Crazy in Love
"Crazy in Love" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé, featuring a rap verse and ad-libs from her future husband Jay-Z from her debut solo studio album Dangerously in Love (2003). The song was released as the album's lead single on May 14, 2003, through Columbia Records and Music World Entertainment. Both artists wrote and composed the song in collaboration with Rich Harrison and Eugene Record; the former also produced it with Beyoncé. Using samples from the Chi-Lites's 1970 song "Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)", "Crazy in Love" is a pop, hip hop and R&B love song that incorporates elements of soul, and 1970s-style funk music. Its lyrics describe a romantic obsession that causes the protagonist to act out of character.
This article is about the Beyoncé song. For other uses, see Crazy in Love (disambiguation)."Crazy in Love"
May 14, 2003
December 2002 – March 2003
- The Hit Factory
- Sony Music (New York City)
3:56
- Beyoncé Knowles
- Rich Harrison
"Crazy in Love" was a number-one hit in the United States and United Kingdom, and reached the top ten in various other countries worldwide. The song was universally acclaimed; music critics praised the hook, Jay-Z's contribution, and Beyoncé's assertive vocals. VH1 declared it the greatest song of the 2000s decade, while Rolling Stone ranked it at number 16 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time in 2021, and in 2018, declared the song the greatest of the 21st century so far.[3] At the 46th Annual Grammy Awards (2004), "Crazy in Love" won Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
The song's accompanying music video features Beyoncé in various dance sequences. It won three awards at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, and its director, Jake Nava, won the Music Video Production Association award for Best R&B Video in 2004. Since 2003, "Crazy in Love" has been a staple in Beyoncé's live performances and concert tours. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) recognized "Crazy in Love" as one of the most performed songs of 2004. Artists including David Byrne have covered the song, and it has been used in various television shows and other media.
Music and lyrics[edit]
"Crazy in Love" is performed in the key of D. It incorporates influences of 1970s-style funk,[10] hip hop, and soul.[16] As commented by Robert Webb of The Independent, the old soul influences in the song seem to have been derived from the horn hook,[5] which samples the 1970 song "Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)."[6] Having a go-go vibe,[5] "Crazy in Love" is built on a hip hop beat.[17] Beyoncé told The Sunday Herald that the beat is "so hard that it makes your heart hurt."[18] The song's tempo is a moderate 100 beats per minute, in common time.[19] Beyoncé's vocal range spans around one and a half octaves in the song, from the low note of B♭3 to the high note of F5.[19] "Crazy in Love" uses two major chords, B♭ and G, a minor third apart.[19] One of the main vocal riffs uses the traditional cowbell rhythm often found in samba music.[20][11] Lisa Verrico of The Times magazine, wrote that "Crazy in Love" makes use of big drums and bits of brass.[21]
According to Natalie Nichols of the Los Angeles Times, the lyrics of "Crazy in Love" reference a state of romantic obsession.[22] Beyoncé said that the song talks "about how, when you are falling in love, you do things that are out of character and you do not really care because you are just open."[23] Anthony DeCurtis of Rolling Stone wrote that "Crazy in Love" has "such a cauldron of energy," that Beyoncé sounds "loose and sexy," gripped by emotions she "can neither understand nor control."[12] The lyrics are composed in the traditional verse-chorus form. Jay Z opens the song with a brief spoken verse-rap, containing the lyrics: "Yes! So crazy right now. Most incredibly, it's your girl, B. It's your boy, Young. You ready?"[19] After Beyoncé delivers the "uh-oh, uh-oh" catchphrase, Jay Z continues the monologue.[15] Beyoncé begins the first verse, followed with the whistle-backed chorus.[21] She repeats the "uh-oh, uh-oh" phrase, leading to the second verse. The chorus follows, giving way to the second verse-rap which contains the lyrics: "Jay Z in the range, crazy and deranged [...] I been iller than chain smokers, how you think I got the name 'Hova', I been real and the game's over".[13] The song continues to the bridge, singing: "I'm not myself, lately I'm foolish, I don't do this, / I've been playing myself, baby, I don't care / 'Cuz your love's got the best of me, / And baby, you're making a fool of me, / You got me sprung and I don't care who sees."[24] She then sings the chorus again and the song fades out with the horns.[19]
Release[edit]
