Play (Jennifer Lopez song) explained

Play
Cover:Jennifer Lopez - Play - CD single cover.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Jennifer Lopez
Album:J.Lo
Recorded:2000
Genre:
Length:3:33
Label:Epic
Producer:Bag & Arnthor
Prev Title:Love Don't Cost a Thing
Prev Year:2000
Next Title:I'm Real
Next Year:2001

"Play" is a song recorded by American singer Jennifer Lopez for her second studio album, J.Lo (2001). It was released on March 20, 2001, as the album's second single. The song was written by Cory Rooney, Christina Milian, Arnthor Birgisson and Anders Bagge, with production done by the latter two under their production name, Bag & Arnthor. A dance-pop track, it was noted for its funky vibe, compared to the works of Madonna by critics. Over an electric guitar and a funky beat, Lopez sings about pleading a DJ to play her favorite song.

"Play" was a commercial success, peaking at number eighteen on the US Billboard Hot 100. Outside of the United States, "Play" peaked within the top ten of the charts in over ten countries, including Canada, Finland, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Its futuristic-themed music video was directed by Francis Lawrence. Additionally, "Play" was performed live by Lopez on numerous occasions, including at her Let's Get Loud concerts.

Background

After a high-profile title role in the musical biopic Selena (1997), Lopez began developing her own career in music, later being signed to Work Records by Tommy Mottola.[1] [2] Her debut album On the 6 (1999) became an instant commercial success, and spawned the Billboard Hot 100 number one song "If You Had My Love".[3] [4] This led her to begin recording new material for her second album in April 2000.[5] Initially, the album was to be called A Passionate Journey.[6] During this period, Lopez began to transition into a sex symbol and was nicknamed J.Lo by the public, which is known as a nickname and "public persona".[4] Hence, she instead released an album entitled J.Lo, which she credits as being more "personal" and "romantic" than On the 6.[4] [7] "Love Don't Cost a Thing", the album's lead single, was globally premiered on November 16, 2000.[8]

Composition and critical reception

"Play" is a dance-pop[9] and electropop[10] song with a length of three minutes and thirty-three seconds (3:33).[11] It was written by Anders Bagge, Arnthor Birgisson, Cory Rooney and Christina Milian, with production from Bagge and Birgisson (collectively credited as Bag & Arnthor). Milian performed back up vocals on the song, prior to her own debut as a recording artist.[12] [13] Lopez recorded the lead vocals with Robert Williams at Murlyn Studios, Stockholm and Sony Music Studios in New York City. It was later mastered by Ted Jensen.[14] On the song, Lopez pleads with a nightclub DJ to "play her favorite song", containing lyrics such as, "Play, come on DJ/ Play that song/ Play it all night long/ Just turn it up and turn me on". It contains a "shuffling" electric guitar, as performed by Paul Pesco, over a "whistling electronica dance beat." A writer from Telegram & Gazette noted the track to be "Madonna-esque."[15]

AllMusic's MacKenzie Wilson said "Play" "coincided with Lopez's funky style".[16] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine commented that "so many of the tracks" on the album "sound like they're straight out of 1986". He then went on to opine that "I'm Real" or the "funky" "Play" would have made a "brave" choice for the album's lead single, instead of "Love Don't Cost a Thing".[17] A writer from The Indianapolis Star dismissed the album and its sexual content, while also using the explicit "Play" as an example of it not being appropriate for Lopez's target audience, who are predominantly preteens.[18] Jake Barnes of Yahoo! Music UK noted "Play" to resemble the music of Prince.[19]

Chart performance

"Play" experienced moderate commercial success. For the week of April 7, 2001, "Play" debuted at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100, winning the "Hot Shot Debut of the Week" title. It also made its debut at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay Chart.[20] The following week, it jumped to number 46 on the Hot 100 and number 47 on the Airplay chart.[21] For the week of April 21, "Play" jumped to number 28 to both charts.[22] The song peaked at number 18 on the Hot 100 for the week ending May 19, failing to break into the top ten.[23] In addition, the single peaked at number six on the Billboard Pop 100 as well as two on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. In Canada, it peaked at number five on the Canadian Singles Chart.

