I Will Be

For the Dum Dum Girls album, see I Will Be (album).

"I Will Be"
Picture of a woman who is looking back as she sightly smiles. She wears a black dress and she has long hair of the same colour. Above her head, the words "Leona Lewis" and "I Will Be" are written in white and golden capital letters, respectively.
Single by Leona Lewis
from the album Spirit
Released 6 January 2009
Format Contemporary hit radio (US radio)
Recorded 2007
Length 3:58
Label Syco Music, J Records, Sony Music
Writer(s) Avril Lavigne, Max Martin, Lukasz Gottwald
Producer(s) Dr. Luke, Matt Beckley and Smit (co-prod)
Leona Lewis singles chronology
"Run"
(2008)		 "I Will Be"
(2009)		 "Happy"
(2009)
Music video
"I Will Be" on YouTube
Music sample
"I Will Be"

"I Will Be" is a song co-written and originally performed by Canadian singer Avril Lavigne, which was included on the North American, Taiwanese, and Japanese limited editions of her third studio album The Best Damn Thing and as an iTunes Store pre-order bonus track in 2007; British singer-songwriter Leona Lewis covered the song for her debut studio album, Spirit, also released in 2007. Max Martin and Lukasz Gottwald also co-wrote the song, whilst production was helmed by Gottwald under his production name Dr. Luke. It was co-produced by Steven Wolf and Max Beckley and Smit. It is a piano and guitar led song. It garnered a mixed response from music critics, with some critics praising Lewis's vocal performance and delivery, whilst others described it as emotionless.

Upon the release of Spirit in November 2007, the song peaked at number 160 on the UK Singles Chart due to strong digital download sales. It was released for US Contemporary hit radio airplay on 6 January 2009.[1] Throughout January to March 2009, it also made an impact on the Canadian and United States charts; in the former it peaked at number 83, while it peaked at number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the latter. However, it was more successful on the US Adult Pop Songs and Pop Songs charts, peaking at numbers 23 and 24, respectively. As part of promotion, a music video was shot in New York City and featured Chace Crawford as Lewis's love interest. In January 2009, she performed the song on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Production and recording

"I Will Be" was written by Avril Lavigne, Max Martin, Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald; it was produced by Dr. Luke, and was co-produced by Steven Wolf and Max Beckley and Smit.[2] Lavigne originally performed the song, which was included on her third studio album The Best Damn Thing (2007),[3] included on the bonus track edition.[4] In the same year Leona Lewis covered the song. Lewis's version was recorded at multiple recording studios around the world, including Conway Recording Studios and Westlake Recording Studios, in Los Angeles, California; Henson Recording Studios, Opra Music, and Ocean Way Recording, all located in Hollywood, California; Dr. Luke's personal recording studio in New York City; Atlantic Studios, Stockholm, Sweden; Sarm West, London, England.[2] The production coordinators were Gary "The Shredder" Silver and Emily Wright.[2]

A multitude of engineers were involved with the process of recording the song, including Doug McKean, Rob Smith, Seth Waldmann, Keith Gretlin, Josh Wilbur, Tom Syrowski, Tatiana Gottwald, Chris Soper, Sam Holland, Chris Holmes, Rouble Kapoor, Wesley Seidman, Janne Hansson, Emily Wright, Marcus Dextegen and Sam Cross.[2] "I Will Be" was mixed by Chris Lord-Alge at Resonale Recording Studios, Burbank, CA, and was assisted by Keith Armstrong and Nik Karpen.[2] For the instrumental, Leon Pendarvis was the conductor and arranger; Martin provided piano, Dr. Luke provided the electric guitar and Yamaha Acoustic guitar, Jack Daley provided the bass and Wolf provided the drums and percussion.[2]

Composition

"I Will Be" is a piano[5][6] and guitar led song,[7] which lasts for a duration of 3 minutes, 58 seconds.[8] The song was composed in the key of G major using common time and a slow groove at 72 beats per minute.[7] Lewis's vocal range spans two octaves, from the low note of B3 to the high note of B5, on the song.[7] The song opens with the lyrics "There's nothing I could say to you, nothing I could ever do to make you see what you mean to me."[7] Chad Grischow for IGN described the song's piano led instrumental to be "overblown", but noted that Lewis has enough "vocal strength to prevent her from being overshadowed by the drowningly lush sound."[5] Eric R. Danton wrote on his review of Spirit for the Hartford Courant daily that "I Will Be" begins with a "spare piano introduction" that "blossoms into an arrangement buoyed by strings and then drums and guitar". Danton described Lewis's vocals as "delicate" and that "take flight on the chorus".[9]

