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Girl on Fire (song)

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"Girl on Fire"
Song

"Girl on Fire" is the title song from American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys' upcoming fifth studio album, Girl on Fire (2012). Primarily written by Keys, Jeff Bhasker, Salaam Remi with production helmed by Keys, Bhasker and Remi, the song is a R&B ballad which combines elements of hip hop music. American rock guitarist Billy Squier also earns a writing credit on the song for the inclusion of drums taken from his 1980 song "The Big Beat". Released on September 4, 2012, as the lead single from the album of the same name, "Girl on Fire" is Keys' first release under RCA Records following the closure of J Records, after a reorganisation at Sony Music Entertainment.

"Girl on Fire" was inspired by Keys' giving birth to her son Egypt and marriage to husband Swizz Beatz. Keys recorded a three-track suite for the song, consisting of the main versiion in addition to two remixes. The first remix titled "Inferno" adds two new verses from Trinidadian hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj whilst the second mix titled "Bluelight" strips back the drums and piano leaving a sparse bass-led production and re-recorded "smokey" vocals. Keys performed "Girl on Fire" for the first time at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, 2012, where she was joined by Minaj and American gymnastics gold-medalist Gabby Douglas.

Background and release

"Girl on Fire" is the lead single and title track from Keys' fifth studio album Girl on Fire (2012). Alongside the main single, Keys recorded two other versions: the Inferno Remix which features new verses from Trinnidadian hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj and a Bluelight Remix which strips back the vocals and production from the main single.[1][2] Gerrick Kennedy from the LA Times spoke of the multiple versions of the song commenting that the main single was most likely made for pop radio, but noted that Minaj's verses on the Inferno Remix would probably get noticed more.[2] On being able to premiere her new song at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards Keys said,

Debuting a new song at the VMAs is definitely special. I debuted 'No One' at the VMAs — it was the first time anyone in the world heard 'No One,' Keys said. "It's the perfect setting. It's the right energy. It's the right vibe. People are so excited about the night of music and hearing different styles that it just goes over really well. I can't wait![3]

Composition

Main version

"Girl on Fire" is a midtempo R&B and hip hop[4] song written by Keys, Jeff Bhasker, Salaam Remi and American rock guitarist Billy Squier.[5][6] Squier earns a writing credit for the inclusion of a sample of the drum track from Squier's 1980's song "The Big Beat".[3] Composed on the key of A major, "Girl on Fire" uses common time and is set to a "heavy beat" at a tempo of 96 beats per minute.[5] Key's vocals range in the song over an octave from a lote note of C♯3 up to a high note of E5.[5] On the main single, Keys opens the songs with the lyrics "She got both feet on the ground and she's burning it down. She got her head in the clouds and she's not backing down. This girl is on fire."[1] Keys' lyrics centre around toasting the "achievements of women everywhere", particularly with the hook "She's just a girl and she's on fire", which according to MTV's Rob Markman is delivered with a "calming-yet-commanding wail".[3] Markman also spoke of the pace of the song, describing it as "pulsating".[3] LA Time's Gerrick Kenndey expanded further describing the songs components as "a fierce battlecry over a fast-building simplistic hook".[2] Critics likened "Girl on Fire" to Keys' previous singles "No One" (2007) and "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" (2009).[2][3] Throwing "If I Ain't Got You" (2004) into the list of comparisons, Erin Thompson from Seattle Weekly said "Girl on Fire" compares to previous Keys' ballads with its "quiet, unassuming verses leading into big, empathic choruses."[7]

Nicki Minaj is featured on the Inferno remix of the song.

