Promise This

"Promise This"
Single by Cheryl Cole
from the album Messy Little Raindrops
Released 24 October 2010 (2010-10-24)
Format CD single, digital download
Recorded 2010; Sub Zero Studios, Santa Monica, California
Genre Dance-pop
Length 3:23
Label Fascination
Writer(s) Priscilla Hamilton, Wayne Wilkins, Christopher Jackson
Producer Wayne Wilkins
Cheryl Cole singles chronology
"Parachute"
(2010)		 "Promise This"
(2010)		 "The Flood"
(2011)

"Promise This" is a song by British recording artist Cheryl Cole, taken from her second studio album Messy Little Raindrops. It was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland as the album's lead single on 24 October 2010 by Fascination Records. The up-tempo dance-pop song was written by American songwriter Priscilla Hamilton, British music producer Wayne Wilkins, and Christopher Jackson and produced by Wilkins. The lyrics to "Promise This" reference Cole's personal life and relationships, as well as incorporating the French language. The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics.

The single's release came in the aftermath of a public divorce from footballer Ashley Cole, as well as a life-threatening battle with malaria. "Promise This" is accompanied by a Sophie Muller-directed music video featuring Cole dancing as a ballerina. It also features scenes including Cole dressed as a flamenco dancer and a black leotard outfit. She performed the single live on the seventh series of The X Factor on 24 October 2010. "Promise This" became Cole's second solo number-one single in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Contents

Background and composition

"Promise This" is an up-tempo dance-pop song written by American songwriter Priscilla Hamilton, British music producer Wayne Wilkins, who was responsible for Cole's debut single "Fight for This Love", and Christopher Jackson.[1][2][3] It is written in the music key of C minor with a time signature in common time and a tempo of 151 beats per minute. Cole's vocal range spans from G3 to E♭5. The basic chord progression of the song is Cm, Cm7, Cm6, Cm, E♭, B♭, F, Cm, E♭, B♭ and F.[4] The song sees Cole singing some of the lyrics in French, referencing the children's song "Alouette".[5] It was recorded in Santa Monica, California, located just outside of Los Angeles and "finds her contemplating mortality with a cheerful morbidity, asking for prayers over a brutal march beat."[6] Tabloids suggested that the lyrics were based upon her divorce from footballer Ashley Cole, and how her dancer friend Derek Hough nursed her to health while she was suffering from malaria.[7][8] The Daily Star had also noted Cole's apparent affection in the song by her use of the French word alouette, meaning "skylark".[7]

Critical reception

"Promise This" received generally favorable reviews from music critics. Nick Levine of Digital Spy gave the songs five stars out of five. Levine called the song "a proper bloody corker. 'Promise This' skips along thrillingly from video gamey verses to choruses that shimmer like Cheryl's Saturday night eyelids to, well, those alouettes. The reverby middle 8's pretty ace too."[9] A CBBC Newsround review praised the "thumping dance track" and said "the X Factor judge has a major hit on her hands."[10] Gavin Martin of the Daily Mirror described the track as "modern electro-pop mash-up with a tribal chorus" and concluded, "A busy, catchy foretaste of Cheryl's forthcoming second album, this should lie comfortably in the Top Five."[11] A reviewer from OK! magazine said "The upbeat, pop track has more of a dance feel than her previous releases but the songstress hasn't failed to impress with this one - we have it on loop!"[2]

Chart performance

"Promise This" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming her second solo UK number one behind "Fight for This Love" (October 2009).[12] It sold 157,210 copies in its debut week,[13] which earned it the highest first-week sales of the year, for a non-charity single at that time.[14][15] It is Cole's fourth solo consecutive top-five single in the United Kingdom.[16] The following week, Cole's album Messy Little Raindrops topped the UK Albums Chart while "Promise This" dropped to number two,[17] however it its fourth week it experience a drastic fall of ten chart positions to find itself outside the top-ten at number seventeen.[18] "Promise This" was also successful in Scotland and Ireland, where it topped both countries' single charts.[19][20] It had limited success elsewhere, reaching top-fifteen Hungary[21] and top-twenty in Belgium.[22]

