Independent Women Part I Explained

Independent Women Part I
Cover:Destiny's Child Independent Women US.jpg
Border:yes
Artist:Destiny's Child
Album:Charlie's Angels Survivor
B-Side:
Studio:SugarHill (Houston)
Length:3:37
Label:Columbia
Producer:
Type:singles
Prev Title:Jumpin', Jumpin'
Prev Year:2000
Independent Women
Year:2000
Next Title:Survivor
Next Year:2001

"Independent Women Part I" is a song recorded by American group Destiny's Child for the soundtrack to the film adaptation of the 1970s television series Charlie's Angels. It was written and produced by production duo Poke & Tone, consisting of Samuel Barnes and Jean-Claude Olivier, along with Cory Rooney, and group member Beyoncé Knowles. The song was later included on the group's third studio album Survivor (2001). "Independent Women" was Destiny's Child's first single to feature vocals from group member Michelle Williams and the only single to feature Farrah Franklin, who was no longer in the group when the single was released.[1] [2]

Released as the soundtrack's lead single in August 2000, the song held the number-one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for eleven consecutive weeks from November 2000 to February 2001.[3] It was named the 18th most successful song of the 2000s, on the Billboard Hot 100 Songs of the Decade.[4] The song was in the 2000–2001 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records for longest-running number-one song by a female group. The song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart becoming the 25th best-selling single of 2000 in the country.

The song received generally positive reviews years after its release for its feminism and female empowerment messages. Billboard ranked the song at number 77 on their list "100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time".[5] The song was also nominated for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media at the 2001 Grammy Awards.

Background

"Independent Women" was used as a lead single for both the Charlie's Angels soundtrack, and the group's third album, Survivor. It was revealed that Knowles' father and then-manager, Mathew, submitted the track to the Charlie's Angels soundtrack without her knowledge.[6]

Composition

According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com, the song is written in F-sharp minor with a tempo of 96 beats per minute.[7] In an interview with Billboard Beyoncé explained the meaning of the song and its inspiration:[8]

"I remember being in Japan when Destiny's Child put out 'Independent Women,' and women there were saying how proud they were to have their own jobs, their own independent thinking, their own goals. It made me feel so good, and I realized that one of my responsibilities was to inspire women in a deeper way."

Critical reception

NME wrote that even if "the girls have got it a little wrong – measuring their independence by the glint of their jewellery", it "beats as confident as this smack you upside your head, and when the track has such immediate, club-bound freshness".[9] Craig Seymour of Entertainment Weekly wrote that "an anthem for female autonomy" is "preposterous" as a soundtrack to a film in which "three babes managed by an ol’ codger", ultimately finding the song "a misguided mess".[10] Billboard likened the song's release strategy to being influenced by Janet Jackson's "Doesn't Really Matter", saying the group "began planting the seeds for the upcoming release" in a similar vein.[11] It was also ranked at number 85 on the list of Britain's favorite 100 songs, published in May 2002.[12]

In 2014 HuffPost ranked "Independent Women Part I" as the second best song of the group.[13] Oprah Daily listed the song on "50 Songs to Inspire and Empower the Women in Your Life".[14] Harper's Bazaar listing the song on "The Best Feminist Anthems of All Time" wrote that "The girl group pays tribute to the woman who is self-sufficient, self-motivated, and self-made."[15] Parade listed the song at 19th of the "40 Songs That Scream Female Empowerment", writing that "Destiny's Child created one of the best girl power anthems ever".[16]

The song was nominated for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media at the 2001 Grammy Awards. It was also nominated for Worst Song at the 2000 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards.[17]

Commercial performance

"Independent Women Part I" was a chart success in the United States, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The single held the top position in the following week, which was seen as buoyed by the strong box office performance of Charlie's Angels and the heavy rotation the song received.[18] The song had massive radio airplay, spending nine weeks atop the Hot 100 Airplay chart,[19] significantly contributing to the performance of the single on the main chart. Subsequently, the single spent eleven consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 top position.[20] During its tenth week at the top spot, the music press had expected that the single would fall off the top position because of strong competition at retail;[21] however, it sustained due to the high sales of the maxi CD released in December 2000. The song was in the 2000–2001 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records for longest-running number-one song by a female group. "Independent Women Part I" also topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for three weeks, becoming Destiny's Child fourth number-one single on the chart.