"Crazy in Love" was first released for digital download via iTunes Store in the United States on May 14, 2003.[25] It was then sent to rhythmic contemporary,[26] contemporary hit radio,[27] and urban contemporary radio[28] stations in the United States on the week of May 18, 2003. In the United Kingdom, it was released for digital download via iTunes Store on May 20, 2003.[29] Notably, the song was also fairly successful as a ringtone among cell phone users across the United States.[30] The song was released as a CD single in Ireland[31] and Switzerland,[32] and as a digital EP in Germany on June 20, 2003.[33] "Crazy in Love" was released as a maxi single in Germany on June 30, 2003,[34] and in Australia on July 7, 2003.[35] The song was issued as a CD single in the United Kingdom on June 30, 2003.[36] "Crazy in Love" was released as a digital EP in several European countries, including Austria,[37] Belgium,[38] Denmark,[39] Finland,[40] Italy,[41] the Netherlands,[42] Norway,[43] and Sweden on July 8, 2003.[44] This digital EP was also available in Canada[45] and Ireland on July 8, 2003.[46] On July 22, 2003, two remixes–one from Rockwilder and the other from Adam 12–were released in the United States.[47][48]
Critical reception[edit]
"Crazy in Love" was acclaimed by contemporary music critics, who complimented the horn lines and the guest appearance of Jay-Z. Many of them called it the Summer Anthem of 2003.[49] Tim Sendra of AllMusic described the song as a "stunning pop masterpiece",[1] while Stephen Thomas Erlewine of the same website called it "deliriously catchy".[50] Darryl Sterdan of Jam! noted the "Crazy in Love" is "instantly addictive horn lines".[14] Anthony DeCurtis of Rolling Stone wrote: "'Crazy in Love' ... roars out of the speakers on the strength of a propulsive horn sample and the charged presence of her pal, Jay-Z."[12] Ben Ratliff of Blender magazine called the song an "itchy [and] eager-to-please" one.[51] Marc Anthony Neal of PopMatters called the "uh-oh, uh-oh" phrase catchy.[13] MTV News considered "Crazy in Love" to be the "proudest moment" of Dangerously in Love.[52] Similarly, Allison Stewart of The Washington Post called it the best song on the album, praising its instrumentation, harmonies, and the rap verse of Jay Z.[16] This was echoed by Kelefa Sanneh of The New York Times who wrote that "Crazy in Love" is the best one on the album thanks to its "simplicity, irresistible combination of triumphant horns and a wicked hip-hop beat".[17] She added that "[Beyoncé's] vocals – as deft and accurate as ever – convey none of the giddy rush that the lyrics describe."[17] Likewise, Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine wrote the lyrical arrangement, the music structure and the guest vocals by Jay Z all contributed in making "Crazy in Love" a wonderful resume for Beyoncé.[10]
Rob Fitzpatrick of NME called "Crazy in Love" a "head-nodding [and] body-rocking funk-soul genius" and wrote that it is "a 100 per cent, stone-cold, dead-cert classic". He complimented Beyoncé's vocals, describing them as "genuinely, hip-grindingly fruity".[53] Los Angeles Times writer Natalie Nichols noted that "sexy dance tunes as the vintage funk-flavored 'Crazy in Love'" made Dangerously in Love a great album.[22] Neil Drumming of Entertainment Weekly wrote that the song has a "fresh sound".[15] Spence D. of IGN Music wrote that Beyoncé rides the "infectious rhythm" with grace and mid-range seductively. He added, "As [it] can be expected, the track bumps when Jay drops his distinctive uptown flavor. While other rap-meet-R&B tracks often fall flat, this one works well as Beyoncé and Jay's verbals play nicely against one another."[20] Lisa Verrico of The Times wrote that Jay Z performed a "decent rap", however, "Beyoncé and the beats save the day" and that "Crazy in Love" was a departure for Beyoncé from Destiny's Child.[21]
Music video[edit]
Production and synopsis[edit]
The music video of "Crazy in Love", released in May 2003, was directed by Jake Nava and filmed in downtown Los Angeles.[73] In MTV Making of the Video 2003 documentary, Beyoncé described the video's conception: "[It] celebrates the evolution of a woman. It is about a girl who is at the point of a relationship. She realizes that she is in love, she is doing stuff she would not normally do but she does not care. It does not matter she is just crazy in love."[74]
