Oh Mother: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|2007 single by Christina Aguilera}} |
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{{good article}} |
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{{Good article}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}} |
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{{Infobox song |
{{Infobox song |
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| name = Oh Mother |
| name = Oh Mother |
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| album = [[Back to Basics (Christina Aguilera album)|Back to Basics]] |
| album = [[Back to Basics (Christina Aguilera album)|Back to Basics]] |
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| released = {{Start date|2007|9|28}} |
| released = {{Start date|2007|9|28}} |
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| format = {{flat list| |
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*[[CD single]] |
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*[[music download|digital download]]}} |
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| recorded = |
| recorded = |
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| studio = |
| studio = |
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| venue = |
| venue = |
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| genre = |
| genre = <!-- Do not add unsourced genres --> |
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*[[Pop music|Pop]] |
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*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<ref name=am/>}} |
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| length = {{duration|m=3|s=44}} |
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=44}} |
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| label = [[RCA Records|RCA]] |
| label = [[RCA Records|RCA]] |
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| writer = |
| writer = |
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*Christina Aguilera |
* Christina Aguilera |
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*Derryck Thornton |
* Derryck Thornton |
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*Mark Rankin |
* Mark Rankin |
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*Liz Thornton |
* Liz Thornton |
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*[[Kara DioGuardi]] |
* [[Kara DioGuardi]] |
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*[[Bruno Coulais]] |
* [[Bruno Coulais]] |
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*[[Christophe Barratier]] |
* [[Christophe Barratier]] |
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| producer = |
| producer = |
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*Big Tank |
* Big Tank |
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*Q |
* Q |
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*L Boggie |
* L Boggie |
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*Christina Aguilera |
* Christina Aguilera |
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}} |
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| prev_title = [[Slow Down Baby]] |
| prev_title = [[Slow Down Baby]] |
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| prev_year = 2007 |
| prev_year = 2007 |
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| next_title = [[Keeps Gettin' Better]] |
| next_title = [[Keeps Gettin' Better]] |
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| next_year = 2008 |
| next_year = 2008 |
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| misc = {{External music video|header=Licensed audio|1={{YouTube|XXjDpVxwdgw|"Oh Mother"}}}} |
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}} |
}} |
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"'''Oh Mother'''" is a song by American singer [[Christina Aguilera]] from her fifth [[studio album]], ''[[Back to Basics (Christina Aguilera album)|Back to Basics]]'' (2006). The song was released on August 13, 2007, by [[RCA Records]] as the fourth and final single from the album in European territories, while "[[Slow Down Baby]]" was serviced as the final single in Oceania. It was written by Aguilera, Derryck Thornton, Mark Rankin, Liz Thornton, [[Christophe Barratier]], [[Bruno Coulais]] and [[Kara DioGuardi]]. Production was done by Big Tank and Q, with L Boggie credited as co-producer and Aguilera serviced as additional producer. |
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"Oh Mother" is a [[downtempo]] [[piano ballad]] that talks about Aguilera's abusive childhood. It incorporates various [[musical instrument]]s, from [[string instrument|strings]] to [[keyboard instrument|keyboards]]. It contains a sample from "Vois Sur Ton Chemin", written by Bruno Coulais and Christopher Barratler. Upon its release, the song was met with mainly positive reviews from contemporary [[music journalism|music critics]]. It also managed to enter charts in Europe with moderate success. |
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"'''Oh Mother'''" is a song recorded by American singer [[Christina Aguilera]] for her fifth [[studio album]], ''[[Back to Basics (Christina Aguilera album)|Back to Basics]]'' (2006). The song was released on November 23, 2007 by [[RCA Records]] as the fourth and final single from the album in European territories, while "[[Slow Down Baby]]" was serviced as the final single in Oceania. It was written by Aguilera, Derryck Thornton, Mark Rankin, Liz Thornton, [[Christophe Barratier]], [[Bruno Coulais]] and [[Kara DioGuardi]]. Production was done by Big Tank and Q, with L Boggie credited as co-producer and Aguilera serviced as additional producer. |
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"Oh Mother" is a [[downtempo]] [[Pop music|pop]] and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] [[piano ballad]] that talks about Aguilera's abusive childhood. It incorporates various [[musical instrument]]s, from [[string instrument|strings]] to [[keyboard instrument|keyboards]]. It contains a sample from "Vois Sur Ton Chemin", written by Bruno Coluais and Christopher Barratler. Upon its release, the song was met with mainly positive reviews from contemporary [[music journalism|music critics]]. It also managed to enter charts in Europe with moderate success. |
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==Background and recording== |
==Background and recording== |
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After releasing ''[[Stripped (Christina Aguilera album)|Stripped]]'' (2002) and collaborating with many different artists, Aguilera decided to record new old-school style materials for her upcoming album.<ref name="mtvnews">{{cite web|last=Moss|first=Corey|title=Christina's New Split-Personality Album Is Mature And 'Dirrty'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1529698/christinas-new-album-mature-dirrty.jhtml| |
After releasing ''[[Stripped (Christina Aguilera album)|Stripped]]'' (2002) and collaborating with many different artists, Aguilera decided to record new old-school style materials for her upcoming album.<ref name="mtvnews">{{cite web|last=Moss|first=Corey|title=Christina's New Split-Personality Album Is Mature And 'Dirrty'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1529698/christinas-new-album-mature-dirrty.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209235409/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1529698/christinas-new-album-mature-dirrty.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2012|access-date=April 25, 2012|publisher=[[MTV News]]. [[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]]|date=April 28, 2006}}</ref> She later explained that the lengthy break allowed her to write a lot about what she had experienced during that time.<ref name="mtvnews2"/> Aguilera also explained that she wanted to bring something novel to her album, which has 24 songs on it.<ref name="mtvnews2"/> She wanted to try to evolve as an artist and a visionary.<ref name=mtvnews2>{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|title=Christina Makes Her Comeback Twice As Nice By Expanding Basics Into Double LP|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1533622/christina-makes-her-comeback-twice-nice.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315223547/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1533622/christina-makes-her-comeback-twice-nice.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 15, 2012|access-date=April 25, 2012|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=June 6, 2006}}</ref> As a result, ''Back to Basics'', Aguilera's fifth studio album, is made up of two discs.<ref name="mtvnews2"/> On the first disc, she worked with "more beat-driven" producers, such as [[DJ Premier]] and [[Mark Ronson]], who included [[sampling (music)|samples]] in the production.<ref name="mtvnews2"/> The second one was written and produced solely by longtime producer [[Linda Perry]].<ref name="mtvnews2"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/christina-aguilera-channels-billie-holiday-20060316|title=Christina Aguilera Channels Billie Holiday|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=[[Wenner Media]]|last=Gitlin|first=Lauren|date=March 16, 2006|access-date=December 11, 2011}}</ref> Aguilera sent letters to different producers that she hoped could help her with the direction she was taking for the project, encouraging them to experiment, re-invent and create a modern soul feel.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aguilera takes twin-track approach for new album |work=[[Music Week]] |publisher=Intent Media |date=August 12, 2006 |last=Clarke |first=Stuart }}</ref> She described the first disc as "kind of a throwback with elements of jazz, blues and soul music combined with a modern-day twist, like hard-hitting beats".<ref name="mtvnews2"/> |
