Title (song)

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"Title"
Song

"Title" is a song by American singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor for her debut extended play (EP), Title (2014), and debut studio album Title (2015). Trainor collaborated with Kevin Kadish during the songwriting process, while production was handled by Kadish. "Title" is influenced by soca, and additionally incorporates elements of folk and ska; its lyrics see Trainor demanding her lover to put a name on their relationship status.

Background

Trainor felt that "Title" showcased what her artistic style was about, and said, "I loved that 'Title' showed a little Caribbean drum before the chorus and then, like, a rap bridge that was, like…[a] totally different sound."[1] It was described by the singer as "call me your girlfriend, I'm sick of being your boo thing, so call me your girlfriend and give me that title".[2]

Composition

"Title" is a soca-pop song which runs for a duration of 2 minutes and 54 seconds (2:54).[3] It blends horns and background vocals with ukulele folk-pop and island percussion morphed into a programmed beat. It contains handclaps and subtle modern sound effects. Trainor uses an assertive throwback aural tone on the song.[4] The rap verse in "Title" was compared to the works of Australian rapper Iggy Azalea and American duo Karmin.[5] The song's lyrics see Trainor demanding her lover to put a name on their relationship status.[6] Christina Garibaldi of MTV News wrote that the song serves a lesson for women not to settle for a friends-with-benefits relationship.[7]

Chart performance

Despite not being released as a single, "Title" managed to appear on two national charts, fueled by strong digital sales of "Title". It peaked at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 in New Zealand.[8]

Critical Reception

The song received critical acclaim by numerous critics, with the audio version of the song having been listened to over 21 million times on Youtube as of 1st June 2016. [9]. The Los Angeles Times referred to the song as one that "breezes past all troubles" while music review site Ppcorn also gave it a positive review, describing the song as having "feisty lyrics" with a "lively beat". [10].

Music video

Background and concept

A music video for "Title" was shot in Los Angeles on October 21, 2014, at a downtown movie palace.[11] It was directed by Anthony Phan. Its premise follows a theme inspired by the AAU Mr. America pageant. Trainor was accompanied by several film makers and male models who wore sashes, while sporting a sparkling dress and lime green fur for the shoot.[6] The music video was released on November 20, 2015, on the special edition of the album.[12]

Synopsis

The video begins with Trainor performing "Title" accompanied by her ukulele and background dancers, interspersed with shots of Trainor's brother Ryan filming the performance. The venue is then revealed to be a "Mister America" pageant. Trainor then, while singing, introduces the contestants of the pageant, wearing a black coloured coat. Trainor continues performing, while the contestants walk down the ramp. Trainor is shown singing, while sitting on a couch of flowers, donning a crown and a white gown. The contestants are depicted in a gymnasium, performing weight-lifting and other exercises. The half-naked contestants walk down the ramp, dance, and cycle, as Trainor's performance progresses. Trainor is then shown singing the song on royal staircases, in a pastel-coloured gown and lime fur. Trainor presents a crown to the winner of the pageant. The video ends with shots of Trainor's performance interspersed with Trainor and the newly-crowned winner walking down the ramp.[13]

Live performances

On October 6, 2014, Trainor performed "Title" live for MTV.[1] She reprised "Title" in a session for the National Post on October 14, 2014.[14] Trainor has also performed it as part of her set for the Jingle Ball Tour 2014.[15] The song was also included on the set list of Trainor's That Bass Tour.[16]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Title.[17]

Recording
  • Recorded and engineered at The Carriage House, Nolensville, Tennessee
  • Mastered at The Mastering Palace, New York City, New York
  • Published by Year Of The Dog Music (ASCAP), a division of Big Yellow Dog, LLC / Over-Thought Under-Appreciated Songs (ASCAP)
Personnel
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Charts

Chart (2014-15) Peak
position
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[18] 9
US Billboard Hot 100[19] 100

Certifications

Region Certification Sales/shipments
New Zealand (RMNZ)[20] Gold 7,500
United States (RIAA)[21] Gold 500,000

*sales figures based on certification alone

References

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  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqc-akOWPe8
  10. http://ppcorn.com/us/2016/01/07/meghan-trainor-album-review/
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  18. "Charts.org.nz – Meghan Trainor – Title". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
  19. "Meghan Trainor – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Meghan Trainor. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
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External links