Play (Jennifer Lopez song)

"Play"
Single by Jennifer Lopez
from the album J.Lo
Released March 27, 2001 (2001-03-27)[1]
Format Maxi single
Recorded 2000
Genre Dance-pop, electropop
Length 3:33
Label Epic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Bag & Arnthor
Jennifer Lopez singles chronology
"Love Don't Cost a Thing"
(2000)		 "Play"
(2001)		 "Ain't It Funny"
(2001)

"Love Don't Cost a Thing"
(2000)		 "Play"
(2001)		 "Ain't It Funny"
(2001)

"Play" is a song recorded by American singer Jennifer Lopez for her second studio album, J.Lo (2001). It was released on March 27, 2001, as the album's second single. The song was written by Cory Rooney, Christina Milian, Arnthor Birgisson and Anders Bagge, with production done by the latter two under their production name, Bag & Arnthor. A dance-pop track, it was noted for its funky vibe, compared to the works of Madonna by critics. Over an electric guitar and a funky beat, Lopez sings about pleading a DJ to play her favorite song.

"Play" was a commercial success, peaking at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 while charting within the top ten in over ten countries. Most notably, it reached number three in the United Kingdom. Its futuristic-themed music video was directed by Francis Lawrence. Additionally, "Play" was performed live by Lopez on numerous occasions, including at her Let's Get Loud concerts.

Background

After a high-profile title role in the musical biopic Selena (1997), Lopez began developing her own career in music, later being signed to Work Records by Tommy Mottola.[2][3] Her debut album On the 6 (1999) became an instant commercial success, and spawned the Billboard Hot 100 number one song "If You Had My Love".[4][5] This led her to begin recording new material for her second album in April 2000.[6] Initially, the album was to be called A Passionate Journey.[7] During this period, Lopez began to transition into a sex symbol and was nicknamed J.Lo by the public, which is known as a nickname and "public persona".[5] Hence, she instead released an album entitled J.Lo, which she credits as being more "personal" and "romantic" than On the 6.[5][8] "Love Don't Cost a Thing", the album's lead single, was globally premiered on November 16, 2000.[9]

Composition and critical reception

"Play" is a dance-pop song with a length of three minutes and thirty-three seconds (3:33).[10] It was written by Anders Bagge, Arnthor Birgisson, and Cory Rooney, with production from Bag & Arnthor. Before she made her own debut as a recording artist, actress and singer Christina Milian also co-wrote and performed background vocals on "Play".[11][12] Lopez recorded her vocals for the song with Robert Williams at Murlyn Studios, Stockholm as well as the Sony Music Studios in New York City. The song was later mastered by Ted Jensen.[13] On the song, Lopez pleas with a nightclub DJ to "play her favorite song", containing lyrics such as, "Play, come on DJ/ Play that song/ Play it all night long/ Just turn it up and turn me on".[14] It contains a "shuffling" electric guitar, as performed by Paul Pesco, over a "whistling electronica dance beat." A writer from Telegram & Gazette noted the track to be "Madonna-esque."[15]

Allmusic's MacKenzie Wilson said "Play" "coincided with Lopez's funky style".[16] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine commented that "so many of the tracks" on the album "sound like they're straight out of 1986". He then went on to opine that "I'm Real" or the "funky" "Play" would have made a "brave" choice for the album's lead single, instead of "Love Don't Cost a Thing".[17] A writer from The Indianapolis Star dismissed the album and its sexual content, while also using the explicit "Play" as an example of it not being appropriate for Lopez's target audience, who are predominantly preteens.[18] Jake Barnes of Yahoo! Music UK noted "Play" to resemble the music of Prince.[19]

Chart performance

"Play" experienced moderate commercial success. For the week of April 7, 2001, "Play" debuted at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100, winning the "Hot Shot Debut of the Week" title. It also made its debut at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay Chart.[20] The following week, it jumped to number 46 on the Hot 100 and number 47 on the Airplay chart.[21] For the week of April 21, "Play" jumped to number 28 to both charts.[22] The song peaked at number 18 on the Hot 100 for the week ending May 19, failing to break into the top ten. "Play" also proved to be one of her strongest radio hits, peaking at number seven on the Hot 100 Airplay chart.[23] In addition, the single peaked at number six on the Billboard Pop 100 as well as two on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.[24][25] In Canada, it peaked at number five.[26]

"Play" is one of Lopez's seventeen top-ten hits on the UK Singles Chart, having peaked at number three on May 12, 2001. It remained on the UK charts for a total of twelve weeks.[27] On April 29, 2001, "Play' debuted at number 21 in Australia, where it eventually peaked at number 14 five weeks later.[28] The Australian Recording Industry Association certified it Gold, marking sales of 35,000 units.[29] In New Zealand, "Play" debuted at number 48 on April 22, 2001. It became a top-ten hit there, peaking at number seven a month later.[30] The song peaked at debuted at number eight in Italy on April 26, 2001.[31] Elsewhere, it peaked at ten in Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland.[31]

Promotion

Music video

Lopez (sporting a curly wig) backed by male dancers, in the futuristic music video for "Play".