"Play" also achieved success outside of North America. In the United Kingdom, "Play" debuted and peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart on May 6, 2001 — for the week ending date May 12, 2001. It remained on the chart for a total of twelve weeks.

In Australia, "Play" debuted at number 21 on the Australian Singles Chart on April 30, 2001 — for the week ending date May 6, 2001. It eventually peaked at number 14 on the chart five weeks later. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) certified it platinum, marking sales and streams of 70,000 units.

In New Zealand, "Play" debuted at number 48 on the New Zealand Singles Chart on April 23, 2001. The song peaked at number seven a month later.

In Italy, the song debuted and peaked at number eight on the Italian Singles Chart on April 26, 2001.

Elsewhere in Europe, "Play" also peaked within the top ten of the charts in Belgium, Finland, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Promotion

Music video

The mainly computer generated music video for "Play" was directed by Francis Lawrence.[24] Set in a futuristic multi-level spaceship, the clip begins with Lopez strutting into the boarding area whilst the other passengers gaze at her in awe. The video then cuts to Lopez, now on the plane, relaxing with a pair of headphones on listening to music. Various shots showing the plane's exterior are intercut with these scenes of the singer. Lopez is then seen entering a room through sliding doors with a new outfit. The doors lead to a club filled with dancers. Intercut with these scenes are Lopez dancing solo on a platform, later joined by back-up dancers. Towards the music video's conclusion, Lopez asks the DJ (who takes the avatar of an iris) to play her favorite song. Its final shot depicts the plane flying towards the horizon. The music video, much like "Love Don't Cost a Thing", also features Cris Judd as a back-up dancer, who would later go on to become her second husband months later.[25] [26]

According to the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown, the entire video was computer-generated (apart from the principal actors and extras), and the project spent six weeks in post-production as a result.

Live performances

On January 12, 2001, Lopez performed "Play" along with "Love Don't Cost a Thing" live during an appearance on Top of the Pops.[27] In February 2001, Lopez appeared as a featured performer at a special Total Request Live event, CBS Sports Presents: MTV's TRL The Super Bowl Sunday, which occurred in Tampa, Florida at The NFL Experience theme park. Songs such as "Play" and "Love Don't Cost a Thing" were included on her setlist.[28] [29] From September 22–23, 2001, Lopez performed a set of two concerts in Puerto Rico, entitled Let's Get Loud. These served as the first concerts of her career, in which she was, "flanked by a 10-piece orchestra, a five-person choir and 11 dancers." "Play" was included on the concerts' set list.[30] [31]

Accolades

Teen Choice Awards!Year!Award!Nominated Work!Result
2001Best Dance TrackPlay
Billboard Latin Music Awards!Year!Award!Nominated Work!Result!Ref.
2002Latin Dance Club Play Track Of The YearPlay[32]

Track listings

  1. "Play" (radio edit) – 3:18
  2. "Play" (Full Intention mix – radio version) – 3:18
  3. "Play" (Artful Dodger mix – main mix radio) – 4:35
  4. "Play" (Thunderpuss club mix) – 8:20
  5. "Love Don't Cost a Thing" (Main Rap 1 featuring Puffy) – 3:35
  1. "Play" (Ruidasilva mix) – 7:19
  2. "Play" (Full Intention mix) – 6:26
  3. "Play" (Artful Dodger mix) – 4:35
  4. "Love Don't Cost a Thing" (HQ2 club mix) – 10:56
  5. "Love Don't Cost a Thing" (Full Intention club mix) – 7:15
  1. "Play" – 3:31
  2. "Play" (Full Intention mix) – 6:31
  3. "Love Don't Cost a Thing" (Main Rap 1 featuring Puffy) – 3:36
  4. "Play" (video)
  1. "Play" – 3:31
  2. "Play" (Full Intention radio mix) – 3:16
  3. "Love Don't Cost a Thing" (Main Rap 1 featuring Puffy) – 3:36
  1. "Play" (Full Intention mix) – 6:31
  2. "Play" (Artful Dodger mix) – 4:35
  3. "Play" (The Genie remix) – 7:16
  1. "Play" (radio edit) – 3:18
  2. "Play" (Full Intention mix – radio version) – 3:18
  1. "Play" (radio edit) – 3:18
  2. "Play" (Full Intention mix – radio version) – 3:18
  3. "Play" (The Genie remix) – 7:16
  4. "Play" (Artful Dodger mix – main mix radio) – 3:51
  5. "Love Don't Cost a Thing" (Main Rap 1 featuring Puffy) – 3:35

