Chains (Nick Jonas song)

"Chains"
Single by Nick Jonas
from the album Nick Jonas
Released July 30, 2014
Format
Genre
Length 3:23
Label
Writer(s)
Producer(s) Jason Evigan
Nick Jonas singles chronology
  • "Chains"
  • (2014)
Music video
"Chains" on YouTube

"Chains" is a song by American recording artist Nick Jonas, taken from his eponymous second album. It was released on July 30, 2014 by Island and Republic Records as the lead single from the album. The song was written and produced by Jason Evigan, with additional songwriting provided by Ammar Malik, and Daniel Parker. It is an R&B song, using kick drum-driven beats, a splash of bass-dropping trap at the intro and bridge as the song's instrumentation. Lyrically, the song talks about feeling trapped in a binding and hopeless love.

Considered a departure from his music with Jonas Brothers and Nick Jonas & the Administration, the song was praised by music critics for being an adult song, with his vocals and its production being praised. American singers Justin Timberlake and Miguel were influences for the song, as noted by some critics. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Ryan Pallotta and was released on July 30, 2014.

After the success of "Jealous" at radio stations in the US, Island and Republic re-released "Chains" as Jonas' next single. The song impacted mainstream radio stations on January 20, 2015.[2] It impacted rhythmic radio on March 3, 2015[3] On February 28, 2015 a remix of the song surfaced online featuring the vocals of Jhené Aiko.[4] The remix was released on March 2, 2015.[5]

Background

In February 2013, Jonas Brothers announced they were returning to the music scene with a new single called "Pom Poms".[6] The song received favorable reviews from music critics,[7][8] but had very moderate success on the charts.[9] Later, the band release the song "First Time" in June 2013, as the second single from their then-upcoming fifth studio album.[10] A month later they announced that the album would be called "V".[11] The band also announced a tour, but it was shortly cancelled[12] and later the band announced their split in October, also cancelling the album.[13]

Later, in early 2014, Nick Jonas announced he was going to release a solo record, stating: "I've got a lot of things in the pipeline right now and I'm waiting to release some news about my music and my next steps. It isn't quite locked in yet, but I have started making some music and now it's all about lining up the pieces."[14] During an interview for Time, he commented about the album's musical direction, saying: "I came in really wanting to make a record that was different from anything I'd done in the past, but that was true to my influences: Stevie Wonder, Prince, Bee Gees. And then, more recently, The Weeknd and Frank Ocean. That whole vibe of alternative R&B and pop. It just fell into a really natural place really early."[15] On July 24, 2014, Complex premiered "Chains", which was announced as the lead-single from his upcoming solo album.[16] The song was eventually released to digital download on July 30, 2014.[17]

Composition
"Chains"
A 20 second sample of "Chains", where Nick Jonas sings about being chained in a love, over chunky R&B beats.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Chains" was written by Jason Evigan, Ammar Malik and Daniel Parker,[18] with Evigan also served as the song's producer.[16][19] It is a midtempo R&B song,[19] being distinctly different from the Jonas Brothers' music, as well as Nick's music with the Administration,[20] having "smooth"[19] and "silky vocals and a decisive R&B aesthetic," which made one Billboard staffer compare the track to a Miguel song."[20] Dylan Mial of Blogcritics added that the song is "a powerful and emotional combination of kick drum-driven beats, a splash of bass-dropping trap at the intro and bridge, with '80s rock ballad vibe that underlays the chorus."[21]

Lyrically, "Chains" talks about being trapped in a hopeless love,[22] with the singer declaring: "Tryna break the chains, but the chains only break me."[20] In an interview with MTV, Jonas stated that, "The story behind 'Chains' is basically that feeling that all people can relate to, it's being trapped. For me specifically in this song, I connected to love and trust and for some people they have said it's broader for them, it's more than love, it can be about anything that entangles you in your life and doesn't let you do what you need to do to feel free," he said. "I think this is a good fit and I fell in love with the song and I really feel like it has become a staple for this album."[22]

Reception

The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised Jonas' new musical style and the song's production. Jason Lipshut of Billboard was positive, declaring that the singer was "desperately trying to position himself as an adult artist, and soundly succeeding."[20] Mike Wass of Idolator compared Jonas to Justin Timberlake, writing that "it's a step in the right direction but no 'Like I Love You [Timberlake's debut single]."[19] Emily Blake wrote for MTV News that "Chains" is "drenched in S&M and rather adult themes straight out of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'."[23] Joey DeGroot of Music Times was ambivalent toward its lyrical content, calling it "the song's weakest point", but praised "the production and Jonas' vocal performance", claiming that they were "more than make up for it, [...] earn[ing] Jonas some artistic credibility after toiling in the Disney-pop world for most of his career."[24] Dylan Mial of Blogcritics was complimentary with the song, calling it "by far the greatest, most inspired and powerful track of 2014 – it is pure musical perfection."[21]

