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{{Short description|2008 single by Keri Hilson}}
{{Infobox Single
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
| Name = Energy
{{Infobox song
| Cover = Keri Hilson Energy.jpg
| name = Energy
| Artist = [[Keri Hilson]]
| cover = Keri Hilson Energy.jpg
| from Album = [[In a Perfect World...]]
| alt =
| Released = May 27, 2008 (U.S.) September 2009 (U.K.)
| Format = [[Digital download]], [[digital single]], [[CD single]]
| type = single
| artist = [[Keri Hilson]]
| Recorded =
| Genre = [[contemporary R&B|R&B]]
| album = [[In a Perfect World…]]
| released = {{Start date|2008|5|27}}
| Length = 3:29
| recorded =
| Label = [[Mosley Music Group|Mosley]]
| studio = Homesite 13 ([[Novato, California]])
| Writer = [[Louis Biancaniello]], [[Rico Love|Richard Butler, Jr.]], [[Sam Watters]], [[Wayne Wilkins]]
| venue =
| Producer = The Runaways
| genre =
| Certification = Gold <small>([[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|RIANZ]])
| length = 3:29
| Last single = "[[Hero (Nas song)|Hero]]"<br>(2008)
| label =
| This single = "'''Energy'''"<br>(2008)
* [[Mosley Music Group|Mosley Music]]
| Next single = "[[Superhuman (song)|Superhuman]]"<br>(2008)
* [[Zone 4 (record label)|Zone 4]]
| Misc =
| writer =
* [[Louis Biancaniello]]
* [[Rico Love|Richard Butler, Jr.]]
* [[Sam Watters]]
* [[Wayne Wilkins]]
| producer = [[Louis Biancaniello#The Runaways|The Runaways]]
| chronology = [[Keri Hilson]]
| prev_title = [[Hero (Nas song)|Hero]]
| prev_year = 2008
| next_title = [[Superhuman (Chris Brown song)|Superhuman]]
| next_year = 2008
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|bHVQXMCux78|"Keri Hilson - Energy (Official Music Video)"}}}}
}}
}}


"'''Energy'''" is the first official single by [[United States|American]] singer-songwriter [[Keri Hilson]], taken from her debut album, ''[[In a Perfect World...]]'' (2009). It was written and produced by The Runaways, consisting of [[Louis Biancaniello]], [[Sam Watters]], [[Rico Love]], and [[Wayne Wilkins]], and released as the album's [[lead single]] on [[May 27]], [[2008]] (see [[2008 in music]]) in the [[United States]].
"'''Energy'''" is a song by American recording artist [[Keri Hilson]]. It was written and produced by production team [[Louis Biancaniello#The Runaways|The Runaways]], consisting of [[Louis Biancaniello]], [[Sam Watters]], [[Rico Love]], and [[Wayne Wilkins]], for her studio album ''[[In a Perfect World…]]'' (2009). A [[midtempo]] [[power ballad]], "Energy" talks about an overwhelming and consuming toxic love that is causing the protagonist to reconsider her priorities.


Although the song reached number two in [[New Zealand]],<ref name="base"/> it became a medicore success elsewhere, reaching the top thirty on the U.S. ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] and [[Hot Dance Club Play]] charts only.<ref name="base"/> Generally well-received by music critics, it was named the 61st on ''The Top 144 Songs of 2008'' by ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Top 144 Songs of 2008|work=[[Blender]]|url=http://www.blender.com/articles/default.aspx?key=45697&pg=5|accessdate=2008-03-30}}</ref>
The song was released as Hilson's solo debut single as well as the album's leading single in the United States on May 27, 2008. Although being released worldwide, it initially only charted in [[New Zealand]] at number two and managed to reach top thirty on the US ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] and [[Hot Dance Club Play]] charts. Generally well received by music critics, it was named sixty-first on the Top 144 Songs of 2008 listing by ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web|author=Blender staff |title=The Top 144 Songs of 2008 |work=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]] |url=http://www.blender.com/lists/61447/blenders1001downloadsthetop144songsof2008.html?p=6 |access-date=March 26, 2010 |date=January 4, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


