Speechless (Ciara song)
Encyclopedia
"Speechless" is a song by American recording artist Ciara
. The song was written by Ciara, The-Dream
, and Tricky Stewart, with the latter two producing the song as well. Taken from her fourth studio album Basic Instinct
, the song serves as the second single from the album. It was released in the United States as a digital download on September 7, 2010, and in several European countries was the second of a double A-side with third single "Gimmie Dat
." Tricky Stewart originally confirmed the song as a Basic Instinct track in September 2009. The-Dream, who composed the track, was featured on the version that leaked in March 2010. However, on the final cut, the song was performed by Ciara only, with background vocals performed by American songwriter, gospel singer and session artist Lauren Evans
.
"Speechless" is a mid-tempo R&B
love song, which utilizes synthesized trumpets and horns as a backdrop. The lyrical content of the song centers around the protagonist saying they need more time to confess how perfect their significant other is. The song's accompanying music video, directed by Colin Tilley, features Ciara in a menagerie of scenes. The single had no direct promotion, and reached seventy-six on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
.
that he and The-Dream
had spent the entire summer with Ciara working on her upcoming fourth studio album. He also named "Speechless" as one of two songs he hoped would appear on the album. The album version of the song leaked in March 2010, featuring vocals from The-Dream. However, following the release of its single cover on August 18, 2010, it was confirmed that the song would feature only Ciara. It was also revealed that The-Dream will not be featured on the album version of the song when the official tracklisting of Basic Instinct was revealed. On the final cut, American songwriter, gospel singer, and session vocalist Lauren Evans
performs background vocals.
"Speechless" is a midtempo, R&B
love song, featuring trumpet
-sounding synths. Andy Kellman of Allmusic said that the song works a "slow motion glide" and that Ciara's voice "hovers in a love-struck daze." The lyrical content of the song consists of the protagonist confesses how perfect her significant other is, and that they need extra time to confess this, such as lines like "I'd need an extra month on the year, one extra holiday just to kiss you all over your face."
writer noted the song as a standout track from the album. Ed Easton, Jr. of WXRK said the song "reminds all her fans that she can actually sing and be taken seriously as an actual artist rather than an over-hyped dancer." As one of the album's "emotionally demanding cuts," Ken Capobianco of Boston Globe said that the song "lacked conviction." Becky Bain of Idolator was less than enthusiastic of the song, commenting, "basically, we’re speechless, too, but only because we can’t find much to rave about." Bain also called the synth-beat generic and "run-of-the-mill," comparing it to her "Love Sex Magic
."
"Speechless" debuted on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
chart at number ninety-one on the week of September 18, 2010. It went on to peak at number seventy-six. The song was featured as the one of the A-sides for "Gimmie Dat", in the UK, where the latter peaked at number 111 on the UK Singles chart.
on September 10, 2010 by Colin Tilley. It chronicles Ciara in a menagerie of settings, in the mountains, a mansion, a reflection pool, and a warehouse. The minimalistic clip sees numerous wardrobe changes, and unlike typical Ciara videos, it does not highlight dance aspects. Several outfits she dons include low-riding jeans and a shirt which reveals her abs. Becky Bain of Idolator compared Ciara to Janet Jackson
in the clip, noting Ciara's "oversized top and comfy jeans" to Jackson in "Again
" and "Love Will Never Do." Bain positively reviewed the clip, stating, "It's a safe video, for sure, but oh-so nice to look at." A Rap-Up
writer stated "after watching the grown 'n' sexy new Colin Tilley-directed video from Ciara, you're guaranteed to be left 'Speechless.'" Although he appreciated Ciara for lowering down the sex appeal and relying on her vocals, Ed Easton, Jr. of WXRK gave the video seven of ten stars, and said that it was not enough to put Ciara "ahead of all the talented musical divas in the industry." Easton went on to say that "the video is not meant to be over-sexual but still gives us an intimate feel to the singer that, in the long run, may even garner better responses among all age demographics." He also complimented the video as a whole saying, "The shots of Ciara are stunning and she is shown to be serious about her quest for love from a special someone."
Source
Ciara
Ciara Princess Harris , known mononymously as Ciara, is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and fashion model. Born in Austin, Texas, she traveled around the world during her childhood, only to land in Atlanta, Georgia where she met music producer, Jazze Pha...
. The song was written by Ciara, The-Dream
The-Dream
Terius Youngdell Nash , better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for co-writing "Umbrella" for Rihanna and "Single Ladies " for Beyoncé, as well as for his three solo albums, Love Hate, Love vs...
, and Tricky Stewart, with the latter two producing the song as well. Taken from her fourth studio album Basic Instinct
Basic Instinct (album)
Basic Instinct is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Ciara, released from December 10, 2010 by LaFace Records . Executively produced by A&R agent Mark Pitts, Ciara, Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, Basic Instinct returnes Ciara to her urban roots with mid-tempo R&B cuts and...
