Happiness (Alexis Jordan song)
Encyclopedia
"Happiness" is the debut single by American recording artist Alexis Jordan
. It is the lead single from her self-titled debut studio album
, released in the United States on September 7, 2010. The upbeat dance-pop
song was written by Stargate
, Deadmau5
, Autumn Rowe
, Petr Brdicko, with Stargate also handling production. The song is about finding love in yourself before finding it in someone else.
"Happiness" was generally well-received by many critics, with some complimenting Jordan's vocal abilities. In the United States, the song topped the Hot Dance Club Songs chart, giving Jordan her first number one on the chart. It has also charted in the top five in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. An accompanying music video, directed by Aggressive
sees Jordan being torn apart from her love interest. It was noted for its similarities to Kylie Minogue
's "Can't Get You Out of My Head
".
in 2006, Jordan began posting videos of herself singing cover songs on YouTube
, of which she later became a viral sensation for. After receiving a phone call from Stargate
, Jordan flew over to New York
to record a few songs with them. It was then announced in the press in March 2010 that she had signed to StarRoc
/Roc Nation
after Jay-Z
had noticed her in the studio with Stargate.
song, influenced by house music
. The song has a "simple, pleasant melody" and has been described as an "upbeat track tinged with full good electronica". Produced by Norwegian production team StarGate
, the song heavily samples Deadmau5
's "Brazil (2nd Edit)
". In explaining the song, Jordan revealed it is about "finding love in yourself before you find it in someone else, because a lot of people lose themselves when they fall in love, and they forget who they are, and that's what you've gotta do. You've gotta find someone who loves you for you". Songwriter Autumn Rowe has said in an interview that "Happiness" has an African influence.
awarded the song four stars and said "If Madonna
had put this out, it would be hailed as one of the best songs of her long and varied career. And she possibly would struggle to get the crystal purity of those top notes, which means Alexis is officially better than Madonna". Bill Lamb of About.com
praised the song for its "danceable beat" and "simple, pleasant melody" but also called the song an "insubstantial fluff" and that its "sound lacks any particular distinction". Kevin O'Donnell of NPR Music
called the song an "irresistible pop anthem" and said "this is disco music for a Disney audience — and, amazingly enough, it works".
Nick Levine of Digital Spy
awarded the song five stars, describing the song as a "tale of romantic regret, realisation and ultimately exultation". Andrew Butler of Pink Paper
magazine was impressed with the song, stating "It really does make you feel happy, through a mixture of its fabulously put together lyrics, infectious humming and danceable tunes". Emma Johnson of Liverpool Echo
called the song "one of the most infectious tracks of the year", while AOL Radio
named it the sixth top dance song of 2010.
's "Dirty Talk
". Also in the US, the song reached number one on the Hot Dance Airplay
chart. In the United Kingdom, the song debuted, and peaked, at #3 for the week ending November 13, 2010. It made its Irish debut at number thirty-six and peaked at number thirty-one. On the European Hot 100 Singles chart, "Happiness" reached number thirteen. In Australia, the song debuted on the ARIA Singles Chart
at number twenty-five on December 19, 2010, before peaking at number three in its sixth week on the chart. It has since been certified triple platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association
(ARIA) for sales of 210,000 units. In April 2011, the song reached number one for ten weeks in the Dutch Top 40
and at this moment the biggest hit of the year in the Dutch top 40 staying there for thirty weeks.
and premiered online on May 20, 2010. While being interviewed, Jordan described the video as "fun, colorful, and young. The video makes you want to dance. I wanted to do something unique. I want to be an artist that leaves a mark on the industry".
The video is set in a colorful city and has a futuristic theme to it. The storyline of the video begins with Jordan dropping off her boyfriend at a bus stop, as they appear to be breaking up. She is seen sitting in the backseat of her orange AMC Pacer
, and starts to sing the song's first verse, just as the wind begins to pick up, sliding her car and the bus stop, where her boyfriend is at, in opposite directions. Throughout the video, the city moves in motion. It is intercut with other scenes, including Jordan dancing with four other back-up dancers at a swimming pool, a man reading a newspaper while holding a Dalmatian
dog by its leash, and also a woman with a few shopping bags. During the car scenes, Jordan sees flashbacks of her boyfriend in the car's rear-view mirror. She later realises that he makes her happy and moves to the driver's seat, to stop the car. Jordan then reverses the car, sending her back to the bus stop.
