" Praying " is a song recorded by American singer Kesha for her third studio album Rainbow (2017). It was made available for digital download by Kemosabe Records on July 6, 2017 as the lead single of the recording. The song comes from Ryan Lewis, who contacts Kesha and offers him an early version of the song. "Praying" was written by singers with Ben Abraham, Andrew Joslyn, and his producer, Lewis, and co-production by Jon Castelli. Musically, the song is a pop piano ballad influenced by soul and soul featuring minimal production and accompaniment of violin, violin, string, celli, backing vocals and drums. Inspired by the suicidal thoughts he had in the past, Kesha said that "Praying" is about hoping that people can heal. "Praying" was written to showcase the singer's vocal range and to represent himself as someone, and also his almost shouting features at the top of the list. Various reviewers suggest that the song is about Dr. Luke, whom Kesha accuses of sexual violence and emotional abuse in a lawsuit, though Luke is never mentioned in the song by name.
"Pray" received universal praise, with music critics praising Kesha's vocals, finding a strong song and recording it as a departure from the singer's previous attempts. The commentator offers a conflicting interpretation of the song message; some people feel that "Praying" is about forgiveness, while others think that Kesha shows anger on the track. Commercially, "Praying" has reached number six in Australia as well as the top 20 in Canada, Hungary and Scotland, and the top 30 in Ireland, Spain, England and the United States. It's also certified at least Platinum in the latter, Australia and Canada. "Praying" was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
The music video for "Praying" directed by Jonas ÃÆ'â € | kerlund and released simultaneously with the single. It features Kesha in Salvation Mountain along with various religious symbolism, both biblical and Hindu. This clip received generally positive responses from critics, and was often compared to the visual album Beyoncà ©  © Lemonade (2016). To promote the song, Kesha performed live concerts on several occasions, including Rainbow Tour (2017-2018), at iHeartRadio 2017 Music Festival, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon , The Ellen DeGeneres Show , Good Morning America , and the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. Critics praised Kesha's live performance.
Video Praying (song)
Background and release
From July to October 2016, Kesha embarked on her third world tour, Kesha and Creepies: Fuck the World Tour, where she performed various cover versions of songs and some reworking rocks and soil from her own material. During this time, the singer wrote a few songs for what will be her third studio album Rainbow (2017). Producer Ryan Lewis started working on the lyrics and production of "Pray" as he toured for a year before it was released. He felt that the ballad would be suitable for a female artist, with his wife suggesting that Kesha should sing it. Lewis then contacts the singer's management and Kesha then accepts the offer because of his penchant for his work with Macklemore, especially admiring how their discography featured a mix of "fun" and politically progressive songs. Lewis came to Kesha with a "rough idea" for the song and encouraged him to do whatever he wanted on the track. When he issued a letter whistling, he surprised him; Lewis then said it was one of his favorite moments that happened in a studio. "Pray" finished two days after Kesha started to work on it. Lewis said that his ambition when writing the song was to showcase the vocal range of the singer and represent himself as someone, ultimately feeling that the completed song achieved both goals.
In a radio interview with SiriusXM, Kesha reveals that "Praying" is associated with suicidal thoughts in the past. On the same occasion, he says that he feels healthy to discuss such emotions, and that "[he] considers the beautiful part is that you hold the hope [...] and you keep appearing to yourself." Before it was released, the singer this aired "Praying" and four other songs from Rainbow at a press release in London. There, he expressed his feelings about the song, saying: "I have never been more passionate about the artwork I have done in my entire life, it's really from my heart." Kesha then announced the release of the single in a video addressed to his fans. In the accompanying letters posted to Lena Dunham's feminist blog Lenny's Letter she writes about the meaning of the song: "I have channeled my feelings of despair and depression, I overcame obstacles, and I have found inner strength my self even when it feels out of reach I have found what I think is a place that peace can not accomplish.This song is about coming to feel empathy for others even if they hurt you or scare you about learning to be be proud of the person you are even at a low moment when you feel alone.This is also about hoping everyone, even someone who hurt you, can heal. "
Maps Praying (song)
Lyrical composition and interpretation
"Praying" is a pop piano ballad written by Kesha, Ryan Lewis, Ben Abraham, and Andrew Joslyn featuring elements of gospel and soul music. The song is produced by Lewis and is written in a G minor key, with a fairly slow tempo of 74 beats per minute. Vox Caroline Framke feels that the song is a departure from the "diving bar songs" that Kesha has known. The song's production was minimal, with Kesha joining on track by violin, violin, string, celli, back-back vocals and drums. And Weiss from Billboard assumes the "Praying" setting is "out of date" and says the song does not sound like contemporary music. The chorus of "Praying" features the singing of Kesha "I hope you're somewhere praying, praying/I hope your soul changes, changing/I hope you find your peace falling on your knees, praying." Repetition has been described as "towering but modest" by Spencer Kornhaber of The Atlantic in the "Beautiful" vein (2002) by Christina Aguilera and "Til It Happens to You" (2015) by Lady Gaga.