==Background==
Following the success of Hilson's fourth release ("[[Knock You Down]]") from her album it was stated in an interview that the single would be released and re-promoted as the next world-wide single whilst "[[Slow Dance (song)|Slow Dance]]" will be released in the US. Hilson stated that she wants to prove that she can be successful even without collaborations and guest vocalists. <ref name=tgj>[http://www.thatgrapejuice.net/2009/07/that-grape-juice-interviews-keri-hilson.html TGJ: Interviews Hilson]</ref>
"Energy" was written and produced by the Runaways. It was also recorded by the Runaways at Homesite 13 studios in [[Novato, California]].<ref name="inaperfectworld">(2009) Album notes for ''[[In a Perfect World...]]'' by [[Keri Hilson]] [Booklet]. [[Santa Monica|Santa Monica, CA]]; [[Mosley Music Group|Mosley]], [[Zone 4 (record label)|Zone 4]] ([[Interscope Records|Interscope]]).</ref> Hilson stated that she wanted to prove that she can be successful even without collaborations and guest vocalists and so it was announced "Energy" would be released as the next worldwide single following the success of "[[Knock You Down]]."<ref name=tgj>{{cite web|author=Sam|url=http://www.thatgrapejuice.net/2009/07/that-grape-juice-interviews-keri-hilson.html|title=That Grape Juice Interviews Keri Hilson|publisher=ThatGrapeJuice.net|date=July 24, 2009|access-date=August 26, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727034753/http://www.thatgrapejuice.net/2009/07/that-grape-juice-interviews-keri-hilson.html|archive-date=July 27, 2009}}</ref> The song was released on September 14, 2009, in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|title=Perfect Timing – Pete Lewis Interviews Keri Hilson|work=[[Blues & Soul]]|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/419/keri_hilson_is_perrrrfectly_yours|access-date=September 10, 2009}}</ref> On September 25, 2009, she appeared live on breakfast TV show [[GMTV]] in the UK where she performed the single.<ref>[http://thatgrapejuice.net/2009/09/keri-hilson-performs-energy-on-gmtv.html] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929052402/http://thatgrapejuice.net/2009/09/keri-hilson-performs-energy-on-gmtv.html |date=September 29, 2009 }}</ref> That same day, she appeared on [[BBC Radio 1]]'s ''Live Lounge'' where she performed a stripped version of "Energy" as well as a gospel cover version of "[[Supernova (Mr Hudson song)|Supernova]]" originally sung by [[Mr Hudson]] and [[Kanye West]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/09/25/video-keri-hilson-covers-mr-hudson/ |title=Video: Keri Hilson Covers Mr Hudson |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=September 25, 2009 |access-date=February 20, 2011}}</ref>


==Music Video==
==Critical reception==
Nick Levine from ''[[Digital Spy]]'' found that "despite its glistening production, this synthy R&B ballad falls into the solid but unspectacular category. "I don't want us to be the end of me, this love is taking all of my energy," Hilson sings on the chorus, but her vocals are a little too controlled to convey these anguished emotions. Still, it's already become her first UK chart entry without a mate to hold her hand, which is a success of sorts."<ref>{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Levine|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/a176948/keri-hilson-energy-176948/ |title=Keri Hilson: 'Energy'|website=[[Digital Spy]] |date=September 11, 2009 |access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s described the song as a "midtempo power ballad showcasing Hilson's range and soul [...] The Runaways provide a catchy hook."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AhQEAAAAMBAJ|title=Reviews: Singles|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=August 23, 2008 |access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref>
The [[music video]] for "Energy" was directed by [[Melina Matsoukas]] and produced by Wohn Winter. Set primarily in a boxing ring, Hilson plays a boxer whose love interest (played by Christian Keyes) is her apparent trainer. Hilson explains that her character continually tries to sort their broken relationship, but by the end of the video, she realizes that these attempts are fruitless. Throughout the video, there are cutaways in which Hilson argues with her boyfriend in their apartment, Hilson working out, having recently worked out and now in locker room, singing against a wall, and singing in a hallway. The video premiered on MTV.com on July 14, 2008.{{Fact|date=October 2008}}
The video was added to UK music channels during the week commencing August 3, 2009.