Music video

Background

The video for the song was directed by Sophie Muller and choreographed by Fatima Robinson debuted on 21 September 2010 on UK television channel ITV2.[23] It incorporates scenes of "silhouetted shapes, cut-outs and projected imagery".[24] Digital Spy's Ryan Love described the theme of the video as "dark and glossy".[5] The X Factor official magazine said the video for the song was "gothic ballet".[25] Cole's close friend and bandmate from Girls Aloud, Kimberley Walsh, used her OK! magazine column to say "[Cole's] gone ballerina theme this time - she used to be a great ballerina and went to the London Royal Ballet School, so that's quite fitting."[26]

Synopsis

In the video Cole wears several outfits, described as "gorgeous" by ITN, including a low-cut red dress, a ballerina's leotard, to a short embellished mini-dress. Cole plays a dominant role in part of the video, waiting for a man in a darkened room in one scene and pushing him to the floor with her foot in another. ITN commented on the second part of the film, "We see a softer side to the 27-year-old though, as she dances in a floaty dress, showing off some of her skills which, as a child, won her a sponsorship to study at London's Royal Ballet Summer School."[3] In one of music video's main outfits, Cole is seen wearing 'Wolford Bondage Tights'.[27] "In one scene she is dressed in a Madonna-styled black leotard and black jacket with her hair pushed back in a high ponytail. Another scene shows her dressed as a ballerina, and there’s another one where she wears a red flamenco dress, all in all she looks spectacular."[28][29]

Reception

Promonewstv commented positively upon the direction marking that "Sophie Muller delivers this sympathetically earnest promo with both graceful and muscular choreography all adding to the drama".[24] A reviewer from ITN News said remarked that Cole was "looking as sexy as ever" in the video.[3] Stop Press News agreed with earlier reviews commenting that the video is "hot, but is not x rated" comparing it to other female music artists. The review added, "it is sexy, but not something that you would be embarrassed to watch with your family".[28]

Promotion

The single was premiered on Chris Moyles' BBC Radio 1 breakfast show on 14 September, where it was introduced as the lead single from Cole's second studio album, Messy Little Raindrops.[30][5] In addition to her role as a judge on The X Factor, Cheryl Cole made a high-profile appearance on Piers Morgan's Life Stories, in which she discussed her marriage and divorce with Ashley Cole and her life-threatening battle with malaria.[31][32] The show's ratings reached an all-time high.[33] On 24 October, Cole performed "Promise This" on The X Factor's results show.[34] She donned a white tuxedo jacket, "frilly black knickers," knee-high zebra print tights, and leather boots and was joined by multiple back-up dancers.[35][36] She "showcased her vocal and dancing skills with an energetic, raunchy routine that earned a standing ovation from her fellow judges."[37] Similar to her 2009 performance of "Fight for This Love" on The X Factor, the media speculated whether Cole lip synced or not.[34][35][38] An ITV spokesperson insisted that Cole did not mime, although the performance was pre-recorded.[34] Cheryl also performed Promise This live on Alan Carr 'Chatty Man'. She performed it fully live with help from back-up singers.

Track listing

CD Single
  1. "Promise This" - 3:23
  2. "Promise This" (Digital Dog Remix Edit) - 3:47
Digital Remix - Exclusive to Nokia Store[39]
  1. "Promise This" (Nu Addiction Dub Mix)
Digital EP[40]
  1. "Promise This" - 3:23
  2. "Promise This" (Nu Addiction Radio Edit) - 3:31
  3. "Promise This" (Almighty Radio Edit) - 4:04
  4. "Promise This" (Digital Dog Remix Edit) - 3:47
Digital EP - The Remixes[41]
  1. "Promise This" (Mayday's Club Mix) - 4:10
  2. "Promise This" (Nu Addiction Club Mix) - 7:52
  3. "Promise This" (Almighty Club Mix) - 8:39
  4. "Promise This" (Digital Dog Remix) - 6:03
  5. "Promise This" (Funkagenda Remix) - 6:47
Digital 'Christmas' EP - Exclusive Free Download in iTunes '12 Days Of Christmas' Promotion[42]
  1. "Promise This" (Mayday's Drum & Step Mix) - 3:59
  2. "Promise This" (Digital Dog Remix Edit - Video) - 3:55
  3. "On The Road With Cheryl Cole (Edit - Video) - 4:09

