Exposed (Kristinia DeBarge album)
Encyclopedia
Exposed is the debut studio album by American pop/R&B
singer-songwriter Kristinia DeBarge
. It was released in the US on July 28, 2009, and later elsewhere in August 2009 by label imprint Sodapop Records in distribution with Island Records
. The album debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 with 16,539 copies sold the first week. DeBarge began recording the album in 2008, and had been writing the album since 2006. The album features production and writing from the likes of Babyface and OneRepublic
frontman Ryan Tedder
amongst others.
The album spawned three different singles. The first of these singles, titled "Goodbye
" has become DeBarge's biggest hit to date. The song reached the Top 20 in the Hot 100
, Canada, as well as the Australian Hitseekers Chart. It also charted fairly well in countries such as Sweden
. The second single was "Sabotage", which was released on August 18, 2009. Originally, the song was to be released along with "Future Love", however, those plans were scrapped, and "Sabotage" became the stand-alone second single. Despite the success of her previous single, "Sabotage" failed to chart on any chart worldwide. The third single, "Future Love
" (featuring rapper Pitbull
), was released on November 10, 2009. The single became her second consecutive single to miss out on the Billboard Hot 100
singles chart, however, it did peak at number 25 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart.
Exposed received generally positive reviews from music critics, based on an aggregate score of 69/100 from Metacritic
. The album received positive reviews from major critical websites, such as Blues & Soul
, People Magazine
, and AllMusic. On December 15, 2009, a deluxe edition of the album was released only on iTunes
, in an attempt to boost album sales. The deluxe edition features two remixes of "Goodbye" and "Sabotage", as well as the music video for the two songs. However, the deluxe edition failed to raise album sales, selling only 1,000 copies in its first week.
The album includes two songs which DeBarge wrote herself: "Cried Me a River" and "It's Gotta Be Love". Other notable credits go to songwriter and producer Ryan Tedder
, who is best known for crafting Leona Lewis
' worldwide number one "Bleeding Love
", Beyoncé Knowles's top 5 hit "Halo
" and Jordin Sparks
' top 10 hit "Battlefield
". For this album he co-wrote and produced "Speak Up" as well as the single "Future Love", previously recorded and released in 2008 by American boyband Varsity Fanclub
. Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds made the biggest contribution having worked on four songs: "Cried Me a River", "Doesn't Everybody Want to Fall in Love", "It's Gotta Be Love" and "Disconnect".
DeBarge began singing when she was 3 years old, but did not begin to take it seriously until she was 12. When she was 12, her father took her into a recording studio. They worked until 4 am recording a duet, which made her father realize that she was serious about beginning a singing career. During the summer of 2003, DeBarge was a contestant on the American Idol
spin-off, American Juniors. DeBarge progressed to the semifinal round of twenty contestants. She was featured in the first group of ten semifinalists and sang the song "Reflection
" from the Disney movie Mulan
. However, she was not one of the five to progress from that group into the final ten. Due to her performance on the show, several producers began to consider DeBarge to be added to their label. At 14, DeBarge was introduced to Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. She worked with him for five years and, two days before her nineteenth birthday, signed to a new division of Island Def Jam Records founded by Edmonds and Jeff Burroughs called Sodapop Records, and immediately began working on Exposed.
Lyrically, the album deals mainly with the topics of romance. The first track on the album, "Somebody", features DeBarge singing about how she got over her ex, and has now found someone better. Throughout the song, she talks of how good it feels "to be loved by somebody". The second track, Future Love
, features DeBarge singing of a love that will occur in the future. "Speak Up", the third track on the album, is a slowed down ballad that features DeBarge singing to her lover, telling him to "speak up" and tell her what his problems are. Throughout the song, she urges him to "speak up, because the silence is killing me". "Goodbye
" is the fourth song on the album. The single sees DeBarge singing to her recently ex-boyfriend and tells him that she's over him, and has her "single girl swag". The song also talks of DeBarge partying with her friends and finding a new man, in an attempt to get back at him. "Sabotage", the fifth song on the album, strays from the topic of love that was in all of the previous tracks. The song deals with DeBarge's "bad side" coming out, as she struggles to be the good girl everyone wants her to be. The sixth song on the album, "Died In Your Eyes", features DeBarge singing about how she knows her boyfriend has lied to her. The song speaks of the awkward silence that follows her discovery of this event. Although it is not stated in the song, it is presumably about an unfaithful boyfriend. "Powerless" is the seventh track Exposed, and lyrically speaks of DeBarge's ex who feels he is on top of the world. The song speaks of DeBarge informing him that "it's about to be lights out", and she's going to "leave you powerless". The eighth song on the album, "Cried Me a River", plays on the phrase "Cry Me a River", that influenced songs by artist such as Justin Timberlake
, amongst others. The lyrics of the song show DeBarge singing about how she "cried me a river" and got over her ex-boyfriend. The ninth song to be featured on Exposed is "Doesn't Everybody Wanna Fall In Love". Lyrically, the song speaks of DeBarge's longing for someone to love her, and she questions "Doesn't Everybody Wanna Fall In Love?". "It's Gotta Be Love" is the tenth song on the album, and features DeBarge singing about the many emotions her lover makes her feel, and declares that she is in love with him. "Disconnect" is the final track on the album, and shows a different side of DeBarge not heard on the album. The song shows DeBarge singing about how much she misses her ex, and she doesn't think she can make it without him. The song is a turn-around of the previous tracks heard on the album, which mostly dealt with getting over a boyfriend, or being in love with someone.
