Blow (Kesha song)
"Blow" is a song by American singer and songwriter Kesha from her first extended play (EP), Cannibal (2010). The song was released on February 1, 2011. It was written by Kesha, along with Klas Åhlund and the producers, Dr. Luke, Kool Kojak, Benny Blanco, and Max Martin. According to Kesha the song's lyrics are representative of herself and her fans. "Blow" is dominantly an electropop and dance-pop song and is described as a party anthem as it portrays a simple message of having a desire to have a good time at a club.
"Blow"
Critical reception of "Blow" has been generally positive, with most critics praising the song's hook, opening, and party anthem vibe, though some found the chorus uninspiring and ordinary. Kesha's vocal work throughout the song was met with mixed reaction: some critics felt that she was both sassy and brash, while other critics felt that her personality was missing from the song. Commercially, "Blow" reached the top ten in the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and Australia, becoming her sixth consecutive top-ten hit in both countries as a solo artist. The song also reached the top ten in New Zealand, and the top 20 in Canadian Hot 100 in Canada.
The song's accompanying music video was directed by Chris Marrs Piliero and was released February 25, 2011. The video co-stars actor James Van Der Beek, who plays Kesha's nemesis. Piliero and Kesha came up with the video's concept and is intended to be simplistic, a video that is cool and random. Reception of the video by critics was positive, with the mid-video dialogue scene's humor being highlighted.
Writing and composition[edit]
"Blow" was written by Kesha alongside Klas Åhlund, Lukasz Gottwald, Alan Grigg, Benjamin Levin and Max Martin. Despite what fan sites, such as Exhale claim, the song was never intended for Britney Spears. Production of the song was completed by Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Kool Kojak. According to Kesha the line "We're taking over" is representative of herself and her fans, which she explained during an interview with Beatweek Magazine, "I love that I say 'we're taking over' in it because my fans and me have started a cult. We're misfits of society but we've banded together and we're starting a revolution. We are taking over. So get used to it."[1]
"Blow" is an electropop and dance-pop song that uses a synth infused beat as a backing.[2][3] The song opens with laughing followed by a command to dance.[3] As the chorus of the song starts in, Kesha's vocals change into an auto-tuned "stuttering" as she repeats "This place about to blow" four times over an electro beat.[2] During the song's bridge, Kesha's vocals change pace into a rap-sing style as she tells her listeners to "Go insane, go insane / Throw some glitter / Make it rain on 'em / Let me see them Hanes."[2][4] Kesha uses layered vocals that are enhanced in some parts with the use of Auto-Tune.[5] Lyrically, "Blow" portrays a simple message, described as a party-anthem, the song speaks of having a desire to have a good time at the club.[2] According to Robert Cospey from Digital Spy, the track is of similar character to Benny Benassi's track, "Satisfaction" (2002).[6]
The song is performed in the key of B minor with a tempo of 120 beats per minute.[7]
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Cannibal, Dynamite Cop Music/Where Da Kasz at BMI.[47]