Music video

On July 23, 2014 it was announced that a music video was being shot, being co-produced by Nick Jonas with director Ryan Pallotta.[25] The video stars Dylan Penn the daughter of Sean Penn and Robin Wright,[26] with E! News reporting that Nick was working with her on a secret video project in Downtown LA at Hotel Alexandria.[27] On July 25, 2014 the first 15 seconds of the music video were released online. Later, on July 28, 2014, two other 15 second snippets were released online[28] with the full video premiering on July 30, 2014. The video features Jonas getting dragged across the floor of a church by a mystery woman, and tied up to a chair. On March 31, 2015 a second video of the song was released online. It was called Chains: The Wynwood Walls Edition. The video was filmed at Miami’s Wynwood Walls graffiti installation.[29]

Live performances

"Chains" was performed live during the Nick Jonas Live tour.[30] Nick Jonas also performed the song, along with "Jealous" and a cover of Coldplay' "Magic" at The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.[31] He also performed an acoustic version of the song for VH1 Artist To Watch.[32] On January 25, 2015, Jonas performed the song as part of a medley with his songs "Jealous" and "Teacher" live during the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe 2014.[33] On February 15, Jonas performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[34] On March 4 he performed the song live on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.[35] He performed the "DJ Mike D and ChAdachi Remix" version of the song (along with "Jealous") during the 2015 Kids' Choice Awards,[36] as well as at the 2nd iHeartRadio Music Awards.[37] On April 14, 2015 he performed the song live on The Voice.[38]

On April 18, he performed alongside country duo Dan + Shay the songs Chains, Jealous as well their single Nothin' Like You during the 2015 American Country Music Awards.[39]

Cover versions

Singer Sam Tsui recorded with singer Kina Grannis a cover of the song which was released on iTunes.[40] On April 7, 2015 The Voice season eight contestant Nathan Hermida performed the song live during the Live playoffs.[41]

Jhene Aiko Remix

"Chains (Remix)"
Promotional Single by Nick Jonas featuring Jhené Aiko
Released March 2, 2015
Format Digital download
Recorded 2015
Length
  • 3:23
Label Island
Writer
Producer Jason Evigan

On February 28, 2015 a remix of the song surfaced online featuring the vocals of Jhené Aiko.[4] The remix was released on March 2, 2015.[5] He teams up with Jhené Aiko for the remix to "Chains". She sings the second verse on the track.[42]

Background

Though the first verse and chorus remain the same for "Chains," the second verse swaps out Jonas for Aiko, includes new synthesizer effects.[43]

Reception

Some critics have praised this remix, Jordyn Shaffer of Hollywood life said that Jhene’s feminine voice perfectly fits with the lyrics in this song, as though Jhene is giving us a female perspective when she sings the second verse back to Nick.[44]

Carolyn Menyes of the site Music Times said "Jhene Aiko sings with a sultry note in her voice, before going all Fifty Shades of Grey with her 'Chains.' Her verse may take a more literal approach to the "Chains" Jonas sings about, lyrically feeling like a rapper's take than an R&B songstress, but there's no denying that she fits in these "Chains" perfectly, balancing out Jonas' single and making it all her own along the way."[43]

Track listings

Digital download – single[45]

  1. "Chains" – 3:23

Digital download – Remix[46]

  1. "Chains (Mike Hawkins Remix)" – 4:01

Digital download – Remix[47]

  1. "Chains (Dan Farber Remix)" – 3:28

Digital download – Remix[48]

  1. "Chains (Audien Remix)" – 4:30

Digital download – Remix[49]

  1. "Chains (DJ Mike D and ChAdachi Remix)" – 3:36

Digital download – single (Jhené Aiko Remix)[50]

  1. "Chains" (feat. Jhené Aiko) – 3:23

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2015) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[51] 27
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[52] 20
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)[53] 18
US Billboard Hot 100[54] 13
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[55] 31
US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[56] 4
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[57] 11
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[58] 21
US Billboard Twitter Top Tracks[59] 3

Certifications

Region Certification Sales/shipments
United States (RIAA)[60] 708,290[61]