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of J.Lo.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2001)!scope="col"
Peak
position
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[40] 5
Canada CHR (Nielsen BDS)[41] 2
Croatia (HRT)[42] 10
scope="row"
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[43] 6
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
Greece (IFPI)[44] 6
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
Poland (Polish Airplay Charts)[45] 2
Romania (Romanian Top 100)[46] 3
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"
scope="row"

Year-end charts

Chart (2001)!scope="col"
Position
Australia (ARIA)[47] 73
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[48] 72
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[49] 72
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[50] 59
Canada Radio (Nielsen BDS)[51] 56
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[52] 86
Ireland (IRMA)[53] 98
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[54] 46
Romania (Romanian Top 100)[55] 47
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[56] 99
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[57] 75
UK Singles (OCC)[58] 88
US Billboard Hot 100[59] 72
US Dance Club Play (Billboard)[60] 20
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[61] 33
US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)[62] 70

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormat(s)Label
United StatesMarch 20, 2001Epic[63]
AustraliaApril 16, 2001CD single[64]
Germany[65]
United KingdomApril 30, 2001[66]

Cover versions

In 2004, South Korean girl group Baby V.O.X. covered "Play" in Korean and English for their final album, Ride West, with participation from Lopez.[67]

Notes and References

  1. Mendible, M. (2007). From bananas to buttocks : the Latina body in popular film and culture. Austin: University of Texas Press.
  2. On the Down Lo . 27 . Billboard . Nielsen Business Media . 119 . 0006-2510 . 5 . February 3, 2007. July 1, 2012.
  3. Book: Marquez, Herón. Latin Sensations . 47 . Twenty-First Century Books . January 1, 2001 . July 3, 2012. 9780822549932.
  4. Book: Divas of the new Millennium. 2005. 108. 9780974977966. Deanne. Stacy . Kelly Kenyatta . Natasha Lowery . Kwynn Sanders. Amber Books .
  5. Web site: vanHorn. Teri. Jennifer Lopez To Begin Recording Second Album. https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192436/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/821097/lopez-begin-recording-second-album.jhtml. dead. January 2, 2014. MTV News. MTV Networks.. February 13, 2013. April 18, 2000.
  6. Web site: Jennifer Lopez In Frida Kahlo Biopic? . . May 8, 2012 . August 16, 2000 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140103093446/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1436819/jennifer-lopezs-casting-kahlo.jhtml . January 3, 2014.
  7. News: Vincent. Mal. Jennifer's Big Week. August 3, 2012. The Virginian-Pilot. January 26, 2001.
  8. Web site: Basham. David. Madonna, Eminem Lead American Romp Through EMAs. https://web.archive.org/web/20121108011306/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1428564/madonna-eminem-lead-american-romp-through-emas.jhtml. dead. November 8, 2012. MTV News. MTV Networks. February 13, 2013. November 17, 2000.
  9. Kaufman. Gil. Christina Milian Assures You She Has No Beef With Jennifer Lopez Over 'Play' Credits: 'Hands Down, She Killed It'. September 19, 2023. Billboard. https://web.archive.org/web/20230920132724/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/christina-milian-no-beef-jennifer-lopez-play-credits-1235415909/. live. September 20, 2023.
  10. We Invented the Remix Edition. Hit Parade Music History and Music Trivia. Slate. Molanphy. Chris. February 19, 2022. March 23, 2024.