In the United Kingdom, "Independent Women Part I" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart the week of December 2, 2000.[22] [23] [24] The song spent one week at the top and stayed within the top 40 for 11 weeks before dropping out on February 17, 2001. The song was the 25th best-selling single of 2000 in the country, being certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry. As of 2019 the Official Charts Company listed the song as the 35th of the "top 100 girl band singles of the last 25 years".[25] The song also reached the number-one position in New Zealand.

Music video

The music video was directed by Francis Lawrence and shot in Los Angeles from August 27 to September 1, 2000.[26] [27] Destiny's Child take part of a futuristic Charlie's Angels boot camp and sit in a classroom to watch footage of Charlie's Angels. They learn from them and try out the challenges in several steps: agility (dancing), altitude (skydiving), combat (martial arts fighting) and speed (motorbike). At the end, the women are greeted by the ever-mysterious "Charlie". The band also performs in a huge disco set in between the scenes. For post-production, special effects were done by digital effects group Pixel Envy.

The music video premiered on MTV's Making the Video series on September 18, 2000. The video is featured on the DualDisc edition of the album

  1. 1's
and on the DVD release of Charlie's Angels.

Track listings

US and Canadian maxi-CD single [28]

  1. "Independent Women" (Part I—album version) – 3:41
  2. "Independent Women" (Victor Calderone drum dub mix) – 5:30
  3. "Independent Women" (Victor Calderone club mix) – 9:36
  4. "Independent Women" (Maurice's Independent Man remix) – 7:30
  5. "8 Days of Christmas" – 3:29

US 12-inch single [29]

A1. "Independent Women Part I" (Maurice's Independent Man remix) – 7:30

A2. "Independent Women Part I" (album version) – 3:41

A3. "Independent Women Part I" (instrumental) – 3:41

B1. "Independent Women Part I" (Victor Calderone club mix) – 9:36

B2. "Independent Women Part I" (Victor Calderone drum dub mix) – 5:30

UK CD1 [30] [31]

  1. "Independent Women Part I" (album version) – 3:41
  2. "Independent Women Part I" (Victor Calderone radio mix) – 4:24
  3. "Independent Women Part I" (Maurice's radio mix) – 3:54

UK CD2 [30] [32]

  1. "Independent Women Part II" – 3:45
  2. "Say My Name" (Timbaland remix) – 5:01
  3. "So Good" – 3:14

UK cassette single [33]

  1. "Independent Women Part I" (album version) – 3:41
  2. "Independent Women Part II" – 3:45

European CD1 [34]

  1. "Independent Women Part I" (album version) – 3:41
  2. "Independent Women Part I" (Victor Calderone radio mix) – 4:24

European CD2 [30] [35]

  1. "Independent Women Part I" (album version) – 3:41
  2. "Independent Women Part I" (Joe Smooth 200 Proof 2 Step mix) – 4:17
  3. "Independent Women Part I" (Maurice's radio mix) – 3:54
  4. "Independent Women Part I" (Victor Calderone club mix) – 9:36

Australian and New Zealand CD single [36]

  1. "Independent Women Part I" (album version)
  2. "Independent Women Part I" (Victor Calderone radio mix)
  3. "Independent Women Part I" (Maurice's radio mix)
  4. "Independent Women Part I" (Victor Calderone club mix)

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Survivor.[37]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2000–2001)Peak
position
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[38] 3
Canada CHR (Nielsen BDS)[39] 1
Croatia (HRT)[40] 7
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[41] 1
Greece (IFPI)[42] 6
Hungary (MAHASZ)[43] 5
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[44] 2
Poland (Polish Airplay Chart)[45] 10

Year-end charts

Chart (2000)Position
Australia (ARIA)[46] 58
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[47] 79
Denmark (IFPI)[48] 43
France (SNEP)[49] 99
Ireland (IRMA)[50] 25
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[51] 69
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[52] 34
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[53] 59
UK Singles (OCC)[54] 25
UK Urban (Music Week)[55] 18
US Billboard Hot 10097
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard)[56] 81
US Hot Soundtrack Singles (Billboard)[57] 8
US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)[58] 40
Chart (2001)Position
Australia (ARIA)[59] 57
Australian Dance (ARIA)[60] 9
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[61] 87
Brazil (Crowley)[62] 19
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[63] 44
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[64]
188
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)
178
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[65] 22
Ireland (IRMA)[66] 89
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[67] 91
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[68] 90
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[69] 30
UK Singles (OCC)[70] 184
US Billboard Hot 10010
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard)[71] 43
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[72] 14
US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)[73] 1
US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)[74] 20

