Pretty Wings

Last updated
"Pretty Wings"
Maxwell Pretty Wings Cover.jpg
Single by Maxwell
from the album BLACKsummers'night
B-side "Cold"
ReleasedApril 28, 2009
Recorded2008
Genre
Length5:09
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Maxwell, Hod David
Producer(s) Maxwell, Hod David [1]
Maxwell singles chronology
"This Woman's Work"
(2002)
"Pretty Wings"
(2009)
"Bad Habits"
(2009)

"Pretty Wings" is a single by American singer-songwriter Maxwell, taken from his fourth studio album BLACKsummers'night . It was written and produced by Maxwell and Hod David.

Contents

The song won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and was nominated at the 52nd Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best R&B Song.

Background

Maxwell described "Pretty Wings" to MTV as "a bittersweet love song about meeting the right girl at the wrong time". The single is his first in seven years (previous single being the cover of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" in 2002). On further details of the song, Maxwell also told Billboard Magazine: "I met this girl who I still respect very much, and although it didn't work out, I got lots of inspiration from it. This track speaks of my time with her. " [2] Glockenspiels are heard in the intro of the composition. Despite the drifty meditation music being audible while the horns, drums, cymbals, hi-hats, and synthesized claps play and Maxwell sings, the song contains a long, meditation music-like outro with horns blowing softly at the end.

The lyrics of the song express "pretty wings" as a metaphor; "If I can't have you, let love set you free to fly your pretty wings around."

Music video

The Philip Andelman-directed music video premiered on 106 & Park on April 28, 2009. [3] As of November 2023, the video has been viewed on YouTube over 73 million times. [4] The music video takes place in a dim household and some scenes of the video shows five separate women in their beds sleeping. Maxwell served as an Incubus who is in bed with the women in their own scenes. In the final minutes of the video the women all levitate above their beds after reaching a state of euphoria by the Incubus. The final shot is Maxwell leaving one of the bedrooms of one of the five women. The music video was also ranked at #9 on BET's Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2009 countdown.

Chart performance

"Pretty Wings" reached the top forty on the Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, making it Maxwell's first song in ten years to have done so (the last having been "Fortunate" in 1999). It remained at number one on that chart for fourteen consecutive weeks, which remains tied for the third-longest run at the top in the chart's history. [5]

Weekly charts

Chart (2009)Peak
position
Japan (Japan Hot 100) [6] 85
US Billboard Hot 100 [7] 33
US Adult R&B Songs ( Billboard ) [8] 1
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [9] 1

Year-end charts

Chart (2009)Position
US Billboard Hot 100 99
US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 2

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [10] Gold500,000*
United States (RIAA) [11]
Mastertone
Gold500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maxwell (musician)</span> American R&B singer

Gerald Maxwell Rivera, known mononymously as Maxwell, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to prominence following the release of his debut studio album Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite (1996), which received widespread acclaim and spawned the hit singles "Ascension " and "Sumthin' Sumthin'". Through the album and its follow ups, Maxwell has been cited—along with Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo, and Erykah Badu—for ushering in the neo soul movement and its sensibilities into mainstream popular music during the late 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stand Up (Ludacris song)</span> 2003 single by Ludacris

"Stand Up" is a song by Ludacris, released as the second single from his fourth album, Chicken-n-Beer in 2003. It was his first song to peak atop the Billboard Hot 100—remaining on the chart for 28 weeks—on the week dated December 6 of that year. It contains production by then-unknown Roc-A-Fella Records producer Kanye West, with co-production by Ludacris himself. "Stand Up" also topped the R&B/Hip-Hop singles for four weeks, and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Ain't Got You</span> 2004 single by Alicia Keys

"If I Ain't Got You" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys for her second studio album The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Inspired by the 2001 death of singer Aaliyah, the September 11 attacks, and other events in the world and in Keys' life, the song is about "how material things don't feed the soul". It was released as the second single from The Diary of Alicia Keys on February 17, 2004, by J Records. The single cover depicts Keys similarly to the subject of Man Ray's 1924 photograph Le Violon d'Ingres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U.N.I.T.Y.</span> 1993 single by Queen Latifah