Inferno remix

The Inferno Remix features Trinnidadian hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj. Based on the same melody and production as the main single, the inferno remix contains two verses from Minaj. The first two verses of the song were described as "understated" by Carl Williot from Idolator, with Minaj leading the remix with a rap.[4] She raps "Took me on the balcony, telling me to jump with her/ Yeah I'm in the ghost but I ain't doing stunts with her/ I ain't trying to be that, haters want to see that/ But I got 'em aggy, cause I win the gold like Gabby".[1] Minaj also talks about being haunted by the ghost of Marylin Monroe.[1] In the second verse from Minaj, the subject matter switches to her fans the "Barbz" with the lyric ""And to my core fans, keep reppin' me/ Do it till the death of me/ 'X' in the box, cause ain't nobody checkin' me."[1] Markman noted that in this verse, Minaj switched her delivery style to "more of a whisper".[3] Entertainment Weekly's Kyle Anderson described Minaj's verses as "more prominent" than Keys' and noted that the production was influenced by garage music.[8]

Bluelight remix

By contrast, the Bluelight version features a slower production and re-recorded vocals.[1] According to the LA Times' Gerrick Kennedy, the Bluelight remix has a production based on "dripping" synths and "light" chord progressions. Kennedy particularly noted a difference in Keys' vocal tone, describing it as "smokey" and comparable to that see on Keys' 2009 single "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)".[2] Mark Edward Nero from About.com also compared the "Girl on Fire" to Keys' single "You Don't Know My Name" (2003).[6] Idolator's Carl Williot described how on this stripped version, "gone is Minaj, gone are the piano plinks and gone are the martial drums" completely changing the composition of the Bluelight version. Williot described how Keys' vocals take on a "more emotional performance" while the melody is replaced with "faint bass drops and a hushed drum machine".[9]

Critical reception

The song received widespread critical acclaim. Jon Pareles from the New York Times described "Girl on Fire" and the previously released song "New Day" as "booming anthems" and the complete opposite to Girl on Fire's ballads which feature just Keys' vocals and a piano.[10] Rob Markman from MTV's RapFix blog described "Girl on Fire" as a "high-powered Alicia ballad" just like previous singles "No One" and "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart".[3] Agreeing with those comparisons was Gerrick Kennedy from the LA Times who went on to desrcibe the main single as a "sweeping ballad with powerful vocals and an anthemic hook". Then commenting on the remixes Kennedy said that on the Inferno remix, Minaj's "fluid verses" and an "added thump" might make that version of the song get noticed more, while its the Bluelight version Kennedy called the "most intoxicating". On the latter Kennedy said "it would be unfortunate to overlook" due to Keys' sensual vocal tone.[2] Kyle Anderson from Entertainment Weekly commented that the "hook was weak" and that Minaj verses were much stronger, supporting the song.[8]

By contrast, Charley Rogulewski from Vibe said it was "Keys who stands out on the track. [She] lays down powerful and flawless vocals over her trademark piano punches and a trash-can-lid beat."[11] Erin Thomposn from Seattle Weekly praised Keys' on the song for making the "often cheesy" girlpower theme seem "genuinely stirring and elegant", commenting that "only Alicia Keys could do it". Describing the chorus of the song, Thompson said "it booms with thudding drums as her drawn-out notes soar on top. It's heavily bombastic, but the drama of it makes it memorable, and the hooky melody is beautiful and exhilarating. Keys seems to have to set out to make a statement song about power, and it's undeniable that she's succeeded in that".[7] Speaking of the song's inferno remix, Idolator's Carl Williot agreed with previous reviewers particularly noting Keys' vocals, using term "trademark soaring vocals" to describe Keys' performance on the song.[4]

Chart performance

In the chart week ending September 7, 2012, "Girl on Fire" debuted on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number sixty-seven. This in part was driven by 2.1 million radio impressions according Nielsen BDS.[12]

