Beautiful (Christina Aguilera song)
"Beautiful" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for her fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). It was released as the album's second single in late 2002. A pop and R&B ballad, "Beautiful" was written and produced by Linda Perry. Lyrically, it discusses inner beauty, as well as self-esteem and insecurity issues. Aguilera commented that she put "her heart and her soul" into the track, which she felt represented the theme of Stripped.[1] The song was later re-recorded in an electronic style, titled You Are What You Are (Beautiful), for her first greatest hits album Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits (2008).[2]
"Beautiful" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Christina Aguilera | ||||
from the album Stripped | ||||
B-side | "Dame lo que Yo Te Doy" | |||
Released | November 16, 2002 | |||
Recorded | 2002 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:00 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) | Linda Perry | |||
Producer(s) | Linda Perry | |||
Christina Aguilera singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Beautiful" on YouTube |
"Beautiful" received universal acclaim from music critics, who have ranked it among Aguilera's strongest material. It won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and was also nominated for Song of the Year at the 2004 ceremony. "Beautiful" was also a commercial success, topping the charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, where it was certified Gold for 500,000 units shipped. It was kept from the number one spot by "Bump, Bump, Bump" by B2K featuring P. Diddy.
"Beautiful" has been widely embraced as an anthem by the LGBT community for its message of self-empowerment and inner beauty. An accompanying music video was directed by Jonas Åkerlund, and earned Aguilera a GLAAD Media Award for its positive portrayal of gay and transgender people. In 2011, UK LGBT rights organization Stonewall named "Beautiful" the most empowering song of the previous decade for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. In 2009, Rolling Stone and VH1 listed it as one of the best songs of the 2000s. The song is regarded as one of Aguilera's signature songs and has been covered on numerous occasions and featured on several television shows.
Background and recording
"Beautiful" was written and produced by Linda Perry. Aguilera recorded the song at two studios: The Enterprise Studios in Burbank, California, and Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood. Prior to the collaboration with Aguilera, Perry had written the song and originally wanted to keep the "personal" record for her own singing career.[3][4] Perry initially previewed the song for Pink during recording sessions for the latter's sophomore studio album Missundaztood (2001), on which Perry worked as a producer.[4] However, after hearing Aguilera sing the song at Perry's house to "break the ice", Perry was very impressed and allowed Aguilera to include the track on her then-upcoming album Stripped, effectively deciding not to pursue a solo career.[4] The choice resulted in a feud between Pink against Aguilera and Perry, with the former stating that it was "annoying" for the latter to collaborate with artists "[she] didn't like".[5]
Perry later revealed to ASCAP, "When Christina came over to my house to start working, she asked me to play some songs to break the ice. [...] I had a long conversation with my manager about it. We both decided to hear Christina sing it. We demoed the song with her singing it, and I was like, 'Wow'. That rough vocal is what is out there on radio. It was that vocal that got her the song".[4] Perry's wife Sara Gilbert confirmed on her show The Talk that the final version was "just a demo." Gilbert also revealed that Aguilera wanted to re-record the song because she did not like the initial vocals. Perry denied the request because the song is supposed to be about imperfection and being vulnerable.[6] Perry said as Aguilera stepped in the booth to record, she said to her friend, "Don't look at me" – which Perry left at the start of the final track. She told Rolling Stone: "I knew I was going to keep that on the record, and I knew she was the right person for the song. I realized, 'Oh, she's insecure. She's one of those beautiful people who's got everything but is super insecure. Okay, this song is hers.'"[7]
Composition and lyrics