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"Oh Mother" was written by Aguilera, Derryck Thornton, Mark Rankin, Liz Thornton, [[Christophe Barratier]], [[Bruno Coulais]] and [[Kara DioGuardi]].<ref name="Notes"/> Production was done by Big Tank and Q, with L Boggie credited as co-producer and Aguilera serviced as additional producer.<ref name="Notes"/> [[Piano]] and [[musical keyboard|keyboard]]s were provided by V. Young, while [[Rob Lewis (producer)|Rob Lewis]] served [[guitar]] and arranging.<ref name="Notes"/> Lewis also played [[string instrument]]s with Aroussiak Baltaian, Daniel Seidenberg, Garik Terzian, Ilana Setapen, Joel Pargman and Maia Jasper.<ref name="Notes"/> |
"Oh Mother" was written by Aguilera, Derryck Thornton, Mark Rankin, Liz Thornton, [[Christophe Barratier]], [[Bruno Coulais]] and [[Kara DioGuardi]].<ref name="Notes"/> Production was done by Big Tank and Q, with L Boggie credited as co-producer and Aguilera serviced as additional producer.<ref name="Notes"/> [[Piano]] and [[musical keyboard|keyboard]]s were provided by V. Young, while [[Rob Lewis (producer)|Rob Lewis]] served [[guitar]] and arranging.<ref name="Notes"/> Lewis also played [[string instrument]]s with Aroussiak Baltaian, Daniel Seidenberg, Garik Terzian, Ilana Setapen, Joel Pargman and Maia Jasper.<ref name="Notes"/> |
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==Composition== |
==Composition== |
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{{Listen|filename=Christina Aguilera - Oh Mother (Song sample).ogg|title="Oh Mother"|description=A 23-second sample of "Oh Mother"|format=Ogg|pos=left}} |
{{Listen|filename=Christina Aguilera - Oh Mother (Song sample).ogg|title="Oh Mother"|description=A 23-second sample of "Oh Mother"|format=Ogg|pos=left}} |
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"Oh Mother" is a |
"Oh Mother" is a [[piano ballad]].<ref name="digitalspy">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a82286/christina-aguilera-oh-mother.html|title=Christina Aguilera: 'Oh Mother'|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]. [[Hearst Corporation]]|first=Nick|last=Levine|date=December 27, 2007|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref> Written in the [[key (music)|key]] of [[C-sharp minor|C♯ minor]], it is a [[downtempo]] track with a moderate [[tempo]] of 88 beats per minute.<ref name="sheet">{{cite web|title=Oh Mother Digital Sheet Music|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/scorch.asp?ppn=SC0041326|work=Musicnotes.com |
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|publisher=[[Sony/ATV Music Publishing]]| |
|publisher=[[Sony/ATV Music Publishing]]|access-date=December 21, 2007}}</ref> "Oh Mother" has a [[chord progression]] of [[C-sharp minor|C♯m]]–[[A major|A]]/[[C-sharp major|C♯]]–[[F♯ minor|F♯m]]–[[G♯ major|G♯7]] at the beginning.<ref name="sheet"/> Aguilera's vocal range on the track spans from the low-note of [[F♯ (musical note)|F♯<sub>3</sub>]] to the high-note of [[E (musical note)|E<sub>5</sub>]].<ref name="sheet"/> The track's [[musical instrument|instrumentation]] comes from guitar, strings, piano and keyboards.<ref name="Notes"/> It also features a sample of "Vois Sur Ton Chemin", written by Bruno Coluais and Christopher Barratler.<ref name="Notes"/> Spence D. for [[IGN]] called the track's melody "lulling" and "lithe".<ref name="ign"/> |
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According to Aguilera herself, "Oh Mother" talks about her abusive childhood.<ref name="mtv3">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/aguilera_christina/news_feature_080906/ |title=Christina Aguilera's Old Soul |publisher=[[MTV Networks]]. Viacom |first=Jennifer |last=Vineyard | |
According to Aguilera herself, "Oh Mother" talks about her abusive childhood.<ref name="mtv3">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/aguilera_christina/news_feature_080906/ |title=Christina Aguilera's Old Soul |publisher=[[MTV Networks]]. Viacom |first=Jennifer |last=Vineyard |access-date=July 21, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805022136/http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/aguilera_christina/news_feature_080906/ |archive-date=August 5, 2014 }}</ref> She revealed, "I think going through what I went through at a young age – the abuse that went on in my household – did affect me a lot. Domestic violence is a topic that is very hush-hush in society".<ref name="mtv3"/> Aguilera recalls the domestic violence of her childhood as she sings, "He took his anger out on her face, she kept all of her pain locked away".<ref name="digitalspy"/> Nick Levine for [[Digital Spy]] said that "Oh Mother" is a "retread" of "I'm OK", a song with the same topic from Aguilera's 2002 album ''[[Stripped (Christina Aguilera album)|Stripped]]''.<ref name="digitalspy"/> |
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==Release |
==Release== |
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"Oh Mother" was serviced as the fourth and final single from ''Back to Basics'' in Europe: on September 28, 2007, it was available for [[music download|digital download]]s in Switzerland;<ref name="Swiss">{{cite web|url=https://de-ch.7digital.com/artist/christina-aguilera/release/oh-mother-2/|title=Oh Mother (2007)|publisher=[[7digital]] Switzerland|access-date=December 17, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217160809/https://de-ch.7digital.com/artist/christina-aguilera/release/oh-mother-2/|archive-date=December 17, 2014}}</ref> on October 8, 2007, it was available for [[CD single]] sales in the United Kingdom.<ref name="cduk">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oh-Mother-Christina-Aguilera/dp/B000V9M0NA|title=Oh Mother [Single]|work=[[Amazon.co.uk]]|publisher=Amazon Inc|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref> In Germany, the song was purchased as a CD single and as a [[Music download|digital download]] single on November 23, 2007.<ref name="cd">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/Oh-Mother-Basic-Christina-Aguilera/dp/B000WM8NEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338065023&sr=8-1|title=Oh Mother/Basic [Single]|work=Amazon.de|language=de|publisher=Amazon Inc|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref><ref name="digital">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/oh-mother-single/id268323446|title=iTunes – Music – Oh Mother by Christina Aguilera|work=[[iTunes Store]] (Germany)|language=de|publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple Inc]]|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, "Oh Mother" was available for digital download on December 31, 2007.<ref name="digitalspy"/> The single also impacted radio stations of countries in Europe including Switzerland,<ref name="SwitzerlandRadio">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013015718/http://www.radioandrecords.com/formats/charts/euro/Switzerland.asp|url=http://www.radioandrecords.com/formats/charts/euro/Switzerland.asp|title=Radio & Records: Swiss Top 20 Chart|work=[[Radio & Records]]|date=September 21, 2007|archive-date=October 13, 2007|access-date=May 2, 2007}}</ref> Germany,<ref name="GermanyRadio">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027163218/http://www.surfmusik.de/airplaycharts.htm|url=http://www.surfmusik.de/airplaycharts.htm|title=Airplay Charts Deutschland Top 30|publisher=Surfmusik.de. Nielsen Music Control|date=October 12, 2007|archive-date=October 27, 2007|access-date=May 2, 2014}}</ref> Czech Republic,<ref name="CzechRadio">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?a=titul&hitparada=18&titul=144693&sec=dae9814b20a7ecf968cf9711e8478f17|title=SNS IFPI|publisher=[[IFPI]] Czech Republic|access-date=May 2, 2014}}</ref> and Austria<ref name="AustriaRadio">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222065403/http://www.radioandrecords.com/formats/charts/euro/Austria.asp|url=http://www.radioandrecords.com/formats/charts/euro/Austria.asp|title=Radio & Records: Austria Top 20 Chart|work=Radio & Records|date=December 7, 2007|archive-date=December 22, 2007|access-date=May 2, 2014}}</ref> in late 2007. |
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==Critical reception== |
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===Release and commercial performance=== |