The opening sequence of the video features Jay-Z as a passenger in a car speeding along Mission Road in Los Angeles, where he encounters Beyoncé, standing in the middle of the road, at the Fourth Street bridge. Beyoncé performs in various dance sequences, beginning with her wearing a white tank top, denim blue shorts, and red high-heels. She performs an elaborate solo dance on a riser. The scene shifts to a gold set with a mock photo shoot, before moving into a scene with dancers detailing Beyoncé and dancing against a wall while wearing caps and full length pants. Jay Z appears and ignites a line of petrol leading to a car parked under the bridge, which explodes in flames. Jay Z performs his rap in front of the burning car, and Beyoncé dances beside him, wearing an exotic silk print over a fur coat, before kicking the valve off a fire hydrant. She continues to dance while the water is flying everywhere. The video ends with Beyoncé and her dancers wearing vibrant Versace dresses in front of a large fan. Their outfits contrast with the neutral colors of the background, the video. Carmit Bachar, then a member of The Pussycat Dolls, is one of the dancers.
Reception and accolades[edit]
The music video received acclaim by music critics. Cynthia Fuchs, writing for PopMatters commented that the photo shoot scene uses the routine used by Jennifer Lopez in the video for "Jenny from the Block" (2002) with hot lights, scary makeup, and inclusion of many shots of legs.[24] She wrote that: "Beyoncé's body becomes its undeniable emblem."[24] Tom Moon of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote that Beyoncé "shakes every inch of her famously photogenic goddess frame."
The music video won three awards at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards in the categories of Best Female Video, Best R&B Video, and Best Choreography. It however lost to Good Charlotte's "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous" in the Viewer's Choice category.[75] Director Nava also won a Music Video Production Association award for the Best R&B Video in 2004.[76][77] During the same year, the video won the Best Collaboration award at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards Japan, where it was also nominated for the Best Female Video award.[78] "Crazy in Love" was nominated at the 36th NAACP Image Awards for the Outstanding Music Video award.[79] It won the Best International Video award at the 2004 MuchMusic Video Awards.[80] The song is also recognized as the Best Selling Mobile Ringtone in the United Kingdom for 2003[81] In 2014, The Guardian writer Michael Cragg included the clip for "Crazy in Love" in his list of the ten best music videos by Beyoncé. He offered high praise for it, saying "Aware of how much of a statement the song was, the video is a checklist of icon-making visuals, from the locations... the dance moves... to the part where she makes bubble blowing look like the sexiest thing a human could do."[82]
Cover versions[edit]
Several artists have recorded cover versions of "Crazy in Love". In 2003, Irish singer-songwriter Mickey Joe Harte recorded an acoustic rendition of "Crazy In Love" for the charity album Even Better Than the Real Thing Vol. 1. Alternative rock band Snow Patrol recorded the song during a BBC session with Zane Lowe. Snow Patrol's version was released as a B-side to the single "Spitting Games",[110] on the compilation Cosmosonica – Tom Middleton Presents Crazy Covers Vol. 1[111] and on Snow Patrol's compilation album Up to Now.[112] Ross Langager of PopMatters noted that their cover "sparks an initial chuckle of recognition but soon after becomes more than a bit unfortunate".[112] David Byrne closed his concert at the Hollywood Bowl on June 27, 2005, with a samba-tinged version of "Crazy in Love".[113] In 2007, American alternative rock band Switchfoot produced a rock version that was released as part of Yahoo!'s CoverArt series. Switchfoot produced a video for their cover version.[114] Nashville-based indie quintet Wild Cub performed a version of the song in June 2014 for The A.V. Club's A.V. Undercover series.[115]
British band The Magic Numbers performed "Crazy in Love" on the Australian radio station Triple J, and recorded it for the Starbucks (Hear Music) compilation album, Sounds Eclectic: The Covers Project (2007).[116] Tracy Bonham covered the song with guitar and violin accompaniment, for her 2007 album In The City + In The Woods.[117] British close harmony trio The Puppini Sisters covered "Crazy in Love" for their 2007 album The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo; this was remixed by the electronica jazz outfit The Real Tuesday Weld.[118] Indie artist Dsico recorded an electronic cover of the song. In 2009, Pattern Is Movement recorded a cover of "Crazy in Love", which they claimed was inspired by Anohni's version; this cover was included on their September 4, 2009 Daytrotter session.[119] Antony and the Johnsons released an orchestral version of the song as the b-side to their 2009 single "Aeon".[120] Indie singer-songwriter Eden recorded a cover version of "Crazy in Love" for his final extended play (EP) under the EDEN Project alias.