, the song serves as the second single from the album. It was released in the United States as a digital download on September 7, 2010, and in several European countries was the second of a double A-side with third single "Gimmie Dat
Gimmie Dat
"Gimmie Dat" is a song by American recording artist Ciara. The song was written by Ciara, along with its two producers Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Kenneth "Soundz" Coby for her fourth studio album, Basic Instinct . "Gimmie Dat" is an uptempo dance song, featuring speedy, kinetic beats and a...
." Tricky Stewart originally confirmed the song as a Basic Instinct track in September 2009. The-Dream, who composed the track, was featured on the version that leaked in March 2010. However, on the final cut, the song was performed by Ciara only, with background vocals performed by American songwriter, gospel singer and session artist Lauren Evans
Lauren Evans
Lauren Evans is an American singer/songwriter responsible for penning hits by Alexandra Burke and Jordin Sparks.-Early life and career:Lauren Evans grew up in San Bernardino, CA, the daughter of a worship pastor, John Evans, of Maranatha! Music and Promise Keepers. She recorded several popular...
.
"Speechless" is a mid-tempo R&B
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...
love song, which utilizes synthesized trumpets and horns as a backdrop. The lyrical content of the song centers around the protagonist saying they need more time to confess how perfect their significant other is. The song's accompanying music video, directed by Colin Tilley, features Ciara in a menagerie of scenes. The single had no direct promotion, and reached seventy-six on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
.
Background and composition
In September 2009, Tricky Stewart, confirmed via Rap-UpRap-Up
Rap-Up is a magazine launched in 2001 by founder Devin Lazerine. The publication was originally a website devoted to hip hop, until Lazerine decided to pitch the possibility of a magazine to several publishers. The magazine is focused on the hip hop and R&B aspect of the music industry, and...
that he and The-Dream
The-Dream
Terius Youngdell Nash , better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for co-writing "Umbrella" for Rihanna and "Single Ladies " for Beyoncé, as well as for his three solo albums, Love Hate, Love vs...
had spent the entire summer with Ciara working on her upcoming fourth studio album. He also named "Speechless" as one of two songs he hoped would appear on the album. The album version of the song leaked in March 2010, featuring vocals from The-Dream. However, following the release of its single cover on August 18, 2010, it was confirmed that the song would feature only Ciara. It was also revealed that The-Dream will not be featured on the album version of the song when the official tracklisting of Basic Instinct was revealed. On the final cut, American songwriter, gospel singer, and session vocalist Lauren Evans
Lauren Evans
Lauren Evans is an American singer/songwriter responsible for penning hits by Alexandra Burke and Jordin Sparks.-Early life and career:Lauren Evans grew up in San Bernardino, CA, the daughter of a worship pastor, John Evans, of Maranatha! Music and Promise Keepers. She recorded several popular...
performs background vocals.
"Speechless" is a midtempo, R&B
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...
love song, featuring trumpet
Trumpet
The trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
-sounding synths. Andy Kellman of Allmusic said that the song works a "slow motion glide" and that Ciara's voice "hovers in a love-struck daze." The lyrical content of the song consists of the protagonist confesses how perfect her significant other is, and that they need extra time to confess this, such as lines like "I'd need an extra month on the year, one extra holiday just to kiss you all over your face."
Reception
Praising the production of The-Dream and Tricky Stewart on the album, Matthew Horton of BBC Music called the song "crisp" and said that it was a "trim, anthemic synth ballad." Noting it as one of their choice picks from the album, Andy Kellman of Allmusic called the song "euphoric" and was the best of The-Dream and Tricky's seven songs on the album. A Rap-UpRap-Up
Rap-Up is a magazine launched in 2001 by founder Devin Lazerine. The publication was originally a website devoted to hip hop, until Lazerine decided to pitch the possibility of a magazine to several publishers. The magazine is focused on the hip hop and R&B aspect of the music industry, and...
writer noted the song as a standout track from the album. Ed Easton, Jr. of WXRK said the song "reminds all her fans that she can actually sing and be taken seriously as an actual artist rather than an over-hyped dancer." As one of the album's "emotionally demanding cuts," Ken Capobianco of Boston Globe said that the song "lacked conviction." Becky Bain of Idolator was less than enthusiastic of the song, commenting, "basically, we’re speechless, too, but only because we can’t find much to rave about." Bain also called the synth-beat generic and "run-of-the-mill," comparing it to her "Love Sex Magic
Love Sex Magic
"Love Sex Magic" is a song performed by American recording artist Ciara, taken from her third studio album, Fantasy Ride. Featuring fellow American recording artist Justin Timberlake, the song was written by Timberlake and his production team The Y's, as well as Ciara and Mike Elizondo. The Y's and...
."
"Speechless" debuted on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart at number ninety-one on the week of September 18, 2010. It went on to peak at number seventy-six. The song was featured as the one of the A-sides for "Gimmie Dat", in the UK, where the latter peaked at number 111 on the UK Singles chart.
