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Secret Love Song

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"Secret Love Song"
Song
Recorded2015
Studio

"Secret Love Song" is a song recorded by British girl group Little Mix for their third studio album, Get Weird (2015). It features guest vocals from American singer Jason Derulo, who co-wrote the song with Jez Ashurst, Emma Rohan, and Tich. It was also produced by Jayson DeZuzio. The group's cover of Derulo's 2015 single "Want to Want Me" performed in BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge back in the same year inspired him to collaborate with them. "Secret Love Song" is a slow ballad comprising pounding bass and melancholic strings. The lyrics discuss unrequited and forbidden love, while Derulo's verse details his personal experience of having an affair.

The song was announced as the third single from Get Weird released on February 3, 2016 in Ireland and the UK. It was met with mixed reviews from music critics, nevertheless reached number six on the UK Singles Chart. An accompanying music video was directed by Frank Borin and filmed in London near Tower Bridge.

Background

In July 2015, Little Mix member Jesy Nelson said that the group's third studio album, Get Weird, would have a song "that is possibly going to be a single that we've never done anything like before".[1] Group member Perrie Edwards added: "And it may or may not have a feature...."[1] The track, "Secret Love Song", was written by Jez Ashurst, Emma Rohan and Tich, and produced by Jayson DeZuzio.[2] The group then sent the song to Jason Derulo who positively reacted to it, writing his own verse.[3] Recording took place at Poinsettia Place in Los Angeles and at Blue Box Studios in London.[2]

Derulo's decision to collaborate with the group was influenced by a string of events; Hit 30 presenters Angus O'Loughlin and Ash London played him the group's cover of his 2015 single "Want to Want Me" for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge in July 2015. He reacted: "I was into that, man", and said he understood why the cover became a viral video.[4] However, Derulo was unfamiliar with the group's music at the time and had to "research" their discography which he ultimately became fond of.[3] Group member Jade Thirlwall felt the song's slow tempo was "a nice change" for Derulo and "[showed] his voice off a lot".[5] A piano-driven solo sequel of the song, "Secret Love Song Pt. II", was included on the deluxe version of Get Weird.[2]

Composition

"Secret Love Song" is a slow, pop ballad.[6] It comprises pounding bass and melancholic strings.[7] Derulo's vocal uses vibrato and auto-tune,[8][9] as he sings the song's second verse.[10] Nelson sings the high note during its bridge.[11]

Lyrically, "Secret Love Song" details unrequited and forbidden love.[12] Edwards said the lyrics are about "being with someone and you want to scream it from the rooftops but you have to hold it in".[13] Thirlwall interprets the group's lyrics in the song as a narrative for the struggles LGBT people are faced with when coming to terms with their sexuality and public affection.[14] According to Derulo, his verse serves as a "twist" in the song, discussing his personal experience of having an affair: "I told a true story about this girl that I am really into but she has a boyfriend but we still do our thing."[3]

Release

The group revealed the song's title on 7 September 2015, on Instagram.[15] On 13 October 2015, they announced Derulo's involvement on Twitter, ahead of Get Weird's release the following month.[16] The song was first made available as part of the album when Get Weird was released on 6 November 2015. On 5 December 2015, Little Mix confirmed on Twitter that "Secret Love Song" would be the third single from the album in the UK and Ireland.[17] They unveiled the single's cover art on Instagram on 8 January 2016.[18]

Reception

Critical response

"Secret Love Song" has received mixed reviews from music critics. Popjustice wrote that the song would be better without Derulo, but called it "a big ballad" with an "amazing" chorus and gave it a rating of seven out of ten.[10] Brad O'Mance from the website disliked Derulo's "dulcet/song-ruining tones".[19] Lewis Corner of Digital Spy said the group matured emotionally on the track and described it as a "sweeping slowie [...] that soars highest on the perfectly polished chorus".[20] He also deemed it "powerful" and "an LGBT anthem".[14] Dan Wootton from The Sun viewed the song as "brilliant" and a highlight on Get Weird.[6]