"Beautiful" is a pop and R&B ballad[8][9] that discusses issues of self-esteem and insecurity, promoting a message of self-empowerment and embracing inner beauty.[8] Larry Flick of Billboard added that the song talks about "overcoming life's trials",[10] Chuck Taylor also of Billboard observed that it has a message of "holding oneself up against criticism from the outside,"[11] and Todd Burns of Stylus noted that the song "also explores the main theme of the record, being stripped bare in front of the public."[12] Its instrumentation incorporates bass guitar, cello, drum kits, keyboards, piano, and violin. "Beautiful" is composed in the key of E ♭ major and moving at a slow 76 beats per minute. Aguilera's vocal range spans over two octaves from the low note of E♭3 to the high note of G5; she uses several melismas in the song, fitting as many as seven notes in one syllable.[13]
Release
"Beautiful" was released as the second single from Stripped. It was first sent to American contemporary hit and rhythmic radio stations on November 16, 2002.[14][15] The song was later released as a CD single on January 27, February 24, and February 25, 2003, in Germany, the United Kingdom, and France, respectively.[16][17][18] Also on February 25, a digital remix EP of "Beautiful" was released worldwide.[19] Two days later, the single was released as a maxi single in Canada.[20] On March 11, 2003, the single was released as a CD in the United States.[21]
Critical reception
"Beautiful" received universal acclaim from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic commended the song for not following the "club and street-level R&B, which fit her poorly".[22] Similarly, a reviewer from Billboard described "Beautiful" as a "single-worthy ballad" from a record of "pleasantly surprising depth".[10] In a separate review, Chuck Taylor from the same magazine deemed the song "breathtaking", and highlighted its melody and lyrical message.[11] Entertainment Weekly's David Browne called the song one of Stripped's "moments", noting that it is "more restrained" than the other songs from the album.[23] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine commented that the collaboration with Linda Perry found Aguilera "truly naked" and reflective of the album's title.[24] Stylus Magazine's Todd Burns gave Stripped a negative review, but complimented "Beautiful" for "tastefully [reining] in Aguilera's frequent vocal acrobatics".[12] Jane Dark of The Village Voice compared the song to the works of Mariah Carey "made back when she was a natural",[25] and the Attitude magazine called it "universal".[26] The Advocate's Larry Flick named "Beautiful" a "Beatlesque ballad" and the "great queer anthem of 2003".[27] He also listed it as one of the best songs of the year.[27] In contrast, Amanda Murray from Sputnikmusic criticized the "platitude-drenched" lyrics but praised the overall production.[28] At the 2004 Grammy Awards, "Beautiful" won the award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and was nominated for Song of the Year.[29]
"Beautiful" is considered to be Aguilera's signature song and has been recognized as being among the strongest tracks in her catalog. The song was ranked as her third-best single by Rachel McRady of Wetpaint, who commented that "[Aguilera]'s inspiration ballad motivated an entire generation".[30] PopCrush's Alexandra Capotorto named it as her favorite track by Aguilera, opining that the song is "definitely one of the most memorable and greatest Christina Aguilera songs to date".[31] Rolling Stone ranked "Beautiful" at number 52 on their list of the 100 best songs of the 2000s, stating that it is "delivered with full-fathom force by the bottle-blond with the biggest voice".[32] Similarly, VH1 positioned the track at number 18 on their list of the 100 greatest songs of the past decade.[33]
Chart performance
"Beautiful" was quickly released after the underperformance of the album's first single, "Dirrty" in the United States.[34] It achieved international success and was the highest-charting single from Stripped in several territories. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 for one week behind B2K's "Bump Bump Bump" and became Aguilera's longest-charting solo track, spending 27 weeks on the chart.[35][36] The song additionally topped Billboard Adult Contemporary, Hot Dance Club Songs, and Pop Songs component charts.[35] By March 2006, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of 500,000 copies.[37]. As of August 2014, the single has sold 1,512,000 digital copies in that country.[38] In Canada, the song peaked at number one on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100.[39]
"Beautiful" proved similarly successful in Europe, where it peaked within the top five of most markets in which it was released. Spending a total of 51 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, the song eventually peaked atop the chart becoming Aguilera's fourth UK number one;[40] it was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry.[41] It peaked at numbers three and 18 on the Belgian Ultratop 50 and Ultratop 40, respectively. In Germany, the song peaked at number nine after charting for thirteen weeks on the Media Control Charts.[39] However, "Beautiful" proved less successful on the French Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique, where it reached number 27.[39] In the Pacific regions, the song failed to chart in any Asian markets, but maintained a strong performance in Oceania. It peaked at number one on the Australian ARIA Charts, where it spent a total of 13 weeks. "Beautiful" was later certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of 70,000 units.[42] The song also charted on the New Zealand Top 40 Singles Chart for 23 weeks, during which period it peaked at number one.[39]