Some critics compared the video to Kylie Minogue
's "Can't Get You Out of My Head
" clip, due to both videos having a futuristic theme, with similar car scenes. MTV
's Chris Ryan said "the video has a real "Can't Get You Out of My Head"/altered reality vibe to it, with everyday scenes played out with a dreamlike quality".
Alexis Jordan (singer)
Alexis Jordan is an American recording artist and actress from Columbia, South Carolina. Jordan rose to fame as a contestant on the first season of America's Got Talent in 2006. After being eliminated from the show, she began to upload cover songs to YouTube, which received millions of views...
. It is the lead single from her self-titled debut studio album
Alexis Jordan (album)
The album received mixed to positive reviews from most music critics with many comparing the sound of the album to Barbadian R&B recording artist Rihanna...
, released in the United States on September 7, 2010. The upbeat dance-pop
Dance-pop
Dance-pop is dance-oriented pop music that originated in the early 1980s. Developing from post-disco, it is generally up-tempo music intended for clubs with the intention of being danceable or merely dancey...
song was written by Stargate
Stargate (production team)
This is a list of songs written and produced by the Norwegian production team Stargate.-Produced singles:-1999:5ive - Invincible*05. "Two Sides to Every Story"*06. "You Make Me a Better Man"Noora Noor - Curious*01. "Curious"...
, Deadmau5
Deadmau5
Joel Thomas Zimmerman , better known by his stage name deadmau5 , is a Canadian progressive, electro, and house producer based in Toronto...
, Autumn Rowe
Autumn Rowe
Autumn Rowe is a New York based singer/songwriter who was born and raised in the Bronx. She honed her skills as part of the New York City Housing Authority Choir which also featured future hit songwriters, Claude Kelly and Lil Eddie, with whom Autumn established early friendships.Her formative...
, Petr Brdicko, with Stargate also handling production. The song is about finding love in yourself before finding it in someone else.
"Happiness" was generally well-received by many critics, with some complimenting Jordan's vocal abilities. In the United States, the song topped the Hot Dance Club Songs chart, giving Jordan her first number one on the chart. It has also charted in the top five in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. An accompanying music video, directed by Aggressive
Aggressive (film director)
Aggressive is a New York based Grammy Award-winning music video directing team of Alex Topaller and Daniel Shapiro.To date, Aggressive has directed music videos for Michael Jackson, Stone Temple Pilots, Juanes, Megadeth, Bloc Party, The Click Five, Kerli, Black Label Society, Hoobastank, Killswitch...
sees Jordan being torn apart from her love interest. It was noted for its similarities to Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Ann Minogue, OBE - often known simply as Kylie - is an Australian singer, recording artist, songwriter, and actress. After beginning her career as a child actress on Australian television, she achieved recognition through her role in the television soap opera Neighbours, before commencing...
's "Can't Get You Out of My Head
Can't Get You out of My Head
"Can't Get You Out of My Head" is a song by Australian recording artist and songwriter Kylie Minogue, which was released from her eighth studio album Fever . The song was released worldwide as the lead single from the album, which was released on 8 September, 2001. The song was written and produced...
".
Background
After being eliminated from the first season of America's Got TalentAmerica's Got Talent (season 3)
The third season of America's Got Talent, an American television reality show talent competition, premiered on MediaCorp Channel 5 on September 3, 2008. Opera singer Neal E. Boyd was named the winner on January 28, 2009....
in 2006, Jordan began posting videos of herself singing cover songs on YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
, of which she later became a viral sensation for. After receiving a phone call from Stargate
Stargate (production team)
This is a list of songs written and produced by the Norwegian production team Stargate.-Produced singles:-1999:5ive - Invincible*05. "Two Sides to Every Story"*06. "You Make Me a Better Man"Noora Noor - Curious*01. "Curious"...
