, 2011
⚫
| Genre = [[Synthpop]]
| recorded =
| Format = [[CD single]], [[Music download|digital download]]
| Length = 3:36
| studio =
| venue =
⚫
| Label = [[19 Entertainment|19]], [[RCA Records|RCA]]
⚫
| genre = [[Synthpop]]
| Writer = [[Dr. Luke|Lukasz Gottwald]], [[Ammo (musician)|Joshua Coleman]], [[Claude Kelly]], [[Cirkut (producer)|Henry Walter]]
| length = 3:36
| Producer = [[Dr. Luke]], [[Cirkut (producer)|Cirkut]], [[DJ_Ammo|Ammo]]
⚫
| label = [[RCA Records|RCA]]
| Certification =
| writer = {{flatlist|
⚫
| Last single = "[[Sleepwalker (Adam Lambert song)|Sleepwalker]]"<br/>(2011)
* [[Dr. Luke|Lukasz Gottwald]]
| This single = "'''Better Than I Know Myself'''"<br/>(2011)
* [[Ammo (musician)|Joshua Coleman]]
⚫
| Next single = "[[Never Close Our Eyes]]"<br />(2012)
* [[Claude Kelly]]
⚫
| Misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|Lg31XQR22zg|"Better Than I Know Myself"}}}}
* [[Cirkut (producer)|Henry Walter]]
}}
| producer = {{flatlist|
* [[Dr. Luke]]
* [[Cirkut (producer)|Cirkut]]
* [[DJ Ammo|Ammo]]
}}
⚫
| prev_title = [[Sleepwalker (Adam Lambert song)|Sleepwalker]]
| prev_year = 2011
⚫
| next_title = [[Never Close Our Eyes]]
| next_year = 2012
⚫
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|Lg31XQR22zg|"Better Than I Know Myself"}}}}
}}
}}


"'''Better Than I Know Myself'''" is a song by American recording artist [[Adam Lambert]] from his second studio album, ''[[Trespassing (album)|Trespassing]]''.<ref name="Trespassing Press Release">{{cite web|title=Global Superstar Adam Lambert To Release Highly Anticipated Second Album 'Trespassing' On March 20th, 2012|url=http://www.rcarecords.com/news/global-superstar-adam-lambert-release-highly-anticipated-second-album-trespassing-march-20th-20|work=RCA Records|publisher=RCA Records|accessdate=2011-12-15}}</ref> The song was released as the album's lead single on December 20, 2011. It was released to US mainstream radio on January 24, 2012.<ref name="mainstream"/> The song was written and produced by [[Dr. Luke]], [[Cirkut (producer)|Cirkut]], and [[DJ_Ammo |Ammo]], and co-written by [[Claude Kelly]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Adam Lambert Announces "Better Than I Know Myself" As Lead 'Trespassing' Single|date=2011-11-19|accessdate=2011-12-16|url=http://idolator.com/6084412/adam-lambert-announces-new-single}}</ref>
"'''Better Than I Know Myself'''" is a song by American recording artist [[Adam Lambert]] from his second studio album, ''[[Trespassing (album)|Trespassing]]''.<ref name="Trespassing Press Release">{{cite web |title=Global Superstar Adam Lambert To Release Highly Anticipated Second Album 'Trespassing' On March 20th, 2012 |url=http://www.rcarecords.com/news/global-superstar-adam-lambert-release-highly-anticipated-second-album-trespassing-march-20th-20 |work=RCA Records |accessdate=2011-12-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107185320/http://www.rcarecords.com/news/global-superstar-adam-lambert-release-highly-anticipated-second-album-trespassing-march-20th-20 |archivedate=2012-01-07 }}</ref> The song was released as the album's lead single on December 20, 2011. It was released to US mainstream radio on January 24, 2012.<ref name="mainstream"/> The song was written and produced by [[Dr. Luke]], [[Cirkut (producer)|Cirkut]], and [[DJ Ammo|Ammo]], and co-written by [[Claude Kelly]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Adam Lambert Announces "Better Than I Know Myself" As Lead 'Trespassing' Single|date=2011-11-19|accessdate=2011-12-16|url=http://idolator.com/6084412/adam-lambert-announces-new-single}}</ref>


