I Don't Care (Cheryl Cole song)

"I Don't Care"
Single by Cheryl
from the album Only Human
Released 2 November 2014
Format Digital download
Genre
Length 4:00
Label Polydor
Writer(s)
Producer(s)
  • Jocke Åhlund
  • Oligee
Cheryl Cole singles chronology
  • "I Don't Care"
  • (2014)

"I Don't Care" is a song recorded by English recording artist Cheryl for her fourth studio album, Only Human (2014). The song was co-written by Cole, Jocke Åhlund, Bonnie McKee, John Newman, and was produced by Åhlund and Oliver "Oligee" Goldstein. It was released on 2 November 2014 through Polydor Records as the second single from the album. "I Don't Care" is a pop and dance song, which features breezy synthesizers and pumping bassline and lyrically sees Cheryl taking on a "fuck you" attitude to former lovers and critics.

Upon its release, "I Don't Care" received positive reviews from contemporary music critics, who praised the song's production and commended Cheryl's choice to departure from overproduced songs. The song became a commercial success, debuting at number one in the UK Singles Chart, giving Cheryl tenth number-one single, including those from when she was part of Girls Aloud, and fifth as a solo artist, making Cheryl the first and only English female to do this, overtaking then current record sharers Geri Halliwell and Rita Ora.

An accompanying music video for "I Don't Care" was directed by past collaborator Colin Tilley in August 2014 in Málaga, Spain. The video depicts Cheryl on the beach, dancing on a cliff top and on a luxury boat. The music video was met with mixed reviews, with some calling it fearless and others calling Cheryl's attitude disappointing. To further promote the single, Cheryl performed it on The X Factor eleventh series' results show on 2 November 2014; the performance was questioned by fans and critics, who accused Cheryl of miming.

Background

"It was potentially going to be the first track but I didn't want to open it with it because of how it can be taken. I mean, of course I care about things - you know people and stuff - but it was more I didn't want to open the album with that message".

Cheryl explaining why she was worried on the carefree nature of "I Don't Care".[1]

Following the release of Cheryl's third studio album, A Million Lights, in June 2012 and embarking on her debut solo headlining tour, Cole confirmed that a Girls Aloud's reunion would occur in November 2012.[2][3] The group released their second greatest hits compilation, Ten on 26 November 2012 and In 2013, the group embarked on Ten: The Hits Tour.[4] In March 2013, following the completion of the tour, Girls Aloud released a statement via their official Twitter to confirm that they were splitting permanently.[5][6]

On 30 September 2014, Cheryl announced that "I Don't Care" would receive its radio debut on the following day, 1 October on Capital FM Radio, serving as the second single from her fourth studio album Only Human. That same day, she revealed the single's artwork through Instagram; it sees Cheryl with her head in her hand and laughing while sat on a chair.[7] It also gave a glimpse of her rose tattoo.[8] While being interviewed by Capital FM, Cheryl told that "A lot of the time I'm on set, so I had a lot of freedom. [...] ['I Don't Care'] it sums up pretty much how I feel right now. [It's] very pop, but fun pop!"[9] "I Don't Care" was officially released as the second single from Only Human on 2 November 2014.[10]

Composition
"I Don't Care"
A 24-second sample of the song's chorus features Cole singing over pop and dance background.[11]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"I Don't Care" is a pop and dance song which lyrically finds Cheryl singing "It feels so fucking good to say, I swear that I don't care".[11][12] Idolator website editor Bianca Gracie noted that the song carries "an 80s carefree vibe to it, thanks to the breezy synths and pumping bass line", and incontrast to her other songs like "Ghetto Baby", there are no "massive bass drops or an in-your-face dance theme".[11] According to journalist Harriet Gibsone from The Guardian, the song had the same energy as Erasure's song "A Little Respect" (1988).[13] EntertainmentWise commented that "I Don't Care" "sums up the underlying message of the whole project quite nicely".[14] According to Lewis Corner from Digital Spy, the song showcases Cole's new-found "F-You" attitude in a "spectrum of rasping electronics, jump-around beats and a massive middle-finger chorus". He considered that the lyrics is directed "at a collective of former love rats, keyboard warriors and sensationalised headlines".[15]

Critical reception

"I Don't Care" received mostly positive reviews from contemporary music critics. Harriet Gibsone, while writing for The Guardian newspaper called it a "bombastic pop blast teetering on the edge of ridiculousness. [...] Song of the year".[13] While reviewing Only Human for the same publication, Caroline Sullivan also gave a positive review and described it as an "actual radio-ready chorus to I Don't Care [which has] a jaunty bit of Casio-pop".[13] Bianca Gracie from Idolator website gave a positive review for the song, stating that on the current "haze of over-produc[ed songs], it's actually quite refreshing", and emphasising that Cheryl's vocals "shine" in the song.[11] Matthew Horton, while reviewing Only Human during its week of release for Virgin Media, commented that "the utterly addictive bounce of new single I Don't Care is an equally striking departure [from her previous releases], and not just because she's swearing her head off", in relation to its lyrics.[16]