The mainly computer generated music video for "Play" was directed by Francis Lawrence.[32] Set in a futuristic multi-level spaceship, the clip begins with Lopez strutting into the boarding area whilst the other passengers gaze at her in awe. The video then cuts to Lopez, now on the plane, relaxing with a pair of headphones on listening to music. Various shots showing the plane's exterior are inter cut with these scenes of the singer. Lopez is then seen entering a room through sliding doors with a new outfit. The doors lead to a club filled with dancers. Intercut with these scenes are Lopez dancing solo on a platform, later joined by back-up dancers. Towards the music video's conclusion, Lopez asks the DJ (who takes the avatar of an iris) to play her favorite song. Its final shot depicts the plane flying towards the horizon. The music video, much like "Love Don't Cost a Thing", also features Cris Judd as a back-up dancer, who would later go on to become her second husband months later.[33][34]

Live performances

On January 12, 2001, Lopez performed "Play" along with "Love Don't Cost a Thing" live during an appearance on Top of the Pops.[35] In February 2001, Lopez appeared as a featured performer at a special Total Request Live event, CBS Sports Presents: MTV's TRL The Super Bowl Sunday, which occurred in Tampa, Florida at The NFL Experience theme park. Songs such as "Play" and "Love Don't Cost a Thing" were included on her setlist.[36][37] From September 22–23, 2001, Lopez performed a set of two concerts in Puerto Rico, entitled Let's Get Loud. These served as the first concerts of her career, in which she was, "flanked by a 10-piece orchestra, a five-person choir and 11 dancers." "Play" was included on the concerts' set list.[38][39]

Cover versions

In 2004, South Korean girl group Baby V.O.X. covered "Play" in Korean and English for their final album, Ride West, with participation from Lopez.[40]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of J.Lo.[13]

Track listings

Import CD 1[16]
No.TitleLength
1."Play" (Radio Edit)3:18
2."Play" (Full Intention Mix Radio)3:18
3."Play" (Artful Dodger Mix)4:35
4."Play" (Thunderpuss Club Mix)8:20
5."Love Don't Cost a Thing" (Main Rap #1 featuring Puffy)3:35
Total length:23:06
Import CD 2[41]
No.TitleLength
1."Play" (Radio Edit)3:18
2."Play" (Full Intention Mix Radio)3:18
3."Love Don't Cost a Thing" (Main Rap #1 featuring Puffy)3:35
4."Play" (Music Video)3:36
Total length:13:07

Charts and certifications

Release history

List of release dates, showing country, format and record label
Country Date Format Label
United States[1] March 27, 2001 Digital download Sony Music Entertainment
Germany[76] April 17, 2001 Maxi single