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone

dagger Since May 2013 RIAA certifications for digital singles include on-demand audio and/or video song streams in addition to downloads.[62]

Release history

Region Date Format Label
United States[17] July 30, 2014 Digital download Island Records
Canada[63]
Germany[64] August 4, 2014
France[65]
Spain[66]
The Netherlands[45]
United Kingdom[67] January 19, 2015
United States[68] January 20, 2015 Mainstream radio
United Kingdom [69] February 2, 2015 Digital download Island Records
United States [70] March 2, 2015 Digital download - Jhené Aiko Remix Island Records
March 3, 2015 [3] Rhythmic radio Island Records
Ireland [71] June 19, 2015 Digital download Island Records
United Kingdom [72] June 21, 2015
United Kingdom [73] Digital download - Jhené Aiko Remix

References

  1. ↑ Lazar, Shira (May 9, 2014). "Nick Jonas Trades In Pop For Sultry R&B On New Solo Album". Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Top 40 Future Releases". AllAccess. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.idolator.com/7582964/nick-jonas-jhene-aiko-chains-remix
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.rap-up.com/2015/03/01/new-music-nick-jonas-jhene-aiko-chains-remix/
  6. ↑ Marquina, Sierra (February 18, 2013). "Jonas Brothers Reveal They Will Drop New Single "Pom Poms"". Ryan Seacrest. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  7. ↑ Lamb, Bill. "Review:Jonas Brothers - "Pom Poms"". About.com. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  8. ↑ Garibaldi, Christina (April 18, 2013). "Jonas Brothers Wrote 'Pom Poms' While Dreaming Of Sofia Vergara". MTV News. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Jonas Brothers - Pom Poms - Music Charts". Music Charts. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  10. ↑ Lansky, Sam (June 12, 2013). "Jonas Brothers' "First Time": Hear The Soaring Midtempo". Idolator. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  11. ↑ Williot, Carl (July 13, 2013). "Jonas Brothers Announce Comeback Album Title: 'V'". Idolator. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  12. ↑ Lanksy, Sam (October 9, 2013). "The Jonas Brothers Cancel Tour Over "Deep Rift" In Band; World Reels". Idolator. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  13. ↑ Cotliar, Sharon (October 29, 2013). "Jonas Brothers: 'It's Over For Now'". People Magazine. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  14. ↑ Greene, Andy (February 4, 2014). "Nick Jonas' Next Gig: Demi Lovato's Musical and Creative Director". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  15. ↑ Zemler, Emily (August 27, 2014). "Nick Jonas: I Want a Career Like Elvis Presley". Time. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Nostro, Lauren (July 24, 2014). "Premiere: Watch Nick Jonas' "Chains" Video". Complex. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Chains - Single by Nick Jonas - Download on iTunes". iTunes Store (US). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  18. ↑ "Chains - Nick Jonas | Allmusic". Allmusic. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 Wass, Mike (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Returns with Slick R&B Club Banger '"Chains": Listen". Idolator. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Lipshut, Jason (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Makes Solo Debut with 'Chains' Single". Billboard (Prometheus Global Media). Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Mial, Dylan (July 26, 2014). "Music Review: Nick Jonas – "Chains"". Blogcritics. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Midgarden, Cory (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Opens Up About 'Chains' And His Departure From 'Jonas Brothers Music' - MTV". MTV News. Retrieved 2014-07-25.
  23. ↑ Blake, Emily (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Sounds Like He's Been Reading 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' On New Song 'Chains' - MTV". MTV News. Retrieved 2014-07-25.
  24. ↑ DeGroot, Joey (July 24, 2014). "Nick Jonas Shares Solo Single 'Chains' [LISTEN]". Music Times. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  25. ↑ Midgarden, Cory. "Exclusive: We've Got Your First Look At Nick Jonas' 'Chains' Music Video". MTV News. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  26. ↑ "Nick Jonas’ post-Brothers life: ‘Done giving a s – – t’ | Page Six". pagesix.com. Retrieved 2014-07-25.
  27. ↑ "Nick Jonas Gets Steamy With Dylan Penn | E! Online UK". uk.eonline.com. Retrieved 2014-07-25.
  28. ↑ Midgarden, Cory. "Who's Nick Jonas Lusting After? Find Out In This Never-Before-Seen Clip". MTV News. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  29. ↑ http://www.idolator.com/7586700/nick-jonas-second-chains-video-wynwood-walls-edition