Popjustice rated it eight stars, out of ten.[17] EntertainmentWise website noted that "I Don't Care" was a particular highlight from the album.[15] However, Edwin McFee from Hot Press gave a negative review for the album, and called "I Don't Care" a "club-tinged plastic pop song".[18] Bradley Stern of MuuMuse said that the song "undeservedly stole the crown from Geri Halliwell" for most British female number-one singles.[19] Kim Gregory from Now magazine wrote a negative review for the song, criticizing the Auto-Tune usage and repetition of the line "I don't care".[20]

Chart performance

In the United Kingdom, "I Don't Care" debuted at number one with 82,000 sales in its first week of release, as predicted by mid-week sales data. In doing so, Cheryl achieved her ninth number-one single (including those from Girls Aloud), and fifth as a solo artist, therefore becoming the British female artist with the most solo UK number ones, overtaking previous record sharers Geri Halliwell, Rita Ora and Cheryl herself.[21][22] It additionally peaked at number one in Scotland.[23] "I Don't Care" debuted at number 92 on Flanders' Ultratip chart in Belgium on the issue dated 8 November 2014. The next week, it reached number 82.[24]

Music video

Cole mouthing "zero fucks given" during the music video.

The accompanying music video for "I Don't Care" was directed by Colin Tilley in August 2014 in Málaga, Spain.[25] The pair had previously collaborated on previous single "Crazy Stupid Love".[26] The same month, the singer teased her followers on social media with pictures from the video.[27] It officially premiered on 3 October 2014.[28] It starts with a honey-skinned Cheryl skipping around a beach with long locks and smiling, wearing oversized wooly jumper. In another scene, Cheryl is on a luxury boat with a group of friends in a white crop-top, denim shorts and bright pink sunglasses. During the video she also dances in a yellow crop-top, while shots of her on top of a cliff are also shown. At one point, the singer is in a bed wearing nothing but a white shirt and smudged eyeliner, with glimpses of black, lace underwear underneath, and looks directly into the camera and mouthing "zero fucks given".[20]

The music video received mixed reviews from critics. Bella Brennan from Daily Mail noted Cheryl was fresh-faced and fearless and praised her for "shows off her playful side with a more laid-back and natural look than usual" and being "effortlessly chic".[28] However, Kim Gregory from Now magazine provided a negative review for the video, pointing out her "dodgy" outfits and makeup, and stating she was disappointed with Cole's entire attitude in the video.[20]

Live performance

Cheryl performed "I Don't Care" on The X Factor eleventh series' results show on 2 November 2014, where she is also a judge.[29] Following the performance, fans and critics alike accused the singer for miming during her set.[30] Reportedly, the 3,300 lights used as a backdrop during the performance caused a 66-year old viewer to have an epileptic seizure.[31]

Remixes

One Direction member Liam Payne remixed "I Don't Care" under his DJ alter ego Payno. Cheryl publicily thanked the singer for the remix version, and it was included on "I Don't Care"'s remix EP, under the title "Payno Vs. Afterhrs Remix". Four other remixes were available through the EP.[32][33]

Track listing

  1. "I Don't Care" – 4:00
  1. "I Don't Care" – 4:03
  2. "I Don't Care" (Payno Vs. Afterhrs Remix) – 3:58
  3. "I Don't Care" (Sonic Matta Club Edit) – 5:38
  4. "I Don't Care" (Cahill Club Mix) – 6:33
  5. "I Don't Care" (TIEKS Remix) – 5:42
  6. "I Don't Care" (Clutch Real Club Mix) – 6:28

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Only Human.[35]

Charts

Chart (2014) Peak
position
scope="row" Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)[24] 82
scope="row" Belgium (Ultratip Wallonia)[36] 19
Croatia (Airplay Chart)[37] 13
scope="row"Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)[38] 30
scope="row" Ireland (IRMA)[39] 4
scope="row" Scotland (Official Charts Company)[23] 1
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[40] 58
scope="row" UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[41] 1

Certifications

Region Certification Sales/shipments
United Kingdom (BPI)[42] Silver 200,000double-dagger