Live performances

Keys performed "Girl on Fire" for the first time at 2012 MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, 2012, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.[12] She was joined by Nicki Minaj who rapped her verses from the Inferno Remix of the song as well as the 2012 Summer Olympics gymnastics gold medalist Gabby Douglas who performed during the second half of the song.[13] The Team USA female gymnasts performed a brief routine while Keys was introduced to the stage.[14] Keys was dressed in a "pewter-colored top and black form-fitting tights."[13] Minaj was dressed in a "black hooded top and bright blonde wig".[14] During the performance, Keys began stood up at a keyboard before walking down the steps to the main stage.[14] It was only after Minaj rapped the line "But I got 'em aggy, cause I win the gold like Gabby", did Douglas appear on stage with a brief routine containing cartwheels, jumps and back hand springs.[15] American Superstar magazine described the performance a "true TV performance" thanks in part Minaj and Douglas, as well as "Keys hit[ting] many high notes — and then some". The magazine concluded that the performance was "sexy, yet intimate".[16] Indie band .fun's guitarist said he thought Keys' performance could be "that performance that people will be talking about for 10 years".[17] VH1's Sabrina Rojas Weiss agreed, stating that it was "just due to Keys' soaring vocals" but also Douglas' surprise appearance.[17] "Girl on Fire" was performed on ITunes Festival on September 28, 2012.[18]

Track listing

Charts

Chart (2012) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[23] 15
Australia Urban (ARIA)[24] 5
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[25] 62
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[26] 30
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[27] 12
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[28] 69
France (SNEP)[29] 57
Ireland (IRMA)[30] 52
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[31] 86
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[32] 5
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[33] 22
Portugal Digital Songs (Billboard)[34] 6
South Korea (Gaon International Chart)[35] 1
Spain Airplay (Promusicae)[36] 21
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[37] 14
US Billboard Hot 100[38] 37
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[39] 20

Release history

List of release dates, showing country, record label, version and format
Region Date Format Version Label
France September 4, 2012 Digital download Main Single,[40] Inferno Remix,[41] Bluelight Remix[42] Sony Music Entertainment
Germany Inferno Remix[43]
United States Main Single,[19] Inferno Remix,[21] Bluelight Remix[20] RCA Records
September 11, 2012 Rhythmic,[44] Urban,[45] airplay Inferno Remix
Urban AC airplay[45] Bluelight Remix
October 9, 2012 Mainstream / CHR airplay[46] Main Single, Inferno Remix
United Kingdom November 18, 2012 Digital download Remixes EP Sony Music Entertainment