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Upon its release, "Oh Mother" was met with mainly positive reviews from contemporary [[music journalism|music critics]]. Lucy Davis from [[BBC Music]] wrote that the song "might mean a lot to some, those with the tiresome self defence lyrics should go – when she gets on with the singing, there's nothing to prove".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/4g25|title=BBC – Music – Review of Christina Aguilera's 'Back to Basics'|publisher=[[BBC Music]]. [[BBC]]|first=Lucy|last=Davis|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref> [[Slant Magazine]] editor Sal Cinquemani deemed "Oh Mother" a "lovely" piano and string melody "that we're offered a reprieve".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/christina-aguilera-back-to-basics/918 |title=Back to Basics Review |magazine=[[Slant Magazine]] |first=Sal |last=Cinquemani |access-date=July 21, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014174324/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/christina-aguilera-back-to-basics/918 |archive-date=October 14, 2013 }}</ref> Amanda Murray of [[Sputnikmusic]] was also positive toward "Oh Mother", commenting that "another ode to her single mother and middle-finger to her abusive father, is yet more proof that Aguilera works best when the subject matter actually means something to her, when the song is more than just something to sing".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/8905/Christina-Aguilera-Back-to-Basics/|title=Review: Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics|website=[[Sputnikmusic]]|access-date=July 21, 2013|date=August 21, 2006}}</ref> Spence D. for IGN was positive toward the song's meaning, writing that it "resonates with a bittersweet energy that helps it rise above the standard young pop queen fare of the day".<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/15/christina-aguilera-back-to-basics?page=1|title=Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics, page 1|publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis Media]]|first=Spence|last=D.|date=August 15, 2006|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref> [[musicOMH]]'s John Murray was not impressed with the song, calling it "good" but saying that it would "just make the bad moments feel so much worse".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/christina-aguilera-back-to-basics|title=Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics|magazine=[[musicOMH]]|first=John|last=Murray|date=June 14, 2006|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref> Digital Spy critic Nick Levine provided a negative review, giving it a two out of five stars rating and calling it "tremulous" with a "vibrato-fuelled conclusion".<ref name="digitalspy"/> He also compared "Oh Mother" to [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]'s song "[[Oh Father]]" (1989) for the same sad melody as well as the same theme of [[child abuse]].<ref name="digitalspy"/> Reviewing ''Back to Basics'', [[MTV (Asian TV channel)|MTV Asia]] editor Gabriel Leong considered the song "a shining moment" on the album and "a touching paean to her [Aguilera's] mother in recognition of her strength and love".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mtvasia.com/Review/CD/C20060824001458.html|title=Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics (RCA)|publisher=[[MTV (Asian TV channel)|MTV Asia]]. [[Paramount Global Distribution Group#Paramount International|Viacom International Inc.]]|first=Gabriel|last=Leong|date=August 28, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829083720/http://mtvasia.com/Review/CD/C20060824001458.html|archive-date=August 29, 2006|access-date=April 9, 2022}}</ref> |
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"Oh Mother" was serviced as the fourth and final single from ''Back to Basics'' in Europe: on September 28, 2007, it was available for [[music download|digital download]]s in Switzerland;<ref name="Swiss">{{cite web|url=https://de-ch.7digital.com/artist/christina-aguilera/release/oh-mother-2/|title=Oh Mother (2007)|publisher=[[7digital]] Switzerland|accessdate=December 17, 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217160809/https://de-ch.7digital.com/artist/christina-aguilera/release/oh-mother-2/|archivedate=December 17, 2014|df=}}</ref> on October 8, 2007, it was available for [[CD single]] sales in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oh-Mother-Christina-Aguilera/dp/B000V9M0NA|title=Oh Mother [Single]|work=''[[Amazon.co.uk]]''|publisher=Amazon Inc|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref> In Germany, the song was purchased as a CD single and as a [[Music download|digital download]] single on November 23, 2007.<ref name="cd">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/Oh-Mother-Basic-Christina-Aguilera/dp/B000WM8NEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338065023&sr=8-1|title=Oh Mother/Basic [Single]|work=''Amazon.de''|language=German|publisher=Amazon Inc|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref><ref name="digital">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/oh-mother-single/id268323446|title=iTunes – Music – Oh Mother by Christina Aguilera|work=[[iTunes Store]] (Germany)|language=German|publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple Inc]]|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, "Oh Mother" was available for digital download on December 31, 2007.<ref name="digitalspy"/> The single also impacted radio stations of countries in Europe including Switzerland,<ref name="SwitzerlandRadio">{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013015718/http://www.radioandrecords.com/formats/charts/euro/Switzerland.asp|url=http://www.radioandrecords.com/formats/charts/euro/Switzerland.asp|title=Radio & Records: Swiss Top 20 Chart|work=[[Radio & Records]]|date=September 21, 2007|archivedate=October 13, 2007|accessdate=May 2, 2007}}</ref> Germany,<ref name="GermanyRadio">{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027163218/http://www.surfmusik.de/airplaycharts.htm|url=http://www.surfmusik.de/airplaycharts.htm|title=Airplay Charts Deutschland Top 30|publisher=Surfmusik.de. Nielsen Music Control|date=October 12, 2007|archivedate=October 27, 2007|accessdate=May 2, 2014}}</ref> Czech Republic,<ref name="CzechRadio">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?a=titul&hitparada=18&titul=144693&sec=dae9814b20a7ecf968cf9711e8478f17|title=SNS IFPI|publisher=[[IFPI]] Czech Republic|accessdate=May 2, 2014}}</ref> and Austria<ref name="AustriaRadio">{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222065403/http://www.radioandrecords.com/formats/charts/euro/Austria.asp|url=http://www.radioandrecords.com/formats/charts/euro/Austria.asp|title=Radio & Records: Austria Top 20 Chart|work=Radio & Records|date=December 7, 2007|archivedate=December 22, 2007|accessdate=May 2, 2014}}</ref> in late 2007. |
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==Commercial performance== |
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On the [[Ö3 Austria Top 40|Austrian Singles Chart]], the single debuted at number 26 on December 7, 2007 and peaked at number 23 during the following week.<ref name="aus">{{cite web|url=http://www.austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Christina+Aguilera&titel=Oh+Mother&cat=s|title=Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother|publisher=[[Ö3 Austria Top 40]]. Hung Medien|language=German|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref> There, the track remained for a total of nine weeks.<ref name="aus"/> In German, "Oh Mother" peaked at number 18 on the [[Media Control Charts]].<ref name="ger">{{cite web|url=http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/title/Aguilera%2CChristina/Oh+Mother%A5premium/single|title=Die ganze Musik im Internet: Charts, News, Neuerscheinungen, Tickets, Genres, Genresuche, Genrelexikon, Künstler-Suche, Musik-Suche, Track-Suche|language=German|publisher=[[Media Control Charts]]. PhonoNET GmbH|accessdate=2013-07-21}}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The single also peaked in the Netherlands and Switzerland at number 54 and 79, respectively.<ref name="dutch">{{cite web|url=http://www.dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Christina+Aguilera&titel=Oh+Mother&cat=s|title=Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother|publisher=[[Dutch Top 40]]. Hung Medien|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref><ref name="swi">{{cite web|url=http://www.swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Christina+Aguilera&titel=Oh+Mother&cat=s|title=Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother|publisher=[[Swiss Music Charts]]. Hung Medien|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref> |