writes, "the featherweight kiss-off "Goodbye", which cannily samples one-off wonder Steam's 1969 sports-stadium staple, "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye". It likely helped the 19-year-old land a gig opening for Britney Spears' Circus tour beginning this August, though Exposeds airy, girlish pop – especially cotton-candy Casio grooves like "Future Love" and "Died in Your Eyes" – mostly recalls the female stars of her dad's era: Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Paula Abdul, and (coincidence?) Exposé.
Blues & Soul
states, Exposed "showcases the teenage Ms. DeBarge's personal journey of self-discovery through a variety of musical moods -ranging from the robust urban pop of 'Somebody' and furiously-driving 'Sabotage' to more soulful cuts like the hauntingly yearning 'Future Love', sexily undulating 'It's Gotta Be Love', and the sadly surging break-up anthem 'Cried Me a River'".
Newsday
states, "Exposed is the result of all that work, featuring her light, effortless vocals tackling a lot of sweet, pretty pop – much of which was written and/or produced by Babyface. No wonder it all seems pretty inevitable. DeBarge comes across as a streetwise Jordin Sparks with the stomping smash 'Goodbye' and the new, more dance-oriented Rihanna-esque single 'Sabotage'. But what really sets her apart are the first-rate ballads that she flutters across, from the lovelorn 'Disconnect', which anyone from Miley Cyrus to Whitney Houston would have fought to get on their albums, to the simple, quirky piano ballad 'Doesn't Everybody Want to Fall in Love' that is also destined to be a smash. She even makes the tender, almost sappy 'Died in Your Eyes' work for her. Exposed really does unveil DeBarge, who's set to open for Britney Spears this fall, as a complete package and a music marketer's dream – a teenager who can sing grown-up songs and make them feel young, and feel comfortable with everything from hip-hop to Celine Dion ballads. Her wait to break into the public eye is about to be so totally worth it".
People
praises DeBarge's album as "a winning debut, fresh and seemingly sun-kissed, makes her this summer's answer to Rihanna. The two share a similar vocal timbre and the same pop charms. First single 'Goodbye', an undeniable dance-pop confection, recalls Rihanna's 'S.O.S. (Rescue Me)', reworking Steam's 1969 hit 'Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye' much like 'S.O.S. (Rescue Me)' did 'Tainted Love'. Meanwhile, another Babyface-produced track, 'It's Gotta Be Love', slyly borrows from LL Cool J's 'I Need Love'. Digital Spy
praised DeBarge on a good first impression, though lacking top-notch material. "Her girlish vocals are committed and surprisingly soulful, only slipping into stage schooly mannerisms occasionally, and she's equally comfortable doing vulnerable on 'Died In Your Eyes', empowered on 'Powerless', or a combination of the two on 'Cried Me a River'. She shows real glimpses of potential here, and having spent five years together already, it's safe to presume that DeBarge and her mentor are in it for the long haul."
, and at number 14 on the Top Digital Albums chart. Exposed sold 16,539 copies in its first week of release. Despite a moderately successful start, the album quickly began descending the charts, and only spent a total of six weeks on the Billboard 200. Worldwide, the album failed to chart anywhere it was released. However, it was moderately successful in Mexico
.
