Lolita (Leah LaBelle song)

"Lolita"
An image of a light-skinned woman in a revealing outfit in three different poses.
Single by Leah LaBelle
Released May 7, 2013 (2013-05-07)
Format Digital download
Genre
Length 2:49
Label
Writer(s)
Producer(s) Pharrell Williams
Leah LaBelle singles chronology
"Sexify"
(2012)		 "Lolita"
(2013)

"Lolita" is a song by American singer Leah LaBelle released on May 7, 2013. It was written by American songwriter Kelly Sheehan in collaboration with record producer Pharrell Williams. Labelle recorded the track as a part of a joint record deal with Epic Records, So So Def Recordings, and I Am Other. Backed by synthesizers and a bass guitar, it is a funk and pop song with disco and Latin influences. Some suggested the song was inspired by Vladimir Nabokov's novel Lolita, but music commentators noted that the lyrics greatly diverged from the source material.

"Lolita" was positively received, with music critics praising its chorus, Williams' production, and LaBelle's vocal performance. The single only ranked number 7 on the Dance Club Songs Billboard chart in the United States. Internationally, it peaked at number 264 on the official Tophit airplay chart. To promote "Lolita", LaBelle sang an acoustic version for Rap-Up, and performed the original version at various venues, such as New York Fashion Week and the Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend.

In the song's accompanying music video, directed by Diane Martel, LaBelle plays the part of Lolita as she seduces boys from her neighborhood. The music video received a mixed response because of its treatment of sexuality. Welsh singer-songwriter Charlotte Church strongly criticized Martel's creation of sexually-explicit music videos, with the "Lolita" video highlighted as inappropriate and crass. The carwash scene was selected by Idolator as one of the video's "sexy situations." Despite the criticism, LaBelle's performance in the video did garner some positive responses.

Background and release

Initially rising to fame in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, Leah LaBelle released covers of songs through her YouTube account, and found minor success.[1] American record producer Pharrell Williams, discovered LaBelle through her videos, and called So So Def Recording's founder and CEO Jermaine Dupri for his opinion of her.[2] In 2011, LaBelle was signed to a joint record deal with L.A. Reid's company Epic Records, Dupri's So So Def Recordings, and Williams' label I Am Other.[1][3] She said that Williams and Dupri were drawn to her style of performing.[2]

"Lolita" was written by American songwriter Kelly Sheehan in collaboration with record producer Pharrell Williams.[4][5] It was recorded by Andrew Coleman and Mike Larson, and was edited by Andrew Coleman. Additional and assistant engineering was carried out by Matthew Desremeaux, PJ McGinnis, and Tony Olivera. The song was mixed by Leslie Brathwaite.[5]

On March 26, 2013, Epic Records released a digital EP ten electro house remixes and instrumentals of "Lolita" by DJs Sidney Samson, Sick Individuals, and Chris Cox.[6] The single was released as a digital download in select parts of the world through Epic Records on May 7, 2013, before being made available internationally on July 5.[7][8] The single's cover features LaBelle in a revealing outfit that showcases her cleavage and legs.[9][10]

Composition and lyrical interpretation

Leah Labelle – "Lolita"
A 9-second sample of the song, where LaBelle sings the chorus backed by synthesizers and a bass guitar.[9][4][11]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Lolita" is a funk and pop song that lasts two minutes and forty-nine seconds.[9][12][13] The song is composed in the key of E minor and has a moderate dance tempo of 120 beats per minute.[14][15] It features "a deep-bass disco vibe with a layer of grime" and Latin influences.[11][16] Its instrumentation is provided by synthesizers, a bass guitar, and it has a "Stomp progression".[9][12] Bradley Stern of MuuMuse described the song as a "blend of funk and ferocity" and "disco-tinged strut".[9]

In the song, LaBelle teases the listener with the lyrics: "Am I the aim of your fascination? / Am I the eye of your storm?".[9] During the chorus, LaBelle is described as crooning the following lyrics: "Baby, I was born to make you do something you've never done / You'll be forever young / I'm your Lolita."[9][4][11] LaBelle continues to seduce the listener by singing: "Leave your pinstripes and your 9 to 5 in my Lolita eyes tonight / Come on, let's dirty up your mind."[12][16] Singersroom described LaBelle as sounding "ready to pleasure her man" over the course of the song.[11]

Centric's Justin Joseph suggested that the song was inspired by Vladimir Nabokov's novel Lolita and called LaBelle's "musical take on the taboo tale ... one that is borderline side-eye worthy."[17] Soulbounce.com also noted that LaBelle's age differentiated her from the Nabokov character, but described the singer as "embod[ying] the alluring essence of the literary temptress."[18] According to Complex, the lyrics diverge dramatically from the character Lolita in Nabokov's novel,[19] and MTV's Jenna Hally Rubenstein agreed that it was a loose adaptation of Nabokov.[16] LaBelle clarified that the single was not directly about Lolita or attraction to youth. She suggested instead that it was about being someone's desire or fantasy.[20]

Music video and promotion

A woman wearing a crop top and short skirts poses in a carwash while a man washes a toy car in the background.
The music video's representation of sexuality was the subject of criticism, with Idolator's Lansky identifying the carwash scene as one of them.[10][21]