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On the [[Ö3 Austria Top 40|Austrian Singles Chart]], the single debuted at number 26 on December 7, 2007, and peaked at number 23 during the following week.<ref name="aus">{{cite web|url=http://www.austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Christina+Aguilera&titel=Oh+Mother&cat=s|title=Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother|publisher=[[Ö3 Austria Top 40]]. Hung Medien|language=de|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref> There, the track remained for a total of nine weeks.<ref name="aus"/> In German, "Oh Mother" peaked at number 18 on the [[Media Control Charts]].<ref name="ger">{{cite web|url=http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/title/Aguilera%2CChristina/Oh+Mother%A5premium/single|title=Die ganze Musik im Internet: Charts, News, Neuerscheinungen, Tickets, Genres, Genresuche, Genrelexikon, Künstler-Suche, Musik-Suche, Track-Suche|language=de|publisher=[[Media Control Charts]]. PhonoNET GmbH|access-date=July 21, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The single also peaked in the Netherlands and Switzerland at number 54 and 79, respectively.<ref name="dutch">{{cite web|url=http://www.dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Christina+Aguilera&titel=Oh+Mother&cat=s|title=Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother|publisher=[[Dutch Top 40]]. Hung Medien|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref><ref name="swi">{{cite web|url=http://www.swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Christina+Aguilera&titel=Oh+Mother&cat=s|title=Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother|publisher=[[Swiss Music Charts]]. Hung Medien|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref> |
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==Live performances== |
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===Critical response=== |
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To promote "Oh Mother" and ''Back to Basics'', Aguilera performed the song on a number of occasions. On July 20, 2006, Aguilera performed the track at the Koko jazz club in [[London]], which was held in front of 1,500 fans and invited guests.<ref name="Evening">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-23215240-what-a-night-christina.do |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505111551/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-23215240-what-a-night-christina.do |url-status=dead|archive-date=May 5, 2013 |title=What a night, Christina |date=July 21, 2006 |last=Smyth |first=David |work=[[Evening Standard]] |publisher=[[Alexander Lebedev]] / [[Evgeny Lebedev]] / [[Daily Mail and General Trust]] |access-date=December 11, 2011 }}</ref><ref name=koko>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/christina-aguilera/39207-christina-gets-burlesque-at-koko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407163443/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/christina-aguilera/39207-christina-gets-burlesque-at-koko|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2022|title=Christina Gets Burlesque at Koko|work=[[MTV UK & Ireland|MTV News UK]]|publisher=Viacom|date=August 1, 2006|access-date=July 1, 2013}}</ref> The 40-minute concert comprised songs from the then-upcoming ''Back to Basics'' and other songs, including "[[Lady Marmalade#Moulin Rouge! version|Lady Marmalade]]" (2001) and "[[Beautiful (Christina Aguilera song)|Beautiful]]" (2002).<ref name="koko"/> [[MTV UK & Ireland|MTV UK]] was positive toward the performance, wrote, "The gig reflected the jazz club mood of Christina's new album, with a swinging brass-heavy backing band and fit dancers bounding sexily around the stage".<ref name="koko"/> Later, "Oh Mother" was also performed during her worldwide [[Back to Basics Tour]] (2006–07).<ref name="rstour">{{cite magazine|first=Barry|last=Walters|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/live-review-christina-aguileras-back-to-basics-tour-20070405|title=Live Review: Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics Tour|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=Wenner Media|date=April 5, 2007|access-date=July 21, 2013}}</ref> As she performed the track, the clip of a man repeatedly punching a woman as blood dripped from her face appeared on the screen.<ref name="rstour"/> The tour was preceded by newspaper headlines that flashed across a big screen, such as, "Christina goes from '[[dirrty]]' to demure" and "Christina cleans up her act".<ref name="POAC">{{cite news|title=Singer entertains with fast-paced 90-minute show|work=[[The Press of Atlantic City]]|publisher=Abarta|last=Schaffer|first=Regina|date=April 2, 2007|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/life/story/7374774p-7270883c.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912020639/http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/life/story/7374774p-7270883c.html|archive-date=September 12, 2007|access-date=March 5, 2012}}</ref> The performance is included on the video release ''[[Back to Basics: Live and Down Under]]'' (2008).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Live-Down-Under/dp/B000WPAG1Q|title=Back to Basics: Live and Down Under|work=[[Amazon.com]]|publisher=Amazon Inc|access-date=July 14, 2013}}</ref> A live video of the performance of "Oh Mother" during the tour, taken from the accompanying DVD, was premiered in late 2007.<ref name="digitalspy"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=VIVA NEU |url=http://www.viva.tv/TV/ShowDetail/id/5474 |publisher= [[Viva (TV station)|VIVA]]|access-date=August 25, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822125343/http://www.viva.tv/TV/ShowDetail/id/5474 |archive-date = August 22, 2008}}</ref> Nick Levine for Digital Spy called it a "cheap-looking" video.<ref name="digitalspy"/> |
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Upon its release, "Oh Mother" was met with mainly positive reviews from contemporary [[music journalism|music critics]]. Lucy Davis from [[BBC Music]] wrote that the song "might mean a lot to some, those with the tiresome self defence lyrics should go – when she gets on with the singing, there's nothing to prove".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/4g25|title=BBC – Music – Review of Christina Aguilera's 'Back to Basics'|publisher=[[BBC Music]]. [[BBC]]|first=Lucy|last=Davis|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref> [[Slant Magazine]] editor Sal Cinquemani deemed "Oh Mother" a "lovely" piano and string melody "that we're offered a reprieve".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/christina-aguilera-back-to-basics/918 |title=Back to Basics Review |publisher=[[Slant Magazine]] |first=Sal |last=Cinquemani |accessdate=2013-07-21 |url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014174324/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/christina-aguilera-back-to-basics/918 |archivedate=2013-10-14 |df= }}</ref> Amanda Murray of [[Sputnikmusic]] was also positive toward "Oh Mother", commenting that "another ode to her single mother and middle-finger to her abusive father, is yet more proof that Aguilera works best when the subject matter actually means something to her, when the song is more than just something to sing".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/8905/Christina-Aguilera-Back-to-Basics/|title=Review: Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics|publisher=[[Sputnikmusic]]. Jeremy Ferwada|accessdate=2013-07-21|date=2006-08-21}}</ref> Spence D. for IGN was positive toward the song's meaning, writing that it "resonates with a bittersweet energy that helps it rise above the standard young pop queen fare of the day".<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/15/christina-aguilera-back-to-basics?page=1|title=Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics, page 1|publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis Media]]|first=Spence|last=D.|date=2006-08-15|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref> [[musicOMH]]'s John Murray was not impressed with the song, calling it "good" but saying that it would "just make the bad moments feel so much worse".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/christina-aguilera-back-to-basics|title=Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics|publisher=[[musicOMH]]|first=John|last=Murray|date=2006-06-14|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref> Digital Spy critic Nick Levine provided a negative review, giving it a two out of five stars rating and calling it "tremulous" with a "vibrato-fuelled conclusion".<ref name="digitalspy"/> He also compared "Oh Mother" to [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]'s song "[[Oh Father]]" (1989) for the same sad melody as well as the same theme of [[child abuse]].<ref name="digitalspy"/> |
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==Promotion== |
|||