  11. Web site: Erlewine . Stephen Thomas . J.Lo – Jennifer Lopez . AllMusic. Rovi Corporation . November 10, 2011.
  12. Web site: Faber. Judy. Second Cup Caf?: Christina Milian. CBS News. CBS Interactive Inc.. April 5, 2013. February 11, 2009.
  13. Web site: Mytton. Leigh. Milian charts pop success. BBC News. April 5, 2013. June 21, 2002.
  14. J.Lo . . 2001 . . New York, NY.
  15. Jennifer Lopez gets better with 'J.Lo'. Telegram & Gazette. February 4, 2001. The New York Times Company.
  16. Web site: Wilson. MacKenzie. Play [Important CD #1]]. Allmusic. Alrovi Corporation. April 14, 2013.
  17. News: Cinquemani. Sal. Jennifer Lopez: J.Lo Music Reviews . June 6, 2011. Slant Magazine. February 11, 2011.
  18. Bye, J.Lo! Forget this seedy disc. The Indianapolis Star. February 4, 2001. 9. Gannett Company.
  19. Web site: Jennifer Lopez – 'J-Lo'. Barnes. Jake. January 24, 2001. Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. April 16, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20040625113301/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/l_reviews_a/17555.html. June 25, 2004. dead.
  20. The Billboard Hot 100. Billboard. April 7, 2001. 113. 14. April 5, 2013. Neilsen Business Media.
  21. The Billboard Hot 100. Billboard. April 14, 2001. 113. 15. April 5, 2013. Neilsen Business Media.
  22. The Billboard Hot 100. Billboard. April 21, 2001. 113. 16. Neilsen Business Media.
  23. The Billboard Hot 100. Billboard. May 19, 2001. 113. 20. April 5, 2013. Neilsen Business Media.
  24. Web site: Play Jennifer Lopez. https://web.archive.org/web/20081207080837/http://www.mtv.com/videos/jennifer-lopez/11333/play.jhtml. dead. December 7, 2008. MTV. Viacom International Inc.. April 5, 2013.
  25. Web site: Kattalia. Kathryn. Jennifer Lopez dating backup dancer Casper Smart four months after split from Marc Anthony. New York Daily News. Daily News, L.P.. February 16, 2013. November 13, 2011.
  26. Web site: Cadorette. Guylaine. J.Lo's Marriage Over?. Hollywood.com. February 11, 2013. June 10, 2002.
  27. . . . January 12, 2001.
  28. Before and After the Game. The Daytona Beach News-Journal. January 28, 2001. Halifax Media Group.
  29. News: Peterson. Jennifer. MTV and CBS Team Up For 'TRL' Special. Dayton Daily News. January 23, 2001.
  30. Web site: Wiederhorn. Jon. J. Lo's Puerto Rico Concerts Set For DVD. https://web.archive.org/web/20121105114314/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451676/j-los-puerto-rico-concerts-set-dvd.jhtml. dead. November 5, 2012. MTV News. MTV Networks.. February 13, 2013. January 7, 2002.
  31. Web site: The Buzz"Jennifer Lopez in Concert . November 20, 2001 . September 6, 2010 . WHDH Boston . Sunbeam Television Corporation . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928201518/http://www1.whdh.com/features/articles/buzz/32/ . September 28, 2011.
  32. 2002 BILLBOARD LATIN MUSIC AWARDS. Billboard. May 17, 2018.
  33. Play. Jennifer Lopez. 2001. Australian CD1 liner notes. Epic Records. EPC 671047 2.
  34. Play. Jennifer Lopez. 2001. Australian CD2 liner notes. Epic Records. EPC 671047 5.
  35. Play. Jennifer Lopez. 2001. UK CD single liner notes. Epic Records. 671227 2.
  36. Play. Jennifer Lopez. 2001. UK cassette single sleeve. Epic Records. 671227 4.
  37. Play. Jennifer Lopez. 2001. UK 12-inch single sleeve. Epic Records. 671227 6.
  38. Play. Jennifer Lopez. 2001. European CD liner notes. Epic Records. EPC 670887 1.
  39. Play. Jennifer Lopez. 2001. European CD2 liner notes. Epic Records. EPC 670887 2.
  40. Jennifer Lopez Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs). Billboard. April 20, 2021.
  41. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20050407223203/http://www.crosscanadacountdown.com/pdfs/2001.pdf. April 7, 2005. Canadian Top 20 in 2001. Cross Canada Countdown. November 13, 2023.