to perform "Goodbye
". The same single was also performed live on The Wendy Williams Show
. During both performances, DeBarge was accompanied by several female back-up dancers. On June 18, the single was performed yet again on the reality dancing competition, So You Think You Can Dance
. The performance was met with mixed reviews, mainly due to the fact that DeBarge had lip-synced her way through the song. Oh No They Didn't mocked the performance. Neon Limelight praised the dancing performed during the performance, however, they were not thrilled with the lip-syncing, stating "It's just a major shame she did not perform the song live. The obvious lip syncing took some of the excitement away from the performance, which was cool and fun overall." DeBarge also began performing live in several stores and at city fairs, performing songs such as "Speak Up" and "Future Love
". At several of these shows, the ballads from the album were performed acoustically, with DeBarge singing along with one man playing a guitar behind her. DeBarge also performed several songs from the album at Jingle Ball
2009. During the performances, DeBarge had male back-up dancers in the background.
Aside from network appearances, DeBarge also opened up for pop singer Britney Spears
, during her 2009 world tour, The Circus Starring: Britney Spears
. Before starting the tour, DeBarge stated "Joining Britney Spears for her Circus tour will be an amazing and surreal experience for me," Kristinia said in a statement posted on Spears' site. "I have been dreaming of an opportunity like this forever, and can't wait." During the shows (DeBarge opened up for all of the North American shows) DeBarge performed "Goodbye", along with "Sabotage" and "Future Love".
" was released digitally on April 7, 2009, and was released for airplay on April 28. The single was met with generally positive reception upon its release. Goodbye was also met with commercial success in the US as well as in the international music market. In the United States, the single debuted at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and later reached a peak of number 15 on the chart. The song was also a hit on the Dance Music charts in the US, where it reached a peak of No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play
singles chart. Goodbye later went on to peak at number 90 on the Hot 100 Year End Chart. Outside of the US, the single performed moderately well. In Australia, the single failed to impact the main singles chart. However, it did reach a height of 16 on the Hitseekers chart, as well as number 41 on the Australian Airplay singles chart. In Sweden
, the single rose to a peak of 26 on the official singles chart. The single was also a success in Canada, where it reached a peak of number 15 on the Canadian Hot 100
. Initially, the second single from the album was set to be a double A-side release of "Sabotage
" and "Future Love
". However, plans for this were scrapped, and "Sabotage" would go on to be the second single from the album.
"Sabotage" was released as the second single from Exposed on August 18, 2009. A music video was released to promote the song on August 19, 2009. The single was met with positive reviews from critics, but commercially the single suffered, mostly due to lack of promotion. "Sabotage" is considered a commercial failure, as it failed to chart on any chart worldwide. The song did not receive a release in the United Kingdom. "Future Love" was released as the third US single on November 10, and as the second single in the UK on November 2, 2009. A remix has been made featuring rapper Pitbull, and the song has charted at number 25 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 in the US.
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer-songwriter Kristinia DeBarge
Kristinia DeBarge
Kristinia DeBarge is an American singer-songwriter. She first appeared on national television in 2003 as a contestant on the American Idol spin-off, American Juniors. In 2009, DeBarge signed a contract with the Island Records department Sodapop, releasing her debut album Exposed in July of the...
. It was released in the US on July 28, 2009, and later elsewhere in August 2009 by label imprint Sodapop Records in distribution with Island Records
Island Records
Island Records is a record label that was founded by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica. It was based in the United Kingdom for many years and is now owned by Universal Music Group...
. The album debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 with 16,539 copies sold the first week. DeBarge began recording the album in 2008, and had been writing the album since 2006. The album features production and writing from the likes of Babyface and OneRepublic
OneRepublic
OneRepublic is an American pop rock band from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by Ryan Tedder and Zach Filkins, the band achieved massive success on MySpace, becoming the most prominent unsigned act on the website then...
frontman Ryan Tedder
Ryan Tedder
Ryan Benjamin Tedder is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is best known as the frontman of the pop rock band, OneRepublic, though he has an independent career as songwriter and producer for various artists such as Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, Far East Movement, Jordin Sparks, Leona...
amongst others.
The album spawned three different singles. The first of these singles, titled "Goodbye
Goodbye (Kristinia DeBarge song)
"Goodbye" is the debut single from American recording artist Kristinia DeBarge from her debut studio album Exposed. It was released digitally in the United States on April 7, 2009, to U.S. radio on April 28, 2009, and in the UK on August 10, 2009. The song contains a sample of Steam's "Na Na Hey...
" has become DeBarge's biggest hit to date. The song reached the Top 20 in the Hot 100
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Canada, as well as the Australian Hitseekers Chart. It also charted fairly well in countries such as Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
. The second single was "Sabotage", which was released on August 18, 2009. Originally, the song was to be released along with "Future Love", however, those plans were scrapped, and "Sabotage" became the stand-alone second single. Despite the success of her previous single, "Sabotage" failed to chart on any chart worldwide. The third single, "Future Love
Future Love
"Future Love" was intended to be the first single from American boy band Varsity Fanclub from their eponymous debut album Varsity Fanclub. The album was originally due for release in January 2009 and then in May 2009. It was released digitally on iTunes on July 1, 2008.-Music Video:The music video...