Cameron Adams of the Herald Sun described the song as "uber cheese".[21] Harriet Gibsone from The Guardian viewed the song as one of Get Weird's "odd moments of mediocrity".[22] Chuck Campbell of the Knoxville News Sentinel felt the song tried too hard.[23] Nick Levine from NME regarded the song as "melodramatic" and "not as entertaining" as the rest of the album.[24] Ludovic Hunter-Tilney of the Financial Times said: "Their manufactured origins surface on 'Secret Love Song', a by-the-numbers ballad watermarked with [Simon] Cowell's foreboding features."[25] Andy Gill of The Independent criticised Derulo's "ghastly, tremulous vibrato" on the track, calling it "by far, the worst [irritation]" on Get Weird.[8] Matthew Horton of Virgin Media opined that "Secret Love Song" failed to help the album "catch fire", dismissing it as "syrupy" and "an unrequired duet".[26]

Chart performance

"Secret Love Song" debuted at number 66 on the UK Singles Chart on 8 January 2016, selling 8,635 units.[27] The following week, it sold 14,964 units and rose to number 34.[28] It peaked at number six, making it their eighth top ten single to date. On 1 April 2016, the song was certified gold in the UK for selling over 400,000 copies. The song peaked at number 16 in Australia[29] and has been certified double platinum for selling over 140,000 copies.[30]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Secret Love Song" was directed by Frank Borin.[31] It was filmed at London Bridge[32] and Tower Bridge[31] in London on 16 and 17 December 2015 from 13:00 to 03:00 BST.[33] Derulo's scenes were shot on 8 December 2015.[19] Stomp Models cast a Derulo look-alike, and three couples: one homosexual, one heterosexual and one interracial.[33] Thirlwall previously revealed on Twitter on 5 November 2015 that the group had pictured the video to depict the struggles of a LGBT couple.[14] Stomp Models required the couples to be relatable and emotional with "a cool or hip factor", and to act with a sense of longing and fulfilment.[33] Cast members were hired for £200, agency fee inclusive.[33] Thirlwall said the music video is "very different" from the group's previous visuals.[34]

Borin posted image teasers from the production on Instagram throughout December 2015.[31] On 8 December 2015, MTV shared a preview image from Derulo's scenes.[19] Footage of Thirlwall filming her scenes surfaced online on 13 January 2016, the version she was singing was from part 2 of the song confirming a video for both versions will be filmed.[31] The group teased a snapshot from the video on Instagram on 21 January 2016.[32]

When the video was released on 3 February 2016, six days later than expected, all the scenes featuring the same sex couple, the opposite sex couple and the interracial couple had been removed from the final cut, and on its release, only British fans could access the video, before worldwide viewing was enabled a few days later.[35]

Live performances

Little Mix and Derulo performed "Secret Love Song" for the first time live as part of their set-list at Capital's Jingle Bell Ball on 5 December 2015.[36][37] They opened with "Salute" which was followed by "Move" and "Love Me Like You".[38] Prior to singing "Secret Love Song", Little Mix introduced the track and said "So we have an exclusive for you. We know you'll enjoy a cheeky little surprise. This song is going to be our next single. We hope you enjoy it."[36] They concluded with "Wings" and "Black Magic".[36][38] Christina Lee of Idolator was critical of the group's stage presence, writing "This wasn’t the best display of the UK girl group's showmanship; whoever wasn’t singing with Jason would stand on stage, staring blankly, as if waiting in line at the grocery store."[39] Lee did however praise their vocal performances, and singled out Jade's as "angelic".[39] Little Mix joined Derulo on his 2016 arena tour at The O2 Arena on 5 February 2016 to perform "Secret Love Song".[40] On 12 February, Little Mix and Derulo performed the song on The Graham Norton Show.[41][42] The group performed regularly the second part as the solo version during The Get Weird Tour (2016), The Glory Days Tour (2017), by being the support act of Ariana Grande's Dangerous Woman Tour in the same year, and Summer Hits Tour (2018).[citation needed]