Response

Critical reception

It garnered a mixed response from music critics. Nate Chinen for The New York Times was complimentary of Lewis's cover, and praised her "powerhouse vocals".[10] Matt O'Leary for Virgin Media wrote that Lewis's rendition of the song was "epic", and that when the production is kept minimal, "her uniqueness is allowed to shine."[11] Although Sarah Rodman for The Boston Globe described the song as "predictable", she praised Lewis's ability to sing with "believable pathos" and hit clean notes.[6] Sarah-Louise James for the Daily Star was critical of Lewis's rendition, and described it as insincerely emotional.[3] Sal Cinquemani for Slant Magazine was also critical of the song, writing that it is "dangerously middle-of-the-road."[12] Danton from the Hartford Courant considered the song as "ready-made for awards shows or emotional on-screen montages." He concluded that "I Will Be" is a "powerful stuff, and it would make for a gem of a pop record if it kept up."[9]

Chart performance

Upon the release of Spirit in the United Kingdom, "I Will Be" debuted and peaked at number 160 on the UK Singles Chart from digital download sales.[13] Upon its release as a single in January 2009 in the United States, "I Will Be" debuted on the US Pop Songs chart at number 34 on 31 January 2009.[14] In its second week it rose to number 31,[15] and again to number 28 in its third week.[15] It peaked at number 24 and remained on the chart for eight weeks.[16] In its seventh and eighth weeks, it charted at numbers 25 and 31, respectively.[17] It debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 94 on 14 February 2009.[18] It peaked at number 66,[19] and exited the chart at number 80.[20] The song debuted on the US Adult Pop Songs chart at number 39 on 7 March 2009,[21] and rose to number 34 the following week.[22] In its third and fourth weeks, the song charted at numbers 33 and 25, respectively.[23] "I Will Be" peaked at number 23 in its fifth week on the chart,[24] and fell to number 24 the following week.[24] It also debuted at number 65 on the US Hot Digital Songs chart on 21 February 2009,[25] which was also its peak.[26] In Canada, the song entered the chart at number 86,[27] and peaked at number 83.[28]

Music video

A picture of a man wearing a suit
Gossip Girl actor Chace Crawford appears as Lewis' love interest and partner in crime in the music video.[29]

The music video for "I Will Be" was shot in New York City on 18 December 2008, and features Gossip Girl actor Chace Crawford as one of the characters.[29] A reporter for People explained how the inclusion of Crawford in the video came to fruition, writing that "Chace went to London a couple months ago for meetings and to promote Gossip Girl. He went to a party and ended up meeting Leona. [They] hit it off and talk every once in a while and have become fast friends. A couple weeks ago Leona called Chace and asked if he would be in her next video. He obviously said yes."[29] In the video, it is presumed that Lewis and Crawford have stolen a large amount of money, as it opens with dialogue between the pair and how they are going to try and arrange to meet each other at a later date, due to the police closing in on them. As the song begins to play, Lewis sings the first verse on the car bonnet in which they were shown sitting in previously. As she sings the first chorus, she stands up and faces Crawford in the car, and begins to walk away in a car park as she sings the second verse. For the second chorus, Lewis is shown to evade the police by trying to escape by car park stairways, but is confronted by policemen in most directions she goes. For the final chorus, Lewis makes it out onto the road and runs from the police in their cars, but is ultimately blocked from escape in all directions as they close in on her, arrest her, and place her in the back of a police car. People ranked the video as one of the most anticipated videos to be released in January 2009.[29]

Live performances

On 20 January 2009, Lewis' performed the song on the Late Show with David Letterman to promote its release as a single.[30] Complimentary of her performance, Letterman said "Beautiful! Oh my God that was lovely" after Lewis finished the song.[30] Lizzie Smith for The Guardian wrote that her performance was the "latest step towards her domination of the American music scene."[30] She also commented on the interaction between Lewis and Letterman after her performance, writing "It's rare for American chatshow host David Letterman to do more than shake the hands of performers on his U.S. show, but when X Factor winner Leona Lewis made an appearance he could hardly keep his hands off her. Hugging Leona, a smitten Letterman caught her by surprise by asking: 'Anything you want to talk about?' As Leona looked bemused Letterman cheekily added: 'Let's go up to the house and we'll talk about it.'"[30] Smith concluded her review of the performance with "But rather than looking pleased with his attentions a blushing Leona looked distinctly uncomfortable."[30]

