Free (Mýa song)

"Free" is a song by American singer Mýa. It served as the third and final single from her second studio album Fear of Flying (2000). Originally featured on the soundtrack to the 2000 film Bait, the song was one of the two tracks added to the re-release edition of Fear of Flying on November 7, 2000. It was written and composed by Jimmy Jam, Harrison, Terry Lewis, Alexander Richbourg, and Tony Tolbert. Lyrically, "Free" addresses on independence.

"Free"
Single by Mýa
from the album Fear of Flying (re-issue) and Bait (soundtrack)
ReleasedMarch 13, 2001
RecordedSummer 2000
StudioFlyte Tyme Studios
(Edina, Minnesota)
Genre
Length
  • 5:21 (album version)
  • 4:11 (video version)
  • 4:09 (pop radio mix)
LabelInterscope
Songwriter(s)Jimmy Jam, Mýa Harrison, Terry Lewis, Alexander Richbourg, Tony Tolbert
Producer(s)Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Mýa singles chronology
"Girls Dem Sugar"
(2000)		 "Free"
(2001)		 "Lady Marmalade"
(2001)

The song received generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, musically comparing it to Janet Jackson’s third studio album Control (1986). "Free" underperformed on Billboard's US Hot 100; peaking and spending two non-consecutive weeks at number forty-two. It was the second single by Harrison that failed to reach the coveted Top 40. It performed even worse on Billboard's component Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart peaking at a moderately low number fifty-two. Internationally, the single reached the Top Five in Australia and Top 20 in the UK. The song's accompanying music video was filmed by director Dave Meyers. Harrison incorporates various dance routines throughout the video, choreographed by Brian "Footwork" Green, which won him an ACA (American Choreographer's Award) in 2001.

Background and composition

Before being added to the re-release edition of Fear of Flying, "Free" was initially released as the first single to feature film Bait (2000) starring Jamie Foxx.[1]

Co-written by Mýa, "Free" is in the key of B minor. The song's tempo is set at a moderate dance beat at 112 beats per minute in common time. Harrison's vocal range span from a F3 to D5.[2] The lyrics of "Free" are composed in the traditional verse-chorus form. Mýa opens the song with brief spoken lyrics. She begins the first verse, followed by the chorus leading her into the second verse. The song continues to the bridge, chorus, then fades out with Mýa's chant.

Critical reception

Free garnered mixed to positive reviews. Billboard compared the song to production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis earlier work with Janet Jackson and added: "Free" is all about being a strong, self-sufficient, independent woman—a nearly ubiquitous theme these days among female artists (check out currents songs by Destiny’s Child, Kandi, and Chanté Moore). But what comes across strongest in this song is the trademark Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis sound. As a matter of fact, the track practically rips off what we know as the Janet Jackson style, with Mýa’s fragile voice possessing many of the same qualities as Janet’s. Acknowledging, "Free" is just a little too girly pop-sounding, even for the pop audience out there today."[3] NME gave the song a mixed review and rated the single four out of ten stars writing, "R&B's enduring (annoying?) cutesy pie has done the double. Released a single that ties in with her butter wouldn't melt image -how else to you explain the lyrics, "I'm me/single, sexy and free"? Yes, make no mistake, this is Mýa trapped in Lolita land (check out the video below) not sure if she's the insolent girlfriend ('Case of the Ex') or, as this track would paint her, a pre-teen with no idea of her temptation, but aware that she has 'something about her'. Musically, this is right up Janet Jackson's old alley - more so before Janet found 'Control' and became obsessed with sex. So, if you're a chick who's so cute you turn yourself on, but still a virgin, this is your anthem. But of course, you'll be singing it to yourself, cos you love yourself so darn much, won't ya?![4] Writing for Yahoo! Music UK, Cyd Jaymes described "Free" as a mighty, bass-laden funky R&B groove with hints of Janet Jackson, Destiny's Child and J.Lo which should steam up many a window.[5]

Chart performance

In the United States, for the issue dated week of February 3, 2001, "Free" was Billboard's Hot 100 “Hot Shot Debut” of the week debuting at number seventy-six.[6] In its third week it ascended from 74-61 issue dated week of February 17, 2001.[7] The song reached its peak at number forty-one in its fourth week ascending from 61-41 issue dated week of February 24, 2001.[8] It spent a total of 17 consecutive weeks on the chart. It was the second single released by Harrison to miss the coveted pop Top 40. On Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart the song failed to achieve success; peaking at a moderately low fifty-two issue dated week of December 28, 2000.

