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Blurred Lines

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"Blurred Lines"
Song

"Blurred Lines" is a song recorded by American R&B recording artist Robin Thicke, for his sixth studio album of the same name (2013). Featuring guest vocals from American rapper T.I. and American singer and producer Pharrell, the song was released as the lead single from "Blurred Lines" on March 26, 2013 through Star Trak Recordings.[1] The R&B song was produced by featured guest Pharrell, and was written by him along with Thicke and T.I.

The single has so far peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, as well as topping the Billboard R&B Songs chart. It has also become Thicke's most successful song on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #6 (he previously climbed as high as #14 with Lost Without U, back in 2007).[2] The song has been a worldwide hit and reached number #1 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK and the top 10 in Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and the United States. Comparisons have been made between the instrumentation and musical style of "Blurred Lines" and Madonna's 2008 single, "Give It 2 Me", which was also co-written and co-produced by Pharrell Williams.

The accompanying video was directed by Diane Martel and released on March 20, 2013. The video depicts Thicke, T.I., and Pharrell standing around while they flirt with scantily clad models (Emily Ratajkowski, Jessi M'Bengue, and Elle Evans). The video was released in two versions; the first features the models topless, the second features them covered. The unrated version of the video was taken down from YouTube on March 30, 2013, citing violations of the site's terms of service that restricts the uploading of videos containing nudity, particularly if used in a sexual context.

Music videos

The music video, directed by Diane Martel, was released on March 20, 2013.[3] The video focuses on Thicke, T.I., and Pharrell casually standing around while they flirt with scantily clad models who pose and somewhat frolic around in the video. At various points throughout the video, the hashtags "#THICKE" and "#BLURREDLINES" flash on screen. The video came in two versions: the original and the "edited" version. The original version features the same models seen in the edited video – though they do not appear topless, instead wearing revealing clothing. Thicke said in an interview with the Associated Press that he had received an approval of his wife, actress Paula Patton, before the video was filmed.[4]

After being on the site for just under one week, the unrated version of the video was taken down from YouTube on March 30, 2013, citing violations of the site's terms of service that restricts the uploading of videos containing nudity, particularly if used in a sexual context.[5] The unrated video remains available on Vevo, while the original version is available on both Vevo and YouTube.[6][7][8] The unrated version of Blurred Lines generated more than 1 million views in the days following its release on Vevo.[4] The three female models are Emily Ratajkowski, Jessi M'Bengue, and Elle Evans.

Critical reception

"Blurred Lines"
A sample of "Blurred Lines"
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Critical reactions to the song were mostly positive. Bill Lamb of About.com gave the song 4.5 stars on 5, lauding Pharell's production and "Robin Thicke's seriously sexy vocals" and deeming it "the catchiest and sexiest pop dance hits of the year."[9] The Michigan Daily's Jackson Howard graded it an "A" and praised it as "one of Pharrell’s best beats in years ... by the time the multilayered and carnal harmonies of the chorus come in, the song is completely on fire."[10] Writing for Billboard, Chris Payne compared it with Justin Timberlake's Suit & Tie and called it a "bubbly bit of disco-shuffling R&B", while also noting its racy content.[11] Digital Spy's Lewis Corner, who gave the song three out of five stars, was more wary of the single and remarked: "It's a subject that when in the right hands can be smooth and soulful, but in the wrong, crass and chauvinistic ... you need the right balance of charm and swagger to pull it off."[12]

Chart performance

"Blurred Lines" peaked at number one in nine countries including Australia, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand becoming Thicke's highest charting song in all four countries. In Australia the song was certified Platinum for shipments of 70,000 and double platinum in New Zealand for sales of 30,000.[13] Blurred Lines peaked within the top five of fourteen countries including France and Switzerland.

In the United states the song debuted at 94 on the Hot 100,[14] the following week the song rose to 89, then to 70, then to 54.[15] After his performance on The Voice the song shot to number one on iTunes[15] and flew up 54 to 12. The song has peaked at number six on the Hot 100 chart, becoming Thicke's highest peaking song on the chart in his recording history. It also became Thicke's first chart entry since Sex Therapy (2009) and his second top twenty ever, after Lost Without U (2007).

In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number one on The UK Official Singles Chart on June 2, shipping 190,000 copies in its first week and becoming the UK's fastest selling single of the year in the process.[16]

Live performances

On May 14, 2013 Thicke performed the song for the first time live on NBC’s The Voice alongside Pharrell and T.I. Rap-up described the trio as looking "dapper" in "black suit" and was joined on stage by "sexy ladies during the steamy set".[14] Thicke also performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 16 with Pharrell and three models doing backup.[15] Thicke performed the song live at the finale of Germany's Next Topmodel, Cycle 8 on May 30, 2013 at SAP Arena in Mannheim. The performance featured the top 20 contestants of the cycle dancing to the song on chairs. The four finalists walked the runway during the performance, as well as performing a burlesque-like dance on different items of furniture.[17]