[[Complete Music Update]] felt that "Energy" was "not a track that will blow your mind or take over the charts like [[Rhianna]]’s "[[Umbrella (song)|Umbrella]]. It’s simple lyrics [...] are wrapped around a characteristic R&B beat which make it a solid but standard single, though there is no denying that the girl can sing."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.completemusicupdate.com/article/keri-hilson-energy-universalpolydor/|title=Single Review: Keri Hilson – Energy (Universal/Polydor)|website=[[Complete Music Update]] |date=September 19, 2009 |access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref> [[BBC Radio 1]] editor Fraser McAlpine compared the song "[[Apologize (OneRepublic song)|Apologize]]" by American band [[OneRepublic]] and "[[Battlefield (song)|Battlefield]]" by singer [[Jordin Sparks]]. He found that "Energy" was "this two songs being nailed together clumsily, and then thrown out in the rain, with a price tag hanging from one of the rusty spikes."<ref>{{cite web|first=Fraser |last=McAlpine|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2009/09/keri_hilson_energy.shtml|title=Keri Hilson – 'Energy'|website=[[bbc.co.uk]] |date=September 11, 2009 |access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref> [[Slant Magazine]]'s Sal Cinquemani called the song "ironically lifeless."<ref>{{cite web|first=Sal|last=Cinquemani|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/keri-hilson-in-a-perfect-world/ |title=Review: Keri Hilson, In a Perfect World…|website=[[Slant Magazine]] |date=March 22, 2009 |access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref>
==Chart Performance==
"Energy" peaked at number seventy-eight on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot 100]] chart, and also reached number twenty-one on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart. In Australia, the song peaked at number 55 on the Singles chart and number 19 on the Urban Singles chart. In New Zealand, the song peaked at number two, and was certified Gold on November 30, 2008, selling over 7,500 copies.<ref>[http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=63 Gold Certification in New Zealand, November 30, 2008] Retrived: May 23, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_facts.asp New Zealand Chart Facts] Retrived: May 23, 2009</ref>


==Chart performance==
==Formats and track listings==
"Energy" reached its highest chart peak in New Zealand, where it peaked at number two on the [[New Zealand Singles Chart]] and was certified Gold by [[Recorded Music NZ]] (RMNZ) on November 30, 2008, for sales over 7,500 copies.<ref>[http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=63 Gold Certification in New Zealand, November 30, 2008] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724195729/http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=63 |date=July 24, 2011 }} Retrieved: May 23, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_facts.asp New Zealand Chart Facts] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709193210/http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_facts.asp |date=July 9, 2011 }} Retrieved: May 23, 2009</ref> In Australia, the peaked at number 55 on the [[Australian Singles Chart]] and number 19 on the Australian Urban Singles chart.<ref name="ARIA"/> In the United States, "Energy" was less successful; it peaked at number 78 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] but managed to reach top thirty on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] and [[Hot Dance Club Play]] charts.<ref name="Billboardhot100"/>
These are the formats and track listings of major single releases of "Energy."
;US promo CD<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/release/1370210|title=Keri Hilson - ''Energy''|publisher=Discogs|accessdate=2008-07-17}}</ref>
#"Energy" (main version) &ndash; 3:30
#"Energy" (instrumental) &ndash; 3:30
#"Energy" (acappella) &ndash; 3:17


==Music video==
;International CD single
The [[music video]] for "Energy" was directed by [[Melina Matsoukas]] and produced by Wohn Winter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7306742/ |title=Keri Hilson: Energy|website=[[IMDb]] |date=March 22, 2009 |access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref> Set primarily in a boxing ring, Hilson plays a boxer whose love interest (played by [[Christian Keyes]]) is her apparent trainer. Hilson explains that her character continually tries to sort their broken relationship, but by the end of the video, she realizes that it's just not working. Throughout the video, there are cutaways in which Hilson argues with her boyfriend in their apartment, Hilson working out, having recently worked out and now in locker room, singing against a wall, and singing in a hallway.
#"Energy" (main final) &ndash; 3:28
#"Energy" (Wideboys radio mix) &ndash; 3:04


== Charts ==
==Track listings==
'''International CD'''
{| class="wikitable"
#"Energy" (Radio Edit) &ndash; 3:28
!Chart (2008)
#"Energy" (Wideboys Radio Mix) &ndash; 3:04
!Peak<br>position

'''International maxi CD; download bundle'''<ref name=euk>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002MB5KVY |title=Energy: Keri Hilson: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=August 26, 2009}}</ref>
#"Energy" (The Demolition Crew Remix) – 3:03
#"Energy" (DJ Q Remix) – 4:23
#"Energy" (Instrumental) – 3:29
#"Energy" (Acapella) – 3:16

==Personnel==
Personnel are adapted from the ''In the Perfect World...'' liner notes.<ref name="inaperfectworld" />
* The Runaways – [[Record producer|producer]], [[Audio engineering|engineer]], recording, [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]]
* Ravaughn Brown – [[Backing vocalist|additional vocals]]
* Dru Castro – additional recording