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Ramirez, Erika (2012-09-04). "Alicia Keys Releases Three Versions of "Girl on Fire"". Billboard: The Juice. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2012-09-09. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e f Kennedy, Gerrick D. (2012-09-04). "Alicia Keys debuts three versions of single 'Girl on Fire' [Listen]". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Markman, Rob (2012-09-04). "Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj Team Up for "Girl on Fire"". RapFix. MTV (Viacom International). Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  4. ^ a b c Williot, Carl (2012-09-09). "Alicia Kyes & Nicki Minaj – Girl on Fire First Listen". Idolator. (Buzz Media).
  5. ^ a b c "Digital Sheet Music, Alicia Keys 'Girl on Fire'". Musicnotes.com. Peer International Music Publishing. 2012. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  6. ^ a b Nero, Mark Edward (2012-09-04). "New Music: Alicia Keys – 'Girl On Fire'". About.com. New York Times Company. Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  7. ^ a b Thompson, Erin (2012-09-04). "Alicia Keys Debuts Her Exhilarating New (Non-Hunger Games-Related) Girl Power Anthem "Girl on Fire"". Seattle Weekly. Village Voice Media. Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  8. ^ a b Anderson, Kyle (2012-09-04). "Alicia Keys debuts new single 'Girl on Fire': Hear it here". Entertainment Weekly & CNN. Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  9. ^ Williot, Carl (2012-09-09). "Alicia Keys' "Girl On Fire (Blue Light Version)": Hear The Hazy Jam". Idolator. (Buzz Media).
  10. ^ Pareles, Jon (2012-09-06). "Alicia Keys and Her New Album Girl on Fire". New York Times. New York Times Company. Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  11. ^ Rogulewski, Charley (2012-09-04). "Listen to New Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire featuring Nicki Minaj". Vibe. InterMedia Partners. Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  12. ^ a b Trust, Gary (2012-09-07). "Weekly Chart Notes: tobyMac, Alanis Morissette, Alicia Keys". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2012-09-08.
  13. ^ a b Markman, Rob (2012-09-06). "Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys Deliver Golden VMA Performance With Gabby Douglas". MTV News. (Viacom International). Retrieved 2012-09-09.
  14. ^ a b c Anon. (2012-09-07). "Nicki Minaj And Alicia Keys Joined By US Gymnast Gabby Douglas For MTV VMAs 2012 Duet". Capital FM. (Global Radio Group). Retrieved 2012-09-08.
  15. ^ Anon. (2012-09-07). "Gabby Douglas Does Gymnastics During Alicia Keys Nicki Minaj VMA Performance". TheHollywoodGossip.com. Retrieved 2012-09-08.
  16. ^ Anon. (2012-09-07). "MTV Video Music Awards 2012: Alicia Keys Performs 'Girl on Fire' With Nicki Minaj, Gabby Douglas (VIDEO)". American Superstar. American Superstar, Inc. Retrieved 2012-09-08.
  17. ^ a b Weiss, Sabrina Rojas (2012-09-07). "Pink, Alicia Keys, One Direction Can Count Celebs Among Their Superfans At The VMAs". VH1. (Viacom International). Retrieved 2012-09-08.
  18. ^ http://www.music-news.com/shownews.asp?H=Alicia-Keys-live-tonight-at-iTunes-Festival&nItemID=57473
  19. ^ a b "Amazon – Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Main)". US Amazon MP3 (Amazon.com). 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  20. ^ a b "Amazon – Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Bluelight Version)". US Amazon MP3 (Amazon.com). 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  21. ^ a b "Amazon – Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Inferno Version)". US Amazon MP3 (Amazon.com). 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  22. ^ "Girl On Fire (Remixes) - EP by Alicia Keys". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  23. ^ "Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj – Girl On Fire". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 2012-09-30.
  24. ^ "ARIA Australian Top 40 Urban Singles Chart – 1/10/2012". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 2012-09-30.
  25. ^ "Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj – Girl On Fire" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  26. ^ "Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj – Girl On Fire" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
  27. ^ "Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj – Girl On Fire" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved 2012-09-10.
  28. ^ "Alicia Keys Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  29. ^ "Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj – Girl On Fire" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  30. ^ "Irish Charts - Week ending 20th September 2012". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 21 September 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2012.
  31. ^ "Chart Search Results - Japan Hot 100 Singles 2012-10-06". Billboard.biz. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
  32. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 2012-09-10.
  33. ^ "Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj – Girl On Fire". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 2012-09-17.
  34. ^ "Chart Search Results – Portugal Digital Songs 2012-09-22". Billboard.biz. Retrieved 2012-09-13.
  35. ^ "Search: Gaon International Download Chart – Issue date: 2012.09.09 – 2012.09.15". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on 2012-09-20. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  36. ^ "Promusicae" (PDF). Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  37. ^ "Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj – Girl On Fire". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  38. ^ "Alicia Keys Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  39. ^ "Alicia Keys Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  40. ^ "Amazon – Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Main)". FRA Amazon MP3 (Amazon.fr). 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  41. ^ "Amazon – Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Inferno Version)". FRA Amazon MP3 (Amazon.fr). 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  42. ^ "Amazon – Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Bluelight Version)". FRA Amazon MP3 (Amazon.fr). 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  43. ^ "Amazon – Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Inferno Version)". GER Amazon MP3 (Amazon.de). 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  44. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 2012-09-07.
  45. ^ a b "Urban/UAC Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 2012-09-09.
  46. ^ "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 2012-09-09.
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