"U.N.I.T.Y." is a song by American hip-hop artist Queen Latifah from her third studio album, Black Reign (1993). The single was released on November 9, 1993, in the United States, and on January 6, 1994, in the United Kingdom. "U.N.I.T.Y." focused on confronting disrespect of women in society, addressing issues of street harassment, domestic violence, and slurs against women in hip-hop culture. The chorus of the song interpolates "Unity" by Tenor Saw.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fortunate (song)</span> 1999 single by Maxwell

"Fortunate" is a neo soul song from the 1999 motion picture Life and was released on the film's soundtrack. The song was written, composed, produced and arranged by R. Kelly and recorded by Maxwell. "Fortunate" was awarded Best R&B Single of the Year at the Billboard Music Award and Best R&B/Soul Single (Male) at Soul Train Music Awards. Maxwell was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Male Vocalist and also nominated for a Blockbuster Entertainment Awards for Favorite Song of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Wish (R. Kelly song)</span> 2000 song by R. Kelly

"I Wish" is an R&B song recorded by American singer-songwriter R. Kelly, from the album TP-2.com. It was released as the album's first single. It spent three weeks at number one on the U.S. R&B chart and peaked at number 14 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart. The song is dedicated to his mother as well as friends and other loved ones of his who have died. This song was originally going to feature rapper 2Pac, but he died before recording his verse. The remix, which was titled "I Wish – Remix featured Hip Hop duo Boo & Gotti, who were then signed to his Rockland Records imprint.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mario discography</span>

American singer Mario has released five studio albums, one compilation album, one extended play, seventeen singles, six promotional singles and twenty-one music videos. In his career, Mario has charted 15 entries on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. His four studio albums—Mario, Turning Point, Go and D.N.A.—all reached the top 5 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. To date, Mario has sold 2.3 million albums, 4.8 million downloads and earned 591 million streams in the US, according to Nielsen Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiss Kiss (Chris Brown song)</span> 2007 single by Chris Brown featuring T-Pain

"Kiss Kiss" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring vocals and sole production from American rapper T-Pain from the former's second studio album. Written by the two artists, the song was released as the album's second single on September 10, 2007 worldwide. It was later solicited to rhythm crossover radios in the United States on September 11, 2007. "Kiss Kiss" is an upbeat record that incorporates elements of R&B, hip-hop and dance music. The song's lyrics are about getting a woman's attention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take You Down</span> 2008 single by Chris Brown

"Take You Down" is a song recorded by American singer Chris Brown for his second studio album, Exclusive (2007). The song was written by Brown, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas, Steve Russell, James Fauntleroy and Lamar Edwards, while production was helmed by Edwards and The Underdogs. The song was released as the album's fourth single on April 6, 2008 in the United States. "Take You Down" is composed as slow R&B ballad with the lyrics based on sexual intercourse. The song garnered Brown a Grammy nomination in the category Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

<i>The Introduction of Marcus Cooper</i> 2009 studio album by Pleasure P

The Introduction of Marcus Cooper is the debut solo studio album by American recording artist and former Pretty Ricky vocalist Pleasure P. It was released on June 9, 2009, through Atlantic Records. Production was handled by Tha Bizness, Rico Love, Rudy Sandapa, Static Major, Tank, 1852 Productions, Adonis, D-Town, Don Vito, Jack Rabbit Slim, The Co-Stars and The Movement. It features guest appearance from Yung Joc. The album reached number 10 on the US Billboard 200 and number 2 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling 39,000 copies in its first week. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, but lost to Beyoncé's I Am... Sasha Fierce.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blame It</span> 2009 single by Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain

"Blame It" (also known as "Blame It (On the Alcohol)") is a song by American singer and actor Jamie Foxx, released as the second official single from his third studio album, Intuition (2008). It features American singer T-Pain and was written by Christopher "Deep" Henderson, Nate Walker, James T. Brown, John Conte Jr., David Ballard and Brandon Melanchon and produced by Christopher "Deep" Henderson. Both Jamie Foxx and T-Pain use the Auto-Tune effect. T-Pain also uses some elements from "I Luv Your Girl" by The-Dream.