Decade-end charts

Chart (2000–2009)Position
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[75] 93
US Billboard Hot 100[76] 18

All-time charts

Release history

Region!scope="col"
DateFormat(s)Label(s)
United StatesAugust 29, 2000Columbia
September 19, 2000Contemporary hit radio
October 3, 200012-inch vinyl
AustraliaOctober 16, 2000Maxi CDSony Music
FranceNovember 6, 2000
GermanyNovember 11, 2000
United KingdomNovember 20, 2000Columbia
New ZealandNovember 27, 2000
United StatesDecember 5, 2000Maxi CD

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 5 reasons why 'Independent Women' is Destiny's Child's weirdest song. McKinney. Kelsey. Splinter. November 5, 2015. April 1, 2022.
  2. Web site: Breihan . Tom . September 5, 2022 . The Number Ones: Destiny's Child's 'Independent Women Part 1' . November 15, 2023 . Stereogum.
  3. 17 April 2018 . Billboard Hot 100's Longest-Leading No. 1 Songs of All Time . 20 November 2023 . Billboard.
  4. Charts . https://web.archive.org/web/20080610074032/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Greece#/charts-decade-end/hot-100-songs?year=2009&begin=11&order=position . dead . June 10, 2008 . Billboard.
  5. 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks . Billboard . July 11, 2017.
  6. Ramirez . Erika . Beyonce Owns NYC in '4' Concert Debut . Billboard . August 15, 2011 . August 16, 2011.
  7. Web site: Independent Women Part I. Musicnotes. September 14, 2009.
  8. Billboard Staff . May 11, 2011 . Beyonce Q&A: The Billboard Music Awards Millennium Artist Discusses Her Career And New Album . November 20, 2023 . Billboard.
  9. Web site: NME . September 12, 2005 . Destiny's Child : Independent Woman Part 1 . November 16, 2023 . NME.
  10. Craig . Seymour . September 8, 2000 . Music Single Review: Independent Women Part 1 . November 15, 2023 . Entertainment Weekly.
  11. December 8, 2001 . Between the Bullets . Billboard . Mayfield, Geoff . July 2, 2014.
  12. News: May 8, 2002 . Full list: Britain's favourite 100 songs . . London . October 7, 2008.
  13. Web site: Jacobs . Matthew . July 21, 2014 . The Definitive Ranking Of Destiny's Child Singles . November 20, 2023 . HuffPost.
  14. Web site: Cooper . Carlie . August 5, 2018 . 50 Songs to Inspire and Empower the Women in Your Life . November 20, 2023 . Oprah Daily.
  15. March 17, 2022 . The Best Feminist Anthems of All Time . November 20, 2023 . Harper's Bazaar.
  16. Web site: Sager . Jessica . January 3, 2023 . 40 Songs That Scream Female Empowerment From Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Dolly Parton & More . November 20, 2023 . Parade.
  17. Web site: Past Winners Database . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070105221207/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/2000/2000st.htm . January 5, 2007 . March 9, 2020 . The Envelope at LA Times.
  18. News: 'Women' Rules The Hot 100 Again. November 16, 2000. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. October 10, 2008.
  19. News: 'Independent' Stays On Top . Jeckell . Barry . January 4, 2001 . Billboard . Nielsen Business Media, Inc . October 10, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130208222143/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/80803/independent-stays-on-top . February 8, 2013.
  20. News: Destiny's Child Keep 'Women' On Top. Mathis. Derrick. January 18, 2001. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. October 7, 2008.
  21. News: Destiny's Child Remains 'Independent' At No. 1 . Mathis . Derrick . January 11, 2001 . Billboard . Nielsen Business Media, Inc . October 7, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140930234854/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/80761/destinys-child-remains-independent-at-no-1 . September 30, 2014.
  22. News: 'Women' Puts Destiny's Child Atop U.K. Chart. November 27, 2000. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. October 10, 2008.
  23. Web site: Destiny's Child – Independent Women Part 1 . The Official UK Charts Company . October 10, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090913062646/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/all_singles_song.php?id=883 . September 13, 2009.
  24. News: November 27, 2000 . 'Women' Puts Destiny's Child Atop U.K. Chart . Billboard . Nielsen Business Media, Inc . October 10, 2008.