" (featuring rapper Pitbull
Pitbull (rapper)
Armando Christian Pérez , better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. under TVT Records...
), was released on November 10, 2009. The single became her second consecutive single to miss out on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
singles chart, however, it did peak at number 25 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart.
Exposed received generally positive reviews from music critics, based on an aggregate score of 69/100 from Metacritic
Metacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
. The album received positive reviews from major critical websites, such as Blues & Soul
Blues & Soul
Blues & Soul is a British music magazine covering black music. Genres covered include soul, R&B, jazz, hip hop, reggae and world music. It was first published in 1966 and is known for first using the term Northern Soul....
, People Magazine
People (magazine)
In 1998, the magazine introduced a version targeted at teens called Teen People. However, on July 27, 2006, the company announced it would shut down publication of Teen People immediately. The last issue to be released was scheduled for September 2006. Subscribers to this magazine received...
, and AllMusic. On December 15, 2009, a deluxe edition of the album was released only on iTunes
ITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
, in an attempt to boost album sales. The deluxe edition features two remixes of "Goodbye" and "Sabotage", as well as the music video for the two songs. However, the deluxe edition failed to raise album sales, selling only 1,000 copies in its first week.
Background
With great variations between track themes, namely from the pain of breaking up in "Cried Me A River" to the excitement of falling in love in "Doesn't Everybody Want To Fall In Love", DeBarge has a personal connection to each song on the album:"I want to show people that they're not alone... I hurt, I get scared, I get nervous and I'm not always at my best – but I try my best. I'm not perfect. I make mistakes and that's okay."
The album includes two songs which DeBarge wrote herself: "Cried Me a River" and "It's Gotta Be Love". Other notable credits go to songwriter and producer Ryan Tedder
Ryan Tedder
Ryan Benjamin Tedder is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is best known as the frontman of the pop rock band, OneRepublic, though he has an independent career as songwriter and producer for various artists such as Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, Far East Movement, Jordin Sparks, Leona...
, who is best known for crafting Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis
Leona Louise Lewis is a British singer and songwriter. Lewis first came to prominence in 2006 when she won the third series of the British television series The X Factor....
' worldwide number one "Bleeding Love
Bleeding Love
"Bleeding Love" is a pop/R&B ballad co-written by Jesse McCartney and Ryan Tedder and produced by Tedder for British singer Leona Lewis's debut album, Spirit. The song is the album's lead single , released in the United Kingdom and Ireland in October 2007...
", Beyoncé Knowles's top 5 hit "Halo
Halo (Beyoncé Knowles song)
"Halo" is a song recorded by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles for her third studio album I Am... Sasha Fierce . Columbia Records released the song as the fourth single of the album, to mainstream radio in the United States on January 20, 2009. It was composed by Ryan Tedder, Evan Bogart, and...
" and Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks
Jordin Brianna Sparks is an American pop / R&B singer-songwriter and actress. She hails from Glendale, Arizona who rose to fame as the winner of the sixth season of American Idol. Sparks won when she was 17 years old, making her the youngest winner in Idol history...
' top 10 hit "Battlefield
Battlefield (song)
"Battlefield" is a song performed by American recording artist Jordin Sparks, taken from her second studio album of the same name. The song was written by Wayne Wilkins, Ryan Tedder, Louis Biancaniello and Sam Watters. It was released as the album's lead single in the United States on May 8, 2009...
". For this album he co-wrote and produced "Speak Up" as well as the single "Future Love", previously recorded and released in 2008 by American boyband Varsity Fanclub
Varsity Fanclub
Varsity Fanclub is a boy band from Los Angeles, California. Varsity Fanclub currently consists of David Lei Brandt, Drew Ryan Scott, Jayk Purdy, and T.C. Carter....
. Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds made the biggest contribution having worked on four songs: "Cried Me a River", "Doesn't Everybody Want to Fall in Love", "It's Gotta Be Love" and "Disconnect".
DeBarge began singing when she was 3 years old, but did not begin to take it seriously until she was 12. When she was 12, her father took her into a recording studio. They worked until 4 am recording a duet, which made her father realize that she was serious about beginning a singing career. During the summer of 2003, DeBarge was a contestant on the American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
spin-off, American Juniors. DeBarge progressed to the semifinal round of twenty contestants. She was featured in the first group of ten semifinalists and sang the song "Reflection
Reflection (song)
"Reflection" is a song featured on the soundtrack of the 1998 animated film Mulan, recorded by American recording artist Christina Aguilera. In the months before the recording of the track, Aguilera approached RCA, which gave her the chance to record the theme song to the film Mulan...
