Touch My Body
"Touch My Body" is a song by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey, released as the lead single from her eleventh studio album, E=MC² (2008), on February 12, 2008, by Island Records. Carey co-produced the song with Tricky Stewart, and they co-wrote it with Crystal "Cri$tyle" Johnson and Terius "The-Dream" Nash. The song's lyrics feature a double message, with the first describing sexual fantasies with her lover, while also jokingly warning him against recording or releasing information regarding their rendezvous.
For the song by Korean girl group Sistar, see Touch N Move."Touch My Body"
February 12, 2008
2007
3:24
- Mariah Carey
- Crystal Johnson
- Terius Nash
- Christopher Stewart
- Mariah Carey
- Tricky Stewart
The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, with many highlighting the song's light pop melody and hook; however, it also garnered some backlash from certain music reviewers, who felt the song did not properly represent the singer's acclaimed 5-octave vocal range. "Touch My Body" became Carey's eighteenth chart topper on the Billboard Hot 100, making Carey the solo artist with the most number one singles in United States history, surpassing the record held by Elvis Presley. Additionally, it gave Carey her 79th week atop the chart, tying Presley for most weeks at number one. Outside the US, the song also achieved high charting, reaching the top-five in Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Carey performed "Touch My Body" on several live televised events and programs, debuting it on Saturday Night Live as a two-piece performance. Similarly, Carey opened the Good Morning America "Summer Concert Series" on April 25, 2008, singing the song, as well as two other singles from E=MC². Similar renditions took place at the season premiere party of The Hills, as well as a mash-up of the song with "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" at the Teen Choice Awards. Aside from reprising performances of the British programs The Sunday Night Project and The Paul O'Grady Show, and German talent show Deutschland sucht den Superstar, the song was included on the set-list of Carey's North American Angels Advocate Tour, held throughout 2009 and 2010.
The song's music video was directed by filmmaker Brett Ratner, who had previously worked with Carey on five other music videos. It follows a story revolving around a computer employee's fantasy as he visits Carey's home. As he fixes her computer, he enters a fantasy in which the pair perform several activities together, including pillow fights, laser tag, Guitar Hero, slot cars, and frisbee throwing, all while Carey shows off her figure in several revealing outfits. The music video won in the category of "Best Comedic Video" at the 2008 BET Awards, and won the "MTV Video Vanguard Award" at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards Japan. Additionally, the video was nominated for "Best Female Video" at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.
Background and release[edit]
Carey achieved critical and commercial success with her tenth studio album, The Emancipation of Mimi (2005).[1][2][3] and the second best-seller around the world,[4][5][6] It earned a myriad of music industry awards, and brought Carey back to the top of pop music following her decline in 2001.[7] After completing The Adventures of Mimi Tour, Carey began working on material for her eleventh studio effort, the yet untitled E=MC² (2008).[7] E=MC² was hailed as one of the most anticipated albums of 2008, with many critics weighing their opinions on whether Carey would be able to deliver significant success, following her achievements with The Emancipation of Mimi.[8] "Touch My Body" was eventually chosen as the lead single through a vote in between the record executives at Island Records, with the final choices being the former and "I'm That Chick" (titled "I'm That Chick You Like" at that point).[9] After choosing the former, the song was sent to radio stations worldwide on February 12, 2008 and to digital outlets on March 24, 2008.[9]
Remixes[edit]
The official remix, "Touch My Body (Love/Hate Remix)" (aka "Touch My Body (Tricky Remix)"), was produced by Carey, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and The-Dream, and feature Def Jam labelmate rapper Rick Ross on the first verse and R&B singer The-Dream, who co-produced the song, on the fourth verse.[59] Aside from both their verses, Carey's are intermingled, and featured in between and after both of the male parts. Another official remix was released, featuring a guest rap verse and spoken intro by American rapper Juelz Santana. [60] Another remix, written, produced, and featuring R. Kelly was released to blogs, and available on promo CDs, but not made available on streaming services or for sale.[61] Further remixes were created by Seamus Haji, Craig "Cristyle" Johnson, Subkulcha, and Paul Emanuel[62]
Music video[edit]
Background[edit]
The song's music video was directed by film-maker Brett Ratner in Los Angeles, and features 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer.[63] As the pair came up with the video's plot, Ratner contacted McBrayer to play a male leading role, alongside Carey.[63] After receiving the call, McBrayer claimed he was so shocked by the proposal, that he didn't believe it at first. He only met with the producers after Ratner personally called him and assured him the authenticity of the offer.[63] In an interview with MTV News, McBrayer joked "I'm always worried now that somebody is pranking me, so at first I was very leery. But when I heard it was legit, and then later on we got a phone call from Brett Ratner, who directed it. I was like, 'This is either a very elaborate prank, or this is the real deal.'"[63] In the fantasy-themed story, he recalled what he considered the video's most memorable scene, in which he and Carey, dressed in medieval attire, were walking with a unicorn.[63] Additionally, he described the filming process as very simple, as they were given very loose directions and pointers.[63] McBrayer claimed that during one take, they were meant to play Frisbee on the mansion lawn, and he accidentally threw it at Carey's face, jokingly adding "by the time she spins back around — bonk, right in her face. I threw a Frisbee in Mariah Carey's face! I'm like, I'm fired!."[63] In an interview with Reuters, Carey described working with Ratner, and her experience filming the video:
Cover versions[edit]
R. Kelly, portraying "The Remix Killer", released an unofficial remix of the song in April 2008.[84] During most of his section of the song, Kelly sings of shining, drinking and two-stepping in a club,[85] and he promises to kiss any place on Mariah's body she wants: "Girl, if you let me, I'm gonna touch it / But if I touch it, I'm gonna wanna hit it." Later, he mimics Carey's bridge: "If some honies up in here that want me to touch her body / Touch it / Let me hear you say, 'I-i-i-i do.'" According to Kelly, the remix is unofficial, and his lyrics are freestyle rap.[86]
During a concert in Washington, D.C., soul singer Aretha Franklin performed a live rendition of the song.[87] Following a piano introduction for her song, "The House That Jack Built", Franklin segued into "Touch My Body", and jokingly referred to the lyrics, telling the audience "As far as I'm concerned, what starts on the floor stays on the floor."[88] A writer from Rap-Up commented on the performance, calling it "absolutely priceless".[87] Similarly, a writer from the Chicago Tribune complemented Franklin's live rendition of "Touch My Body", calling it "simple, enjoyable and sweet".[89]
Credits for E=MC² adapted from the album's liner notes.[96]