Music video
The accompanying music video for "Beautiful" was directed by Jonas Åkerlund and premiered on December 9, 2002. It opens with Aguilera speaking the line "Don't look at me", followed by scenes of her singing alone in a room intercut with self-image-related sequences of other people. An anorexic girl examines herself in a mirror, eventually punching through it; a thin teenage boy stands lifting weights in a room plastered with images of bodybuilders; and an African-American girl rips out pages of women's magazines including photos of only white women and throws them into a fire. In one sequence, a girl is physically bullied by several peers, and in another, a goth man sits at the back of a bus while several people get up and move.[43] The video also touches on LGBT issues; one scene features a gay couple, portrayed by Jordan Shannon and Justin Croft, kissing on a bench and ignoring the stares of people who pass them.[26] Another shows a transgender woman, played by Robert Sherman, putting on makeup, a wig, and women's clothing.[44] The music video debuted at number 2 on Total Request Live,[45] spending a total of 50 days on the chart and retiring at number 6.[46] It topped MuchMusic's Countdown for two consecutive weeks and remained on the countdown for 15 weeks.[47]
Larry Flick analyses the video (2004).[27]
The video was positively reviewed by music critics,[27][48] and received a Special Recognition award, presented by David LaChapelle, from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation at its 14th GLAAD Media Awards.[49] After an a cappella performance of the song, Aguilera stated in her acceptance speech that "this song is definitely a universal message that everybody can relate to – anyone that's been discriminated against or unaccepted, unappreciated or disrespected just because of who you are. It was so important to me that I support the gay community in this sense."[49][27] Billboard included "Beautiful" on its list of the greatest music videos of the 21st century, and Gail Mitchell wrote that it "eloquently touches on insecurity".[48] Gay journalist Larry Flick praised the video for its "stunning execution" and depiction of self-love, and noted that with its help the song "became a perfect slice of cinematic empowerment".[27]
Live performances and media appearances
Recognized as one of her signature songs, Aguilera has performed "Beautiful" at a number of venues and events.[50] During the promotion of Stripped, she appeared on VH1's Big In Awards,[51] Top of the Pops,[52] and the 46th Annual Grammy Awards.[53] The song was included on the setlists of The Stripped Tour, the Justified and Stripped Tour in 2003[54] and the Back to Basics Tour in 2006.[55] "Beautiful" was also sung on the television special VH1 Storytellers in 2010.[56] "Beautiful" has also been performed on charity events and fundraisings, such as CNN Heroes introduced by Anderson Cooper saying, "It's my pleasure to introduce a performer with unparalleled range and passion; her song is a reminder that out of great trials and tribulations we can all create something beautiful";[57] Justin Timberlake & Friends in 2010,[58] and Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together in 2012.[59]
The song was also used for the commercial of SkinWhite in the Philippines in early 2019.[60][61] In September 2020 the song was played in the Criminal: UK's episode "Alex".[62]
Legacy
Recognition
"Beautiful" has been embraced by the LGBT community as an anthem. The Advocate's Larry Flick believed the release of the song was "one of the most powerful moments of queer activism in 2003".[27] On October 5, 2010, several hundred people gathered in front of the Massachusetts State House and sang "Beautiful" as a tribute to the teenagers who had committed suicide due to anti-gay bullying during the previous months.[63] In March 2011, the Columbus Children's Choir and Columbus Gay Men's Chorus joined to perform the song as a contribution to the It Gets Better Project.[64] UK LGBT rights charity Stonewall named "Beautiful" the most empowering song of the decade for lesbian, gay and bisexual people; media personality and Stonewall contributor Paul Gambaccini called the song "a major achievement that has inspired millions of young people around the world."[65] The result is based on the choice from 1,007 readers.[65] Aguilera commented of the song's reception from the LGBT community, "I cannot express in words how much the LGBT community means to me. On my darkest day their support lifts me up. I feel honored that some of my songs become anthems to them as well."[66]