" from the Disney movie Mulan
Mulan
Mulan is a 1998 American animated film directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, with story by Robert D. San Souci and screenplay by Rita Hsiao, Philip LaZebnik, Chris Sanders, Eugenia Bostwick-Singer, and Raymond Singer. It was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney...
. However, she was not one of the five to progress from that group into the final ten. Due to her performance on the show, several producers began to consider DeBarge to be added to their label. At 14, DeBarge was introduced to Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. She worked with him for five years and, two days before her nineteenth birthday, signed to a new division of Island Def Jam Records founded by Edmonds and Jeff Burroughs called Sodapop Records, and immediately began working on Exposed.
Composition
The music found on Exposed is primarily R&B, as well as pop and dance. J!-ENT described the songs on the album, stating "The first track 'Somebody' features a collaboration with Mel & Mus (who produced the track and does the music) and for the most part, a catchy dance track. The second track 'Future Love' a cover of the boy band – Varsity Fanclub's popular track features a more pop with a slight more upbeat tempo than the original. This track is her second single (along with 'Sabotage', as a double-A sided single). The third track features the ballad 'Speak Up' feature a collaboration with producer Ryan Tedder (who also provides the music). An awesome track showcasing Kristinia's vocals. Well done! The fourth track 'Goodbye' is a Babyface track. Overall, an upbeat, addictive track utilizing the classic 1969 Steam track 'Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye'. A wonderful debut single for Kristinia. The fifth track 'Sabotage' is Kristinia's second double-A sided single (along with 'Future Love') and features a track produced by The Jam (Mike Mani and Jordan Omley). An upbeat pop track. One of my favorite tracks on the album is 'Died In Your Eyes' (the sixth track) produced by the Jam. The chorus instantly hooks you with Kristinia’s beautiful vocals. The seventh track 'Powerless' produced by RADIO and The JAM. Featuring a Rihanna-ish style of track. But overall, a well-produced, upbeat track. The eighth track 'Cried Me a River' features a Babyface & Preach produced upbeat ballad. Another catchy track. The ninth track 'Doesn't Everybody Want to Fall in Love' features a Babyface & Preach produced track. Another irresistible pop track. The tenth track 'It's Gotta Be Love' features a Babyface produced track. A commercial, smooth R&B track. In a way, a combination of modern R&B and almost 90′s old school style of music, but overall a solid track. The final track on the album is 'Disconnect' featuring a Babyface produced track. A ballad featuring a mid-tempo track with a deep beat."Lyrically, the album deals mainly with the topics of romance. The first track on the album, "Somebody", features DeBarge singing about how she got over her ex, and has now found someone better. Throughout the song, she talks of how good it feels "to be loved by somebody". The second track, Future Love
Future Love
"Future Love" was intended to be the first single from American boy band Varsity Fanclub from their eponymous debut album Varsity Fanclub. The album was originally due for release in January 2009 and then in May 2009. It was released digitally on iTunes on July 1, 2008.-Music Video:The music video...
, features DeBarge singing of a love that will occur in the future. "Speak Up", the third track on the album, is a slowed down ballad that features DeBarge singing to her lover, telling him to "speak up" and tell her what his problems are. Throughout the song, she urges him to "speak up, because the silence is killing me". "Goodbye
Goodbye (Kristinia DeBarge song)
"Goodbye" is the debut single from American recording artist Kristinia DeBarge from her debut studio album Exposed. It was released digitally in the United States on April 7, 2009, to U.S. radio on April 28, 2009, and in the UK on August 10, 2009. The song contains a sample of Steam's "Na Na Hey...
" is the fourth song on the album. The single sees DeBarge singing to her recently ex-boyfriend and tells him that she's over him, and has her "single girl swag". The song also talks of DeBarge partying with her friends and finding a new man, in an attempt to get back at him. "Sabotage", the fifth song on the album, strays from the topic of love that was in all of the previous tracks. The song deals with DeBarge's "bad side" coming out, as she struggles to be the good girl everyone wants her to be. The sixth song on the album, "Died In Your Eyes", features DeBarge singing about how she knows her boyfriend has lied to her. The song speaks of the awkward silence that follows her discovery of this event. Although it is not stated in the song, it is presumably about an unfaithful boyfriend. "Powerless" is the seventh track Exposed, and lyrically speaks of DeBarge's ex who feels he is on top of the world. The song speaks of DeBarge informing him that "it's about to be lights out", and she's going to "leave you powerless". The eighth song on the album, "Cried Me a River", plays on the phrase "Cry Me a River", that influenced songs by artist such as Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
, amongst others. The lyrics of the song show DeBarge singing about how she "cried me a river" and got over her ex-boyfriend. The ninth song to be featured on Exposed is "Doesn't Everybody Wanna Fall In Love". Lyrically, the song speaks of DeBarge's longing for someone to love her, and she questions "Doesn't Everybody Wanna Fall In Love?". "It's Gotta Be Love" is the tenth song on the album, and features DeBarge singing about the many emotions her lover makes her feel, and declares that she is in love with him. "Disconnect" is the final track on the album, and shows a different side of DeBarge not heard on the album. The song shows DeBarge singing about how much she misses her ex, and she doesn't think she can make it without him. The song is a turn-around of the previous tracks heard on the album, which mostly dealt with getting over a boyfriend, or being in love with someone.