==Background and composition==
==Background and composition==
On December 15, 2011 [[RCA Records]] announced that "Better Than I Know Myself" would serve as the lead single from Adam Lambert's upcoming second studio album, ''Trespassing'' due for March 2012.<ref name="Trespassing Press Release"/> The following day the song premiered in full online. The song was released via [[iTunes]] on December 20, 2011 in the United States.
On December 15, 2011 [[RCA Records]] announced that "Better Than I Know Myself" would serve as the lead single from Adam Lambert's upcoming second studio album, ''Trespassing'' due for March 2012.<ref name="Trespassing Press Release"/> The following day the song premiered in full online. The song was released via [[iTunes]] on December 20, 2011, in the United States.
"Better Than I Know Myself" is a [[synthpop]] [[ballad]].<ref name="Gayles">{{cite web|last=Gayles|first=Contessa|title=Adam Lambert 'Better Than I Know Myself' Song Debuts|url=http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/12/16/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself/|publisher=[[AOL]]|accessdate=2011-12-21|date=2011-12-16}}</ref> The instrumentation consists of a thumping bass beat, a keyboard, and "retro [[synthesizer|synth]] washes" as described by Bill Lamb of [[About.com]].<ref name=Lamb>{{cite web|last=Lamb|first=Bill|title=Review: Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself|url=http://top40.about.com/od/adamlambert/gr/Adam-Lambert-Better-Than-I-Know-Myself.htm|publisher=[[About.com]]|accessdate=2011-12-21}}</ref> Lyrically, the song revolves around romantic regret.<ref name=Lamb/> Adam Lambert sings about "a lover who knows you inside and out".<ref name="Gayles"/>
"Better Than I Know Myself" is a [[synthpop]] [[ballad]].<ref name="Gayles">{{cite web|last=Gayles|first=Contessa|title=Adam Lambert 'Better Than I Know Myself' Song Debuts|url=http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/12/16/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself/|publisher=[[AOL]]|accessdate=2011-12-21|date=2011-12-16|archive-date=2012-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125051814/http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/12/16/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The instrumentation consists of a thumping bass beat, a keyboard, and "retro [[synthesizer|synth]] washes" as described by Bill Lamb of [[About.com]].<ref name=Lamb>{{cite web|last=Lamb|first=Bill|title=Review: Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself|url=http://top40.about.com/od/adamlambert/gr/Adam-Lambert-Better-Than-I-Know-Myself.htm|publisher=[[About.com]]|accessdate=2011-12-21|archive-date=2012-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121055658/http://top40.about.com/od/adamlambert/gr/Adam-Lambert-Better-Than-I-Know-Myself.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lyrically, the song revolves around romantic regret.<ref name=Lamb/> Adam Lambert sings about "a lover who knows you inside and out".<ref name="Gayles"/>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
"Better Than I Know Myself" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Contessa Gayles of [[AOL|AOL Music Blog]] wrote, "The 'American Idol' star's new mid-tempo track is a Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly production about a lover who knows you inside and out" and called the song an "epic piano ballad". She also complimented Adam Lambert's "gifted vocals".<ref name="Gayles"/> Bill Lamb of About.com said, "Adam Lambert's voice is a unique and powerful instrument, but when the song and production are dull, even the best voice can't completely turn things around."<ref name=Lamb/>
"Better Than I Know Myself" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Contessa Gayles of [[AOL|AOL Music Blog]] wrote, "The 'American Idol' star's new mid-tempo track is a Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly production about a lover who knows you inside and out" and called the song an "epic piano ballad". She also complimented Adam Lambert's "gifted vocals".<ref name="Gayles"/> Bill Lamb of About.com said, "Adam Lambert's voice is a unique and powerful instrument, but when the song and production are dull, even the best voice can't completely turn things around."<ref name=Lamb/>


