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Free (Mya song)

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"Free" is a song by American singer Mýa. It served as the third and final single from her second studio album, Fear of Flying (2000), in December 2000. Originally featured on the soundtrack to the 2000 film Bait, the song was one of the two tracks added to the re-release edition of Fear of Flying on November 7, 2000. It was written and composed by Jimmy Jam, Harrison, Terry Lewis, Alexander Richbourg, and Tony Tolbert. Lyrically, "Free" addresses on independence.

"Free"
Single by Mýa
from the album Fear of Flying (re-issue) and Bait (soundtrack)
ReleasedNovember 21, 2000 (2000-11-21)
StudioFlyte Tyme (Edina, Minnesota)
Genre
Length
  • 5:21 (album version)
  • 4:11 (video version)
  • 4:09 (pop radio mix)
LabelInterscope
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Mýa singles chronology
"Girls Dem Sugar"
(2000) 		"Free"
(2000) 		"Lady Marmalade"
(2001)

The song received generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, musically comparing it to Janet Jackson’s third studio album Control (1986). "Free" underperformed on Billboard's US Hot 100; peaking and spending two non-consecutive weeks at number 42. It was the second single by Harrison that failed to reach the coveted Top 40. It performed even worse on Billboard's component Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart peaking at a moderately low number 52. Internationally, the single reached the top five in Australia and top 20 in the United Kingdom. The song's accompanying music video was filmed by director Dave Meyers. Harrison incorporates various dance routines throughout the video, choreographed by Brian "Footwork" Green, which won him an ACA (American Choreographer's Award) in 2001.

Background and composition

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Before being added to the re-release edition of Fear of Flying, "Free" was initially released as the first single to feature film Bait (2000) starring Jamie Foxx.[1]

Co-written by Mýa, "Free" is in the key of B minor. The song's tempo is set at a moderate dance beat at 112 beats per minute in common time. Harrison's vocal range span from a F3 to D5.[2] The lyrics of "Free" are composed in the traditional verse-chorus form. Mýa opens the song with brief spoken lyrics. She begins the first verse, followed by the chorus leading her into the second verse. The song continues to the bridge, chorus, then fades out with Mýa's chant.

Critical reception

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Free garnered mixed to positive reviews. Chuck Taylor from Billboard compared the song to production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis earlier work with Janet Jackson and added: "Free" is all about being a strong, self-sufficient, independent woman—a nearly ubiquitous theme these days among female artists (check out currents songs by Destiny’s Child, Kandi, and Chanté Moore). But what comes across strongest in this song is the trademark Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis sound. As a matter of fact, the track practically rips off what we know as the Janet Jackson style, with Mýa’s fragile voice possessing many of the same qualities as Janet’s. Acknowledging, "Free" is just a little too girly pop-sounding, even for the pop audience out there today."[3] NME gave the song a mixed review and rated the single four out of ten stars writing, "R&B's enduring (annoying?) cutesy pie has done the double. Released a single that ties in with her butter wouldn't melt image -how else to you explain the lyrics, "I'm me/single, sexy and free"? Yes, make no mistake, this is Mýa trapped in Lolita land (check out the video below) not sure if she's the insolent girlfriend ('Case of the Ex') or, as this track would paint her, a pre-teen with no idea of her temptation, but aware that she has 'something about her'. Musically, this is right up Janet Jackson's old alley - more so before Janet found 'Control' and became obsessed with sex. So, if you're a chick who's so cute you turn yourself on, but still a virgin, this is your anthem. But of course, you'll be singing it to yourself, cos you love yourself so darn much, won't ya?![4] Writing for Yahoo! Music UK, Cyd Jaymes described "Free" as a mighty, bass-laden funky R&B groove with hints of Janet Jackson, Destiny's Child and J.Lo which should steam up many a window.[5]

Accolades

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Rankings for "Free"
Year Publication Accolade Rank Ref.
2019 Liveabout.com The 100 Best Pop Songs of 2001
52
[6]

Chart performance

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In the United States, for the issue dated week of February 3, 2001, "Free" was Billboard's Hot 100 “Hot Shot Debut” of the week debuting at number 76.[7] In its third week it ascended from 74-61 issue dated week of February 17, 2001.[8] The song reached its peak at number 41 in its fourth week ascending from 61-41 issue dated week of February 24, 2001.[9] It spent a total of 17 consecutive weeks on the chart. It was the second single released by Harrison to miss the coveted pop Top 40. On Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart the song failed to achieve success; peaking at a moderately low fifty-two issue dated week of December 28, 2000.

Despite its chart placements in the U.S., "Free" was moderately successful in international territories. In Australia, "Free" became her second Top Ten (solo) third overall, it debuted at number 11 during the week of June 3, 2001.[10] It reached its peak at number four in its sixth week during the week of July 8, 2001.[11] It spent a total of 21 consecutive weeks altogether on the chart and was certified platinum by Australian Recording Industry Association for shipments of 70,000 units sold. It found success in the UK where it became her fifth Top 20 hit, it debuted and peaked at number 11 during the week of June 9, 2001.[12] It spent a total of 6 consecutive weeks on the chart.