A lyric video was uploaded to LaBelle's Vevo account on February 11, 2013.[22][23] It was filmed by director Diane Martel in Los Angeles, and was released on May 8, 2013.[24][25] BET aired the video, and included it on its signature countdown show 106 & Park.[26]

In the video, LaBelle plays the part of Lolita, defined as a "badass baby girl", and seduces boys in her neighborhood.[25][27] The video reverses the imagery of the heart-shaped glasses from Stanley Kubrick's 1962 film Lolita, by having the shirtless men wear them as they pursue LaBelle.[10] She is shown watering flowers while wearing a skirt, dancing in the streets, and counting money while sitting on a lemonade stand.[25][27][28] The men serve as LaBelle's "heart eyed entourage" and "her own personal secret service"; they are seen washing a toy car in a carwash and presenting the singer with a life-sized teddy bear.[29]

There was a mixed critical response to the music video because of its use of sexuality. Baffuor Gyamfi of Mass Appeal praised LaBelle's presence in the video, writing that the singer's "sex appeal dominates the video, no matter how weird things get."[29] LaBelle sex appeal was noted by Centric's Justin Joseph and Rap-Up.[25][27] Welsh singer-songwriter Charlotte Church criticized Diane Martel for her creation of sexually-explicit music videos, and referenced the "Lolita" video as "an objectionable little number"; Church also disapproved of the single's title.[21] Idolator's Sam Lansky called the video "crazy-sexy-cool", saying of the carwash scene - "[Y]ikes!".[10]

LaBelle first performed "Lolita" as a part of a set for BET's Music Matters, which was held on the weekend of the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.[30] In the same year, she also performed the song for the Boy Meets Girl runway during New York Fashion Week on February 20[20][31] and during the Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend in April, 2013 along with her debut single "Sexify".[32] She sang an acoustic version of the single as a part of a Rap-Up session.[33][34]

Critical reception

"Lolita" has received mostly positive reviews from music critics, with MTV's Brad Stern including it in his list of 5 Must-Hear Pop Songs of the Week for January 22, 2013. Stern called the single "a fresh, obsessively repeat-friendly cut" and a "slice of strut-friendly goodness."[12] Idolator's Sam Lansky praised the song as "slinky good fun", and felt that the single was "radio candy" that should have received more attention from mainstream media.[10] "Lolita" was described "funky" by David Drake of Complex,[19] and Singersroom found that it was a good fit for the radio.[11] It was considered an excellent example of Williams' capability as a producer by MTV's Jenna Hally Rubenstein, who appreciate the song's adaptation of the Nabokov story.[16] Soulhead.com commended LaBelle's vocal performance, with the single being noted for its "clearly articulated lyrics that are sung with passion." The website continued by saying that the song added to the anticipation of the release of LaBelle's debut album.[14] Bradley Stern found "Lolita" to be an improvement over "Sexify", and wrote that it was the type of music that American singer Justin Timberlake should have released on his album The 20/20 Experience when he returned to music.[9]

Commercial performance

Following its release, "Lolita" was a minor success in the United States. In the week of March 22, 2013, the single was listed as one of the "breakout tracks" for the Dance Club Songs Billboard chart, which meant that it was expected to debut on the chart within several weeks.[35] It reached the top 20 of the chart the week of May 5, 2013,[36] before reaching a peak position of number 7 at the end of the month.[37] Internationally, "Lolita" ranked on the official Tophit airplay chart at number 264 in June, 2013.[38]

Formats and track listings

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of "Lolita".[5]

Management
Personnel

  • Lyrics By – Kelly Sheehan, Pharrell Williams
  • Produced By – Pharrell Williams
  • Recorded By – Andrew Coleman, Mike Larson
  • Edited By – Andrew Coleman
  • Engineer (Assistant Engineer) – Matthew Desremeaux, PJ McGinnis, Tony Olivera
  • Mixed By – Leslie Brathwaite

Charts

Chart (2012) Peak
position
Russia Airplay (Tophit)[38] 264
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[37] 7

Release history

Region Format Date Label
United States Remix package[6] March 26, 2013 Epic Records
Spain Digital download[7] May 7, 2013
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States
Austria Digital download[8] July 5, 2013
Canada
Finland
France
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Norway