Liz Barker of [[MTV]] called the song "one of Adam's biggest, boldest and most beautiful tracks to date".<ref>{{cite web|last=Barker|first=Liz|title=New Song: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/12/19/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself/|publisher=MTV|accessdate=2011-12-23|date=2011-12-19}}</ref> [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']]'s Jason Lipshutz compared the song's "winning [[pop-rock]] formula" to Lambert's 2009 breakthrough single "[[Whataya Want from Me]]" and wrote: "While "Better Than I Know Myself" is not as immediately overpowering, repeated listenings amplify the untamed vulnerability that has become Lambert's defining asset. [...] Like any talented pop artist, Lambert understands subtle reflection as well as epic bombast."<ref>{{cite web|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|title=Track Review: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1067330/track-review-adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself|work=Billboard|accessdate=2012-01-19|date=2012-01-02}}</ref> According to ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' reviewer Jody Rosen, the song showcases "Lambert's superhuman vocal range", while referring to the song as "formulaic pop".<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosen|first=Jody|title=Better Than I Know Myself {{!}} Song Reviews|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/better-than-i-know-myself-20111230|publisher=''[[Rolling Stone]]''|accessdate=2012-01-19|date=2011-12-30}}</ref>
Liz Barker of [[MTV]] called the song "one of Adam's biggest, boldest and most beautiful tracks to date".<ref>{{cite web|last=Barker|first=Liz|title=New Song: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/12/19/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109061006/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/12/19/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 9, 2012|publisher=MTV|accessdate=2011-12-23|date=2011-12-19}}</ref> [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']]'s Jason Lipshutz compared the song's "winning [[pop-rock]] formula" to Lambert's 2009 breakthrough single "[[Whataya Want from Me]]" and wrote: "While "Better Than I Know Myself" is not as immediately overpowering, repeated listenings amplify the untamed vulnerability that has become Lambert's defining asset. [...] Like any talented pop artist, Lambert understands subtle reflection as well as epic bombast."<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|title=Track Review: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1067330/track-review-adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=2012-01-19|date=2012-01-02}}</ref> According to ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' reviewer Jody Rosen, the song showcases "Lambert's superhuman vocal range", while referring to the song as "formulaic pop".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rosen|first=Jody|title=Better Than I Know Myself {{!}} Song Reviews|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/better-than-i-know-myself-20111230|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|accessdate=2012-01-19|date=2011-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729192946/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/songreviews/better-than-i-know-myself-20111230|archive-date=2016-07-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Chart performance==
==Chart performance==
In the United States, the song debuted at number seventy-six on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] on the chart dated January 7, 2012, before its official radio add date.<ref name="hot100"/> It was only successful in select countries such as Finland and Japan in which it charted in the top ten of those countries. It failed to reach the Top 40 in the United States and is Lambert's lowest charting single to date.
In the United States, the song debuted at number seventy-six on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] on the chart dated January 7, 2012, before its official radio add date.<ref name="hot100"/> It was only successful in select countries such as Finland and Japan, in both of which it charted in the top ten. It failed to reach the Top 40 in the United States and is Lambert's lowest charting single to date.


==Music video==
==Music video==
The music video was directed by [[Ray Kay]] and premiered on February 3, 2012 on Lambert's official [[Vevo]] page. The video's concept deals with duality and the conflict between the darker and lighter sides of Lambert which is also explored on the album. The video begins with the two characters in a room separated by a glass window. In the course of the video the two get into an argument resulting in the dark side polluting the light side's oxygen supply. It ends with the dark side rescuing his better half by breaking through the glass and connecting with him, making the both of them form into one person. <ref>{{cite web |author=Lansky, Sam |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/02/03/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself-video/ |title=New Video: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself' |date=2012-03-02 |accessdate=2012-04-22}}</ref>
The music video was directed by [[Ray Kay]] and premiered on February 3, 2012, on Lambert's official [[Vevo]] page. The video's concept deals with duality and the conflict between the darker and lighter sides of Lambert which is also explored on the album. The video begins with the two characters in a room separated by a glass window. In the course of the video the two get into an argument resulting in the dark side polluting the light side's oxygen supply. It ends with the dark side rescuing his better half by breaking through the glass and connecting with him, making the both of them form into one person.<ref>{{cite web |author=Lansky, Sam |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/02/03/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself-video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205233113/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/02/03/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself-video |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2012 |title=New Video: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself' |date=2012-03-02 |accessdate=2012-04-22}}</ref>