To promote "Oh Mother" and ''Back to Basics'', Aguilera performed the song on a number of occasions. On July 20, 2006, Aguilera performed the track at the Koko jazz club in [[London]], which was held in front of 1,500 fans and invited guests.<ref name="Evening">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-23215240-what-a-night-christina.do |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130505111551/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-23215240-what-a-night-christina.do |url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-05-05 |title=What a night, Christina |date=2006-07-21 |last=Smyth |first=David |work=[[Evening Standard]] |publisher=[[Alexander Lebedev]] / [[Evgeny Lebedev]] / [[Daily Mail and General Trust]] |accessdate=2011-12-11 }}</ref><ref name=koko>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/christina-aguilera/39207-christina-gets-burlesque-at-koko|title=Christina Gets Burlesque at Koko|work=''[[MTV UK & Ireland|MTV News UK]]''|publisher=Viacom|date=2006-08-01|accessdate=2013-07-01}}</ref> The 40-minute concert comprised songs from the then-upcoming ''Back to Basics'' and other songs, including "[[Lady Marmalade#Moulin Rouge! cover|Lady Marmalade]]" (2001) and "[[Beautiful (Christina Aguilera song)|Beautiful]]" (2002).<ref name="koko"/> [[MTV UK & Ireland|MTV UK]] was positive toward the performance, wrote, "The gig reflected the jazz club mood of Christina's new album, with a swinging brass-heavy backing band and fit dancers bounding sexily around the stage".<ref name="koko"/> Later, "Oh Mother" was also performed during her worldwide [[Back to Basics Tour]] (2006–07).<ref name="rstour">{{cite news|first=Barry|last=Walters|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/live-review-christina-aguileras-back-to-basics-tour-20070405|title=Live Review: Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics Tour|work=Rolling Stone|publisher=Wenner Media|date=2007-04-05|accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref> As she performed the track, the clip of a man repeatedly punching a woman as blood dripped from her face appeared on the screen.<ref name="rstour"/> The tour was preceded by newspaper headlines that flashed across a big screen, such as, "Christina goes from '[[dirrty]]' to demure" and "Christina cleans up her act".<ref name="POAC">{{cite news|title=Singer entertains with fast-paced 90-minute show|work=[[The Press of Atlantic City]]|publisher=Abarta|last=Schaffer|first=Regina|date=April 2, 2007|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/life/story/7374774p-7270883c.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912020639/http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/life/story/7374774p-7270883c.html|archivedate=September 12, 2007|accessdate=March 5, 2012}}</ref> The performance is included on the video release ''[[Back to Basics: Live and Down Under]]'' (2008).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Live-Down-Under/dp/B000WPAG1Q|title=Back to Basics: Live and Down Under|work=''[[Amazon.com]]''|publisher=Amazon Inc|accessdate=July 14, 2013}}</ref> A live video of the performance of "Oh Mother" during the tour, taken from the accompanying DVD, was premiered in late 2007.<ref name="digitalspy"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=VIVA NEU |url=http://www.viva.tv/TV/ShowDetail/id/5474 |publisher= [[Viva (TV station)|VIVA]]|accessdate=2008-08-25 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822125343/http://www.viva.tv/TV/ShowDetail/id/5474 |archivedate = 2008-08-22}}</ref> Nick Levine for Digital Spy called it a "cheap-looking" video.<ref name="digitalspy"/> |
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==Track listings== |
==Track listings== |
||
'''CD single and German digital download'''<ref name="cd"/><ref name="digital"/> |
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#"Oh Mother" – 3:44 |
# "Oh Mother" – 3:44 |
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#"Oh Mother" (instrumental) – 3:47 |
# "Oh Mother" (instrumental) – 3:47 |
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'''Swiss digital download'''<ref name="Swiss"/> |
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#"Oh Mother" – 3:45 |
# "Oh Mother" – 3:45 |
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==Credits and personnel== |
==Credits and personnel== |
||
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of ''Back to Basics'', RCA Records.<ref name="Notes">Aguilera, Christina (2006). ''[[Back to Basics (Christina Aguilera album)|Back to Basics]]'' (liner notes). [[RCA Records]].</ref> |
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*Contains a sample from the song "Vois Sur Ton Chemin", written by Bruno Coluais and Christopher Barratler. |
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* Contains a sample from the song "Vois Sur Ton Chemin", written by Bruno Coluais and Christopher Barratler. |
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{{div col|colwidth=30em}} |
{{div col|colwidth=30em}} |
||
*Songwriting – Christina Aguilera, Derryck Thornton, Mark Rankin, Liz Thornton, Christophe Barratier, Bruno Coulais and Kara DioGuardi |
* Songwriting – Christina Aguilera, Derryck Thornton, Mark Rankin, Liz Thornton, Christophe Barratier, Bruno Coulais and Kara DioGuardi |
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*Producing – Big Tank, Q |
* Producing – Big Tank, Q |
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*Co-producing – L Boggie |
* Co-producing – L Boggie |
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*Additional producing – Christina Aguilera |
* Additional producing – Christina Aguilera |
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*Guitar – Rob Lewis |
* Guitar – Rob Lewis |
||
*Strings – Rob Lewis, Aroussiak Baltaian, Daniel Seidenberg, Garik Terzian, Ilana Setapen, Joel Pargman, Maia Jasper |
* Strings – Rob Lewis, Aroussiak Baltaian, Daniel Seidenberg, Garik Terzian, Ilana Setapen, Joel Pargman, Maia Jasper |
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*Piano, keyboards – V. Young |
* Piano, keyboards – V. Young |
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*Arranging – Rob Lewis |
* Arranging – Rob Lewis |
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*Recording – Oscar Ramirez |
* Recording – Oscar Ramirez |
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{{div col end}} |
{{div col end}} |
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==Charts== |
|||
Credits adapted from the liner notes of ''Back to Basics'', RCA Records.<ref name="Notes">Aguilera, Christina (2006). ''[[Back to Basics (Christina Aguilera album)|Back to Basics]]'' (liner notes). [[RCA Records]].</ref> |
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{{col-begin}} |
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{{col-2}} |
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== |
===Weekly charts=== |
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{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
||
|+ Weekly chart performance for "Oh Mother" |
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!align="center"|Chart (2007) |
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! scope="col"| Chart (2007–2008) |
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!align="center"|Peak<br>position |
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! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |
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|- |
|- |
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{{single chart|Austria|23|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=Oh Mother|rowheader=true}} |
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!scope="row"|[[Ö3 Austria Top 40|Austrian Singles Chart]]<ref name="aus"/> |
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|align="center"|23 |
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|- |
|- |
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{{single chart|CIS|117|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=Oh Mother|rowheader=true|songid=6718}} |
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!scope="row"|[[Dutch Top 40|Dutch Singles Chart]]<ref name="dutch"/> |
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|align="center"|54 |
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|- |
|- |
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{{single chart|Germany|18|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=Oh Mother|rowheader=true|songid=235077}} |
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!scope="row"|[[Media Control Charts|German Singles Chart]]<ref name="ger"/> |
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|align="center"|18 |
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|- |
|- |
||
! scope="row" |
! scope="row"| Germany Airplay ([[Official German Charts]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiocharts.com/html/charts_de_main.htm|title=Radio-Charts Deutschland – Chartwoche 02/2008|work=MusicTrace|publisher=RadioCharts.com|language=de|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121190030/http://www.radiocharts.com/html/charts_de_main.htm|archive-date=January 21, 2008}}</ref> |
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| 4 |
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| align="center" | 4 |
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|- |
|- |
||
! scope="row"| Luxembourg Airplay ([[RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtl.lu/radio/programm/hitmaschinn/|title=Hitmaschin – Top 40|publisher=[[RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg]]|date=January 12, 2008|language=Luxembourgish|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112082209/http://www.rtl.lu/radio/programm/hitmaschinn/|archive-date=January 12, 2008|access-date=March 3, 2023}}</ref> |