"Beautiful" inspired a subgenre of empowerment pop songs including Katy Perry's "Firework" (2010) and Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" (2011).[26] The transgender character from its music video seemingly influenced the Denis O'Hare's Liz Taylor role in the horror television series American Horror Story: Hotel.[26]
Cover versions
Since its release, "Beautiful" has been covered by many performers. In 2003, indie rock band Clem Snide released the song as part of their A Beautiful EP recording.[67] The song was featured on the Australian compilation Hits For Kids 7 in 2005.[68][69] Kenny G and Chaka Khan performed the song for the former's 2003 project At Last...The Duets Album.[70] In 2004, it appears on the French girl band L5's live album Le Live, recorded during their concert tour in 2003.[71] In 2012 David Archuleta included his rendition on his fifth studio album Begin.[72] Other performers that have recorded their own versions of the song are G4 in 2005,[73] Girl Authority in 2006,[74] The Lemonheads in 2009,[75] Zebrahead in 2009,[76] The Rebeatles Project in 2010,[77] Insane Clown Posse in 2012,[78] Me First and the Gimme Gimmes in 2014,[79] Jordan Smith in 2016,[80] and Run the World in 2020.[81] Many performers have also played "Beautiful" live on shows and concerts. British rock band The Zutons performed the song on their BBC Radio 1 Live Launch show, on May 28, 2008;[82] this version of the song was later released as part of the compilation album Radio 1's Live Lounge – Volume 3. In 2011, child singer Savannah Robinson performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show,[83] and in 2012 American singer Kelly Clarkson sang "Beautiful" during her Stronger Tour, by audience request.[84] Other notable performers that have covered the song are Gloria Gaynor,[85] Jason Mraz,[86] Macy Gray,[87] Brett Anderson,[88] and The All-American Rejects.[75] "Beautiful" was also performed by the Damian Leigh character in the 2004 movie Mean Girls, sung by actor Daniel Franzese.[89][26]
The song has also been performed by contestants on televised talent competitions. In 2003, Alex Parks, the eventual winner of the first season of Fame Academy, covered the song on the series and re-recorded a version for her debut studio album Introduction.[90] In 2007, Angy Fernández sang "Beautiful" during the inaugural season of Factor X in Spain.[91] In 2010, Sally Chatfield chose the song during the second season of the Australian version of The X Factor.[92] The following year, Aguilera performed the song alongside her finalist Beverly McClellan on the first-season finale of The Voice.[93] The following week, it debuted at number 74 on the US Billboard Hot 100[94] and peaked at number 52 on the Hot Digital Songs diagram with first-week sales of 42,000 downloads on the iTunes Store.[95] Later in 2011, both Janet Devlin and Little Mix covered the song during the eighth series of The X Factor in the United Kingdom.[96][97] Additionally, cover versions of the song have been featured on scripted television series such as A.N.T. Farm, Glee, House, Smash, and Orange Is the New Black.[98][99][100][101][102]
Formats and track listings
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Credits and personnel
Recording locations
- Mixed at The Enterprise Studios, Burbank, California
- Engineered at Mad Dog Studios, Burbank, California
- Additional recording at The Enterprise Studios, Burbank, California
- Mastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering
Personnel
- Writing, Composing, Producing – Linda Perry
- Mixing – Dave "Hard Drive" Pensado
- Assisted mixing – Ethan Willoughby
- Engineering – Linda Perry, David Guerrero
- Pro Tools engineering – Davy Vain
- Mastering – Brian "Big Bass" Gardner
- Editing – Mike Barnard
Musicians
- Vocals – Christina Aguilera
- Piano, Guitar, Bass – Linda Perry
- Keyboards – Damon Fox
- Drums – Brian MacLeod
- Strings – The Section Quartet
- Violin – Eric Gorfain
- Viola – Shanti Randall
- Cello – Richard Dodd
- Additional Strings and String Arrangement – Linda Perry
Credits adapted from "Beautiful" CD single liner notes.[103]
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[154] | Platinum | 70,000^ |
Italy (FIMI)[155] | Gold | 25,000 |
United Kingdom (BPI)[156] | Platinum | 600,000[157] |
United States (RIAA)[158] | Gold | 1,512,000^ |
^shipments figures based on certification alone |
See also
- List of number-one adult contemporary singles of 2003 (U.S.)
- List of number-one dance singles of 2003 (U.S.)
- List of Romanian Top 100 number ones of the 2000s
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