==Live performances==
==Live performances==
Adam Lambert performed "Better Than I Know Myself" for the first time on January 17, 2012 on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Shirley|last=Halperin|title=Video: 'American Idol's' Adam Lambert Debuts New Look, Single On 'The Tonight Show'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/reality-check/511201/video-american-idols-adam-lambert-debuts-new-look-single-on|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=2012-01-18|date=2012-01-18}}</ref> He appeared with minimal make-up while wearing a black suit and white shirt with no tie.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sciarretto|first=Amy|title=Adam Lambert Performs ‘Better Than I Know Myself’ With Less Eyeliner on ‘Tonight Show’|url=http://popcrush.com/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself-with-less-eyeliner-tonight-show/|publisher=PopCrush|accessdate=2012-01-19|date=2012-01-18}}</ref> He then performed the song on January 19, 2012 on ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]''.
Adam Lambert performed "Better Than I Know Myself" for the first time on January 17, 2012, on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Shirley|last=Halperin|title=Video: 'American Idol's' Adam Lambert Debuts New Look, Single On 'The Tonight Show'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/reality-check/511201/video-american-idols-adam-lambert-debuts-new-look-single-on|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=2012-01-18|date=2012-01-18}}</ref> He appeared with minimal make-up while wearing a black suit and white shirt with no tie.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sciarretto|first=Amy|title=Adam Lambert Performs 'Better Than I Know Myself' With Less Eyeliner on 'Tonight Show'|url=http://popcrush.com/adam-lambert-better-than-i-know-myself-with-less-eyeliner-tonight-show/|publisher=PopCrush|accessdate=2012-01-19|date=2012-01-18}}</ref> He then performed the song on January 19, 2012, on ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]''.