Music video
The video was directed in Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
on September 10, 2010 by Colin Tilley. It chronicles Ciara in a menagerie of settings, in the mountains, a mansion, a reflection pool, and a warehouse. The minimalistic clip sees numerous wardrobe changes, and unlike typical Ciara videos, it does not highlight dance aspects. Several outfits she dons include low-riding jeans and a shirt which reveals her abs. Becky Bain of Idolator compared Ciara to Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
in the clip, noting Ciara's "oversized top and comfy jeans" to Jackson in "Again
Again (Janet Jackson song)
"Again" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album, janet. . Written and produced by Jackson, James Harris III, and Terry Lewis, the ballad was released as the album's third single in October 1993. "Again" topped the U.S...
" and "Love Will Never Do." Bain positively reviewed the clip, stating, "It's a safe video, for sure, but oh-so nice to look at." A Rap-Up
Rap-Up
Rap-Up is a magazine launched in 2001 by founder Devin Lazerine. The publication was originally a website devoted to hip hop, until Lazerine decided to pitch the possibility of a magazine to several publishers. The magazine is focused on the hip hop and R&B aspect of the music industry, and...
writer stated "after watching the grown 'n' sexy new Colin Tilley-directed video from Ciara, you're guaranteed to be left 'Speechless.'" Although he appreciated Ciara for lowering down the sex appeal and relying on her vocals, Ed Easton, Jr. of WXRK gave the video seven of ten stars, and said that it was not enough to put Ciara "ahead of all the talented musical divas in the industry." Easton went on to say that "the video is not meant to be over-sexual but still gives us an intimate feel to the singer that, in the long run, may even garner better responses among all age demographics." He also complimented the video as a whole saying, "The shots of Ciara are stunning and she is shown to be serious about her quest for love from a special someone."
Track listing
-
- US Digital download
- "Speechless" – 4:10
-
- European Double A-Side single – Gimmie Dat / Speechless
- "Gimmie Dat" – 4:12
- "Speechless" – 4:10
-
- EP – Gimmie Dat / Speechless (Europe, Canada, Australia, UK)
- "Gimmie Dat" – 4:12
- "Speechless" – 4:10
- "Gimmie Dat" (music video) – 4:18
- "Speechless" (music video) – 4:11
Credits and personnel
- Songwriting – Ciara Princess Harris, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart
- ProductionRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
– The-Dream, Tricky Stewart - Vocal recording and production – Kuk HarrellKuk HarrellThaddis "Kuk" Harrell is an American songwriter, vocal producer, arranger and engineer. He is managed by RedZone Entertainment, and is a member of a songwriting–production team composed of himself, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Terius "The Dream" Nash...
- Background vocals – Lauren EvansLauren EvansLauren Evans is an American singer/songwriter responsible for penning hits by Alexandra Burke and Jordin Sparks.-Early life and career:Lauren Evans grew up in San Bernardino, CA, the daughter of a worship pastor, John Evans, of Maranatha! Music and Promise Keepers. She recorded several popular...
- MixingAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
– Jaycen JoshuaJaycen JoshuaJaycen Joshua is a Grammy Award winning mix engineer who works at Larrabee Sound Studios in North Hollywood, California. Joshua started his Mix career In 2006 when he became partners with his mentor Dave Pensado thus forming The Penua Project. In his young career, Joshua has won a Grammy as mix... - EngineeringAudio engineeringAn audio engineer, also called audio technician, audio technologist or sound technician, is a specialist in a skilled trade that deals with the use of machinery and equipment for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sounds. The field draws on many artistic and vocational areas, including...
– Brian "B-LUV" Thomas, Pat Thrall, Andrew Wuepper, assisted by Luis Navarro, Randy Urbanski, Zachariah Redding, Jason Sherwood, Steven Dennis.
Source
Charts
| Chart (2010) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US R&B/Hip-Hop 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... ) |
76 |
Release history
| Region | Format | Date | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Digital download Music download A 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... |
September 7, 2010 | LaFace Records LaFace Records LaFace Records is an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment.-Company history:LaFace was formed in 1989 as a joint venture between the producing duo Antonio "L.A." Reid & Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, and Arista Records. The combined nicknames of the duo's successful... |
| Canada | September 21, 2010 | Sony Music Entertainment Sony Music Entertainment Sony Music Entertainment ' is the second-largest global recorded music company of the "big four" record companies and is controlled by Sony Corporation of America, the United States subsidiary of Japan's Sony Corporation.... |
|
| Netherlands | September 24, 2010 | ||
| Sweden | |||
| Finland | September 27, 2010 | ||
| France | |||
| Norway | |||
| Italy | October 1, 2010 | ||
| Austria | October 8, 2010 | ||
| Ireland | |||
| Germany | October 15, 2010 |