==Charts==
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Weekly chart performance for "Energy"
!scope="col" | Chart (2008–09)
!scope="col" | Peak<br />position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Australia ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref name="ARIA">{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue960.pdf |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20080719140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20080720-0000/issue960.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 19, 2008 |title=The ARIA Report, Week Commencing ~ 21 July 2008 ~ Issue #960. See p. 3 |publisher=National Library of Archives Australia |date=July 21, 2008 |access-date=April 6, 2011}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|[[ARIA Charts|Australian Singles Chart]]<ref>[http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20080820-0000/issue964.pdf "Energy" (Top 100 Singles chart)], August 18, 2008.</ref>
|align="center"|55
|align="center"|55
|-
|-
{{single chart|New Zealand|2|artist=Keri Hilson|song=Energy|rowheader=true}}
|[[ARIA Charts|Australian Urban Singles Chart]]<ref>[http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_urban.asp?chart=1Q40RB&chart2=1R40RB "Energy" (Top 40 Urban Singles chart)], October 6, 2008.</ref>
|align="center"|19
|-
|-
{{single chart|Scotland|16|artist=Keri Hilson|date=20090927|access-date=April 19, 2022|rowheader=true}}
|[[Italian Singles Chart]]<ref>
[http://www.fimi.it Italian Singles Chart], October 24, 2008.</ref>
|align="center"|72
|-
|-
{{single chart|Switzerland|64|artist=Keri Hilson|song=Energy|rowheader=true}}
|[[New Zealand Singles Chart]]<ref name="base">{{cite web|title=Chart Performance|work=aCharts|url=http://acharts.us/song/37127|accessdate=2009-03-20}}</ref>
|align="center"|2
|-
|-
{{single chart|UKsinglesbyname|43|artist=Keri Hilson|artistid=5506|rowheader=true}}
|[[Swiss Singles Chart]]<ref name="base"/>
|align="center"|64
|-
|-
{{single chart|UKrandb|15|artist=Keri Hilson|date=20090920|access-date=April 19, 2022|rowheader=true}}
|U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref name="base"/>
|align="center"|78
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|78|artist=Keri Hilson|rowheader=true|refname="Billboardhot100"}}
|U.S. ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]]<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=367&cfgn=Singles&cfn=Hot+R%26amp%3BB%2FHip-Hop+Songs&ci=3102285&cdi=10028686&cid=11%2F01%2F2008 "Energy" (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart)], ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', November 1, 2008.</ref>
|align="center"|21
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|12|artist=Keri Hilson|rowheader=true}}
|U.S. ''Billboard'' [[Hot Dance Club Play]]<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=359&cfgn=Singles&cfn=Hot+Dance+Club+Play&ci=3102294&cdi=10029068&cid=11%2F01%2F2008 "Energy" (Hot Dance Club Play chart)], ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', November 1, 2008.</ref>
|align="center"|12
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|21|artist=Keri Hilson|rowheader=true}}
|U.S. ''Billboard'' [[Pop 100]]<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=396&cfgn=Singles&cfn=Pop+100&ci=3102325&cdi=10030167&cid=11%2F01%2F2008 "Energy" (Pop 100 chart)], ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', November 1, 2008.</ref>
|align="center"|72
|-
|-
{{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|35|artist=Keri Hilson|rowheader=true}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}


===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (2009)
|+ Year-end chart performance for "Energy"
!Peak<br>position
!Chart (2008)
!Position
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2008/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2008|magazine=Billboard|date=January 2, 2013|access-date=February 20, 2021}}</ref>
|align="center"|95
|}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Energy"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Keri Hilson|title=Energy|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2008|relmonth=5|certyear=2008|source=archive|accessdate=October 7, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true}}