  30. ↑ Karsen, Shira (November 7, 2014). "Nick Jonas Ends NYC Mini-Tour with Intimate Brooklyn Gig". Billboard (Prometheus Global Media). Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  31. ↑ "KiddNation.com - Nick Jonas In-Studio [VIDEOS/PICS]". KiddNation. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  32. ↑ ""Chains (Artist to Watch)" by Nick Jonas". VH1 (Viacom Media Networks). Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  33. ↑ Miss Universe Miss Universe in Miami : Judges and Performers ! - Miss Universe
  34. ↑ http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/segments/113316
  35. ↑ http://www.idolator.com/7583383/nick-jonas-chains-performance-ellen-degeneres-show-watch
  36. ↑ http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/05/nickelodeons-kids-choice-awards-host-nick-jonas-iggy-azaela-jennifer-hudson-5-seconds-of-summer-to-perform-at-this-years-show/371714/
  37. ↑ http://www.ryanseacrest.com/2015/03/26/nick-jonas-talks-ihrmas-and-kcas-teases-demi-lovato-assisted-song-afterglow/
  38. ↑ http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Nick-Jonas-to-Perform-Hit-Single-Chains-on-NBCs-THE-VOICE-Today-20150413
  39. ↑ http://uk.eonline.com/news/648029/this-nick-jonas-and-dan-shay-mashup-at-the-2015-acms-is-everything-you-never-knew-you-needed-watch-now?cmpid=tweol-manual
  40. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chains-single/id981069939
  41. ↑ http://www.musictimes.com/articles/34752/20150407/the-voice-season-8-recap-review-team-christina-adam-live-show.htm
  42. ↑ http://www.complex.com/music/2015/03/nick-jonas-chains-remix-feat-jhene-aiko-premiere
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 http://www.musictimes.com/articles/30161/20150302/nick-jonas-jhene-aiko-chains-remix-listen-review.htm
  44. ↑ http://hollywoodlife.com/2015/03/02/nick-jonas-chains-remix-jhene-aiko-listen/
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 "iTunes - Muziek - 'Chains - Single' van Nick Jonas". iTunes Store (NL). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  46. ↑ "iTunes - Muziek - 'Chains (Mike Hawkins Remix) - Single' van Nick Jonas". iTunes Store (NL). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  47. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Chains (Dan Farber Remix) - Single by Nick Jonas". iTunes Store (CA). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  48. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chains-audien-remix-single/id980035100
  49. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chains-dj-mike-d-chadachi/id980033885
  50. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/nl/album/chains-remix-feat.-jhene-aiko/id971815361
  51. ↑ http://www.billboard.com/artist/312243/Nick+Jonas/chart?f=793
  52. ↑ http://www.billboard.com/artist/312243/Nick+Jonas/chart?f=1239
  53. ↑ http://www.billboard.com/artist/312243/Nick+Jonas/chart?f=1242
  54. ↑ "Nick Jonas Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot 100 for Nick Jonas. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
  55. ↑ "Nick Jonas Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Adult Pop Songs for Nick Jonas. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  56. ↑ "Nick Jonas Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs for Nick Jonas. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  57. ↑ "Nick Jonas Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Pop Songs for Nick Jonas. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
  58. ↑ "Nick Jonas Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Rhythmic Songs for Nick Jonas. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  59. ↑ "Nick Jonas". billboard.com.
  60. ↑ "American single certifications – Nick Jonas – Jealous". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
  61. ↑ "SoundScan 4/5/2015 Digital Songs (Expanded)" (PDF). Retrieved April 16, 2015.
  62. ↑ "RIAA Adds Digital Streams To Historic Gold & Platinum Awards". Recording Industry Association of America. May 9, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
  63. ↑ "Chains - Single by Nick Jonas - Download on iTunes". iTunes Store (CA). Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  64. ↑ "Chains" (in German). Amazon.com (DE). Amazon Inc. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  65. ↑ "Chains" (in French). Amazon.com (FR). Amazon Inc. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  66. ↑ "Chains" (in Spanish). Amazon.com (ES). Amazon Inc. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  67. ↑ Nick Jonas goes Platinum with 'Jealous' before it even hits the UK: Pressparty
  68. ↑ Top 40/M Future Releases | Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates
  69. ↑ Connecting to the iTunes Store
  70. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/chains-remix-feat.-jhene-aiko/id971815361
  71. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/chains/id901534240?i=901534245
  72. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/chains/id901534240?i=901534245
  73. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/chains-feat.-jhene-aiko-remix/id971815361?i=971815367

External links