References

  1. 1 2 "Play - EP". iTunes. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  2. ↑ Mendible, M. (2007). From bananas to buttocks : the Latina body in popular film and culture. Austin: University of Texas Press.
  3. ↑ "On the Down Lo". Billboard. 119 (5). Nielsen Business Media. February 3, 2007. p. 27. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  4. ↑ Marquez, Herón (January 1, 2001). Latin Sensations. Twenty-First Century Books. p. 47. ISBN 9780822549932. Retrieved July 3, 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 Deanne, Stacy; Kelly Kenyatta; Natasha Lowery; Kwynn Sanders (2005). Divas of the new Millennium. p. 108. ISBN 9780974977966.
  6. ↑ vanHorn, Teri (April 18, 2000). "Jennifer Lopez To Begin Recording Second Album". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Jennifer Lopez In Frida Kahlo Biopic?". VH1. August 16, 2000. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  8. ↑ Vincent, Mal (January 26, 2001). "Jennifer's Big Week". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  9. ↑ Basham, David (November 17, 2000). "Madonna, Eminem Lead American Romp Through EMAs". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  10. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "J.Lo – Jennifer Lopez". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved November 10, 2011.
  11. ↑ Faber, Judy (February 11, 2009). "Second Cup Caf?: Christina Milian". CBS News. CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  12. ↑ Mytton, Leigh (June 21, 2002). "Milian charts pop success". BBC News. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  13. 1 2 J.Lo (Media notes). Jennifer Lopez. New York, NY: Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. 2001.
  14. ↑ "Jennifer Lopez - Play Lyrics". MetroLyrics. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Jennifer Lopez gets better with 'J.Lo'". Telegram & Gazette. The New York Times Company. February 4, 2001.
  16. 1 2 Wilson, MacKenzie. "Play [Important CD #1]". Allmusic. Alrovi Corporation. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  17. ↑ Cinquemani, Sal (February 11, 2011). "Jennifer Lopez: J.Lo| Music Reviews". Slant Magazine. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Bye, J.Lo! Forget this seedy disc". The Indianapolis Star. Gannett Company: 9. February 4, 2001.
  19. ↑ Barnes, Jake (January 24, 2001). "Jennifer Lopez – 'J-Lo'". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. Archived from the original on June 25, 2004. Retrieved April 16, 2010.
  20. ↑ "The Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Neilsen Business Media. 113 (14). April 7, 2001. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  21. ↑ "The Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Neilsen Business Media. 113 (15). April 14, 2001. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  22. ↑ "The Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Neilsen Business Media. 113 (16). April 21, 2001.
  23. ↑ "The Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Neilsen Business Media. 113 (20). May 19, 2001. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  24. 1 2 "Jennifer Lopez – Chart history" Billboard Pop Songs for Jennifer Lopez. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  25. 1 2 "Jennifer Lopez – Chart history" Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs for Jennifer Lopez. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  26. 1 2 "Jennifer Lopez – Chart history" Canadian Hot 100 for Jennifer Lopez. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  27. 1 2 "Archive Chart: 2001-05-06" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  28. 1 2 "Australian-charts.com – Jennifer Lopez – Play". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  29. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2001 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
  30. 1 2 "Charts.org.nz – Jennifer Lopez – Play". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  31. 1 2 3 "Italiancharts.com – Jennifer Lopez – Play". Top Digital Download. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  32. ↑ "Play | Jennifer Lopez". MTV. Viacom International Inc. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  33. ↑ Kattalia, Kathryn (November 13, 2011). "Jennifer Lopez dating backup dancer Casper Smart four months after split from Marc Anthony". New York Daily News. Daily News, L.P. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  34. ↑ Cadorette, Guylaine (June 10, 2002). "J.Lo's Marriage Over?". Hollywood.com. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
  35. ↑ Executive producer: Chris Cowey; (January 12, 2001). Top of the Pops. BBC One.
  36. ↑ "Before and After the Game". The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Halifax Media Group. January 28, 2001.
  37. ↑ Peterson, Jennifer (January 23, 2001). "MTV and CBS Team Up For 'TRL' Special". Dayton Daily News.
  38. ↑ Wiederhorn, Jon (January 7, 2002). "J. Lo's Puerto Rico Concerts Set For DVD". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  39. ↑ "The Buzz"Jennifer Lopez in Concert". WHDH Boston. Sunbeam Television Corporation. November 20, 2001. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
  40. ↑ "Chiêu tiếp thị của Baby Vox". ngoisao.net. August 8, 2004. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  41. ↑ "Play Important CD 2 by Jennifer Lopez @ARTISTdirect". Artist Direct (Rogue Network). Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Jennifer Lopez – Play" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  43. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Jennifer Lopez – Play" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  44. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Jennifer Lopez – Play" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  45. ↑ "Brazil" (PDF). ABPD. October 6, 2001. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
  46. ↑ "Danishcharts.com – Jennifer Lopez – Play". Tracklisten. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  47. ↑ "Jennifer Lopez – Chart history" European Hot 100 for Jennifer Lopez.
  48. ↑ "Jennifer Lopez: Play" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  49. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Jennifer Lopez – Play" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  50. ↑ "Musicline.de – Lopez,Jennifer Single-Chartverfolgung" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  51. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 19, 2001". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  52. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Jennifer Lopez search results" (in Dutch) Dutch Top 40. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  53. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Jennifer Lopez – Play". VG-lista. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  54. ↑ "Polish Airplay Charts - Lista krajowa". PiF PaF Production. Archived from the original on January 15, 2002. Retrieved December 27, 2016.
  55. ↑ "2001". rt100.ro. Archived from the original on 9 December 2002.
  56. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2001-05-06". Scottish Singles Top 40. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  57. ↑ "Spanishcharts.com – Jennifer Lopez – Play" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  58. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Jennifer Lopez – Play". Singles Top 100. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  59. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Jennifer Lopez – Play". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  60. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2001-05-06" UK R&B Chart. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  61. ↑ "Jennifer Lopez – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Jennifer Lopez. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  62. ↑ "Jennifer Lopez – Chart history" Billboard Latin Pop Songs for Jennifer Lopez. Retrieved May 25, 2001.
  63. ↑ "Jennifer Lopez – Chart history" Billboard Rhythmic Songs for Jennifer Lopez.
  64. ↑ "ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2001". ARIA. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  65. ↑ "Ultratop Belgian Charts". ultratop.be. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  66. ↑ "Ultratop Belgian Charts" (in French). ultratop.be/fr. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  67. ↑ "INFINITY CHARTS: German Top 20". Ki.informatik.uni-wuerzburg.de. March 5, 2001. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  68. ↑ "I singoli più venduti del 2001" (in Italian). HitparadeItalia.it. Retrieved April 26, 2014.
  69. ↑ "2001 – Top of the Year". Rt100.ro. 2001. Archived from the original on December 9, 2002. Retrieved January 15, 2011.
  70. ↑ "Årslista Singlar - År 2001". Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  71. ↑ Hung, Steffen. "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2001". hitparade.ch. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  72. ↑ http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2001.pdf
  73. ↑ "2001". Longbored Surfer. Archived from the original on 2010-07-26. Retrieved 2014-04-01.
  74. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2001 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association.
  75. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – 2001". Ultratop. Hung Medien.
  76. ↑ "Play: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon. Retrieved April 19, 2013.
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