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
Line 59: Line 71:
! Peak<br>position
! Peak<br>position
|-
|-
|Australia ([[ARIA Chart|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm |title=ARIA Charts - Chartifacts}}</ref>
|Australia ([[ARIA Chart|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm |title=ARIA Charts - Chartifacts |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917070536/http://ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm |archivedate=2010-09-17 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|83
| style="text-align:center;"|83
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Flanders Tip|15|artist=Adam Lambert|song=Better Than I Know Myself}}
{{singlechart|Flanders Tip|15|artist=Adam Lambert|song=Better Than I Know Myself}}
|-
|-
|Canada ([[Canadian Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite web|title=Adam Lambert: Better Than I Know Myself on Canadian Hot 100|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=adam lambert|chart=Billboard Canadian Hot 100}}|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=B.Biz|accessdate=2011-12-29}}</ref>
|Canada ([[Canadian Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Adam Lambert: Better Than I Know Myself on Canadian Hot 100|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=adam lambert|chart=Billboard Canadian Hot 100}}|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=B.Biz|accessdate=2011-12-29}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|56
| style="text-align:center;"|56
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Finland|6|artist=Adam Lambert|song=Better Than I Know Myself}}
{{singlechart|Finland|6|artist=Adam Lambert|song=Better Than I Know Myself}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Germany|88|artist=Adam Lambert|song=Whataya Want from Me}}
{{singlechart|Germany|88|artist=Adam Lambert|song=Better Than I Know Myself|songid=947533|accessdate=2019-05-21}}
|-
|-
⚫
{{singlechart|New Zealand|40|artist=Adam Lambert|song=Better Than I Know Myself}}
⚫
| style="text-align:left;"| Japan ([[Japan Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite web |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=adam lambert|chart=Japan Hot 100}} |title=Billboard Japan Hot 100 |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Billboard |accessdate=2012-03-05}}</ref>
|-
⚫
| style="text-align:left;"| Japan ([[Japan Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=adam lambert|chart=Japan Hot 100}} |title=Billboard Japan Hot 100 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Billboard |accessdate=2012-03-05}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|9
| style="text-align:center;"|9
|-
|-
|Japan Hot Overseas (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2012&month=03&day=5|title=Billboard Japan Hot Overseas|language=Japanese|publisher=Billboard Japan|date=5 March 2012|accessdate=5 March 2012}}</ref>
⚫
{{singlechart|New Zealand|40|artist=Adam Lambert|song=Whataya Want from Me}}
|align=center|1
|-
|-
|South Korea International Singles ([[Gaon Chart|Gaon]])<ref name="SouthKoreaDebut2">{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/online/download/list.gaon|title=South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: January 01, 2012 to January 07, 2012)|publisher=[[Gaon Chart]]|date=December 15, 2012|accessdate=December 21, 2012}}</ref>
|South Korea International Singles ([[Gaon Chart|Gaon]])<ref name="SouthKoreaDebut2">{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/online/download/list.gaon |title=South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: January 01, 2012 to January 07, 2012) |publisher=[[Gaon Chart]] |date=December 15, 2012 |accessdate=December 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219094524/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/online/download/list.gaon |archivedate=December 19, 2012 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 27
| style="text-align:center;"| 27
|-
|-
|US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref name="hot100">{{cite web|title=US Billboard Hot 100: Biggest Jump|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=adam lambert|chart=Hot 100}}|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=2011-12-29}}</ref>
|US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref name="hot100">{{cite magazine|title=US Billboard Hot 100: Biggest Jump|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=adam lambert|chart=Hot 100}}|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=2011-12-29}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|76
| style="text-align:center;"|76
|-
|-
|US [[Adult Top 40|Adult Pop Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite web |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=adam lambert|chart=all}} |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Billboard|title= US Billboard Adult Pop Songs}}</ref>
|US [[Adult Top 40|Adult Pop Songs]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=adam lambert|chart=all}} |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Billboard|title= US Billboard Adult Pop Songs}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|18
| style="text-align:center;"|18
|}
|}
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!scope="col"|Label
!scope="col"|Label
|-
|-
! scope="row"|Worldwide<ref name=download>{{cite web|title=iTunes - Music - Better Than I Know Myself - Single by Adam Lambert|url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/better-than-i-know-myself/id488250101|publisher=[[iTunes Store]]|accessdate= 2011-12-21}}</ref>
! scope="row"|Worldwide<ref name=download>{{cite web|title=iTunes - Music - Better Than I Know Myself - Single by Adam Lambert|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/better-than-i-know-myself/id488250101|publisher=[[iTunes Store]]|accessdate= 2011-12-21}}</ref>
|December 20, 2011
|December 20, 2011
|[[Music download|Digital download]]
|[[Music download|Digital download]]
|rowspan="5"|[[19 Entertainment|19 Recordings]], [[RCA Records]]
|rowspan="5"|{{flatlist|
* [[19 Entertainment|19 Recordings]]
* [[RCA Records]]
}}
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|United States
|rowspan="2"|United States
|January 23, 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.webcitation.org/64oeZ1rxE |title=Hot/Modern/AC > Future Releases|publisher=All Access Music Group}}</ref>
|January 23, 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases |title=Hot/Modern/AC > Future Releases |publisher=All Access Music Group |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107041555/http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases |archivedate=January 7, 2012 }}</ref>
|[[Adult contemporary music|Adult contemporary radio]] airplay
|[[Adult contemporary music|Adult contemporary radio]] airplay
|-
|-
|January 24, 2012<ref name="mainstream">{{cite web|url=http://www.webcitation.org/64oeJA14D|title=Top 40/M Future Releases|publisher=All Access Music Group|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref>
|January 24, 2012<ref name="mainstream">{{cite web |url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |title=Top 40/M Future Releases |publisher=All Access Music Group |accessdate=2012-01-19 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107043603/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archivedate=January 7, 2012 }}</ref>
|[[Contemporary hit radio|Mainstream radio]] airplay
|[[Contemporary hit radio|Mainstream radio]] airplay
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|Germany
|rowspan="2"|Germany
|March 9, 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.de/Better-Than-I-Know-Myself/dp/B007FZZ83W/ |title=Better Than I Know Myself: Adam Lambert: Amazon.de: MP3-Downloads |publisher=Amazon.de |date= |accessdate=2012-03-17}}</ref>
|March 9, 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/Better-Than-I-Know-Myself/dp/B007FZZ83W/ |title=Better Than I Know Myself: Adam Lambert: Amazon.de: MP3-Downloads |publisher=Amazon.de |date= |accessdate=2012-03-17}}</ref>
|Digital download
|Digital download
|-
|-
|March 16, 2012<ref name="cd">{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.de/Better-Than-I-Know-Myself/dp/B0075D8NX6/ |title=Better Than I Know Myself: Adam Lambert: Amazon.de: Musik |publisher=Amazon.de |date= |accessdate=2012-03-17}}</ref>
|March 16, 2012<ref name="cd">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/Better-Than-I-Know-Myself/dp/B0075D8NX6/ |title=Better Than I Know Myself: Adam Lambert: Amazon.de: Musik |publisher=Amazon.de |date= |accessdate=2012-03-17}}</ref>
|[[CD single]]
|[[CD single]]
|}
|}
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|adam-lambert|better-than-i-know-myself}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{Adam Lambert}}
{{Adam Lambert}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:2011 singles]]
[[Category:2011 singles]]
[[Category:Adam Lambert songs]]
[[Category:Adam Lambert songs]]
[[Category:Electropop ballads]]
[[Category:Synth-pop ballads]]
[[Category:Songs written by Dr. Luke]]
[[Category:Songs written by Dr. Luke]]
[[Category:Songs written by Claude Kelly]]
[[Category:Songs written by Claude Kelly]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Cirkut (record producer)]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Cirkut]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Dr. Luke]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Dr. Luke]]
[[Category:Pop ballads]]
[[Category:Pop ballads]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Ammo]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Ammo (record producer)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Cirkut]]
[[Category:2011 songs]]
[[Category:19 Recordings singles]]
[[Category:RCA Records singles]]
[[Category:Songs written by Ammo (record producer)]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Ray Kay]]
[[Category:Songs about loneliness]]
[[Category:Torch songs]]
[[Category:Songs about suicide]]