  25. Web site: Copsey . Rob . 13 June 2019 . The Official Top 100 girl band singles and albums of the last 25 years . 20 November 2023 . Official Charts Company.
  26. Web site: Destiny's Child: Independent Women, Pt. 1 [MTV's Making the Video] ]. . YouTube. June 14, 2023.
  27. Web site: May 5, 2014 . Destiny's Child - Independent Women (Making Of - Part 2) . June 14, 2023 . Dailymotion.
  28. Independent Women. Destiny's Child. 2000. US & Canadian maxi-CD single liner notes. Columbia Records, Sony Music Soundtrax. 44K 79493.
  29. Independent Women Part I. Destiny's Child. 2000. US 12-inch single vinyl disc. Columbia Records, Sony Music Soundtrax. 44 79493.
  30. Web site: Destiny's Child CD Singles, Destiny's Child CDs, Buy Rare Destiny's Child CDs. Mattscdsingles.com. February 20, 2011.
  31. Independent Women Part I. Destiny's Child. 2000. UK CD1 liner notes. Columbia Records, Sony Music Soundtrax. 670593 2.
  32. Independent Women Part II. Destiny's Child. 2000. UK CD2 liner notes. Columbia Records, Sony Music Soundtrax. 670593 5.
  33. Independent Women. Destiny's Child. 2000. UK cassette single sleeve. Columbia Records, Sony Music Soundtrax. 670593 4.
  34. Independent Women Part I. Destiny's Child. 2000. European CD1 liner notes. Columbia Records, Sony Music Soundtrax. COL 669822 1.
  35. Independent Women Part I. Destiny's Child. 2000. European CD2 liner notes. Columbia Records, Sony Music Soundtrax. COL 669822 2.
  36. Independent Women Part I. Destiny's Child. 2000. Australian & New Zealand CD single liner notes. Columbia Records, Sony Music Soundtrax. 669804 2.
  37. Survivor. . 2001. liner notes . Columbia Records.
  38. Destiny's Child Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs). Billboard. December 26, 2018.
  39. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20050407223203/http://www.crosscanadacountdown.com/pdfs/2002.pdf. April 7, 2005. Canadian Top 20 in 2002. Cross Canada Countdown. November 13, 2023.
  40. Web site: HR Top 20 Lista. Croatian Radiotelevision. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20010204092900/http://www.hrt.hr/hr/top20/lista.html. February 4, 2001. March 7, 2021.
  41. Eurochart Hot 100 Singles. Music & Media. 17. 51. 9. December 16, 2000. March 11, 2018.
  42. Top National Sellers. Music & Media. 18. 7. 12. February 10, 2001. June 9, 2020.
  43. Web site: MAHASZ TOP 20 Rádiós Slágerlista . MAHASZ . hu . August 24, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20010408164729/http://www.mahasz.hu/slagerrad.htm . April 8, 2001 . dead.
  44. News: Íslenski Listinn Topp 20 (8.12–14.12 2000). Dagblaðið Vísir. is. 12. December 8, 2000. October 7, 2019.
  45. https://web.archive.org/web/20011228150806/http://pifpaf.com.pl/airplay/lista_01_2001.html "Poland: Airplay Chart – Lista Krajowa 01/2001"
  46. Web site: ARIA Charts – End of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2000 . Australian Recording Industry Association . April 27, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100727125635/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2000.htm . July 27, 2010.
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  52. Web site: Jaaroverzichten – Single 2000. MegaCharts. nl. February 7, 2020.
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  57. The Year in Music 2000 – Hot Soundtrack Singles. Billboard. 112. 53. December 30, 2000. February 27, 2023. YE-98. 0006-2510. Google Books.
  58. Most Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2000. Airplay Monitor. 8. 51. 56. December 22, 2000. March 28, 2020.
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  62. Web site: Brazilian Top 100 Year-End 2001. April 3, 2018. Crowley Broadcast Analysis. January 30, 2022.
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  72. Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2001. Airplay Monitor. 9. 51. 60. December 21, 2001. March 29, 2020.
  73. The Year in Music 2001: Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales. Billboard. 113. 52. YE-49. December 29, 2001.
  74. Most Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2001. Airplay Monitor. 9. 51. 48. December 21, 2001. March 29, 2020.
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  77. Billboard Hot 100 60th Anniversary Interactive Chart. Billboard. December 10, 2018.

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