Track listing

  • Digital download
  1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) – 4:22[18]
  1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) [Clean] – 4:22
  2. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell & T.I.) [ Laidback Luke Remix] - 4:39
  1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams) [No Rap Version] - 3:50
  2. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell and T.I.) [Laidback Luke Remix] - 4:40
  3. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) [Music Video] – 4:33
  4. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) [Music Video - Clean] – 4:33
  1. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I.) – 4:23
  2. "Blurred Lines" (featuring Pharrell & T.I.) [Laidback Luke Remix] - 4:40
  3. "When I Get You Alone" – 3:36
  4. "Lost Without U" – 4:14
  5. "Magic" – 3:53
  6. "Sex Therapy" – 4:35

Charts and certifications

Release history

Country Date Format Label
Australia March 26, 2013 Digital download Star Trak
United States
United States
April 16, 2013[51] Rhythmic hit radio
May 21, 2013 Contemporary hit radio
United Kingdom[52] May 26, 2013 Digital download
Germany[53] June 7, 2013

References

  1. ^ "Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. & Pharrell) - Single". iTunes. Apple. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  2. ^ "Robin Thick Chart History for Bilboard Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  3. ^ "Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines ft. T.I., Pharrell". YouTube. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  4. ^ a b "'Blurred Lines' Banned By YouTube As Robin Thicke's Video Features Nude Models". Huffington Post (via the Associated Press). April 1, 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  5. ^ Peter Ha (April 1, 2013). "Officially NSFW: YouTube's Naked Lady Problem (NSFW) (Updated)". Gizmodo. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  6. ^ "'Blurred Lines' Banned By YouTube As Robin Thicke's Video Features Nude Models". Huffington Post. 1 April 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  7. ^ Gicas, Peter (2 April 2013). "Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" Topless Music Video Banned from YouTube". E! Online. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  8. ^ Chiderah Monde. "Robin Thicke's music video 'Blurred Lines' banned by YouTube for featuring nude models". New York Daily News. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  9. ^ Lamb, Bill. "Robin Thicke - "Blurred Lines" featuring T.I. and Pharrell". About.com. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  10. ^ Howard, Jackson. "Single Review: Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' successfully samples classic beats for layered product". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved 8 June 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ Payne, Chris. "R&B Single Review: "Blurred Lines" Robin Thicke". Billboard (magazine). Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  12. ^ Corner, Lewis. "Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell & TI: 'Blurred Lines' - Single review". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  13. ^ http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesaria-charts-accreditations-singles-2013.htm
  14. ^ a b http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/14/video-robin-thicke-pharrell-ti-perform-blurred-lines-on-the-voice/#more-157885
  15. ^ a b c http://www.rap-up.com/2013/05/16/video-robin-thicke-and-pharrell-perform-blurred-lines-on-ellen/#more-158016
  16. ^ http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/robin-thickes-blurred-lines-becomes-fastest-selling-single-of-2013-2254/
  17. ^ "Watch: Robin Thicke, Psy & Bruno Mars Perform on 'Germany's Next Top Model' Finale". Idolator. Spin Media. May 30, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  18. ^ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/blurred-lines-feat.-t.i.-pharrell/id621507456
  19. ^ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/blurred-lines-feat.-t.i.-pharrell/id652760193
  20. ^ https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/blurred-lines-single/id652918841
  21. ^ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/blurred-lines-ep/id647296173
  22. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  23. ^ "ARIA Australian Top 40 Urban Singles | Australia's Official Top 40 Urban Songs". ARIA Charts. Retrieved 2013-06-02.
  24. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  25. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  26. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  27. ^ "Robin Thicke Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
  28. ^ "Digital Tracks". SoundScan.
  29. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines". Tracklisten. Retrieved April 21, 2013.
  30. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  31. ^ "Netlistinn viku 19, 2013" (in Icelandic). Tónlist. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  32. ^ "Chart Track: Week 19, 2013". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  33. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines". Top Digital Download. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  34. ^ "Robin Thicke Chart History (Luxembourg Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2013. [dead link‍]
  35. ^ "Mexico Ingles Airplay". Billboard.
  36. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 16, 2013" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  37. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  38. ^ "Robin Thicke Chart History (Portugal Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2013. [dead link‍]
  39. ^ a b "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 June 2013. Cite error: The named reference "ukchart" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  40. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines". Singles Top 100. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  41. ^ "Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell – Blurred Lines". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  42. ^ "Robin Thicke Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  43. ^ "Chart Highlights: Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift Take 'Highway' To No.1 On Country Airplay". Billboard.
  44. ^ "Robin Thicke Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  45. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2013 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  46. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2013". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  47. ^ "Robin Thicke "Blurred Lines"" (in Danish). IFPI Denmark. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  48. ^ "Certificazioni - Archivio" (in Italian). Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Retrieved June 5, 2013. Select Online, Week 21, Year 2013 and press Cerca certificazioni.
  49. ^ "New Zealand single certifications". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved May 6, 2013.[dead link‍]
  50. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Blurred Lines')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  51. ^ "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Retrieved 2013-04-24.
  52. ^ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blurred-Lines-feat-T-I-Pharrell/dp/B00CAKVECQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369013466&sr=8-1&keywords=robin+blurred+lines
  53. ^ http://www.beatblogger.de/vo-vorschau/
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