Reception
Critical reception
Exposed received generally positive reviews from music critics. AllMusic writes "Through and through, Exposed is an album directed at older tweens and teens, and it does tend to act its age, never presenting DeBarge as someone pretending to be any more wise or worldly than the average 19-year-old. Some of the material could use a shot of personality, but DeBarge is too relatable to deny. And though her voice has yet to fully develop and lacks the uniqueness running through her bloodline, it's clear she landed a major-label contract on the basis of her talent. Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
writes, "the featherweight kiss-off "Goodbye", which cannily samples one-off wonder Steam's 1969 sports-stadium staple, "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye". It likely helped the 19-year-old land a gig opening for Britney Spears' Circus tour beginning this August, though Exposeds airy, girlish pop – especially cotton-candy Casio grooves like "Future Love" and "Died in Your Eyes" – mostly recalls the female stars of her dad's era: Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Paula Abdul, and (coincidence?) Exposé.
Blues & Soul
Blues & Soul
Blues & Soul is a British music magazine covering black music. Genres covered include soul, R&B, jazz, hip hop, reggae and world music. It was first published in 1966 and is known for first using the term Northern Soul....
states, Exposed "showcases the teenage Ms. DeBarge's personal journey of self-discovery through a variety of musical moods -ranging from the robust urban pop of 'Somebody' and furiously-driving 'Sabotage' to more soulful cuts like the hauntingly yearning 'Future Love', sexily undulating 'It's Gotta Be Love', and the sadly surging break-up anthem 'Cried Me a River'".
Newsday
Newsday
Newsday is a daily American newspaper that primarily serves Nassau and Suffolk counties and the New York City borough of Queens on Long Island, although it is sold throughout the New York metropolitan area...
states, "Exposed is the result of all that work, featuring her light, effortless vocals tackling a lot of sweet, pretty pop – much of which was written and/or produced by Babyface. No wonder it all seems pretty inevitable. DeBarge comes across as a streetwise Jordin Sparks with the stomping smash 'Goodbye' and the new, more dance-oriented Rihanna-esque single 'Sabotage'. But what really sets her apart are the first-rate ballads that she flutters across, from the lovelorn 'Disconnect', which anyone from Miley Cyrus to Whitney Houston would have fought to get on their albums, to the simple, quirky piano ballad 'Doesn't Everybody Want to Fall in Love' that is also destined to be a smash. She even makes the tender, almost sappy 'Died in Your Eyes' work for her. Exposed really does unveil DeBarge, who's set to open for Britney Spears this fall, as a complete package and a music marketer's dream – a teenager who can sing grown-up songs and make them feel young, and feel comfortable with everything from hip-hop to Celine Dion ballads. Her wait to break into the public eye is about to be so totally worth it".
People
People (magazine)
In 1998, the magazine introduced a version targeted at teens called Teen People. However, on July 27, 2006, the company announced it would shut down publication of Teen People immediately. The last issue to be released was scheduled for September 2006. Subscribers to this magazine received...
praises DeBarge's album as "a winning debut, fresh and seemingly sun-kissed, makes her this summer's answer to Rihanna. The two share a similar vocal timbre and the same pop charms. First single 'Goodbye', an undeniable dance-pop confection, recalls Rihanna's 'S.O.S. (Rescue Me)', reworking Steam's 1969 hit 'Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye' much like 'S.O.S. (Rescue Me)' did 'Tainted Love'. Meanwhile, another Babyface-produced track, 'It's Gotta Be Love', slyly borrows from LL Cool J's 'I Need Love'. Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
praised DeBarge on a good first impression, though lacking top-notch material. "Her girlish vocals are committed and surprisingly soulful, only slipping into stage schooly mannerisms occasionally, and she's equally comfortable doing vulnerable on 'Died In Your Eyes', empowered on 'Powerless', or a combination of the two on 'Cried Me a River'. She shows real glimpses of potential here, and having spent five years together already, it's safe to presume that DeBarge and her mentor are in it for the long haul."