Latest revision as of 19:37, 27 June 2024

"Better Than I Know Myself"
Single by Adam Lambert
from the album Trespassing
ReleasedDecember 20, 2011
GenreSynthpop
Length3:36
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Adam Lambert singles chronology
"Sleepwalker"
(2011) 		"Better Than I Know Myself"
(2011) 		"Never Close Our Eyes"
(2012)
Music video
"Better Than I Know Myself" on YouTube

"Better Than I Know Myself" is a song by American recording artist Adam Lambert from his second studio album, Trespassing.[1] The song was released as the album's lead single on December 20, 2011. It was released to US mainstream radio on January 24, 2012.[2] The song was written and produced by Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and Ammo, and co-written by Claude Kelly.[3]

Background and composition

[edit]

On December 15, 2011 RCA Records announced that "Better Than I Know Myself" would serve as the lead single from Adam Lambert's upcoming second studio album, Trespassing due for March 2012.[1] The following day the song premiered in full online. The song was released via iTunes on December 20, 2011, in the United States.

"Better Than I Know Myself" is a synthpop ballad.[4] The instrumentation consists of a thumping bass beat, a keyboard, and "retro synth washes" as described by Bill Lamb of About.com.[5] Lyrically, the song revolves around romantic regret.[5] Adam Lambert sings about "a lover who knows you inside and out".[4]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Better Than I Know Myself" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Contessa Gayles of AOL Music Blog wrote, "The 'American Idol' star's new mid-tempo track is a Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly production about a lover who knows you inside and out" and called the song an "epic piano ballad". She also complimented Adam Lambert's "gifted vocals".[4] Bill Lamb of About.com said, "Adam Lambert's voice is a unique and powerful instrument, but when the song and production are dull, even the best voice can't completely turn things around."[5]

Liz Barker of MTV called the song "one of Adam's biggest, boldest and most beautiful tracks to date".[6] Billboard's Jason Lipshutz compared the song's "winning pop-rock formula" to Lambert's 2009 breakthrough single "Whataya Want from Me" and wrote: "While "Better Than I Know Myself" is not as immediately overpowering, repeated listenings amplify the untamed vulnerability that has become Lambert's defining asset. [...] Like any talented pop artist, Lambert understands subtle reflection as well as epic bombast."[7] According to Rolling Stone reviewer Jody Rosen, the song showcases "Lambert's superhuman vocal range", while referring to the song as "formulaic pop".[8]

Chart performance

[edit]

In the United States, the song debuted at number seventy-six on the Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated January 7, 2012, before its official radio add date.[9] It was only successful in select countries such as Finland and Japan, in both of which it charted in the top ten. It failed to reach the Top 40 in the United States and is Lambert's lowest charting single to date.

