Believe (Suzie McNeil song)

"Believe"
Single by Suzie McNeil
from the album Broken & Beautiful
Released September 2006 (Original recording)
September 17, 2007 (Olympic Inspired version)
Format Digital download
Recorded 2004-2005[1]
Genre Pop rock, orchestral rock
Length 3:41
Label Curve / Universal
Writer(s) Kara DioGuardi, Marti Frederiksen
Producer(s) Marti Frederiksen
Suzie McNeil singles chronology
  • "Hung Up"
  • (2007)
  • "Believe"
  • (2007)
  • "Broken & Beautiful"
  • (2007)
Music video
"Believe" (Olympic Inspired) on YouTube

"Believe" is a song written by Kara DioGuardi and Marti Frederiksen and famously recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Suzie McNeil for her debut studio album, Broken & Beautiful (2007). It was first released to digital retailers in September 2006, while "Hung Up" was serviced to radio as the official lead single.[1] The song was re-recorded with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in support of Canada's Own the Podium campaign, and served as the official anthem of the Canadian team for the 2010 Winter Olympics.[2][3] The "Olympic Inspired" version of the song, released September 17, 2007, served as the album's second single.[4] An alternate version is also included on McNeil's second album, Rock-n-Roller (2008).

A moderate commercial success, "Believe" entered the Canadian Hot 100 at No. 81, and has since peaked at 61.[5] The song was more well-received critically, being highlighted as a standout track from the album by critics including AllMusic's Matthew Chisling, and is one of the songs for which McNeil is best known.[6]

Critical reception

Matthew Chisling of AllMusic as the "true highlight" of Broken & Beautiful, noting that it is "an emotionally powerful ballad anthem" and a "true display of McNeil's talents as a pop vocalist."[6][7]

Usage in media

"Believe" was used as a theme for American reality television program The Biggest Loser.[6][8] It has also been featured on the television shows Beauty and the Geek, The Hills, and Oprah Winfrey's The Big Give.[9]

Music video

The video for the Olympic Inspired version of "Believe" was released September 17, 2007 in partnership with Bell Media.[4] It showcases Canadian Olympic athletes Steve Omischl (freestyle skiing - aerials), Joannie Rochette (figure skating), and Clara Hughes (speed skating) training for their respective sports.[10]

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from liner notes of Broken & Beautiful and Rock-n-Roller.[11][12]
  • Russ Irwin – Hammond organ, piano
  • Eliza James – strings
  • Dave Pierce – conductor, orchestral arrangement[13]
  • John Shipp – engineering
  • Dave Donnelly – mastering

Chart performance

"Believe" entered the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 at number 81 for the week ending August 11, 2007.[14]

Chart (2007) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[5] 61

Awards and nominations

Year Award Result
2008 Canadian Radio Music Award for AC[15] Nominated

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bliss, Karen (September 20, 2006). "T.O.'s McNeil set to release CD". Jam! (CANOE). Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  2. ↑ "Suzie McNeil song aims to boost Canadian Olympians". CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 18 September 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  3. ↑ Stevenson, Jane (20 November 2008). "McNeil excited for Grey Cup gig". Canoe.ca (Sun Media). Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Bell invites all of Canada to Believe". CNW Group. September 17, 2007. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Suzie McNeil Album & Song Chart History" Canadian Hot 100 for Suzie McNeil. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Chisling, Matthew. "Broken & Beautiful - Suzie McNeil". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  7. ↑ Chisling, Matthew. "Rock N' Roller - Suzie McNeil". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Amazon.com: Believe (In the Style of Suzie McNeil (From Biggest Loser)) [Karaoke Version]: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  9. ↑ "Suzie McNeil - Bio" (PDF). MPI Web. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  10. ↑ "Suzie McNeil song aims to boost Canadian Olympians". CBC News (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). September 18, 2007. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  11. ↑ Broken & Beautiful (Compact disc liner notes). Suzie McNeil. Curve Records. 2007. B000O77SEK.
  12. ↑ Rock-n-Roller (Compact disc liner notes). Suzie McNeil. Universal Music Canada. 2008. B0026FYLFW.
  13. ↑ "Bell celebrates culture through partnership with Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad". Backbone Magazine (CNW Group). February 13, 2008. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  14. ↑ "Canada Singles Top 100 (August 11, 2007)". aCharts.us / Billboard. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  15. ↑ "CAB Announces 2008 Canadian Radio Music Awards Nominations". Broadcaster. 19 December 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2014.