Commercial performance
Commercially, Exposed has not been as successful as the lead single. In the US, the album debuted at number 23 on the Billboard 200Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, and at number 14 on the Top Digital Albums chart. Exposed sold 16,539 copies in its first week of release. Despite a moderately successful start, the album quickly began descending the charts, and only spent a total of six weeks on the Billboard 200. Worldwide, the album failed to chart anywhere it was released. However, it was moderately successful in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
.
Promotion
DeBarge chose to promote the album mainly through live performances. Kristinia appeared on Live With Regis and KellyLive with Regis and Kelly
Live! with Kelly is a syndicated American television morning talk show, hosted by Kelly Ripa. The show has aired since 1983 in New York City and 1988 nationwide. Tony Pigg has been the show's announcer since its inception...
to perform "Goodbye
Goodbye (Kristinia DeBarge song)
"Goodbye" is the debut single from American recording artist Kristinia DeBarge from her debut studio album Exposed. It was released digitally in the United States on April 7, 2009, to U.S. radio on April 28, 2009, and in the UK on August 10, 2009. The song contains a sample of Steam's "Na Na Hey...
". The same single was also performed live on The Wendy Williams Show
The Wendy Williams Show
The Wendy Williams Show is a syndicated talk show hosted by Wendy Williams that premiered on July 14, 2008, as six-week sneak peek, in Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York City. The test run was picked up for a full season that began its run on July 13, 2009 in over 70% of the country in...
. During both performances, DeBarge was accompanied by several female back-up dancers. On June 18, the single was performed yet again on the reality dancing competition, So You Think You Can Dance
So You Think You Can Dance (U.S. TV series)
So You Think You Can Dance is an American dance competition and reality show that airs on Fox in the United States.The series first premiered on July 20, 2005, and was created by American Idol producers Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and is produced by 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions...
. The performance was met with mixed reviews, mainly due to the fact that DeBarge had lip-synced her way through the song. Oh No They Didn't mocked the performance. Neon Limelight praised the dancing performed during the performance, however, they were not thrilled with the lip-syncing, stating "It's just a major shame she did not perform the song live. The obvious lip syncing took some of the excitement away from the performance, which was cool and fun overall." DeBarge also began performing live in several stores and at city fairs, performing songs such as "Speak Up" and "Future Love
Future Love
"Future Love" was intended to be the first single from American boy band Varsity Fanclub from their eponymous debut album Varsity Fanclub. The album was originally due for release in January 2009 and then in May 2009. It was released digitally on iTunes on July 1, 2008.-Music Video:The music video...
". At several of these shows, the ballads from the album were performed acoustically, with DeBarge singing along with one man playing a guitar behind her. DeBarge also performed several songs from the album at Jingle Ball
Jingle Ball
Jingle Ball is an annual concert produced on by KIIS-FM radio station in Los Angeles. The concert series has been staged at various venues around southern California including the Shrine Auditorium and Staples Center in Los Angeles,and the Honda Center in Anaheim...
2009. During the performances, DeBarge had male back-up dancers in the background.
Aside from network appearances, DeBarge also opened up for pop singer Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, during her 2009 world tour, The Circus Starring: Britney Spears
The Circus Starring: Britney Spears
The Circus Starring Britney Spears was the sixth concert tour by American singer Britney Spears to promote her sixth studio album Circus. Rumors of a tour arose as early as October 2007, after Spears released her fifth studio album Blackout; however, it was cancelled due to unknown reasons...
. Before starting the tour, DeBarge stated "Joining Britney Spears for her Circus tour will be an amazing and surreal experience for me," Kristinia said in a statement posted on Spears' site. "I have been dreaming of an opportunity like this forever, and can't wait." During the shows (DeBarge opened up for all of the North American shows) DeBarge performed "Goodbye", along with "Sabotage" and "Future Love".
Singles
"GoodbyeGoodbye (Kristinia DeBarge song)
"Goodbye" is the debut single from American recording artist Kristinia DeBarge from her debut studio album Exposed. It was released digitally in the United States on April 7, 2009, to U.S. radio on April 28, 2009, and in the UK on August 10, 2009. The song contains a sample of Steam's "Na Na Hey...
" was released digitally on April 7, 2009, and was released for airplay on April 28. The single was met with generally positive reception upon its release. Goodbye was also met with commercial success in the US as well as in the international music market. In the United States, the single debuted at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and later reached a peak of number 15 on the chart. The song was also a hit on the Dance Music charts in the US, where it reached a peak of No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play
Hot Dance Club Play
The Hot Dance Club Songs chart is a weekly national survey of the songs that are most popular in U.S. dance clubs...
singles chart. Goodbye later went on to peak at number 90 on the Hot 100 Year End Chart. Outside of the US, the single performed moderately well. In Australia, the single failed to impact the main singles chart. However, it did reach a height of 16 on the Hitseekers chart, as well as number 41 on the Australian Airplay singles chart. In Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, the single rose to a peak of 26 on the official singles chart. The single was also a success in Canada, where it reached a peak of number 15 on the Canadian Hot 100
Canadian Hot 100
The Canadian Hot 100 is a music singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks songs in Canada. The chart debuted in the Billboard issue dated June 16, 2007 and was made available for the first time via their online services on June 7, 2007...
