ICU (song) explained

ICU
Cover:Coco Jones - ICU.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Coco Jones
Ep:What I Didn't Tell You
Released:October 21, 2022
Genre:R&B
Length:4:01
Label:
Producer:DJ Camper
Prev Title:Love Is War
Prev Year:2022

ICU” is a song by American singer Coco Jones, released on October 21, 2022, as the second single from her EP What I Didn't Tell You (2022). Produced by DJ Camper, it is her first song to chart, peaking at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. The title references the lyrics "I see you" more than intensive care unit, and picked up an award for Best R&B Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.[1]

Background and composition

“ICU” is an R&B ballad containing piano, guitar and drums in the production. Lyrically, Coco Jones reflects on being attracted to her lover; she suggests they should just be friends,[2] and that she does not have a specific partner in mind,[3] but finds it unbearable to live without the man in question.

Coco Jones has stated, " “ICU” is about the push and pull of being in a relationship where the circumstances have changed. Growing in our career and personal goals, but growing apart at the same time."[4]

Critical reception

Antwane Folk of Rated R&B praised Jones' performance, commenting that the song "unquestionably showcases the power of her quality vocal range."

Commercial Performance

“ICU” debuted at number 88 via the Billboard Hot 100 on April 1, 2023.[5] The single remained a mainstay on the charts for 20 weeks, eventually rising and peaking on July 29, 2023 at number 62.[6] In addition, the single peaked at number 1 on Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop Airplay chart.[7]

On May 30, 2023, “ICU” was certified gold, via RIAA.[8]

“ICU” was nominated at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for two awards: Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song, eventually winning for Best R&B Performance.[9]

Live performances

Jones performed “ICU” at the 2022 Soul Train Music Awards,[10] The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, iHeart Living Black and the 2023 BET Awards shortly after receiving the award for Best New Artist. She also performed in appearances for Genius, Vevo, MTV Push and SiriusXM. She has performed it at various festivals like Essence Fest & Broccoli City Fest.

Remix

On July 12, 2023, a remix with American singer Justin Timberlake was announced by Jones on social media.[11] The remix was released two days later.[11]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[12] 29
Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[13] 38
Suriname (Nationale Top 40)[14] 5

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[15] 45

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateTypeLabel
United StatesOctober 21, 2022Original[16]
July 14, 2023Remix[17]

Notes and References

  1. News: 2023-11-10 . Grammy Awards 2024: The main nominees . en-GB . BBC News . 2023-11-15.
  2. Web site: Coco Jones Is In Need Of Intensive Love And Care On 'ICU' & Hints At Possible Project . . 1 June 2023 . October 21, 2022.
  3. Web site: Folk . Antwane . Coco Jones Shares New Song 'ICU' . . 1 June 2023 . October 24, 2022.
  4. Web site: Cho . Regina . Coco Jones returns with intimate new "ICU" single . . 1 June 2023 . October 25, 2022.
  5. Hot 100 First-Timers: Coco Jones Debuts with Love Song 'ICU' . .
  6. Coco Jones | Biography, Music & News . .
  7. Web site: Coco Jones Scores Her First No. 1 Single on Billboard with 'ICU' . 25 May 2023 .
  8. https://www.riaa.com/gold-%20platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=coco+jones#search_section
  9. News: 2023-11-10 . Grammy Awards 2024: The main nominees . en-GB . BBC News . 2023-11-15.
  10. Web site: Coco Jones - "ICU" . . 1 June 2023 . November 26, 2022.
  11. Denis . Kyle . Coco Jones & Justin Timberlake Unite for 'ICU' Remix: Stream It Now . July 15, 2023 . Billboard . July 14, 2023.
  12. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. April 3, 2023. June 1, 2023.
  13. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. September 4, 2023. September 2, 2023.
  14. Web site: 21 September 2023 . Top 40 – 14 sept T/M 21 sept 2023 . Top 40 – September 14 to September 21, 2023 . July 6, 2024 . Nationale Top 40 Suriname. nl.
  15. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 23, 2023.
  16. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS8VR9DV/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6ltfBitumsLzeZ2pCkS5lWOjnxE4Six3yCj5-cgQpp98jAoxzr_cTFSJaQVGtIFuMHRRRIVJhSYvpybeisdqWE7RpwX2iV37WHF5PNIC3l4Jcgf9qgPBbd1aqYewnhN_SJvxYZsJEYPteuL5hEVy1chcjTatUml2TQCVknuQOc3fl2WXl1Zib1mUn1NPAv_nlFHNlU4ZYKvJ5scRoQ0cpwfJWnNOxbPX56Ov36S_i0E.m3GvMyOce1s-pc17ejRW9bPwE1ZsMpKiTFclStwsh_c&dib_tag=se&keywords=coco+jones+icu&marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&qid=1708634457&sr=8-2&trackAsin=B0BS8VR9DV
  17. https://www.amazon.com/ICU-Remix-Coco-Jones/dp/B0CBNLXMBM