Despite its chart placements in the U.S., "Free" was moderately successful in international territories. In Australia, "Free" became her second Top Ten (solo) third overall, it debuted at number eleven during the week of June 3, 2001.[9] It reached its peak at number four in its sixth week during the week of July 8, 2001.[10] It spent a total of 21 consecutive weeks altogether on the chart and was certified platinum by Australian Recording Industry Association for shipments of 70,000 units sold. It found success in the UK where it became her fifth Top 20 hit, it debuted and peaked at number eleven during the week of June 9, 2001.[11] It spent a total of 6 consecutive weeks on the chart.

Music video

The music video for "Free" was directed by Dave Meyers. Harrison explained to LAUNCH how involved she was in the making of "Free" speaking on following: the roller-skating, party dances, locking and Waacking were actually of all her concepts. Harrison got together with an underground dancer/choreographer named Brian Green (a.k.a. Brian " Footwork " Green ), and they put it together on their own. Mýa revealed it was a struggle and a fight working with someone underground because he's not established, but continued by saying that was the best thing about making "Free" because I knew him and what he had to offer and it was great.[12] "Free" premiered on MTV's TRL and BET's 106 & Park on November 16, 2000.[13]

Track listings

Credits and personnel

Charts

Weekly charts
Chart (2000–2001) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[23] 4
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)[24] 2
Belgium (Ultratip Wallonia)[25] 8
Canada (Canada Airplay Charts)[26] 25
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[27] 46
Germany (Official German Charts)[28] 66
Ireland (IRMA)[29] 35
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[30] 41
Netherlands (Tipparade)[31] 2
Poland (Polish Airplay Charts)[32] 12
Scotland (OCC)[33] 21
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[34] 76
UK Singles (OCC)[35] 11
UK R&B (OCC)[36] 5
UK Dance (OCC)[37] 6
US Billboard Hot 100[38] 42
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[39] 52
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[40] 13
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[41] 11

Year-end charts
Chart (2001) Position
Australia (ARIA)[42] 32

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[43] Platinum 70,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history
Country Release date Format(s) Label Ref.
United States November 21, 2000 Urban Interscope [44]
January 23, 2001 CHR/Pop [45]
Australia May 15, 2001 CD single Universal Music [46]

References
  1. "R&B Beat: Mya, Guru, Boyz II Men ..." MTV. Retrieved 2018-12-16.
  2. "Mya - Free Sheet Music (Digital Download)". Music Notes. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  3. "Singles". Google Books. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  4. "Mya: Free - Track Reviews - NME.COM". NME. Retrieved 2011-06-01.
  5. Jaymes, Cyd (29 May 2001). "Mya - Free". Yahoo! Music UK. Archived from the original on 12 June 2004. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  6. "Hot 100 Week of February 3, 2001". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
  7. "Hot 100 Week of February 17, 2001". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
  8. "Hot 100 Week of February 24, 2001". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
  9. "Australia Top 50 Singles". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
  10. "Australia Top 50 Singles". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
  11. "UK Top 75 Singles". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
  12. "Releases New Video And Talks Tour". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2011-07-02.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  13. "Brand Spankin' Free". Mya Mya. Archived from the original on 2000-11-21. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  14. "Mýa* – Free(CD)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  15. "Mya – Free Remixes(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  16. "Mya – Free(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  17. "Mýa* – Free(CD)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  18. "Mya – Free(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  19. "Mýa* – Free(CD)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  20. "Mya – Free(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  21. "Mya – Free(Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  22. "Mýa* – Free(CD)". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
  23. "Australian-charts.com – Mýa – Free". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  24. "Ultratop.be – Mýa – Free" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  25. "Ultratop.be – Mýa – Free" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  26. "The Hits Chart". Jam!. Archived from the original on April 7, 2001. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  27. "Euro Chart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media. June 16, 2001. p. 7. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  28. "Offiziellecharts.de – Mya – Free". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  29. "Irish-charts.com – Discography Mýa". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  30. "Dutchcharts.nl – Mýa – Free" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  31. "Mya-Free" (in Dutch). top40.nl.
  32. "Polish Airplay Charts - Lista Regionalna 30/2001". PiF PaF Production. Archived from the original on March 27, 2002. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  33. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  34. "Swisscharts.com – Mýa – Free". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  35. "Mýa: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-04-06.
  36. "Official R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  37. "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  38. "Mya Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  39. "Mya Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  40. "Mya Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
  41. "Mya Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
  42. "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2001". ARIA. Archived from the original on 2015-08-08. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
  43. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2001 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 10 August 2020.
  44. "Urban" (PDF). American Radio History. November 17, 2000. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  45. "CHR/Pop" (PDF). American Radio History. January 19, 2001. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  46. "Free [Australia CD]". AllMusic. May 15, 2001. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
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