==Release history==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for "Energy"
! scope="col"| Region
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Format(s)
! scope="col"| Label
! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3"|United States
|May 27, 2008
|[[Music download|Digital download]]
|rowspan="3"|{{hlist|[[Mosley Music|Mosley]]|[[Zone 4 (record label)|Zone 4]]}}
|rowspan="2"|<ref name="fmqb.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239#29 |title=FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more! |access-date=April 3, 2011 |archive-date=February 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213095418/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239#29 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|July 17, 2008
|Rhythm radio
|-
|August 5, 2008
|Mainstream radio
|<ref name="fmqb.com"/>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2"|United Kingdom
|September 13, 2009
|Digital download
|rowspan="2"|[[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
|<ref name=euk />
|-
|-
|September 14, 2009
|[[UK Singles Chart]]
|[[CD single]]
|align="center"|57 <ref>[http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/c/uk/single_charts.html "Energy" (UK Singles Chart)], ''[[Yahoo]]'', August 16, 2009.</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002M8B1N8|title = Energy|website = Amazon UK}}</ref>
|}
|}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.kerihilsonmusic.com/ KeriHilsonMusic.com] — official site
* [http://www.kerihilsonmusic.com/ KeriHilsonMusic.com] — official site
* [http://www.myspace.com/kerihilson Official MySpace]
* [http://www.youtube.com/user/KeriHilson Official YouTube channel]


{{Keri Hilson}}
{{Keri Hilson}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Energy (Keri Hilson Song)}}
[[Category:2008 singles]]
[[Category:2008 singles]]
[[Category:Debut singles]]
[[Category:2008 songs]]
[[Category:Contemporary R&B ballads]]
[[Category:Keri Hilson songs]]
[[Category:Keri Hilson songs]]
[[Category:Mosley Music Group singles]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Melina Matsoukas]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Melina Matsoukas]]
[[Category:Songs written by Louis Biancaniello]]

[[Category:Songs written by Rico Love]]
[[nl:Energy]]
[[Category:Songs written by Sam Watters]]
[[pl:Energy]]
[[Category:Songs written by Wayne Wilkins]]
[[tr:Energy]]
[[es:Energy]]

Latest revision as of 07:01, 20 April 2024

"Energy"
Single by Keri Hilson
from the album In a Perfect World…
ReleasedMay 27, 2008 (2008-05-27)
StudioHomesite 13 (Novato, California)
Length3:29
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)The Runaways
Keri Hilson singles chronology
"Hero"
(2008) 		"Energy"
(2008) 		"Superhuman"
(2008)
Music video
"Keri Hilson - Energy (Official Music Video)" on YouTube

"Energy" is a song by American recording artist Keri Hilson. It was written and produced by production team The Runaways, consisting of Louis Biancaniello, Sam Watters, Rico Love, and Wayne Wilkins, for her studio album In a Perfect World… (2009). A midtempo power ballad, "Energy" talks about an overwhelming and consuming toxic love that is causing the protagonist to reconsider her priorities.

The song was released as Hilson's solo debut single as well as the album's leading single in the United States on May 27, 2008. Although being released worldwide, it initially only charted in New Zealand at number two and managed to reach top thirty on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Dance Club Play charts. Generally well received by music critics, it was named sixty-first on the Top 144 Songs of 2008 listing by Blender magazine.[1]

Background

[edit]

"Energy" was written and produced by the Runaways. It was also recorded by the Runaways at Homesite 13 studios in Novato, California.[2] Hilson stated that she wanted to prove that she can be successful even without collaborations and guest vocalists and so it was announced "Energy" would be released as the next worldwide single following the success of "Knock You Down."[3] The song was released on September 14, 2009, in the UK.[4] On September 25, 2009, she appeared live on breakfast TV show GMTV in the UK where she performed the single.[5] That same day, she appeared on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge where she performed a stripped version of "Energy" as well as a gospel cover version of "Supernova" originally sung by Mr Hudson and Kanye West.[6]

Critical reception

[edit]

Nick Levine from Digital Spy found that "despite its glistening production, this synthy R&B ballad falls into the solid but unspectacular category. "I don't want us to be the end of me, this love is taking all of my energy," Hilson sings on the chorus, but her vocals are a little too controlled to convey these anguished emotions. Still, it's already become her first UK chart entry without a mate to hold her hand, which is a success of sorts."[7] Billboard's described the song as a "midtempo power ballad showcasing Hilson's range and soul [...] The Runaways provide a catchy hook."[8]

Complete Music Update felt that "Energy" was "not a track that will blow your mind or take over the charts like Rhianna’s "Umbrella. It’s simple lyrics [...] are wrapped around a characteristic R&B beat which make it a solid but standard single, though there is no denying that the girl can sing."[9] BBC Radio 1 editor Fraser McAlpine compared the song "Apologize" by American band OneRepublic and "Battlefield" by singer Jordin Sparks. He found that "Energy" was "this two songs being nailed together clumsily, and then thrown out in the rain, with a price tag hanging from one of the rusty spikes."[10] Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani called the song "ironically lifeless."[11]