Credits and personnel

Source:[1]

Charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)[22] 19
Czech Republic (IFPI)[43] 17
European Hot 100 Singles[44] 5
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[21] 14
Ireland (IRMA)[45] 1
Romania (UPFR)[46] 46
Scotland (The Official Charts Company)[47] 1
Slovakia (IFPI)[48] 32
UK Singles (The Official Charts Company)[49] 1

Year-end charts

Chart (2010) Position
Hungarian Airplay Chart[50] 98
UK Singles Chart[51] 39

Chart procession and succession

Preceded by
"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars		 UK Singles Chart number-one single
31 October 2010 – 6 November 2010		 Succeeded by
"Only Girl (In the World)" by Rihanna

Release history

Region Date Format Label
Denmark[52] 24 October 2010 Digital download (EP,[40] Remixes[41]) Universal Music
Ireland[53]
United Kingdom[54] Fascination Records
United Kingdom 25 October 2010 CD single
Mexico[55] 24 November 2010 Digital download Universal Music

See also

References

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  2. ^ a b "Ooo, Cheryl Cole's new single Promise This is unveiled!". OK!. IPC Media. 14 September 2010. http://www.ok.co.uk/celebnews/view/26317/Ooo-Cheryl-Cole-s-new-single-Promise-This-is-unveiled-/. Retrieved 23 September 2010. 
  3. ^ a b c "Cheryl Cole's new video for Promise This revealed". ITN. September 20, 2010. http://itn.co.uk/5593d4ff242818e0e2849a6660022910.html. 
  4. ^ "Cheryl Cole - Promise This sheet music". Musicnotes.com. Alfred Publishing. 
  5. ^ a b c Love, Ryan (20 September 2010). "The Sound - Alouette uette uette". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a277806/alouette-uette-uette.html. Retrieved 23 September 2010. 
  6. ^ Andy Gill (29 October 2010). "Album: Cheryl Cole, Messy Little Raindrops (Polydor)". The Independent. Independent News and Media. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-cheryl-cole-messy-little-raindrops-polydor-2119268.html. Retrieved 30 October 2010. 
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  8. ^ Gemma Wheatley (15 September 2010). "Cheryl Cole's new single a promise for Derek". Daily Star. Northern & Shell. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/153870/Cheryl-Cole-s-new-single-a-promise-for-Derek/. Retrieved 11 October 2010. 
  9. ^ Nick Levine (22 October 2010). "Cheryl Cole: 'Promise This'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. http://www.digitalspy.com/music/singlesreviews/a283627/cheryl-cole-promise-this.html. Retrieved 24 October 2010. 
  10. ^ "Single review: Cheryl Cole - Promise This". CBBC Newsround. BBC. 22 October 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_9090000/newsid_9096000/9096004.stm. Retrieved 24 October 2010. 
  11. ^ Gavin Martin (22 October 2010). "Cheryl Cole - Promise This: Single review". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/10/22/cheryl-cole-promise-this-single-review-115875-22651227/. Retrieved 24 October 2010. 
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  13. ^ "Cheryl Cole's Promise This beats Rihanna to number one". CBBC Newsround. BBC. 1 November 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_9140000/newsid_9143800/9143863.stm. Retrieved 1 November 2010. 
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  18. ^ Daniel Sperling (21 November 2010). "JLS take Children In Need track to No. 1". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a289010/jls-take-children-in-need-track-to-no-1.html. Retrieved 2 December 2010. 
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  23. ^ http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/cheryl-cole/news/237429-cheryl-cole-promise-this-video
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  25. ^ Copsey, Robert (14 September 2010). "Cheryl Cole premieres new single". Digital Spy (Hachette Filipacchi Médias). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a276602/cheryl-cole-premieres-new-single.html. Retrieved 23 September 2010. 