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!scope="row"|Slovakia ([[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|IFPI]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?a=titul&hitparada=18&titul=144693&sec=dae9814b20a7ecf968cf9711e8478f17|title=Radio Top 100 – Christina Aguilera Oh Mother|publisher=IFPI Czech|accessdate=December 17, 2014}}</ref> |
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| 21 |
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|align="center"|21 |
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|- |
|- |
||
!scope="row"|Netherlands ([[Dutch Top 40|Dutch Top 40 Tipparade]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.top40.nl/tipparade/2007/week-45|title=Tipparade-lijst van week 45, 2007|lang=dutch| publisher=[[Dutch Top 40]]|access-date=March 17, 2023}}</ref> |
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!scope="row"|[[Swiss Music Charts|Swiss Singles Chart]]<ref name="swi"/> |
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|12 |
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|align="center"|79 |
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|- |
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! scope="row"| Slovakia ([[Rádio Top 100 (Slovakia)|Rádio Top 100]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?a=titul&hitparada=18&titul=144693&sec=dae9814b20a7ecf968cf9711e8478f17|title=Radio Top 100 – Christina Aguilera Oh Mother|publisher=IFPI Czech|access-date=December 17, 2014}}</ref> |
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| 21 |
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|- |
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{{single chart|Switzerland|79|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=Oh Mother|rowheader=true}} |
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|} |
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{{col-2}} |
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===Year-end charts=== |
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{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
|||
|+ Year-end chart performance for "Oh Mother" |
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! scope="col"| Chart (2007) |
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! scope="col"| Position |
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|- |
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! scope="row"| Lebanon ([[NRJ (Lebanon)|NRJ]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nrjlebanon.com/onair/20-Archive.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130208144600/http://www.nrjlebanon.com/onair/20-Archive.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 8, 2013|title=Archive: Top 100 of 2007|publisher=[[NRJ (Lebanon)|NRJ Lebanon]]|access-date=October 21, 2020}}</ref> |
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| 27 |
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|} |
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{{col-end}} |
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==Release history== |
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{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
|||
|+ Release dates and formats for "Oh Mother" |
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! scope="col"| Region |
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! scope="col"| Date |
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! scope="col"| Format(s) |
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! scope="col"| Label(s) |
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! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
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|- |
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! scope="row"| Canada |
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| rowspan="2"| September 28, 2007 |
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| rowspan="2"| [[Music download|Digital download]] |
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| rowspan="2"| [[Sony BMG]] |
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| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/oh-mother-single/268323446|title=Oh Mother – Single|location=Canada|publisher=[[iTunes Store]]. [[Apple Inc.]]|date=September 28, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2021}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! scope="row"| Switzerland |
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| align="center"| <ref name="Swiss"/> |
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|- |
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! scope="row"| United Kingdom |
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| October 8, 2007 |
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| [[CD single|CD]] |
|||
| [[RCA Records|RCA]] |
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| align="center"| <ref name="cduk"/> |
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|- |
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! scope="row"| Germany |
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| November 23, 2007 |
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| {{hlist|CD|digital download}} |
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| Sony BMG |
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| align="center"| <ref name="cd"/><ref name="digital"/> |
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|- |
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! scope="row"| United Kingdom |
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| December 31, 2007 |
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| Digital download |
|||
| RCA |
|||
| align="center"| <ref name="digitalspy"/> |
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|} |
|} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* {{YouTube|i_BZQ77akOg|"Christina Aguilera - Oh Mother"}} |
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{{Wikipedia books|Back to Basics|''Back to Basics''}} |
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* {{YouTube| |
* {{YouTube|r8Y6whJXGdU|"Christina Aguilera - Oh Mother (Back To Basics: Live And Down Under)"}} |
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* {{YouTube|ktRTIPFFTZA|"Oh Mother (Back To Basics: Live And Down Under)"}} |
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* {{MetroLyrics song|christina-aguilera|oh-mother}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider --> |
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* {{YouTube|b4GJma2i3MA|"Oh Mother"}} |
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* {{YouTube|KZNBJodUD1g|"Oh Mother (Instrumental)"}} |
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{{Christina Aguilera songs}} |
{{Christina Aguilera songs}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:2000s ballads]] |
[[Category:2000s ballads]] |
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[[Category:2007 singles]] |
[[Category:2007 singles]] |
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[[Category:Christina Aguilera songs]] |
[[Category:Christina Aguilera songs]] |
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[[Category:Pop ballads]] |
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[[Category:Songs written by Christina Aguilera]] |
[[Category:Songs written by Christina Aguilera]] |
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[[Category:Songs written by Kara DioGuardi]] |
[[Category:Songs written by Kara DioGuardi]] |
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[[Category:RCA Records singles]] |
[[Category:RCA Records singles]] |
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[[Category:Songs about domestic violence]] |
[[Category:Songs about domestic violence]] |
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[[Category:Songs about |
[[Category:Songs about mothers]] |
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[[Category:Sony BMG singles]] |
[[Category:Sony BMG singles]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Pop ballads]] |
Latest revision as of 05:46, 8 July 2024
"Oh Mother" | ||||
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Single by Christina Aguilera | ||||
from the album Back to Basics | ||||
Released | September 28, 2007 | |||
Length | 3:44 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) |
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Christina Aguilera singles chronology | ||||
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Licensed audio | ||||
"Oh Mother" on YouTube |
"Oh Mother" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her fifth studio album, Back to Basics (2006). The song was released on August 13, 2007, by RCA Records as the fourth and final single from the album in European territories, while "Slow Down Baby" was serviced as the final single in Oceania. It was written by Aguilera, Derryck Thornton, Mark Rankin, Liz Thornton, Christophe Barratier, Bruno Coulais and Kara DioGuardi. Production was done by Big Tank and Q, with L Boggie credited as co-producer and Aguilera serviced as additional producer.
