U.G.L.Y.

"U.G.L.Y." is a song by American recording group Daphne and Celeste. It was released in June 2000 as the second single from their studio album We Didn't Say That!. The song was written and composed by Michele Chiavarini, Tracy Kilrow, Michael Marz and Burkes, while the song's producer was Chiavarini. "U.G.L.Y." is a teen pop and bubblegum pop song, which features a cheerleading style, similar to Toni Basil's song "Mickey". Lyrically, the song talks about people who Daphne & Celeste think are ugly.

The song received mixed reviews from music critics, with some saying it was a good single, but many panning the idea and some saying it was "inappropriate and ridiculous". Thus to this day, the song is still the subject of criticism due to its harsh lyrics. Although it received unfavourable reviews, the song did very well in the charts in New Zealand, where it peaked at number seven (its highest position in the charts of any country). Elsewhere it wasn't quite so successful, but the single itself would later be immortalized in the American box office hit film Bring It On and its accompanied soundtrack in 2000.^[1]

Background

After the release of their first single "Ooh Stick You", the group decided to record another single for the album We Didn't Say That! (2000). "U.G.L.Y." is the second single off this album. The song was written and composed by Michele Chiavarini, Tracy Kilrow, Michael Marz and Burkes, and was produced by Chiavarini.

Critical reception

Critics have been completely polarized in reviewing "U.G.L.Y.". Dean Carlson had reviewed the album, but he did not intend to review the track itself.^[2] However, he did give the song two-and-a-half out of five stars.^[3] Andy Capper from NME said: "'UGLY' continues the playground putdown vibes of Daphne & Celeste's first single, 'Ooh Stick You'. It's a cool little tune, bolstered by a complete lack of irony or sickly kitsch vibes. Daphne & Celeste are queens in the making."^[4]

Reaction and criticism

Although some said it was fun, many critics found the song a bit rude and harsh, despite it having become the group's signature song. Parents and families also found it a bit rude. A particular concern was that the song might encourage bullying – a concern the girls addressed by stressing the tongue-in-cheek nature of their lyrics, with Daphne claiming that "Everyone is indeed ugly in their own special way" in the interview on the UK No. 2 and Canadian CD singles.

Many publicity critics found it horrible too. Reviews from DooYoo.co.uk gave it negative reviews, giving it only one star. Some said that the song was the "worst song", and some even hated it.^[5] In the review from NME, Andy Capper even said it was "a bit ruder" than their previous single as well.^[4]

Chart performance

The single was a big success in New Zealand, where it peaked at number seven on the New Zealand Singles Chart and was certified platinum;^[6] however, it did not do as well worldwide. The song debuted at number forty-seven on the Australian Singles Chart, but only managed to peak at number forty. The song entered the charts at number eighteen in the United Kingdom, where it only managed to go that far.

Track listing

CD single No. 1

"U.G.L.Y." (radio edit) – 3:25
"U.G.L.Y." (Tomboy Mix) – 7:03
"U.G.L.Y." (T-Total "Make Over" Mix) – 6:32

CD single No. 2 / Canadian CD single

"U.G.L.Y." (radio edit) – 3:25
"U.G.L.Y." (Uglier Mix) – 4:50
"Exclusive Daphne & Celeste Interview" – 4:38

Charts

Chart (2000)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)^[7]	40
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)	18
New Zealand (RIANZ)^[6]	7
United Kingdom (The Official Chart Company)^[8]	18