, Jordan flew over to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
to record a few songs with them. It was then announced in the press in March 2010 that she had signed to StarRoc
StarRoc
StarRoc is an American record label and music publishing company. It was founded in 2008 by American hip hop artist Jay-Z and Norwegian songwriters-producers Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen of the production duo Stargate. The label is a 50/50 partnership between Stargate and Jay-Z's Roc...
/Roc Nation
Roc Nation
Roc Nation is an American management, music publishing and entertainment company founded by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.-History:In April 2008, Live Nation partnered with Jay-Z to create Roc Nation...
after Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
had noticed her in the studio with Stargate.
Composition
"Happiness" is an upbeat dance-popDance-pop
Dance-pop is dance-oriented pop music that originated in the early 1980s. Developing from post-disco, it is generally up-tempo music intended for clubs with the intention of being danceable or merely dancey...
song, influenced by house music
House music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
. The song has a "simple, pleasant melody" and has been described as an "upbeat track tinged with full good electronica". Produced by Norwegian production team StarGate
Stargate (production team)
This is a list of songs written and produced by the Norwegian production team Stargate.-Produced singles:-1999:5ive - Invincible*05. "Two Sides to Every Story"*06. "You Make Me a Better Man"Noora Noor - Curious*01. "Curious"...
, the song heavily samples Deadmau5
Deadmau5
Joel Thomas Zimmerman , better known by his stage name deadmau5 , is a Canadian progressive, electro, and house producer based in Toronto...
's "Brazil (2nd Edit)
Random Album Title
-Mixed :****-Unmixed :...
". In explaining the song, Jordan revealed it is about "finding love in yourself before you find it in someone else, because a lot of people lose themselves when they fall in love, and they forget who they are, and that's what you've gotta do. You've gotta find someone who loves you for you". Songwriter Autumn Rowe has said in an interview that "Happiness" has an African influence.
Critical reception
Fraser McAlpine of BBC MusicBBC Music
BBC Music is a team working in the department of Audio and Music Interactive at the BBC. Responsible for the BBC Music website - the portal site to music content across the BBC website....
awarded the song four stars and said "If Madonna
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
had put this out, it would be hailed as one of the best songs of her long and varied career. And she possibly would struggle to get the crystal purity of those top notes, which means Alexis is officially better than Madonna". Bill Lamb of About.com
About.com
About.com is an online source for original information and advice. It is written in English, and is aimed primarily at North Americans. It is owned by The New York Times Company....
praised the song for its "danceable beat" and "simple, pleasant melody" but also called the song an "insubstantial fluff" and that its "sound lacks any particular distinction". Kevin O'Donnell of NPR Music
NPR Music
NPR Music launched in November 2007 to present public radio music programming and original editorial content for music discovery. The Web site is a project of National Public Radio, a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to 797...
called the song an "irresistible pop anthem" and said "this is disco music for a Disney audience — and, amazingly enough, it works".
Nick Levine of 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....
awarded the song five stars, describing the song as a "tale of romantic regret, realisation and ultimately exultation". Andrew Butler of Pink Paper
Pink Paper
The Pink Paper is a UK publication covering gay and lesbian issues. Founded in 1987 as a newspaper, since June 2009 it has been available only on the Internet....
magazine was impressed with the song, stating "It really does make you feel happy, through a mixture of its fabulously put together lyrics, infectious humming and danceable tunes". Emma Johnson of Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
The Liverpool Echo is a newspaper published by Trinity Mirror in Liverpool, Merseyside, England. It is published Monday to Saturday, and is Liverpool's evening newspaper while its sister paper, the Liverpool Daily Post, is the morning paper...
called the song "one of the most infectious tracks of the year", while AOL Radio
AOL Radio
AOL Radio powered by Slacker, , is an online radio service available only in the United States.- Roots :...
named it the sixth top dance song of 2010.