Music video

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The music video for "Free" was directed by Dave Meyers. Harrison explained to LAUNCH how involved she was in the making of "Free" speaking on following: the roller-skating, party dances, locking and Waacking were actually of all her concepts. Harrison got together with an underground dancer/choreographer named Brian Green (a.k.a. Brian " Footwork " Green ), and they put it together on their own. Mýa revealed it was a struggle and a fight working with someone underground because he's not established, but continued by saying that was the best thing about making "Free" because I knew him and what he had to offer and it was great.[13] "Free" premiered on MTV's TRL and BET's 106 & Park on November 16, 2000.[14]

Live performances

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Mya performed "Free" on multiple talk shows and award shows. On November 11, 2000, she performed "Free" on Soul Train.[15] On December 7, 2000, she performed at MTV's Fashionably Loud.[16] In February 2001, Mya performed at The Rosie O'Donnell Show.[17] The following week, February 28, 2001, she hosted and performed at the 2001 Soul Train Music Awards.[18] On April 17, 2001, she performed at The Queen Latifah Show.[19]

Track listings

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Credits and personnel

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Credits adapted from the liner notes of Fear of Flying.[29]

Recording

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  • Recorded at Flyte Tyme Studios (Edina, Minnesota)
  • Mixed at Flyte Tyme Studios (Edna, Minnesota)

Personnel

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  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis – production
  • "Big Jim" Wright – co-production
  • Steve Hodge – recording engineer, mixing
  • Brad Yost – recording engineer assistance
  • Xavier Smith – recording engineer assistance

Charts

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Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[53] Platinum 70,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

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Region Release date Format(s) Label Ref.
United States November 21, 2000 Urban radio Interscope [54]
January 23, 2001 Contemporary hit radio [55]
Australia May 15, 2001 CD single [56]
United Kingdom May 28, 2001
[57]
June 11, 2001 12-inch remix vinyl [58]

References

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  1. ^ "R&B Beat: Mya, Guru, Boyz II Men ..." MTV. Archived from the original on December 17, 2018. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  2. ^ "Mya - Free Sheet Music (Digital Download)". Music Notes. April 24, 2001. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
  3. ^ "Singles". Google Books. November 18, 2000. Retrieved January 19, 2016.
  4. ^ "Mya: Free - Track Reviews - NME.COM". NME. September 12, 2005. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  5. ^ Jaymes, Cyd (May 29, 2001). "Mya - Free". Yahoo! Music UK. Archived from the original on June 12, 2004. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  6. ^ Lamb, Bill (May 24, 2019). "The 100 Best Pop Songs of 2001". Liveabout.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  7. ^ "Hot 100 Week of February 3, 2001". Billboard. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  8. ^ "Hot 100 Week of February 17, 2001". Billboard. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  9. ^ "Hot 100 Week of February 24, 2001". Billboard. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  10. ^ "Australia Top 50 Singles". australian-charts.com. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  11. ^ "Australia Top 50 Singles". australian-charts.com. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  12. ^ "UK Top 75 Singles". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  13. ^ "Releases New Video And Talks Tour". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  14. ^ "Brand Spankin' Free". Mya Mya. Archived from the original on November 21, 2000. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  15. ^ "SOOOOOOUUUULLLL TRAIN!". Mya Mya. Archived from the original on November 21, 2000. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  16. ^ "Fashionably Loud With Mya". Mya Mya. Archived from the original on November 17, 2001. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  17. ^ "The Rosie O'Donnell Show". The Los Angeles Times. February 20, 2001. p. 172. Retrieved July 12, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Jay-Z, Destiny's Child Performing At Soul Train Music Awards". MTV News. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  19. ^ "Lost Love Reunions & an Interview with Mya". TV Guide. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  20. ^ "Mýa* – Free(CD)". Discogs. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  21. ^ "Mya – Free Remixes(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  22. ^ "Mya – Free(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  23. ^ "Mýa* – Free(CD)". Discogs. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  24. ^ "Mya – Free(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  25. ^ "Mýa* – Free(CD)". Discogs. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  26. ^ "Mya – Free(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  27. ^ "Mya – Free(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  28. ^ "Mýa* – Free(CD)". Discogs. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  29. ^ Fear of Flying (Media notes). University Music Entertainment, Interscope Records. 2000.
  30. ^ "Mýa – Free". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  31. ^ "Issue 593" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  32. ^ "Mýa – Free" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  33. ^ "Mýa – Free" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  34. ^ "The Hits Chart". Jam!. Archived from the original on April 7, 2001. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  35. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 19, no. 25. June 16, 2001. p. 7. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  36. ^ "Mya – Free" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  37. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Mýa". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  38. ^ "Mya-Free" (in Dutch). top40.nl.
  39. ^ "Mýa – Free" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  40. ^ "Polish Airplay Charts – Lista Regionalna 30/2001". PiF PaF Production. Archived from the original on March 27, 2002. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  41. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  42. ^ "Mýa – Free". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  43. ^ "Mýa: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  44. ^ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  45. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  46. ^ "Mya Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  47. ^ "Mya Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  48. ^ "Mya Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
  49. ^ "Mya Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
  50. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2001". ARIA. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  51. ^ "Most-Played Mainstream Top Songs of 2001". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 9, no. 51. December 21, 2001. p. 60.
  52. ^ "Most-Played Rhythmic Top Songs of 2001". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 9, no. 51. December 21, 2001. p. 48.
  53. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2001 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  54. ^ "Urban" (PDF). World Radio History. November 17, 2000. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  55. ^ "CHR/Pop: Going for Adds" (PDF). World Radio History. January 19, 2001. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  56. ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 21st May 2001" (PDF). ARIA. May 21, 2001. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 20, 2002. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  57. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting May 28, 2001: Singles". Music Week. May 26, 2001. p. 27.
  58. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting June 11, 2001: Singles". Music Week. June 9, 2001. p. 31.
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