Marilyn Monroe (Nicki Minaj song)
| "Marilyn Monroe" | |
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"Marilyn Monroe" is a song by Trinidadian-American recording artist Nicki Minaj from her second studio album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012). The song was written by Minaj, Daniel James, Leah Haywood and J. R. Rotem, while production was handled by J. R. Rotem and Dreamlab. On February 6, 2012, "Marilyn Monroe" and "Young Forever" were leaked onto the internet in their entirety. Musically, "Marilyn Monroe" is an introspective mid-tempo pop rock ballad that utilizes musical genres such as bubblegum pop, R&B and teen pop. Lyrically, the song alludes to oneself questioning the status of her relationship. The song makes frequent references to pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe, with many of her quotes woven into the song.
The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, with some calling the song a successful crossover pop song, while some reviews felt like the song sounded like it was written for Demi Lovato. The song has received comparisons to the 2011 single "Disaster" by JoJo as well as Minaj's own 2010 single "Your Love" from her debut album Pink Friday. Due to digital sales from the album, the song charted in the United Kingdom and United States during the week after the album's release.
Background
On February 6, 2012, "Marilyn Monroe" was leaked onto the internet along with "Young Forever".[1] In an interview, Minaj said "It came about from J.R. Rotem. On the first album, I did "Fly" with Rihanna, and he produced that as well. He hit me up and he said, "I have a song that I think only an icon can sing". I was like, "Oh J.R., shut up!" We laughed a little bit on iChat. He sent it, and I fell in love with the song. It spoke to me as a woman. I'm very infatuated with Marilyn Monroe. I had a moment with that song where I was like, "Oh my God, every woman in this world needs to hear that". No, we're not perfect. Sometimes, we think, "What's wrong with us?" We spend so much time criticizing ourselves. I needed to hear that, "I'm not perfect, but I'm worth it". It resonated with me. I felt like the world needed to hear it."[2]
On May 24, 2012; A poll was posted on Minaj's official website asking the fans to choose the next single(s). The poll is divided into three categories: The first category asks to choose between "Marilyn Monroe", "Fire Burns", "Young Forever", and "Gunshot".[3]. "Marilyn Monroe" had the most votes and won the poll. "Young Forever" came in second, "Fire Burns" came in third, and "Gun Shot" came in fourth. It is supposed to be a single since it won the poll, but it is currently unknown if and when it will be.[4]
Composition
"Marilyn Monroe" is a pop rock and bubblegum pop ballad about putting oneself together and questioning the status of the relationship.[5][1] Celebrity Marilyn Monroe is mentioned numerous times throughout the song, including the famous quote "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."[1]
Musically, according to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com, "Marilyn Monroe" is written in the key of E minor with a moderate pop tempo of 84 beats per minute. It follows the chord progression Em−C2 (no 3)−G−D, and Nicki's vocals span two octaves from G3 to D5.[6] Music Video Marilyn Monroe was confirmed to be the 6th single of roman reloaded and the video is still tba so is the single
Critical reception
"Marilyn Monroe" received mostly positive reviews. Andrew Hampp of Billboard gave the song a positive review, but felt the song was too similar to the JoJo song "Disaster", he added that "Of the three mid-tempo pop cuts on the album, Marilyn Monroe stands the best chance of pop crossover".[7]. Andy Gill of The Independent called it one of the most impressive songs on the pop half of the album, he later encouraged fans to download it.[8] BBC's Al Fox gave the song a positive review, he praised Young Forever and Marilyn Monroe for displaying the same tender vulnerabilities of Minaj's breakthrough anthem Your Love, saying that it is "a necessary and successful respite in an album so boastful". [9]. Slant Magazine stated that the song "sounds like it was written for Demi Lovato."[10]
Chart performance
| Chart (2012) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[11] | 121 |
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[12] | 4 |
References
- ^ a b c Schillaci, Sophie (February 6, 2012). "Nicki Minaj's Personal 'Marilyn Monroe' Leaks: Listen". Billboard (magazine). Rovi. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
- ^ "WORLD PREMIERE: Listen To Nicki Minaj's New Single 'Starships' [AUDIO] | Ryan Seacrest - The official entertainment news site of American Idol host and American Top 40 on air radio personality!". Ryan Seacrest. 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
- ^ http://mypinkfriday.com/news/80383
- ^ http://mypinkfriday.com/news/80383
- ^ Unterberger, Andrew (March 29, 2012). "Nicki Minaj-Pound the Alarm". Popdust. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
- ^ http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0104413
- ^ Hampp, Andrew (March 29, 2012). "Nicki Minaj, 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard (magazine). Rovi. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
- ^ Gill, Andy (April 6, 2012). "Album: Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday Roman Reloaded (Island)". The Independent. The Independent UK. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
- ^ Fox, Al (April 3, 2012). "Review of Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday Roman Reloaded". BBC Music. BBC. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
- ^ http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-roman-reloaded/2752
- ^ "CHART LOG UK: NEW ENTRIES UPDATE". UK Singles Chart. April 14, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2012.
- ^ "Marilyn Monroe - Nicki Minaj". Billboard (magazine). Rovi. Retrieved May 14, 2012.