Chart performance
In the United States, "Happiness" debuted on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart at number forty. It climbed the chart in subsequent weeks and peaked at the top position for the week, July 17, 2010. The song held the position for one week before losing it to Wynter GordonWynter Gordon
Diana "Wynter" Gordon is an American pop/dance singer-songwriter. She began as a writer for other artists, later signing with Atlantic Records where she began working on an album while continuing to write songs for other acts and providing vocals on songs...
's "Dirty Talk
Dirty Talk (song)
"Dirty Talk" is a song by American recording artist Wynter Gordon, taken from her debut studio album, With The Music I Die. It was released in the United States on February 17, 2010. The song was written by Gordon, Michael Caren, Gregory Ferguson, Nicole Morier and Norman White and produced by...
". Also in the US, the song reached number one on the Hot Dance Airplay
Hot Dance Airplay
Dance/Mix Show Airplay is a monitored electronic dance music radio chart that is featured weekly in Billboard magazine. The chart came about as a result of the small but influential impact of electronic dance music on the radio in the United States and the stations that program it...
chart. In the United Kingdom, the song debuted, and peaked, at #3 for the week ending November 13, 2010. It made its Irish debut at number thirty-six and peaked at number thirty-one. On the European Hot 100 Singles chart, "Happiness" reached number thirteen. In Australia, the song debuted on the ARIA Singles Chart
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
at number twenty-five on December 19, 2010, before peaking at number three in its sixth week on the chart. It has since been certified triple platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
(ARIA) for sales of 210,000 units. In April 2011, the song reached number one for ten weeks in the Dutch Top 40
Dutch Top 40
The Dutch Top 40 is a weekly music chart, which started as the "Veronica Top 40", because the offshore radio station Radio Veronica was the first to introduce it. It remained "The Veronica Top 40" until 1974, when the station was forced to stop broadcasting...
and at this moment the biggest hit of the year in the Dutch top 40 staying there for thirty weeks.
Music video
The music video for "Happiness" was directed by AggressiveAggressive (film director)
Aggressive is a New York based Grammy Award-winning music video directing team of Alex Topaller and Daniel Shapiro.To date, Aggressive has directed music videos for Michael Jackson, Stone Temple Pilots, Juanes, Megadeth, Bloc Party, The Click Five, Kerli, Black Label Society, Hoobastank, Killswitch...
and premiered online on May 20, 2010. While being interviewed, Jordan described the video as "fun, colorful, and young. The video makes you want to dance. I wanted to do something unique. I want to be an artist that leaves a mark on the industry".
The video is set in a colorful city and has a futuristic theme to it. The storyline of the video begins with Jordan dropping off her boyfriend at a bus stop, as they appear to be breaking up. She is seen sitting in the backseat of her orange AMC Pacer
AMC Pacer
The AMC Pacer is a two-door compact automobile produced in the United States by the American Motors Corporation between 1975 and 1980.Its initial design idea was started in 1971. The car's unusual rounded shape with massive glass area greatly contrasted with the three-box architecture with "square,...
, and starts to sing the song's first verse, just as the wind begins to pick up, sliding her car and the bus stop, where her boyfriend is at, in opposite directions. Throughout the video, the city moves in motion. It is intercut with other scenes, including Jordan dancing with four other back-up dancers at a swimming pool, a man reading a newspaper while holding a Dalmatian
Dalmatian (dog)
The Dalmatian is a breed of dog whose roots are often said to trace back to Dalmatia, a region of Croatia where the first illustrations of the dog have been found. The Dalmatian is noted for its unique black- or brown-spotted coat and was mainly used as a carriage dog in its early days...
dog by its leash, and also a woman with a few shopping bags. During the car scenes, Jordan sees flashbacks of her boyfriend in the car's rear-view mirror. She later realises that he makes her happy and moves to the driver's seat, to stop the car. Jordan then reverses the car, sending her back to the bus stop.
Some critics compared the video to Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Ann Minogue, OBE - often known simply as Kylie - is an Australian singer, recording artist, songwriter, and actress. After beginning her career as a child actress on Australian television, she achieved recognition through her role in the television soap opera Neighbours, before commencing...