  26. ^ "Kimberley Walsh LOVES Cheryl Cole's new single". OK!. IPC Media. 21 September 2010. http://www.ok.co.uk/celebnews/view/26582/Kimberley-Walsh-LOVES-Cheryl-Cole-s-new-single/. Retrieved 23 September 2010. 
  27. ^ "Wolford New Fashion A/W 2010 arrives at MyTights.com". Onlineprnews.com. 22 September 2010. http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/62967-1285147251-wolford-new-fashion-aw-2010-arrives-at-mytightscom.html. Retrieved 23 September 2010. 
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  29. ^ Lee, Ann (20 September 2010). "Cheryl Cole’s red hot flamenco look in new Promise This video". Metro. Associated Newspapers Ltd. http://www.metro.co.uk/music/841435-cheryl-cole-s-red-hot-flamenco-look-in-new-video. Retrieved 23 September 2010. 
  30. ^ Copsey, Robert (15 September 2010). "Cheryl Cole confirms new single". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a276911/cheryl-cole-confirms-new-single.html. Retrieved 23 September 2010. 
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  32. ^ Lauren Crooks (24 October 2010). "Pop star Cheryl Cole opens her heart on marriage collapse and malaria battle". Sunday Mail. Trinity Mirror. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2010/10/24/pop-star-cheryl-cole-opens-her-heart-on-marriage-collapse-and-malaria-battle-86908-22655710/. Retrieved 24 October 2010. 
  33. ^ Paul Millar (24 October 2010). "Cheryl Cole boosts 'Life Stores' to 7.2m". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a283928/cheryl-cole-boosts-life-stories-to-72m.html. Retrieved 24 October 2010. 
  34. ^ a b c Chris Johnson (25 October 2010). "X Factor 2010: Cheryl Cole sets pulses racing with sexy performance". Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1323393/X-Factor-2010-Cheryl-Cole-sets-pulses-racing-sexy-performance.html. Retrieved 25 October 2010. 
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  38. ^ "Cheryl mimes in stripes". The Sun. News International. 25 October 2010. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/x_factor/3195027/Cheryl-mimes-in-stripes.html. Retrieved 25 October 2010. 
  39. ^ http://xfactor.itv.com/2010/music/viewer/read_exclusive-cheryls-promise-this-remix_item_100885.htm
  40. ^ a b http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0046C4FBS
  41. ^ a b http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0046HJR8Y
  42. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/promise-this-christmas-bundle/id406121299
  43. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 20102 into search.
  44. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/european-hot-100?begin=1&order=position
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  46. ^ Top 50 Airplay Romania
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  50. ^ "MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 2010" (in hungarian). Mahasz. http://www.mahasz.hu/?menu=slagerlistak&menu2=eves_osszesitett_listak&id=radios&ev=2010. Retrieved 10 March 2011. 
  51. ^ http://www.theofficialcharts.com/chart-news/cardle-at-no-1-again-eminemrihanna-take-that-scoop-2010-crowns/
  52. ^ "Promise This - Single by Cheryl Cole (Denmark)". iTunes. http://itunes.apple.com/dk/album/promise-this/id397009069?i=397009070&ign-mpt=uo%3D4. Retrieved 2010-10-25. 
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  54. ^ "Future Releases (updates)". Galaxy FM (Global Radio Group). http://www.webcitation.org/5sxlmvZTM. Retrieved 2010-09-23. 
  55. ^ "Promise This in Mexico". iTunes Mexico. http://itunes.apple.com/mx/album/promise-this-ep/id402292634. Retrieved 2010-11-24. 
Cheryl Cole
Studio albums
Singles
"Fight for This Love" · "3 Words" · "Parachute" · "Promise This" · "The Flood"
Featured singles
Television
Tours
Related articles
Book:Cheryl Cole