German group The Baseballs covered the song in rockabilly style for their debut album Strike! Back in August 2010.[121] "Crazy in Love" was performed live on Australian Idol during the first season by winner Guy Sebastian on the Final 2 showdown in 2003.[122] A jazz version was performed during the fourth season by runner-up Jessica Mauboy on the Final 6 Big Band show in 2006.[123] In June 2008, Mauboy performed "Crazy in Love" on Indonesian Idol with some eliminated contestants.[124] Singapore Idol contestant Maia Lee performed "Crazy in Love" on the show. In March 2012, Swing Republic released their electro swing cover version which also ended up featuring on their album released the same year entitled Midnight Calling. In June 2012, Robin Thicke and Olivia Chisholm covered the song during the show Duets.[125] Kate Kroll of Rolling Stone gave a negative review for Chisholm's performance, saying that "Her voice sounded thin, and she just can't seem to shake that Stepford Wife stare."[126] Emeli Sandé and The Bryan Ferry Orchestra recorded a cover of the song which was included on The Great Gatsby soundtrack (2013).[127] Upon hearing a preview of the song, Randall Roberts of the Los Angeles Times commented that the cover was the best song on the album sang with a "surprising, simmering urgency".[128] Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly also wrote that the swing cover of "Crazy in Love" was one of the highlights on the album.[129] On October 21, 2013, Third Degree covered "Crazy in Love" on the fifth season of The X Factor Australia, and on May 4, 2014, C Major covered the song on the third series of The Voice Australia.[130][131] In 2015, Monica Michael covered the song on The X Factor UK. Filipina actress Denise Laurel covered the song while impersonating Beyoncé, based on her performance at the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show on Your Face Sounds Familiar, in which Laurel won the season.
Usage in media[edit]
In 2002, Beyoncé signed a contract with Pepsi, and appeared on several of its advertising campaigns, one of which featured "Crazy in Love" as background music.[132] After winning the Best Collaboration Awards for "Crazy in Love" at the 2004 BET Awards, Beyoncé dedicated the award to the show's host, comedian Mo'Nique, who parodied the choreography from the "Crazy in Love" video with six equally voluptuous female dancers.[133] "Crazy in Love" was included on the official soundtrack albums of the following films: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004),[134] White Chicks (2004), Taxi (2004), Good Luck Chuck (2007),[135] Gayby (2012), and Love, Rosie (2014),[136] as well in the tenth season of Brazilian soap opera Malhação.[137] In 2009, the cast of Glee performed a mash up of the songs "Hair" from the musical Hair and "Crazy in Love" in season one, episode eleven "Hairography".[138] A parody of the song is also used in the Disney Channel's show That's So Raven, in the episode "Hizzouse Party". It was featured on the video games Karaoke Revolution Party and Just Dance 2. On the eleventh series of Dancing on Ice, Gemma Collins and Matt Evers performed to the song on the first week of the competition.[139]
"Crazy in Love (Fifty Shades of Grey version)"
Recording and management
Personnel