"Oh Mother" is a downtempo piano ballad that talks about Aguilera's abusive childhood. It incorporates various musical instruments, from strings to keyboards. It contains a sample from "Vois Sur Ton Chemin", written by Bruno Coulais and Christopher Barratler. Upon its release, the song was met with mainly positive reviews from contemporary music critics. It also managed to enter charts in Europe with moderate success.
Background and recording
[edit]After releasing Stripped (2002) and collaborating with many different artists, Aguilera decided to record new old-school style materials for her upcoming album.[1] She later explained that the lengthy break allowed her to write a lot about what she had experienced during that time.[2] Aguilera also explained that she wanted to bring something novel to her album, which has 24 songs on it.[2] She wanted to try to evolve as an artist and a visionary.[2] As a result, Back to Basics, Aguilera's fifth studio album, is made up of two discs.[2] On the first disc, she worked with "more beat-driven" producers, such as DJ Premier and Mark Ronson, who included samples in the production.[2] The second one was written and produced solely by longtime producer Linda Perry.[2][3] Aguilera sent letters to different producers that she hoped could help her with the direction she was taking for the project, encouraging them to experiment, re-invent and create a modern soul feel.[4] She described the first disc as "kind of a throwback with elements of jazz, blues and soul music combined with a modern-day twist, like hard-hitting beats".[2]
"Oh Mother" was written by Aguilera, Derryck Thornton, Mark Rankin, Liz Thornton, Christophe Barratier, Bruno Coulais and Kara DioGuardi.[5] Production was done by Big Tank and Q, with L Boggie credited as co-producer and Aguilera serviced as additional producer.[5] Piano and keyboards were provided by V. Young, while Rob Lewis served guitar and arranging.[5] Lewis also played string instruments with Aroussiak Baltaian, Daniel Seidenberg, Garik Terzian, Ilana Setapen, Joel Pargman and Maia Jasper.[5]
Composition
[edit]"Oh Mother" is a piano ballad.[6] Written in the key of C♯ minor, it is a downtempo track with a moderate tempo of 88 beats per minute.[7] "Oh Mother" has a chord progression of C♯m–A/C♯–F♯m–G♯7 at the beginning.[7] Aguilera's vocal range on the track spans from the low-note of F♯3 to the high-note of E5.[7] The track's instrumentation comes from guitar, strings, piano and keyboards.[5] It also features a sample of "Vois Sur Ton Chemin", written by Bruno Coluais and Christopher Barratler.[5] Spence D. for IGN called the track's melody "lulling" and "lithe".[8]
According to Aguilera herself, "Oh Mother" talks about her abusive childhood.[9] She revealed, "I think going through what I went through at a young age – the abuse that went on in my household – did affect me a lot. Domestic violence is a topic that is very hush-hush in society".[9] Aguilera recalls the domestic violence of her childhood as she sings, "He took his anger out on her face, she kept all of her pain locked away".[6] Nick Levine for Digital Spy said that "Oh Mother" is a "retread" of "I'm OK", a song with the same topic from Aguilera's 2002 album Stripped.[6]
Release
[edit]"Oh Mother" was serviced as the fourth and final single from Back to Basics in Europe: on September 28, 2007, it was available for digital downloads in Switzerland;[10] on October 8, 2007, it was available for CD single sales in the United Kingdom.[11] In Germany, the song was purchased as a CD single and as a digital download single on November 23, 2007.[12][13] In the United Kingdom, "Oh Mother" was available for digital download on December 31, 2007.[6] The single also impacted radio stations of countries in Europe including Switzerland,[14] Germany,[15] Czech Republic,[16] and Austria[17] in late 2007.
Critical reception
[edit]Upon its release, "Oh Mother" was met with mainly positive reviews from contemporary music critics. Lucy Davis from BBC Music wrote that the song "might mean a lot to some, those with the tiresome self defence lyrics should go – when she gets on with the singing, there's nothing to prove".[18] Slant Magazine editor Sal Cinquemani deemed "Oh Mother" a "lovely" piano and string melody "that we're offered a reprieve".[19] Amanda Murray of Sputnikmusic was also positive toward "Oh Mother", commenting that "another ode to her single mother and middle-finger to her abusive father, is yet more proof that Aguilera works best when the subject matter actually means something to her, when the song is more than just something to sing".[20] Spence D. for IGN was positive toward the song's meaning, writing that it "resonates with a bittersweet energy that helps it rise above the standard young pop queen fare of the day".[8] musicOMH's John Murray was not impressed with the song, calling it "good" but saying that it would "just make the bad moments feel so much worse".[21] Digital Spy critic Nick Levine provided a negative review, giving it a two out of five stars rating and calling it "tremulous" with a "vibrato-fuelled conclusion".[6] He also compared "Oh Mother" to Madonna's song "Oh Father" (1989) for the same sad melody as well as the same theme of child abuse.[6] Reviewing Back to Basics, MTV Asia editor Gabriel Leong considered the song "a shining moment" on the album and "a touching paean to her [Aguilera's] mother in recognition of her strength and love".[22]
Commercial performance
[edit]On the Austrian Singles Chart, the single debuted at number 26 on December 7, 2007, and peaked at number 23 during the following week.[23] There, the track remained for a total of nine weeks.[23] In German, "Oh Mother" peaked at number 18 on the Media Control Charts.[24] The single also peaked in the Netherlands and Switzerland at number 54 and 79, respectively.[25][26]
Live performances
[edit]To promote "Oh Mother" and Back to Basics, Aguilera performed the song on a number of occasions. On July 20, 2006, Aguilera performed the track at the Koko jazz club in London, which was held in front of 1,500 fans and invited guests.[27][28] The 40-minute concert comprised songs from the then-upcoming Back to Basics and other songs, including "Lady Marmalade" (2001) and "Beautiful" (2002).[28] MTV UK was positive toward the performance, wrote, "The gig reflected the jazz club mood of Christina's new album, with a swinging brass-heavy backing band and fit dancers bounding sexily around the stage".[28] Later, "Oh Mother" was also performed during her worldwide Back to Basics Tour (2006–07).[29] As she performed the track, the clip of a man repeatedly punching a woman as blood dripped from her face appeared on the screen.[29] The tour was preceded by newspaper headlines that flashed across a big screen, such as, "Christina goes from 'dirrty' to demure" and "Christina cleans up her act".[30] The performance is included on the video release Back to Basics: Live and Down Under (2008).[31] A live video of the performance of "Oh Mother" during the tour, taken from the accompanying DVD, was premiered in late 2007.[6][32] Nick Levine for Digital Spy called it a "cheap-looking" video.[6]
Track listings
[edit]CD single and German digital download[12][13]
- "Oh Mother" – 3:44
- "Oh Mother" (instrumental) – 3:47
Swiss digital download[10]
- "Oh Mother" – 3:45
Credits and personnel
[edit]Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Back to Basics, RCA Records.[5]
- Contains a sample from the song "Vois Sur Ton Chemin", written by Bruno Coluais and Christopher Barratler.