References

  1. 1 2 James, Nicole (October 16, 2012). "You Need to Know: Jermaine Dupri's R&B Ingenue Leah Labelle". Fuse. Archived from the original on October 28, 2016. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  2. 1 2 Ykigs (June 29, 2012). "Interview: As the Protege of Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri, Leah Labelle Poised to Become the Next R&B Superstar". YouKnowIGotSoul.com. Archived from the original on May 21, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  3. ↑ Partridge, Kenneth (May 21, 2012). "In House With Leah LaBelle: Singer Talks New Album With Pharrell Williams, Jermaine Dupri". The Boombox. AOL. Archived from the original on September 14, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 DJ JusMusic (May 8, 2013). "Leah Labelle – Lolita". Singersroom. Archived from the original on March 22, 2016. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 Lolita (Media notes). Leah Labelle. Epic Records. 2013. 5 742 141.
  6. 1 2 3 "Lolita - Remixes". Beatport. March 26, 2013. Archived from the original on November 2, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Lolita" was initially released as a digital download on May 7, 2013 in select parts of the word:
  8. 1 2 "Lolita" was later released on July 5, 2013 internationally:
    • "Lolita". Ca.7digital.com. July 5, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
    • "Lolita". Ca.7digital.com. July 5, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
    • "Lolita". Ca.7digital.com. July 5, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
    • "Lolita". Ca.7digital.com. July 5, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
    • "Lolita". Ca.7digital.com. July 5, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
    • "Lolita". Ca.7digital.com. July 5, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
    • "Lolita". Ca.7digital.com. July 5, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
    • "Lolita". Ca.7digital.com. July 5, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
    • "Lolita". Ca.7digital.com. July 5, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Stern, Bradley (January 20, 2013). "Leah LaBelle's "Lolita" is My Obsession Du Jour". MuuMuse. Archived from the original on May 17, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Lansky, Sam (May 14, 2013). "Leah LaBelle's "Lolita" Video: Watch The Super-Sexy Clip". Idolator. Archived from the original on January 9, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 DJ JustMusic (January 19, 2013). "Leah LaBelle – Lolita". Singersroom. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Stern, Brad (January 22, 2013). "Neon Hitch, Leah LaBelle, Darin + More: 5 Must-Hear Pop Songs of the Week". MTV. Archived from the original on November 5, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  13. 1 2 "Lolita – Single – Leah Labelle". iTunes Store (US). May 7, 2013. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  14. 1 2 "Listen to Leah Labelle – Lolita". Soulhead.com. March 7, 2013. Archived from the original on July 17, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  15. ↑ "Lolita Original Mix". Beatport. May 8, 2013. Archived from the original on November 2, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Rubenstein, Jenna Hally (January 24, 2013). "New Song: Leah Labelle, 'Lolita'". MTV. Archived from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  17. ↑ Joseph, Justin (January 22, 2013). "New Music: Leah LaBelle Turns Up the Heat with "Lolita"". Centric. Archived from the original on November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  18. ↑ D-Money (January 22, 2013). "Leah LaBelle Teases With 'Lolita'". SoulBounce.com. Archived from the original on November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  19. 1 2 Drake, David (May 8, 2013). "Watch: Leah LaBelle "Lolita"". Complex. Verizon Hearst Media Partners. Archived from the original on May 11, 2013. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  20. 1 2 "Video: Watch Leah LaBelle Choose Her Performance Look for the Boy Meets Girl Fashion Show". OK!. Northern & Shell. February 18, 2013. Archived from the original on November 7, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  21. 1 2 McGeorge, Alistair (October 15, 2013). "Charlotte Church has a pop at "mediocre" Robin Thicke". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on June 5, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  22. ↑ ""Lolita" (Lyric Video)". Leah LaBelle official website. February 11, 2013. Archived from the original on August 27, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Lolita - Leah LaBelle". MTV Base. Archived from the original on November 10, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Watch Leah's "Lolita" Video". Leah LaBelle official website. May 8, 2013. Archived from the original on August 27, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  25. 1 2 3 4 "Watch: Leah Labelle - 'Lolita'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. May 8, 2013. Archived from the original on May 25, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Vote for "Lolita" on 106 & Park!". Leah LaBelle official website. June 5, 2013. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  27. 1 2 3 Joseph, Justin (May 8, 2013). "New Video: Leah Labelle - "Lolita"". Centric. Archived from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  28. ↑ Guard, Megan (May 8, 2013). "New Video: Leah Labelle 'Lolita'". Vibe. Spin Media. Archived from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  29. 1 2 Gyamfi, Baffuor (May 9, 2013). "Leah LaBelle "Lolita" Produced by Pharrell". Massappeal.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  30. ↑ TeamBASSicBlack (February 9, 2013). "Leah Labelle Performs at BET's Music Matters in Los Angeles, CA". Adamblackstone.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  31. ↑ "Leah Labelle Brings "Lolita" to NYFW". Leah LaBelle official website. February 15, 2013. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  32. ↑ Lee, Steve (March 20, 2013). "Leah LaBelle added to Club Skirts Dinah Shore weekend line-up". LGBTWeekly.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  33. ↑ "Leah LaBelle Performs for Rap-Up Sessions". Leah LaBelle official website. July 24, 2013. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Leah LaBelle Performs for Rap-Up Sessions". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. July 24, 2013. Archived from the original on July 28, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
  35. ↑ Bronson, Fred (May 2, 2013). "'American Idol' on the Charts: Phillip Phillips' Live Performance Boosts 'Gone, Gone, Gone'". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on March 2, 2014. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  36. ↑ Bronson, Fred (May 2, 2013). "'American Idol' on the Charts: Fantasia's Latest Lands a No. 1". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on January 14, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  37. 1 2 "Chart Search". Billboard Dance Club Songs for Leah Labelle. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  38. 1 2 "Chart Search". Tophit for Leah Labelle. Retrieved November 9, 2016.

External links

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