Chart performance

[edit]

"Energy" reached its highest chart peak in New Zealand, where it peaked at number two on the New Zealand Singles Chart and was certified Gold by Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ) on November 30, 2008, for sales over 7,500 copies.[12][13] In Australia, the peaked at number 55 on the Australian Singles Chart and number 19 on the Australian Urban Singles chart.[14] In the United States, "Energy" was less successful; it peaked at number 78 on the US Billboard Hot 100 but managed to reach top thirty on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Dance Club Play charts.[15]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "Energy" was directed by Melina Matsoukas and produced by Wohn Winter.[16] Set primarily in a boxing ring, Hilson plays a boxer whose love interest (played by Christian Keyes) is her apparent trainer. Hilson explains that her character continually tries to sort their broken relationship, but by the end of the video, she realizes that it's just not working. Throughout the video, there are cutaways in which Hilson argues with her boyfriend in their apartment, Hilson working out, having recently worked out and now in locker room, singing against a wall, and singing in a hallway.

Track listings

[edit]

International CD

  1. "Energy" (Radio Edit) – 3:28
  2. "Energy" (Wideboys Radio Mix) – 3:04

International maxi CD; download bundle[17]

  1. "Energy" (The Demolition Crew Remix) – 3:03
  2. "Energy" (DJ Q Remix) – 4:23
  3. "Energy" (Instrumental) – 3:29
  4. "Energy" (Acapella) – 3:16

Personnel

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Personnel are adapted from the In the Perfect World... liner notes.[2]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Energy"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[27] Gold 7,500*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "Energy"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
United States May 27, 2008 Digital download
[28]
July 17, 2008 Rhythm radio
August 5, 2008 Mainstream radio [28]
United Kingdom September 13, 2009 Digital download Polydor [17]
September 14, 2009 CD single [29]

References

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  1. ^ Blender staff (January 4, 2009). "The Top 144 Songs of 2008". Blender. Retrieved March 26, 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  2. ^ a b (2009) Album notes for In a Perfect World... by Keri Hilson [Booklet]. Santa Monica, CA; Mosley, Zone 4 (Interscope).
  3. ^ Sam (July 24, 2009). "That Grape Juice Interviews Keri Hilson". ThatGrapeJuice.net. Archived from the original on July 27, 2009. Retrieved August 26, 2009.
  4. ^ "Perfect Timing – Pete Lewis Interviews Keri Hilson". Blues & Soul. Retrieved September 10, 2009.
  5. ^ [1] Archived September 29, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "Video: Keri Hilson Covers Mr Hudson". Rap-Up.com. September 25, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  7. ^ Levine, Nick (September 11, 2009). "Keri Hilson: 'Energy'". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  8. ^ "Reviews: Singles". Billboard. August 23, 2008. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  9. ^ "Single Review: Keri Hilson – Energy (Universal/Polydor)". Complete Music Update. September 19, 2009. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  10. ^ McAlpine, Fraser (September 11, 2009). "Keri Hilson – 'Energy'". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  11. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (March 22, 2009). "Review: Keri Hilson, In a Perfect World…". Slant Magazine. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  12. ^ Gold Certification in New Zealand, November 30, 2008 Archived July 24, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved: May 23, 2009
  13. ^ New Zealand Chart Facts Archived July 9, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved: May 23, 2009
  14. ^ a b "The ARIA Report, Week Commencing ~ 21 July 2008 ~ Issue #960. See p. 3" (PDF). National Library of Archives Australia. July 21, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 19, 2008. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  15. ^ a b "Keri Hilson Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  16. ^ "Keri Hilson: Energy". IMDb. March 22, 2009. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  17. ^ a b "Energy: Keri Hilson: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved August 26, 2009.
  18. ^ "Keri Hilson – Energy". Top 40 Singles.
  19. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  20. ^ "Keri Hilson – Energy". Swiss Singles Chart.
  21. ^ "Keri Hilson: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  22. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  23. ^ "Keri Hilson Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
  24. ^ "Keri Hilson Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  25. ^ "Keri Hilson Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.
  26. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2008". Billboard. January 2, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  27. ^ "Latest Gold / Platinum Singles". Radioscope. August 21, 2011. Archived from the original on August 31, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  28. ^ a b "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". Archived from the original on February 13, 2012. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  29. ^ "Energy". Amazon UK.
[edit]
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