Music video

[edit]

The music video was directed by Ray Kay and premiered on February 3, 2012, on Lambert's official Vevo page. The video's concept deals with duality and the conflict between the darker and lighter sides of Lambert which is also explored on the album. The video begins with the two characters in a room separated by a glass window. In the course of the video the two get into an argument resulting in the dark side polluting the light side's oxygen supply. It ends with the dark side rescuing his better half by breaking through the glass and connecting with him, making the both of them form into one person.[10]

Live performances

[edit]

Adam Lambert performed "Better Than I Know Myself" for the first time on January 17, 2012, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.[11] He appeared with minimal make-up while wearing a black suit and white shirt with no tie.[12] He then performed the song on January 19, 2012, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Track listing

[edit]
  • Digital download[13]
  1. "Better Than I Know Myself" – 3:36
  1. "Better Than I Know Myself" – 3:35
  2. "Better Than I Know Myself" (Alex Ghenea Remix) – 3:23
  • "Better Than I Know Myself" - The Remixes EP[14]
  1. "Better Than I Know Myself" (Alex Ghenea Remix) – 3:23
  2. "Better Than I Know Myself" (Dave Audé Dubstep Remix) - 4:00
  3. "Better Than I Know Myself" (Robert Marvin & Shearer Remix) - 3:35

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2011–12) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[15] 83
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[16] 15
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[17] 56
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[18] 6
Germany (GfK)[19] 88
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[20] 40
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[21] 9
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard)[22] 1
South Korea International Singles (Gaon)[23] 27
US Billboard Hot 100[9] 76
US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)[24] 18

Radio and release history

[edit]
Country Date Format Label
Worldwide[13] December 20, 2011 Digital download
United States January 23, 2012[25] Adult contemporary radio airplay
January 24, 2012[2] Mainstream radio airplay
Germany March 9, 2012[26] Digital download
March 16, 2012[14] CD single

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Global Superstar Adam Lambert To Release Highly Anticipated Second Album 'Trespassing' On March 20th, 2012". RCA Records. Archived from the original on 2012-01-07. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
  2. ^ a b "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  3. ^ "Adam Lambert Announces "Better Than I Know Myself" As Lead 'Trespassing' Single". 2011-11-19. Retrieved 2011-12-16.
  4. ^ a b c Gayles, Contessa (2011-12-16). "Adam Lambert 'Better Than I Know Myself' Song Debuts". AOL. Archived from the original on 2012-01-25. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  5. ^ a b c Lamb, Bill. "Review: Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself". About.com. Archived from the original on 2012-01-21. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  6. ^ Barker, Liz (2011-12-19). "New Song: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'". MTV. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  7. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (2012-01-02). "Track Review: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  8. ^ Rosen, Jody (2011-12-30). "Better Than I Know Myself | Song Reviews". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 2016-07-29. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  9. ^ a b "US Billboard Hot 100: Biggest Jump". Billboard. Billboard. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  10. ^ Lansky, Sam (2012-03-02). "New Video: Adam Lambert, 'Better Than I Know Myself'". Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
  11. ^ Halperin, Shirley (2012-01-18). "Video: 'American Idol's' Adam Lambert Debuts New Look, Single On 'The Tonight Show'". Billboard. Billboard. Retrieved 2012-01-18.
  12. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (2012-01-18). "Adam Lambert Performs 'Better Than I Know Myself' With Less Eyeliner on 'Tonight Show'". PopCrush. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  13. ^ a b "iTunes - Music - Better Than I Know Myself - Single by Adam Lambert". iTunes Store. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  14. ^ a b c "Better Than I Know Myself: Adam Lambert: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.de. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  15. ^ "ARIA Charts - Chartifacts". Archived from the original on 2010-09-17.
  16. ^ "Adam Lambert – Better Than I Know Myself" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  17. ^ "Adam Lambert: Better Than I Know Myself on Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. B.Biz. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  18. ^ "Adam Lambert: Better Than I Know Myself" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  19. ^ "Adam Lambert – Better Than I Know Myself" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 2019-05-21.
  20. ^ "Adam Lambert – Better Than I Know Myself". Top 40 Singles.
  21. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot 100". Billboard. Billboard. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  22. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas" (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. 5 March 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  23. ^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: January 01, 2012 to January 07, 2012)". Gaon Chart. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  24. ^ "US Billboard Adult Pop Songs". Billboard. Billboard.
  25. ^ "Hot/Modern/AC > Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012.
  26. ^ "Better Than I Know Myself: Adam Lambert: Amazon.de: MP3-Downloads". Amazon.de. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
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