According to Kesha, "Praying" is "about hoping everyone, even someone who hurt you, can recover." This song speaks to a torturer with the lyrics: "You bring fire and you make me through hell/I have to learn how to fight for myself/And we both know all the truth I can say/I'll just say this: I wish you farewell." The Atlantic Kornhaber thought that the song's message was "love of your enemy" and displayed "Christlike grace", further noting that Kesha does not radiate immunity to "Pray" as he do in some previous songs, such as "Dinosaur" (2010). Similarly, Eve Barlow of Variety says that Kesha "pushed through his demons and had an amazing level of empathy and understanding" on the track. On the contrary, Jillian Mapes feels that his song sentiment is similar to "telling the person who ruined your life to be 'careful' when you really meant to 'make love to you Weiss interprets the recording as "a coded threat that [Kesha] will no longer be silenced." According to Tatiana Cirisano of the same publication, "While the choir aims for reconciliation with an unnamed listener... there is still flicker of anger in singer's words, as in the lyrics '... When I'm done, they win not even know your name.' "
The Guardian , The Atlantic , MTV UK, and Complex each reported that the song was about Dr. Luke, the producer that Kesha accused of sexually assaulting and emotionally tortured her in a lawsuit, although the song never mentions Dr.'s name. Luke. Kornhaber felt that the opening lyrics - "You almost made me fooled/Tell me that I'm nothing without you" - recalled the singer's accusation Dr. Luke: "You are not beautiful, you are not talented, you are just lucky to have me.... You are nothing without me." Weiss of Billboard found a song similar to Alanis Morissette, "You Oughta Know "(1995), which" empowers women to... call male offenses, "" A Torch "(1998), a song about a vengeful rape victim from Sarge's The Glass Intact album, and Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" (2009), which dealt with the singer attacks in the hands of Chris Brown.
Kesha said that "Praying" "displays [his] voice in a way [his voice] has never been exhibited in his entire life." According to music sheets published by Musicnotes.com, his vocals range in tracks from D 3 to F 6 . Mapes of Pitchfork notes that the singer's voice on "Praying" is less digitally manipulated than the material of his past. Three minutes and 14 seconds into the track, he sings at the top of the list, almost shouting in a way that reminds Mariah Carey. The song's highnote was compared to Demi Lovato's vocal appearance in "Skyscraper" (2011) and Sia's vocal appearance in "Alive" (2015) by Weiss. 's . Ryan Dunn, writing for The United Methodist Church, thinks that the story of Jonah is intertwined during "Praying" and that for both Kesha and Jonah, prayer is instrumental in bringing them through distress.
Acceptance and critical awards
"Pray" gets universal praise from music critics, who positively consider it a departure from Kesha's past work and public image, and calls it a neat comeback. Maria Sherman of Complex thought the song was "more direct than the music that made [Kesha] famous." Those who want to make pop music with real resonance would be wiser to see this song, and whatever Kesha does next. " Hugh McIntyre labeled "Praying" "very important", adding that "[Kesha] will have no trouble gathering a lot of new fans as he enters this next phase of his career." Issy Sampson of The Guardian notes that the tape was for the Kesha oeuvre what "Fighter" (2002) belongs to Aguilera. The New York Times ' Jon Pareles describes "Praying" as "a revenge missile and a perfect reboot career." Daniel Welsh writes that it is an "empowering and haunting ballad" that "may come as something of a surprise to the more casual Kesha listeners who may be more used to hear his glittering songs about partying and having fun. "According to Matthew Rozsa of Salon," 'Praying' is likely to be remembered as the time when Ke $ ha became Kesha - that is, when his image is overwhelming from a party girl turned into a full-fledged artist ". Caroline Framke from Vox said that "when Kesha embraces her pain and anger, the song becomes something much more intense and strange and angry and hopeful - something that feels more like Kesha itself."