Credits and personnel

  • Jez Ashurst – writer
  • Emma Rohan – writer
  • Rachel Furner – writer
  • Jason Desrouleaux – writer
  • Jayson DeZuzio – producer, engineering, all instruments and programming
  • Maegan Cottone – vocal producer
  • Phil Tan – mixing
  • Sam Ellison – assistant vocal producer

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[2]

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[30] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Ireland (IRMA)[52] Platinum 15,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[53] Platinum 25,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[54] Platinum 600,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ a b Corner, Lewis (16 July 2015). "Little Mix's new album Get Weird: Everything we know so far, from release date to collaborations". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d Get Weird (Media notes). Little Mix. Syco Music. 2015. p. 17. 888751287327.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. ^ a b c "Jason Derulo Says His Little Mix Collab On 'Secret Love Song' Is About A Real Affair!". Capital. 2 November 2015. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  4. ^ Davidson, Amy (31 July 2015). "Jason Derulo listened to Little Mix's 'Want to Want Me' cover and he's a big fan". Digital Spy. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  5. ^ Smith, Carl (15 October 2015). "Little Mix announce Jason Derulo collaboration 'Secret Love Song' and "Love Me Like You': The Collection". Sugarscape.com. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  6. ^ a b Wootton, Dan (5 November 2015). "Little Mix's Get Weird is wonderful". The Sun. United Kingdom. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  7. ^ Lindner, Emilee (6 November 2015). "The 13 Emotional Stages of Listening To Little Mix's New Album". MTV News. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  8. ^ a b Gill, Andy (6 November 2015). "Little Mix, Get Weird - album review". The Independent. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  9. ^ Ohandjanian, Sevana (18 November 2015). "Little Mix Get Weird Sevana Ohandjanian". TheMusic.com.au. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  10. ^ a b "Liveblog: a first listen to the Little Mix album". Popjustice. 3 November 2015. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  11. ^ Hoffman, William (6 December 2015). "Little Mix and Jason Derulo Give Live Debut of 'Secret Love Song' at Jingle Bell Ball". Music Times. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  12. ^ Tharrett, Matthew (10 November 2015). "Little Mix Quietly Drops LGBT Anthem About Forbidden Love". NewNowNext Awards. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  13. ^ Riddell, Rose (11 November 2015). "A Little Mix x 'Get Weird' appreciation post". Coup de main. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  14. ^ a b c Corner, Lewis (6 November 2015). "Little Mix's new song 'Secret Love Song, Pt II' is an LGBT anthem". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  15. ^ Benjamin, Jeff (8 September 2015). "Little Mix Reveal Tracklist for Upcoming 'Get Weird' Album". Fuse. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  16. ^ Menyes, Carolyn (14 October 2015). "Little Mix Tap Jason Derulo for 'Secret Love Song' on New Album 'Get Weird'". Music Times. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  17. ^ Iasimone, Ashley (5 December 2015). "Little Mix & Jason Derulo Perform 'Secret Love Song' Together for the First Time: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  18. ^ Rodriguez, Aurora (11 January 2016). "Little Mix Showcase Artwork For 'Secret Love Song'". J-14. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  19. ^ a b c O'Mance, Brad (9 December 2015). "Jason Derulo stands near a window in the video for his Little Mix duet". Popjustice. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  20. ^ Corner, Lewis (4 November 2015). "Little Mix Get Weird album review: More sparkle, style and sex". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  21. ^ Adams, Cameron (12 November 2015). "Latest Album Reviews: Kylie Minogue, King Gizzard, Jamie Woon, Little Mix & City Calm Down". Herald Sun. Retrieved 15 January 2016 – via News.com.au.