- Songwriting – Christina Aguilera, Derryck Thornton, Mark Rankin, Liz Thornton, Christophe Barratier, Bruno Coulais and Kara DioGuardi
- Producing – Big Tank, Q
- Co-producing – L Boggie
- Additional producing – Christina Aguilera
- Guitar – Rob Lewis
- Strings – Rob Lewis, Aroussiak Baltaian, Daniel Seidenberg, Garik Terzian, Ilana Setapen, Joel Pargman, Maia Jasper
- Piano, keyboards – V. Young
- Arranging – Rob Lewis
- Recording – Oscar Ramirez
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Release history
[edit]Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canada | September 28, 2007 | Digital download | Sony BMG | [42] |
Switzerland | [10] | |||
United Kingdom | October 8, 2007 | CD | RCA | [11] |
Germany | November 23, 2007 |
|
Sony BMG | [12][13] |
United Kingdom | December 31, 2007 | Digital download | RCA | [6] |
References
[edit]- ^ Moss, Corey (April 28, 2006). "Christina's New Split-Personality Album Is Mature And 'Dirrty'". MTV News. Viacom. Archived from the original on February 9, 2012. Retrieved April 25, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g Moss, Corey (June 6, 2006). "Christina Makes Her Comeback Twice As Nice By Expanding Basics Into Double LP". MTV News. Viacom. Archived from the original on March 15, 2012. Retrieved April 25, 2012.
- ^ Gitlin, Lauren (March 16, 2006). "Christina Aguilera Channels Billie Holiday". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved December 11, 2011.
- ^ Clarke, Stuart (August 12, 2006). "Aguilera takes twin-track approach for new album". Music Week. Intent Media.
- ^ a b c d e f g Aguilera, Christina (2006). Back to Basics (liner notes). RCA Records.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Levine, Nick (December 27, 2007). "Christina Aguilera: 'Oh Mother'". Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ a b c "Oh Mother Digital Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Retrieved December 21, 2007.
- ^ a b D., Spence (August 15, 2006). "Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics, page 1". IGN. Ziff Davis Media. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ a b Vineyard, Jennifer. "Christina Aguilera's Old Soul". MTV Networks. Viacom. Archived from the original on August 5, 2014. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ a b c "Oh Mother (2007)". 7digital Switzerland. Archived from the original on December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
- ^ a b "Oh Mother [Single]". Amazon.co.uk. Amazon Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ a b c "Oh Mother/Basic [Single]". Amazon.de (in German). Amazon Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ a b c "iTunes – Music – Oh Mother by Christina Aguilera". iTunes Store (Germany) (in German). Apple Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ "Radio & Records: Swiss Top 20 Chart". Radio & Records. September 21, 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved May 2, 2007.
- ^ "Airplay Charts Deutschland Top 30". Surfmusik.de. Nielsen Music Control. October 12, 2007. Archived from the original on October 27, 2007. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ "SNS IFPI". IFPI Czech Republic. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ "Radio & Records: Austria Top 20 Chart". Radio & Records. December 7, 2007. Archived from the original on December 22, 2007. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ Davis, Lucy. "BBC – Music – Review of Christina Aguilera's 'Back to Basics'". BBC Music. BBC. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ Cinquemani, Sal. "Back to Basics Review". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ "Review: Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics". Sputnikmusic. August 21, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ Murray, John (June 14, 2006). "Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics". musicOMH. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ Leong, Gabriel (August 28, 2006). "Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics (RCA)". MTV Asia. Viacom International Inc. Archived from the original on August 29, 2006. Retrieved April 9, 2022.
- ^ a b "Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Hung Medien. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ "Die ganze Musik im Internet: Charts, News, Neuerscheinungen, Tickets, Genres, Genresuche, Genrelexikon, Künstler-Suche, Musik-Suche, Track-Suche" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNET GmbH. Retrieved July 21, 2013.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother". Dutch Top 40. Hung Medien. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ "Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother". Swiss Music Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ Smyth, David (July 21, 2006). "What a night, Christina". Evening Standard. Alexander Lebedev / Evgeny Lebedev / Daily Mail and General Trust. Archived from the original on May 5, 2013. Retrieved December 11, 2011.
- ^ a b c "Christina Gets Burlesque at Koko". MTV News UK. Viacom. August 1, 2006. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
- ^ a b Walters, Barry (April 5, 2007). "Live Review: Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics Tour". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ^ Schaffer, Regina (April 2, 2007). "Singer entertains with fast-paced 90-minute show". The Press of Atlantic City. Abarta. Archived from the original on September 12, 2007. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
- ^ "Back to Basics: Live and Down Under". Amazon.com. Amazon Inc. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
- ^ "VIVA NEU". VIVA. Archived from the original on August 22, 2008. Retrieved August 25, 2008.
- ^ "Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
- ^ Christina Aguilera — Oh Mother. TopHit.
- ^ "Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
- ^ "Radio-Charts Deutschland – Chartwoche 02/2008". MusicTrace (in German). RadioCharts.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2008. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
- ^ "Hitmaschin – Top 40" (in Luxembourgish). RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg. January 12, 2008. Archived from the original on January 12, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
- ^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 45, 2007" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
- ^ "Radio Top 100 – Christina Aguilera Oh Mother". IFPI Czech. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
- ^ "Christina Aguilera – Oh Mother". Swiss Singles Chart.
- ^ "Archive: Top 100 of 2007". NRJ Lebanon. Archived from the original on February 8, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
- ^ "Oh Mother – Single". Canada: iTunes Store. Apple Inc. September 28, 2007. Retrieved August 14, 2021.