Kesha vocals and emotional delivery are also praised by reviewers. Eve Barlow from Variety commented that the song would be "enough to cause goosebumps even at the harshest of the cynics." Weiss of Billboard is equally praising the song, saying: "It would be difficult for even the biggest pop agnostic to not be made speechless by Kesha 'Praying's new videos and songs." In a Billboard apart article, Gil Kaufman thinks that the song is "pure ecstasy for your ear buds." Raisa Bruner called "Praying" "very emotionally," adding that "when she broke into a flawless whistle tone, it pretty much sealed the deal: this is just Kesha more stronger than ever, both as an artist and, apparently, as a human being. " Atlantic praised him for" deeply feeling ", and said that" Kesha's voice is strong here - and more capable than anyone would expect ". William Ferrer of The Seattle Times says that "Praying" is a "terrible must-listen bone," writing that "we're just one to Rainbow ... and I've believes his record will be one of the best of the year. "According to Sampson of The Guardian," Praying "is" inspirational inspirational ballads, footfalls, and sound. [Kesha] sounds better than ever... and it's good enough to make you forgive him for 'Timber' [ sic ]. " Pitchfork ' s Jillian Mapes says that the song is" a strong endurance statement, even if the familiar piano melody sounds warm. " He better compare "Pray" with the work of Adele and Florence Welch. Althea Legaspi and Elias Leight of Rolling Stone are also called "victory" and "spirit" songs, while Patrick Hosken of MTV considers him "about an alluring soul like anything." Tom Breihan from Stereogum is of the opinion that the recordings are "magnificent and spacious". The Single Jukebox rated "Praying" as the best song of the year 2017, writes: "The music nods at a large-scale drama but, rather than letting the drums and pianos echo into space, thumps remain close to the ear, Kesha to his own heartbeat. "At the 60th Annual Grammy Awards," Praying "was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance.
Commercial performance
"Praying" debuted at number four on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart for the week ending July 22, 2017, although it was released on the last day of sales, streaming and radio tracking week from 30 June to 6 July 2017. According to Nielsen SoundScan, "Praying" sold 17,738 copies in the United States on its first day of release. The song enters Billboard Hot 100 at position 25 on July 29, 2017, falling to the next 40 issue number with sales of over 27,000 copies. The track finally reached a new peak at number 22 after the release of Rainbow . It also peaked on the Top 40 Adults and Top 40 Topstream charts at number six and nine, respectively. Nielsen SoundScan reported in October 2017 that the tape has moved 428,120 total copies in the United States, with it certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Worldwide, "Praying" reached the top ten in Australia, while charting in top 40 in some countries such as Canada, Scotland, Ireland and Spain. The single was certified triple platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association of Australia (ARIA) and Canada Music Canada to sell 210,000 and 160,000 units, respectively.
Music video
Background and development
The video that accompanies this song, directed by Jonas ÃÆ'â € | kerlund, was released on July 6, 2017. Kesha has described his experience working with ÃÆ'... kerlund as a "dream come true" and said that the video shooting process was similar to a therapy session good and long. The video was taken at Salvation Mountain, Niland, California, and Salton Sea for one day. The clothing worn by the singer was inspired by the location of the clip, as well as his fondness for the clothing of the 1960s and 1970s. Kesha and her stylist for the video, Samantha Burkhart, chose a rainbow dress for the singer to wear in the video, though ÃÆ'... kerlund worried that the dress was too similar to that used to "Hold Up" BeyoncÃÆ' (2016) video. The director also wants the singer to wear the black angel's wings in the video to make it appear "chaotic", but Burkhart insists that Kesha should wear a white angel's wings to emphasize her purity and beauty. Kesha said that the music video depicts her life metaphorically. According to Burkhart, Kesha depicts fallen angels who are "still very pure" in the clip.
