Jump to content

Chains (Nick Jonas song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by MaranoFan (talk | contribs) at 14:10, 5 February 2015 (→Charts). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

"Chains"
Song

"Chains" is a song by American recording artist Nick Jonas, taken from his eponymous second album. It was released on July 30, 2014 by Island and Republic Records as the lead single from the album. The song was written and produced by Jason Evigan, with additional songwriting provided by Ammar Malik, and Daniel Parker. It is an R&B song, using kick drum-driven beats, a splash of bass-dropping trap at the intro and bridge as the song's instrumentation. Lyrically, the song talks about feeling trapped in a binding and hopeless love.

Considered a departure from his music with Jonas Brothers and Nick Jonas & the Administration, the song was praised by music critics for being an adult song, with his vocals and its production being praised. American singers Justin Timberlake and Miguel were influences for the song, as noted by some critics. Commercially, the song failed to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 but peaked at number 31 on US Billboard Pop Digital Songs. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Ryan Pallotta and was released on July 30, 2014.

After the success of "Jealous" at radio stations in the US, Island and Republic will re-release "Chains" as Jonas' next single. The song will impact Mainstream radio stations on January 20, 2015.[3]

Background

In February 2013, Jonas Brothers announced they were returning to the music scene with a new single called "Pom Poms".[4] The song received favorable reviews from music critics,[5][6] but had very moderate success on the charts.[7] Later, the band release the song "First Time" in June 2013, as the second single from their then-upcoming fifth studio album.[8] A month later they announced that the album would be called "V".[9] The band also announced a tour, but it was shortly cancelled[10] and later the band announced their split in October, also cancelling the album.[11]

Later, in early 2014, Nick Jonas announced he was going to release a solo record, stating: "I've got a lot of things in the pipeline right now and I'm waiting to release some news about my music and my next steps. It isn't quite locked in yet, but I have started making some music and now it's all about lining up the pieces."[12] During an interview for Time, he commented about the album's musical direction, saying: "I came in really wanting to make a record that was different from anything I'd done in the past, but that was true to my influences: Stevie Wonder, Prince, Bee Gees. And then, more recently, The Weeknd and Frank Ocean. That whole vibe of alternative R&B and pop. It just fell into a really natural place really early."[13] On July 24, 2014, Complex premiered "Chains", which was announced as the lead-single from his upcoming solo album.[14] The song was eventually released to digital download on July 30, 2014.[15]

Composition

"Chains"
A 20 second sample of "Chains", where Nick Jonas sings about being chained in a love, over chunky R&B beats.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Chains" was written by Jason Evigan, Ammar Malik and Daniel Parker,[16] with Evigan also served as the song's producer.[14][17] It is a midtempo R&B song,[17] being distinctly different from the Jonas Brothers' music, as well as Nick's music with the Administration,[18] having "smooth"[17] and "silky vocals and a decisive R&B aesthetic," which made one Billboard staffer compare the track to a Miguel song."[18] Dylan Mial of Blogcritics added that the song is "a powerful and emotional combination of kick drum-driven beats, a splash of bass-dropping trap at the intro and bridge, with '80s rock ballad vibe that underlays the chorus."[19]

Lyrically, "Chains" talks about being trapped in a hopeless love,[20] with the singer declaring: "Tryna break the chains, but the chains only break me."[18] In an interview with MTV, Jonas stated that, "The story behind 'Chains' is basically that feeling that all people can relate to, it's being trapped. For me specifically in this song, I connected to love and trust and for some people they have said it's broader for them, it's more than love, it can be about anything that entangles you in your life and doesn't let you do what you need to do to feel free," he said. "I think this is a good fit and I fell in love with the song and I really feel like it has become a staple for this album."[20]