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


See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ Dorken, Joanne (31 October 2014). "Cheryl: 'It's A Good Time To Be Woman In Your 30s'". MTV UK. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  2. ↑ "Cheryl Cole announces comeback single, new album 'A Million Lights'". Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  3. ↑ "Cheryl Cole confirms Girls Aloud Reunion will be in November 2012". Music Eyz.
  4. ↑ Savage, Mark (19 October 2012). "Girls Aloud reveal reunion plans". BBC News. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  5. ↑ Guadian Music (21 March 2013). "Girls Aloud split after final UK show". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  6. ↑ Lachno, James (21 March 2013). "Girls Aloud split up after last night of tour". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  7. ↑ Corner, Lewis (8 September 2014). "Cheryl unveils new single 'I Don't Care' artwork". Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  8. ↑ Bacon, Lucy (30 September 2014). "Cheryl Reveals 'I Don't Care' Single Artwork". MTV UK. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  9. ↑ "Cheryl Tells Us ALL About Her New Song 'I Don't Care'... And Teases The Video". Capital FM. 28 August 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  10. ↑ "Cheryl Fernandez-Versini interview: 'I've developed a F-You attitude'". Digital Spy.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Garcie, Bianca (October 1, 2014). "Cheryl Cole Is Unbothered On "I Don't Care": Listen To Her New Single". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  12. ↑ Bagwell, Matt (October 1, 2014). "Cheryl Cole 'I Don't Care': Listen To 'X Factor' Star's Sweary New Single". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Gibsone, Harriet (31 October 2014). "Cheryl's I Don't Care, this week's best new track". The Guardian (Guardian Media Group). Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  14. ↑ Kitchener, Sarah (8 November 2014). "REVIEW: Cheryl Makes Herself Heard On New Album 'Only Human'". EntertainmentWise. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Corner, Lewis (8 November 2014). "Cheryl: Only Human album review - "Her most focused and cohesive LP"". Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  16. ↑ "Cheryl: Only Human Album Review - Reviews - Music - Virgin Media".
  17. ↑ "Cheryl – 'I Don't Care'". Popjustice. October 1, 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  18. ↑ "Cheryl 'Only Human' - Album Review - Music Review - Album - Hot Press".
  19. ↑ Bradley Stern. "'Only Human': Cheryl Should Probably Start Caring Again (Album Review)". MuuMuse.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Gregory, Kim (3 October 2014). "What will Simon Cowell think? Cheryl Cole's new I Don't Care music video shows The X Factor judge's nasty side – and I don't like it". Now (IPC Media). Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  21. ↑ Moss, Liv (5 November 2014). "Cheryl on track for fifth UK Number 1 with I Don't Care". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  22. ↑ "Cheryl scores record-breaking 5th Number 1 single with I Don't Care". Official Charts Company.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Archive Chart: 15 November 2014". Scottish Singles Top 40. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Ultratop.be – Cheryl – I Don't Care" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  25. ↑ Brennan, Bella (24 August 2014). "Rocking the boat! Cheryl Fernandez-Versini shows off envy-inducing abs in crop-top and high-waisted denim shorts as she shoots latest music video on luxury yacht". Daily Mail (DMG Media). Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  26. ↑ "Cheryl 'I Don't Care' by Colin Tilley". Promonews.tv. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  27. ↑ Sitch, Daisy May (24 August 2014). "Cheryl Cole shares photos of her 'I Don't Care' music video on Instagram". My Daily. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Cheryl Fernandez-Versini unveils natural look in video for I Don't Care - Daily Mail Online". Mail Online.
  29. ↑ Dorken, Joanne (2 November 2014). "Cheryl Is A Bit Of All White For 'I Don't Care' X Factor Performance". MTV UK. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  30. ↑ Graham, Daniella (5 November 2014). "The X Factor 2014: Cheryl Cole hits back at miming accusations after I Don't Care performance". Metro (DMG Media). Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  31. ↑ Duncan, Amy (5 November 2014). "X Factor fan claims 3,300 lights during Cheryl's I Don't Care performance sparked an epileptic fit". Metro (DMG Media). Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  32. ↑ Bacon, Lucy (14 October 2014). "Listen To 1D's Liam Payne's Remix Of Cheryl's 'I Don't Care'". MTV UK. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "iTunes - Music - I Don't Care (The Remixes) by Cheryl". Apple iTunes (UK).
  34. ↑ "iTunes - Music -I Don't Care - Single by Cheryl". Apple iTunes (UK).
  35. ↑ Cheryl Cole — Only Human. [Album Booklet]. Polydor Records.
  36. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Cheryl – I Don't Care" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  37. ↑ "ARC, Issue Date: December 22, 2014" (in Croatian). HRT. 2014-12-22. Archived from the original on 22 December 2014.
  38. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 20153 into search. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  39. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 45, 2014". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  40. ↑ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 20154 into search. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  41. ↑ "November 2014/ Archive Chart: 15 November 2014" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  42. ↑ "British single certifications – Cheryl Cole – I Don't Care". British Phonographic Industry. Enter I Don't Care in the field Keywords. Select Title in the field Search by. Select single in the field By Format. Select Silver in the field By Award. Click Search