. Initially, the second single from the album was set to be a double A-side release of "Sabotage
Kristinia DeBarge
Kristinia DeBarge is an American singer-songwriter. She first appeared on national television in 2003 as a contestant on the American Idol spin-off, American Juniors. In 2009, DeBarge signed a contract with the Island Records department Sodapop, releasing her debut album Exposed in July of the...
" and "Future Love
Future Love
"Future Love" was intended to be the first single from American boy band Varsity Fanclub from their eponymous debut album Varsity Fanclub. The album was originally due for release in January 2009 and then in May 2009. It was released digitally on iTunes on July 1, 2008.-Music Video:The music video...
". However, plans for this were scrapped, and "Sabotage" would go on to be the second single from the album.
"Sabotage" was released as the second single from Exposed on August 18, 2009. A music video was released to promote the song on August 19, 2009. The single was met with positive reviews from critics, but commercially the single suffered, mostly due to lack of promotion. "Sabotage" is considered a commercial failure, as it failed to chart on any chart worldwide. The song did not receive a release in the United Kingdom. "Future Love" was released as the third US single on November 10, and as the second single in the UK on November 2, 2009. A remix has been made featuring rapper Pitbull, and the song has charted at number 25 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 in the US.
Standard Edition
- "Somebody" (M. Hough, R. Wouter, U. Yancey) – 3:26
- "Future LoveFuture Love"Future Love" was intended to be the first single from American boy band Varsity Fanclub from their eponymous debut album Varsity Fanclub. The album was originally due for release in January 2009 and then in May 2009. It was released digitally on iTunes on July 1, 2008.-Music Video:The music video...
" (Evan "Kidd" Bogart, Ryan TedderRyan TedderRyan Benjamin Tedder is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is best known as the frontman of the pop rock band, OneRepublic, though he has an independent career as songwriter and producer for various artists such as Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, Far East Movement, Jordin Sparks, Leona...
) – 3:23 - "Speak Up" (E. K. Bogart, R. Tedder) – 3:42
- "GoodbyeGoodbye (Kristinia DeBarge song)"Goodbye" is the debut single from American recording artist Kristinia DeBarge from her debut studio album Exposed. It was released digitally in the United States on April 7, 2009, to U.S. radio on April 28, 2009, and in the UK on August 10, 2009. The song contains a sample of Steam's "Na Na Hey...
" (E. Dawkins, G. DeCarlo, A. Dixon, D. Frashuer, P. Leka, A. Shropshire, D. Thomas) – 3:27 - "Sabotage" (E. K. Bogart, M. Mani, E. Nuri, J. Omley, D. Quinones) – 3:12
- "Died in Your Eyes" (D. Josiah, P. Sheyne, R. Westburg) – 3:46
- "Powerless" (T. Johnson, Tynisha KeliTynisha KeliTynisha Keli Soares , known by her stage name Tynisha Keli, is an American R&B and pop singer-songwriter, who has seen her greatest success in Japan....
, M. Mani, J. Omley) – 3:41 - "Cried Me a River" (K. DeBarge, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, R. Walton) – 4:21
- "Doesn't Everybody Want to Fall in Love" (Babyface, D. Simmons, R. Walton) – 3:40
- "It's Gotta Be Love" (K. DeBarge, Babyface, Anthony M. Jones, Roy Hamilton III B. Ervin, S. Ettinger, D. Pierce, D. Simon, J. Smith) – 3:07
- "Disconnect" (Babyface, R. Walton) – 4:01
Deluxe Edition
- "Goodbye (Mike Rizzo Funk Generation Radio Edit)" (iTunes Deluxe Edition Bonus Track) – 2:58
- "Sabotage (Cajjimere Ray Radio Edit)" (iTunes Deluxe Edition Bonus Track) – 3:42
- "Goodbye" (Music video) (iTunes Deluxe Edition Bonus Track) – 3:28
- "Sabotage" (Music video) (iTunes Deluxe Edition Bonus Track) – 3:21
Chart performance
| Chart (2009) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
23 |
| US Top Digital Albums | 14 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| United States | July 28, 2009 | Sodapop Records |
| United Kingdom | August 17, 2009 | Interscope Records Interscope Records Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:... |
| Poland | October 16, 2009 | Universal Music Universal Music Group Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations... |