  42. Web site: Top Lista Hrvatskog Radija. https://web.archive.org/web/20010701101012/http://www.hrt.hr:80/hr/top20/maineng.html. dead. July 1, 2001. Croatian Radiotelevision. April 14, 2023.
  43. Eurochart Hot 100 Singles. Music & Media. 18. 21. 15. May 19, 2001. June 9, 2020.
  44. Top National Sellers. Music & Media. 19. 25. 9. June 16, 2001. June 9, 2020. See LW column.
  45. Web site: Polish Airplay Charts – Lista krajowa . PiF PaF Production . December 27, 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20020115175325/http://pifpaf.com.pl/airplay/lista_20_2001.html . January 15, 2002.
  46. Web site: 2001 . https://web.archive.org/web/20021209050311/http://www.rt100.ro/2001.html . December 9, 2002 . rt100.ro . dead.
  47. Web site: ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2001. ARIA. April 20, 2021.
  48. Web site: Ultratop Belgian Charts . ultratop.be . February 24, 2012.
  49. Web site: Ultratop Belgian Charts . fr. ultratop.be/fr . April 9, 2014.
  50. Web site: Canada's Top 200 Singles of 2001. Jam!. https://web.archive.org/web/20030126204339/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2001_singles.html. January 26, 2003. March 26, 2022.
  51. Web site: BDS CHART : Top 100 of 2001. Jam!. https://web.archive.org/web/20020726115818/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/100page2_2001.html. July 26, 2002. March 26, 2022.
  52. Year in Review – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2001. Music & Media. 18. 52. 14. December 22, 2001. February 10, 2020.
  53. Web site: Ireland – Top Singles For 2001. Allcharts. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120505011812/http://allcharts.org/music/years/ireland-singles-2001.htm. May 5, 2012. December 16, 2018.
  54. Web site: Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2001. Dutch Top 40. February 4, 2020.
  55. Web site: 2001 – Top of the Year . Rt100.ro . 2001 . January 15, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20021209050311/http://www.rt100.ro/2001.html . December 9, 2002 . dead.
  56. Web site: Årslista Singlar – År 2001 . Sverigetopplistan . February 26, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110719010315/http://www.hitlistan.se/netdata/ghl002.mbr/lista?liid=43&dfom=20010001&newi=0&height=420&platform=Win32&browser=MSIE&navi=no&subframe=Mainframe . July 19, 2011.
  57. Web site: Steffen. Hung . Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2001 . hitparade.ch . February 24, 2012.
  58. Web site: The Official UK Singles Chart 2001. UKChartsPlus. May 22, 2018.
  59. Web site: 2001 . Longbored Surfer . April 1, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100726111319/http://longboredsurfer.com/charts/2001.php . July 26, 2010.
  60. The Year in Music 2001: Hot Dance Club-Play Singles . Billboard . 113 . 52 . YE-48 . December 29, 2001.
  61. Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2001 . . 9 . 51 . 60 . December 21, 2001.
  62. Most-Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2001 . Airplay Monitor . 9 . 51 . 48 . December 21, 2001.
  63. Going for Adds / AddVance Notice. Radio & Records. 1393. 112, 121, 128. March 16, 2001.
  64. Web site: The ARIA Report: ARIA New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 16th April 2001. ARIA. 23. April 16, 2001. dead. https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20020220130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20020221-0000/www.aria.com.au/issue581.pdf. February 20, 2002. April 20, 2021.
  65. Web site: Play. Amazon Germany.
  66. New Releases – For Week Starting April 30, 2001: Singles. Music Week. 23. April 28, 2001. August 14, 2021.
  67. Web site: Chiêu tiếp thị của Baby Vox. https://archive.today/20130703075407/http://ngoisao.net/tin-tuc/hau-truong/2004/08/chieu-tiep-thi-cua-baby-vox-4260/. dead. July 3, 2013. ngoisao.net. April 5, 2013. August 8, 2004.

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