's "Can't Get You Out of My Head
Can't Get You out of My Head
"Can't Get You Out of My Head" is a song by Australian recording artist and songwriter Kylie Minogue, which was released from her eighth studio album Fever . The song was released worldwide as the lead single from the album, which was released on 8 September, 2001. The song was written and produced...
" clip, due to both videos having a futuristic theme, with similar car scenes. MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
's Chris Ryan said "the video has a real "Can't Get You Out of My Head"/altered reality vibe to it, with everyday scenes played out with a dreamlike quality".
Track listings
- Digital download
- "Happiness" – 4:03
- UK and Ireland digital EPExtended playAn EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
- "Happiness" – 4:03
- "Happiness" (Michael Woods Remix) – 7:42
- "Happiness" (WideboysWideboysThe Wideboys are UK house, Bassline and UK garage Record producers and remixers.The Wideboys are managed by Matt Waterhouse from MWR/Hyperactive. In 2008, they signed to Sony ATV Music Publishing. Prior to this, The Wideboys had been signed in various deals with the likes of Warner, Univeral and...
Club Mix) – 5:35 - "Happiness" (Dave AudeDave AudéDave Audé is a Grammy nominated producer, house DJ, and remixer. He has done production for musicians such as KoЯn, t.A.T.u., DJ Keoki, Barenaked Ladies, Faith No More, Cause and Effect, Hilary Duff, Wanessa, Ashley Tisdale, The Pussycat Dolls, Lady Gaga, Lunascape, Madonna, Britney Spears, CeCe...
Club Mix) – 8:38
- US Remixes EP
- "Happiness" (Jump Smokers Extended Mix) – 4:12
- "Happiness" (Wideboys Club Mix) – 5:35
- "Happiness" (Dave Aude Club Mix) – 8:38
- Australia and New Zealand digital EP
- "Happiness" – 4:03
- "Happiness" (Wideboys Radio Edit) – 4:08
- "Happiness" (Jump Smokers Radio Edit) – 3:47
- Germany CD single
- "Happiness" – 4:03
- "Happiness" (Dave Audé Radio Edit) – 4:19
- Happiness (Dave Audé Remix) [Radio Edit] - Single
- "Happiness" (Dave Audé Remix) [Radio Edit] - 3:24
Charts and certifications
| Chart (2010–11) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| European Hot 100 Singles | 13 |
| Poland (ZPAV Polish Music Charts The Polish Music Charts are two official album charts and seven singles charts in Poland, provided by ZPAV, the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . The first, the Top 100, is a monthly chart based on data received from the album companies... ) |
2 |
| Poland (Dance Top 50 Polish Music Charts The Polish Music Charts are two official album charts and seven singles charts in Poland, provided by ZPAV, the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . The first, the Top 100, is a monthly chart based on data received from the album companies... ) |
19 |
| US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard Billboard (magazine) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... ) |
1 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2010) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard) | 9 |
Certifications
Release history
| Country | Date | Format † | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | September 7, 2010 | Remix EP Extended play An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact... |
StarRoc StarRoc StarRoc is an American record label and music publishing company. It was founded in 2008 by American hip hop artist Jay-Z and Norwegian songwriters-producers Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen of the production duo Stargate. The label is a 50/50 partnership between Stargate and Jay-Z's Roc... , Roc Nation Roc Nation Roc Nation is an American management, music publishing and entertainment company founded by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.-History:In April 2008, Live Nation partnered with Jay-Z to create Roc Nation... |
| Ireland | October 29, 2010 | Main version, extended play | Sony Music |
| United Kingdom | |||
| Australia | December 10, 2010 | Extended play | |
| New Zealand | |||
| Germany | March 18, 2011 | CD single | |
| July 15, 2011 | CD single (Dave Audé Mix) |
- † All releases are via digital downloadMusic downloadA music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...
unless otherwise stated.
See also
- List of Dutch Top 40 number-one singles of 2011
- List of number-one dance singles of 2010 (U.S.)
- List of number-one dance airplay hits of 2010 (U.S.)