Life Goes On (Fergie song) explained

Life Goes On
Cover:Fergie - Life Goes On.png
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Fergie
Album:Double Dutchess
Recorded:2016
Genre:Tropical house[1]
Length: (single version)
(album version)
Label:
  • Retrofuture
  • BMG
  • Interscope
Prev Title:M.I.L.F. $
Prev Year:2016
Next Title:You Already Know
Next Year:2017

"Life Goes On" is a song recorded by American singer Fergie for her second studio album, Double Dutchess (2017). It was released as a single on November 11, 2016, by Retrofuture Productions and BMG. The song serves as the third single from Fergie's second studio album, following "M.I.L.F. $". "Life Goes On" was written by Fergie, Tristan Prettyman, Keith Harris and Toby Gad.[2] [3] [4]

The song marks Fergie's final release for Interscope Records, after the singer left the label in May 2017 to form her own record label, Dutchess Music, under BMG.

Background and release

Fergie was first expected to release "You Already Know", a song featuring Nicki Minaj, as the third single from Double Dutchess. In an unexpected move, "Life Goes On" was released instead. It was meant to showcase a more vulnerable side to the record after “L.A. Love (La La)” and “M.I.L.F. $”, two uptempo tracks. Some critics commented on how the song was unintentionally topical, in that its release coincided with the week that Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States.[5]

About the claims, the singer stated that “It all felt like the right sentiment at the right time. The universe works in really weird ways. It just felt like the world needs healing,” before adding: “I just wanted to... peel back the layers and show my vulnerable side because there’s so much vulnerability on my album that I just wanted people to know that it’s not just one thing.”[6]

Promotion

Fergie performed the song on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on December 2, 2016.[7] She additionally performed the song on The Today Show on the same day.[8]

Critical reception

Many critics noted how the single was a change in genre from Fergie's previous single, M.I.L.F. $, with Rap-Up calling it more "Top 40-ready".[9] Samantha Benitz of Hollywood Life praised Fergie's strong vocals and "swag filled persona".[10] Hugh McIntyre of Forbes referred to the song as "existing somewhere in between lounge fodder and the dancefloor, perhaps not perfect for either, but still welcome none the less", and also claimed that Fergie's fanbase was "as patient as any pop star could expect over the years when it comes to solo music from the singer", referring to the delayed release of her long-awaited second album.[11]

Commercial performance

In the United States, it was Fergie's first solo single to not charting on Billboard Hot 100 since "Labels or Love", managing only to peak on the lower ends of the Adult Top 40.

It charted on Russia's music chart at number 155, failing to impact any other country's main chart.

Music video

The music video for the song was released on December 16, 2016, and features Instagram personality Baddiewinkle and Musical.ly breakout star Baby Ariel.[12] [13] In the Chris Marrs Piliero-directed video, Fergie is seen cruising down a highway in a convertible before she picks up Winkle and Ariel, who are hitchhiking, and brings them along to a beach party in the California coast.

Release history

RegionDateFormatVersionLabel
WorldwideNovember 11, 2016Digital downloadOriginal[15]
United StatesNovember 21, 2016Hot adult contemporary[16]
BrazilJanuary 27, 2017Digital downloadRemixes

Notes and References

  1. Fergie Releases New Single 'Life Goes On,' But Still No Word on an Album. Forbes. McIntyre. Hugh. November 11, 2016. October 6, 2017.
  2. Web site: Life Goes On - Single. November 11, 2016. November 11, 2016. iTunes (NZ).
  3. Web site: Is Fergie About To Surprise Release Her Long-Awaited New Album?. Forbes. McIntyre, Hugh. November 10, 2016. November 11, 2016.
  4. Web site: 11 November 2016 . Fergie Relaunches With New Single "Life Goes On" . . Wass . Mike . 10 November 2016.
  5. Web site: World Premiere: Fergie - "Life Goes On": Full Audio + Review . Apaza . Kevin . 11 November 2016 . DirectLyrics . 11 November 2016.
  6. Fergie on Owning the Term ‘MILF’: You Can ‘Feel Sexy’ and Still ‘Be a Good Example’ as a Mom. Nelson. Jeff. 1 December 2016 . People . 26 September 2017.
  7. Web site: Fergie will take the stage on an upcoming "Late Show With Stephen Colbert." . Headline Planet . 28 November 2016 . 29 November 2016 . Cantor, Brian.
  8. Web site: Watch Fergie perform her latest single, ‘Life Goes On,’ live on TODAY . . 2 December 2016 . 3 December 2016.
  9. NEW MUSIC: FERGIE – ‘LIFE GOES ON’ . . 11 November 2016 . 11 November 2016.
  10. Web site: Fergie Drops Sexy New Song ‘Life Goes On’ From Album ‘Double Dutchess’ — Listen . . 11 November 2016 . 11 November 2016 . Benitz, Samantha.
  11. Fergie Releases New Single 'Life Goes On,' But Still No Word On An Album . . 11 November 2016 . 11 November 2016 . McIntyre, Hugh.
  12. Web site: Fergie & Josh Duhamel's Son Axl Is the Cutest Avatar Fan . E! Online . 12 November 2016 . 13 November 2016.
  13. Fergie Parties with Viral Stars Baddie Winkle and Baby Ariel in New ‘Life Goes On’ Music Video . . 16 December 2016 . 17 December 2016 . Nelson, Jeff.
  14. Web site: Fergie - Life Goes On. . June 21, 2016. Russian.
  15. Web site: Life Goes On - Single by Fergie on Apple Music. November 11, 2016. Apple Music. November 17, 2016.
  16. Web site: Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases. All Access. November 17, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161117192659/http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases. November 17, 2016.