Credits and personnel

Recording
Personnel

  • Songwriting – Avril Lavigne, Max Martin, Lukasz Gottwald
  • Production – Dr. Luke
  • Co-production – Steven Wolf, Max Beckley and Smit
  • Production coordinators – Gary "The Shredder" Silver, Emily Wright
  • Engineers – Doug McKean, Rob Smith, Seth Waldmann, Keith Gretlin, Josh Wilbur, Tom Syrowski, Tatiana Gottwald, Chris Soper, Sam Holland, Chris Holmes, Rouble Kapoor, Wesley Seidman, Janne Hansson, Emily Wright, Marcus Dextegen, Sam Cross
  • Mixing – Chris Lord-Alge
  • Assistant mixing – Keith Armstrong, Nik Karpen
  • Conductor and Arranger – Leon Pendarvis
  • Piano – Max Martin
  • Electric Guitars, Yamaha Acoustic Guitar – Dr. Luke
  • Bass – Jack Daley
  • Drums and percussion – Steven Wolf

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Spirit, Syco Music, J Records, Sony Music.[2]

Charts

Chart (2007) Peak
position
UK Singles Chart (OCC)[13] 160
Chart (2009) Peak
position
Canada Hot 100 (Billboard)[28] 83
US Billboard Hot 100 (Billboard)[19] 66
US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)[24] 23
US Pop Songs (Billboard)[16] 24

Release history

Region Date Format Label
United States 6 January 2009 J Records Contemporary hit radio[1]

References

  1. 1 2 "R&R Going For Adds: Mainstream". Radio & Records. 6 January 2009. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Spirit (liner notes). Leona Lewis. Syco Music, J Records, Sony Music. 2007.
  3. 1 2 James, Sarah-Louise (1 November 2007). "Leona Lewis: Spirit". Daily Star. Northern & Shell. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  4. ↑ "The Best Damn Thing [Bonus Track] [Bonus DVD]". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 14 June 2010.
  5. 1 2 Grischow, Chad (23 April 2008). "Leona Lewis - Spirit - Review". IGN. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  6. 1 2 Rodman, Sarah (8 April 2008). "Lewis's huge voice lifts 'Spirit'". The Boston Globe. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Digital Sheet Music, Leona Lewis 'I Will Be'". Musicnotes.com. Peer International Music Publishing. 2007.
  8. ↑ "Spirit - Deluxe Edition". iTunes Store (Great Britain). Apple. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  9. 1 2 Danton, Eric R. (10 April 2008). "Leona Lewis Has Spirit But Lacks Soul". Hartford Courant. Tribune Company. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  10. ↑ Chinen, Nate (7 April 2008). "New CDs". The New York Times. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  11. ↑ O'Leary, Matt. "Leona Lewis: Spirit review". Virgin Media. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  12. ↑ Cinquemani, Sal (1 April 2008). "Leona Lewis: Spirit". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  13. 1 2 "UK Singles Chart: CLUK Update (24.11.2007 – Week 46)". Zobbel.de. Official Charts Company. 24 November 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  14. ↑ "Pop Songs - Week of January 31, 2009". Billboard. Billboard Business Media, Inc. 31 January 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  15. 1 2 "Pop Songs - Week of February 14, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 14 February 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  16. 1 2 "Leona Lewis Albums and Songs History - Pop Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  17. ↑ "Pop Songs - Week of March 21, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 21 March 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  18. ↑ "Hot 100 - Week of February 14, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 14 February 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  19. 1 2 "Leona Lewis Albums and Songs History - Hot 100". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  20. ↑ "Hot 100 - Week of March 19, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 19 March 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  21. ↑ "Adult Pop Songs - Week of March 7, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 7 March 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  22. ↑ "Adult Pop Songs - Week of March 14, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 14 March 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  23. ↑ "Adult Pop Songs - Week of March 28, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 28 March 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  24. 1 2 3 "Adult Pop Songs - Week of April 11, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 11 April 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  25. ↑ "Hot Digital Songs - Week of February 21, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 21 February 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  26. ↑ "Leona Lewis Albums and Songs History - Digital Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  27. ↑ "Canadian Hot 100 - Week of February 21, 2009". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 21 February 2009. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  28. 1 2 "Leona Lewis Albums and Songs History - Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  29. 1 2 3 4 Garcia, Jennifer (20 December 2008). "Chace Crawford pairs up with Leona Lewis". People. Time Inc. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 Smith, Lizzie. "Leona Lewis can barely contain her blushes as chatshow host Letterman tries to take her home". The Guardian. London: Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
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