Synopsis
The video alternated between black and white and color, while displaying a stylish title card resembling a Hindi script. The video begins with a Kesha shot inside a coffin, flanked by a pair of men in a pig suit and tear mask with tears of neon in the background. While inside the coffin, Kesha is seen wearing a nose ring, dark blue lipstick and a steel cap. After this, he appears on the surface of the open ocean located on the rafters. In a voice-over, he said: "Am I dead? Or is this one of dreams? Horrible dreams that seem like they last forever If I live, why? If there is a God or anything, something, somewhere , why I have been abandoned by everyone and everything I have ever known? I once loved? Stranded What are the lessons? What's the point? God, give me a sign, or I have to give up I can "Do this again. Please let me die. Life is so painful. "In the clip, the singer plays the piano wearing a crown of thorns, angel wings and what Christina Cauterucci calls from Slate described as" a scaly mermaid suit. "Then, Kesha is seen with eyes painted on his forehead as he prays at the altar before the neon cross, while also pursued by people with a pig mask.The recurrent scenes in this video feature a television wall with messages such as "television will not be revolutionized", "mass fraud weapons" , "not involved," and "you are too skinny" painted on them in red, with Kesha finally destroying them.The sound of her crying black tears interspersed across the main visual plot.In the climax of the song, Kesha throws colored powder in a way similar to what was done during Holi, a Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil.clip ends with a singer walking on water and text g says "early".
Reception and analysis
Weiss from Billboard praised his video, highlighting it as Kesha's best work released in his career. He found a religious image in the video reminiscent of Madonna "Like a Prayer" (1989) and the use of a pig clip similar to a video for Nine Inch Nails "Closer" (1994) and "Tomorrow" Silverchair (1994). Breihan's
Elana Fishman of Racked.com praised the singer's outfit in the video, including a rainbow dress, while Pareles of The New York Times felt they were influenced by Lady Gaga's work. Kornhaber of The Atlantic says that the clip is "a high-tech sketch production from one of the master shapes, director Jonas ÃÆ'... kerlund" and it reminds him of Kesha's earlier work. In contrast, Arizona Zachary Hansen argues that the aesthetics of the video contrasts strongly with it, suggesting "[the singer] is at its most serious." Maria Sherman of Complex praised the use of Mount Safety in the video, writing: "This is the perfect background for the song, [with] bright and colorful colors [ sic ] verse -a painted on the neon adobe in the Colorado Desert in California.This is an unexpected place to find hope, reflecting Kesha's step from sorrow to empowerment. "Cauterucci of Slate argues that the use of religious symbolism by clips" confusing thrust song ", adding that the image" speaks [s] with [Kesha's] vision for his new album as a kind of rebirth. "
Vox's Framke feels that the video refers to the visual album Beyoncà ©  © Lemonade (2016) several times. Framke finds a monologue in a video similar to Beyoncà ©  © "Pray You Catch Me" (2016), while the rainbow attire worn by Kesha reminds her of the yellow dress BeyoncÃÆ'  © sported in her "Hold Up" video, which was also directed by ÃÆ'â € | Kerlund. The author further writes that "evoking the image of BeyoncÃÆ' © at the time of the onset of video weakens the message, making it more like a tribute than emotional cleansing [Kesha] says it." Similarly, Amber Cortes's Stranger criticizes Kesha for taking influence from BeyoncÃÆ' ©  © in the "Praying" clip, writing that it mimics the "watery image" of the video for "Hold Up". William Ferrer of The Seattle Times also found a visual similar to Lemonade, but added "there is something haunting about 'Praying' that sets it apart from Lemonade It was smoother, more uncertain than a confident Beyonce tour, and [...] 'Pray' is better for that. "
Live show
Kesha performs "Pray" directly during his Pelangi Tour, which runs from September to November 2017. Other appearances take place in Electric Birxton in South London, YouTube Space in Los Angeles, iHeart Radio 2017 Music Festival, The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon , The Ellen DeGeneres Show , Good Morning America . The singer's performance received praise from editors of several publications, such as LA Weekly , The Daily Telegraph , The Fader , Billboard i >, Vanity Fair , Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly , for vocals, stage attendance and emotional delivery.
During the 60th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony on January 28, 2018, Kesha, nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, performed the song with Cyndi Lauper, Julia Michaels, Bebe Rexha, Camila Cabello and Andra Day.
Track list
- Digital download - Remixe
- "Praying" (Frank Walker Remix) - 2:59
- "Praying" (Oliver Nelson Remix) - 3:57
- "Praying" (Team Legend Remix) - 3:38
Credit and personnel
The credit is adapted from liner notes Rainbow .
Record
- Engineered at The Village (Los Angeles, California), Studios 301 (Alexandria, Australia) and Robert Lang Studios (Shoreline, Washington)
- Mixed in Mirrorball Studios (North Hollywood, Los Angeles)
Personnel
Diagram
Certification
Releasing history
References
External links
- "Praying" (Official Video) on YouTube
- Lyrics of this song in MetroLyrics
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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