Reception

The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised Jonas' new musical style and the song's production. Jason Lipshut of Billboard was positive, declaring that the singer was "desperately trying to position himself as an adult artist, and soundly succeeding."[18] Mike Wass of Idolator compared Jonas to Justin Timberlake, writing that "it's a step in the right direction but no 'Like I Love You [Timberlake's debut single]."[17] Emily Blake wrote for MTV News that "Chains" is "drenched in S&M and rather adult themes straight out of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'."[21] Joey DeGroot of Music Times was ambivalent toward its lyrical content, calling it "the song's weakest point", but praised "the production and Jonas' vocal performance", claiming that they were "more than make up for it, [...] earn[ing] Jonas some artistic credibility after toiling in the Disney-pop world for most of his career."[22] Dylan Mial of Blogcritics was complimentary with the song, calling it "by far the greatest, most inspired and powerful track of 2014 – it is pure musical perfection."[19]

Music video

Background

On July 23, 2014 it was announced that a music video was being shot, being co-produced by Nick Jonas with director Ryan Pallotta.[23] The video stars Dylan Penn the daughter of Sean Penn and Robin Wright,[24] with E! News reporting that Nick was working with her on a secret video project in Downtown LA at Hotel Alexandria.[25] On July 25, 2014 the first 15 seconds of the music video were released online. Later, on July 28, 2014, two other 15 second snippets were released online[26] with the full video premiering on July 30, 2014.

Synopsis

The video features Jonas getting dragged across the floor of a church by a mystery woman, and tied up to a chair. He also shows off his biceps in a rolled up, ragged white T-shirt by AllSaints.[27]

Live performances

"Chains" was performed live during the Nick Jonas Live tour.[28] Nick Jonas also performed the song, along with "Jealous" and a cover of Coldplay' "Magic" at The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.[29] He also performed an acoustic version of the song for VH1 Artist To Watch.[30] On January 25th, 2015 he will perform the song as part of a medley with his songs Jealous and Teacher live during the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe 2014.[31]

Track listings

Digital download – single[32]

  1. "Chains" – 3:23

Digital download – Remix[33]

  1. "Chains (Mike Hawkins Remix)" – 4:01

Digital download – Remix[34]

  1. "Chains (Dan Farber Remix)" – 3:28

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2015) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[35] 92
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[36] 32

Release history

Region Date Format Label
United States[15] July 30, 2014 Digital download Island Records
Canada[37]
Germany[38] August 4, 2014
France[39]
Spain[40]
The Netherlands[32]
United Kingdom[41] January 19, 2015
United States[42] January 20, 2015 Mainstream radio
United Kingdom [43] February 2, 2015 Digital download Island Records