<i>BLACKsummersnight</i> 2009 studio album by Maxwell

BLACKsummers'night is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Maxwell, released July 7, 2009 on Columbia Records. It is the follow-up to his third album Now (2001). Recording sessions for the album took place during 2003 to 2009 and production was handled entirely by Maxwell and Hod David.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Best I Ever Had (Drake song)</span> 2009 single by Drake

"Best I Ever Had" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his third mixtape So Far Gone. The song was later re-released on his debut EP of the same name. The song's popularity helped Drake decide to release So Far Gone as an EP, available for purchase. "Best I Ever Had" is also included as a bonus track on Drake's debut studio album Thank Me Later in certain countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muni Long</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1988)

Priscilla Renea Hamilton, known professionally as Muni Long, is an American singer and songwriter from Gifford, Florida. Under her birth name, she signed with Capitol Records to release her debut studio album Jukebox (2009), which was met with positive critical reception despite failing to chart. She then spent the following decade co-writing songs for other artists, including the hit singles "Promise This" for Cheryl, "California King Bed" for Rihanna, "Worth It" for Fifth Harmony, "Love So Soft" for Kelly Clarkson, "Imagine" for Ariana Grande, "Who Says" for Selena Gomez & the Scene, and the global hit "Timber" for Pitbull.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wet the Bed</span> 2011 single by Chris Brown featuring Ludacris

"Wet the Bed" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring American rapper Ludacris, from his fourth studio album F.A.M.E. (2011). It was written by Brown, Kevin McCall, Sevyn Streeter, and Christopher Bridges, and produced by Bigg D. Lyrically, the song sees Brown and Ludacris exploring ways to leave a woman satisfied. "Wet the Bed" received mixed reviews from most music critics, who were ambivalent towards its lyrics. It was released as a single and has appeared on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number twenty-five. The song has been performed live at the album's listening party, as well as on Brown's F.A.M.E. Tour.

"Whip Appeal" is a song by American musician Babyface. It served as the third single from his second album, Tender Lover. Written by Babyface and Perri "Pebbles" Reid, "Whip Appeal" was released on February 22, 1990 by SOLAR Records and Epic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart Attack (Trey Songz song)</span> 2012 single by Trey Songz

"Heart Attack" is a song by American singer Trey Songz. It was produced by Benny Blanco and Rico Love and released as the lead single from Trey Songz's fifth studio album, Chapter V on March 26, 2012. It reached the top 40 in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number 35 in the United States on the US Billboard Hot 100. "Heart Attack" received a nomination for Best R&B Song at the 2013 Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Remember You (song)</span> 2012 single by Wiz Khalifa featuring the Weeknd

"Remember You" is a song by American rapper Wiz Khalifa featuring Canadian singer the Weeknd, released as the second single from the former's fourth studio album, O.N.I.F.C.. Produced by Dpat and Illangelo, the song samples "Tell Me Do U Wanna" by Ginuwine. It was released on September 24, 2012, by Atlantic's YouTube channel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fetty Wap discography</span>

American rapper Fetty Wap has released three studio albums, two extended plays, twelve mixtapes, 68 singles, and six promotional singles.

References

  1. "Maxwell | Credits". AllMusic .
  2. "Pretty Wings by Maxwell". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  3. Concepcion, Mariel (April 29, 2009). "Maxwell Premieres 'Pretty Wings' Video, Announces Tour Dates". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved August 16, 2009.
  4. "Maxwell - Pretty Wings". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-20. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  5. Ramirez, Rauly (September 25, 2013). "Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Breaks Record Atop Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  6. "Billboard Japan Hot 100 [2008/09/10 公開]". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  7. "Maxwell Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  8. "Maxwell Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  9. "Maxwell Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  10. "American single certifications – Maxwell – Pretty Wings". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  11. "American ringtone certifications – Maxwell – Pretty Wings". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved 2 February 2012.