  22. ^ Gibsone, Hariet (5 November 2015). "Little Mix: Get Weird review – no growing up for candy-coloured pop stars". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  23. ^ Campbell, Chuck (10 November 2015). "'Tuned In' review: Little Mix's 'Get Weird' doesn't get weird enough". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  24. ^ Levine, Nick (3 November 2015). "Little Mix - 'Get Weird'". NME. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  25. ^ Hunter-Tilney, Ludovic (6 November 2015). "Little Mix: Get Weird — review". Financial Times. Retrieved 15 January 2016. (subscription required)
  26. ^ Horton, Matthew (6 November 2015). "Little Mix - Get Weird". Virgin Media. Archived from the original on 19 January 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ Jones, Alan (8 January 2016). "Official Charts Analysis: Justin Bieber makes Singles Chart history". Music Week. Retrieved 16 January 2016. (subscription required)
  28. ^ Jones, Alan (15 January 2016). "Official Charts Analysis: Bieber continues to dominate Top 5 singles". Music Week. Retrieved 16 January 2016. (subscription required)
  29. ^ a b "Little Mix feat. Jason Derulo – Secret Love Song". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  30. ^ a b "CHART WATCH #382". auspOp. 20 August 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  31. ^ a b c d Smith, Carl (13 January 2016). "Little Mix shoot 'Secret Love Song Part 2' music video". Sugarscape.com. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  32. ^ a b Baxter-Wright, Dusty (21 January 2016). "Little Mix and Jason Derulo tease 'Secret Love Song' video". Sugarscape.com. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  33. ^ a b c d "Little Mix Featuring Jason Derulo Music Video". Stomp Models. 9 December 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  34. ^ Little Mix (11 December 2015). "Little Mix talk 2015 highlights at BBC Music Awards" (Interview). Interviewed by Melissa Nathoo. London: ITN – via The Belfast Telegraph. {{cite interview}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  35. ^ Teen.com (3 February 2016). "The Stupid Career Move That Has Little Mix Fans Absolutely FURIOUS". Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  36. ^ a b c Iasimone, Ashley (4 December 2015). "Little Mix & Jason Derulo Perform 'Secret Love Song' Together for the First Time: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  37. ^ Hoksen, Patrick (6 December 2015). "Jason Derulo Joins Little Mix To Tear The Roof Off With 'Secret Love Song'". MTV News. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  38. ^ a b "Little Mix - 'Love Me Like You' (Live At Capital's Jingle Bell Ball 2015)". Capital. 6 December 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  39. ^ a b Lee, Christina (6 December 2015). "Little Mix Joined By Jason Derulo To Sing 'Secret Love Song' Live: Watch". Idolator. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  40. ^ "Watch: Little Mix Joined Jason Derulo On Tour And Pretty Much Melted Everyone's Hearts!". Capital. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  41. ^ Pilcher, Rachel (13 February 2016). "Little Mix slay their performance of 'Secret Love Song' with Jason Derulo on The Graham Norton Show". sugarscape.com. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  42. ^ Nattrass, JJ (12 February 2016). "Perrie Edwards sizzles in abs-baring crop top as Little Mix bandmates Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock flash their bras in racy numbers for TV performance". Daily Mail. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  43. ^ "Chart Track: Week 7, 2016". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  44. ^ "Little Mix Chart History (Mexico Ingles Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  45. ^ "Little Mix feat. Jason Derulo – Secret Love Song". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  46. ^ "Philippine Hot 100". Billboard Philippines. 12 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  47. ^ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  48. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  49. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  50. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Singles 2016". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
  51. ^ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2016". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  52. ^ "Sony Music Ireland Official Twitter Account (4 August 2016)". Sony Music Ireland. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  53. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Little Mix feat. Jason Derulo – Secret Love Song". Recorded Music NZ.[dead link‍]
  54. ^ id MUST BE PROVIDED for UK CERTIFICATION.
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