References

  1. ^ Ruskiewicz, Ashley (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas drops first solo single, 'Chains'". Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  2. ^ Lazar, Shira (May 9, 2014). "Nick Jonas Trades In Pop For Sultry R&B On New Solo Album". Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  3. ^ "Top 40 Future Releases". AllAccess. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  4. ^ Marquina, Sierra (February 18, 2013). "Jonas Brothers Reveal They Will Drop New Single "Pom Poms"". Ryan Seacrest. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  5. ^ Lamb, Bill. "Review:Jonas Brothers - "Pom Poms"". About.com. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  6. ^ Garibaldi, Christina (April 18, 2013). "Jonas Brothers Wrote 'Pom Poms' While Dreaming Of Sofia Vergara". MTV News. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  7. ^ "Jonas Brothers - Pom Poms - Music Charts". Music Charts. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  8. ^ Lansky, Sam (June 12, 2013). "Jonas Brothers' "First Time": Hear The Soaring Midtempo". Idolator. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  9. ^ Williot, Carl (July 13, 2013). "Jonas Brothers Announce Comeback Album Title: 'V'". Idolator. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  10. ^ Lanksy, Sam (October 9, 2013). "The Jonas Brothers Cancel Tour Over "Deep Rift" In Band; World Reels". Idolator. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  11. ^ Cotliar, Sharon (October 29, 2013). "Jonas Brothers: 'It's Over For Now'". People Magazine. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  12. ^ Greene, Andy (February 4, 2014). "Nick Jonas' Next Gig: Demi Lovato's Musical and Creative Director". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  13. ^ Zemler, Emily (August 27, 2014). "Nick Jonas: I Want a Career Like Elvis Presley". Time. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  14. ^ a b Nostro, Lauren (July 24, 2014). "Premiere: Watch Nick Jonas' "Chains" Video". Complex. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  15. ^ a b "Chains - Single by Nick Jonas - Download on iTunes". iTunes Store (US). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  16. ^ "Chains - Nick Jonas | Allmusic". Allmusic. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  17. ^ a b c d Wass, Mike (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Returns with Slick R&B Club Banger '"Chains": Listen". Idolator. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  18. ^ a b c d Lipshut, Jason (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Makes Solo Debut with 'Chains' Single". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  19. ^ a b Mial, Dylan (July 26, 2014). "Music Review: Nick Jonas – "Chains"". Blogcritics. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  20. ^ a b Midgarden, Cory (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Opens Up About 'Chains' And His Departure From 'Jonas Brothers Music' - MTV". MTV News. Retrieved 2014-07-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ Blake, Emily (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Sounds Like He's Been Reading 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' On New Song 'Chains' - MTV". MTV News. Retrieved 2014-07-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ DeGroot, Joey (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Shares Solo Single 'Chains' [LISTEN]". Music Times. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  23. ^ Midgarden, Cory. "Exclusive: We've Got Your First Look At Nick Jonas' 'Chains' Music Video". MTV News. Retrieved 24 October 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  24. ^ "Nick Jonas’ post-Brothers life: ‘Done giving a s – – t’ | Page Six". pagesix.com. Retrieved 2014-07-25.
  25. ^ "Nick Jonas Gets Steamy With Dylan Penn | E! Online UK". uk.eonline.com. Retrieved 2014-07-25.
  26. ^ Midgarden, Cory. "Who's Nick Jonas Lusting After? Find Out In This Never-Before-Seen Clip". MTV News. Retrieved 24 October 2014. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  27. ^ Rodriguez, Javy (July 30, 2014). "Nick Jonas Premieres "Chains" Music Video Featuring Dylan Penn". US Magazine. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  28. ^ Karsen, Shira (November 7, 2014). "Nick Jonas Ends NYC Mini-Tour with Intimate Brooklyn Gig". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 9, 2014. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  29. ^ "KiddNation.com - Nick Jonas In-Studio [VIDEOS/PICS]". KiddNation. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  30. ^ ""Chains (Artist to Watch)" by Nick Jonas". VH1. Viacom Media Networks. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  31. ^ Miss Universe Miss Universe in Miami : Judges and Performers ! - Miss Universe
  32. ^ a b "iTunes - Muziek - 'Chains - Single' van Nick Jonas". iTunes Store (NL). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  33. ^ "iTunes - Muziek - 'Chains (Mike Hawkins Remix) - Single' van Nick Jonas". iTunes Store (NL). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  34. ^ "iTunes - Music - Chains (Dan Farber Remix) - Single by Nick Jonas". iTunes Store (CA). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  35. ^ "Nick Jonas Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  36. ^ "Nick Jonas Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  37. ^ "Chains - Single by Nick Jonas - Download on iTunes". iTunes Store (CA). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  38. ^ "Chains" (in German). Amazon.com (DE). Amazon Inc. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  39. ^ "Chains" (in French). Amazon.com (FR). Amazon Inc. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  40. ^ "Chains" (in Spanish). Amazon.com (ES). Amazon Inc. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  41. ^ Nick Jonas goes Platinum with 'Jealous' before it even hits the UK: Pressparty
  42. ^ Top 40/M Future Releases | Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates
  43. ^ Connecting to the iTunes Store
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Chains_(Nick_Jonas_song)&oldid=645751939"