Who Says (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)

"Who Says"
Single by Selena Gomez & the Scene
from the album When the Sun Goes Down
B-side	"Ghost of You"
Released	March 14, 2011
Format	CD single, digital download
Recorded	2010
Genre	Teen pop
Length	3:15
Label	Hollywood
Writer(s)	Emanuel Kiriakou, Priscilla Hamilton
Producer	Emanuel Kiriakou
Selena Gomez & the Scene singles chronology
"A Year Without Rain" (2010) "Who Says" (2011) "Love You Like a Love Song" (2011) When the Sun Goes Down track listing "Bang Bang Bang" (2) "Who Says" (3) "We Own the Night" (4)

"Who Says" is a song performed by American band Selena Gomez & the Scene. It was written by Priscilla Renea and Emanuel Kiriakou, with the latter also producing the track. The song was released on March 14, 2011, as the lead single from the band's third album, When the Sun Goes Down (2011). At first Gomez intended to wait until the release of the album, but wanted to put the album together after hearing "Who Says".

According to Gomez, the song was intended to inspire people, and fire back at the "haters", particularly those involved in cyberbullying. Several critics said that Gomez alluded to the hate she received online, specifically on Twitter, after she began dating singer Justin Bieber. "Who Says" marks a distinct departure in sound for the band, as it has an acoustic and organic feel, compared to their dance-pop and club-oriented previous singles. The song is a teen pop number with inspirational lyrics about embracing yourself and not letting anyone bring you down. "Who Says" received generally positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its message and the change of pace for the band.

"Who Says" was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The song charted in the top thirty in the United States, Canada and New Zealand, and it became their highest charting single on these charts. It also reached the lower regions of numerous other European charts. The song's music video features Gomez frolicking around a city, removing makeup, and performing with the band on a beach. Gomez performed the song on a variety occasions including at the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards, on Dancing with the Stars, and So Random!.

Background and inspiration

Due to comments made by Gomez, critics said that the song's inspiration was partly due to the attention she received with boyfriend Justin Bieber (pictured).

In 2009, the band released their debut album, Kiss & Tell, and quickly followed-up with 2010's A Year Without Rain.^[1] After the release of the latter Gomez said that she was not in a rush to release another album, but after hearing "Who Says", she decided to begin another release, calling the song "amazing" and crediting it for inspiring her.^[1] Gomez would later call the song "fun and empowering," commenting "Every time I sing this song, I'm like, 'I feel better already!"^[1] When talking about the song's message, Gomez commented that she thought of it as "sweet," going on to say, "with bullying, with cyberbullying, with all the negativity that is in high school and dealing with things, you're already trying to figure out who you are; it doesn't help when people are constantly trying to tear you down."^[1] She then said that she was "dealing with it, of course" and was "going through it as well."^[1] After debuting the single on On Air with Ryan Seacrest, Gomez mentioned the criticism received on Twitter and Facebook due to being a celebrity, and critics such as Nardine Saad of the Los Angeles Times inferred this as firing back at the hate received after she started dating Canadian recording artist Justin Bieber earlier in the year.^[2]

Twitter and Facebook are really negative for me … within that world is such easy access to people’s feelings. You can get a thousand wonderful comments but just one will throw you off and that's how it is with me. Basically it’s to the haters—the people trying to bring you down.

—Selena Gomez^[2]

The single follows in succession of other self-empowerment singles such as "Firework" by Katy Perry, "Perfect" by Pink, "We R Who We R" by Ke$ha, and "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga.^[1] Gomez herself stated "I am so happy [about recent empowerment songs], 'cause music is a universal language, and it's a quick way to get to everybody. The fact that all these artists are doing that, it's really good. I'm really happy."^[1] The song was released on iTunes in the United States and Canada on March 14, 2011.^[3] It was released as a CD single in Germany on March 15, 2011, with the B-side of "Ghost of You" from her second studio album A Year Without Rain.^[4]

As part of the iTunes Countdown to When The Sun Goes Down, a Spanish language version of the song, called "Dices" was available for download on Monday June 13, following the release of "Bang Bang Bang" the week before. The song was produced by Edgar Cortazar.

Composition

The song is a departure in her previous singles such as "Round & Round" and "Naturally", as in whereas the previous were dance-pop and club-oriented, "Who Says" draws from the teen pop genre, and has an "organic" and "acoustic" feel.^[5] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Alfred Publishing Co., Inc., "Who Says" is set in common time in a "moderate" tempo of 100 beats per minute. It is composed in the key of E major with Gomez's vocal range spanning from the low-note of G#₃ to the high-note of C#₅.^[6] The song contains string accents which are said to be "sympathetic, but not overpowering."^[7] Described as a "jangly pop tune", having an "overarching feel-good vibe", lyrically, the song speaks of "embracing who you are and not letting your critics get you down."^[5] Gomez sings of insecurities, and people telling her she is not good enough, before asserting "I'm sure you got some things/ You'd like to change about yourself/ But when it comes to me/ I wouldn't want to be anybody else."^[5]

According to Brian Voerding of AOL Radio Blog, "Gomez sings about staying true to herself, particularly in the face of doubt that comes from others telling her she can't live up to her dreams." In the song she refers to her criticisms as "the price of beauty."^[8] Bill Lamb of About.com said the song's positive message is "all about recognizing yourself as a beautiful person despite what others might say or think."^[7]

Reception

Critical reception

Jocelyn Vena of MTV News complimented the song, commenting that "Top 40 has a new empowerment anthem."^[5] Bill Lamb of About.com said Gomez "has become the most consistent Disney pop hitmaker in recent years" and that "she has not reached these achievements through gimmickry or pandering to an audience. She has succeeded with quality, straightforward pop songs."^[7] Lamb went on to say that "Who Says" was no exception, complimenting Gomez's "winning vocals," and the song's "bright, catchy instrumental arrangement" and the "irresistible chorus."^[7] However, Lamb commented that the song was lacking in originality, and said that it was another pop song with a theme of self-esteem.^[7] Although a writer from The Huffington Post called the song "superfluous" and like many feel-good anthems, "a little bit tepid," the writer said it was "cute" and an "ode to self worth" which "exudes bubblegum confidence in the manner of her man (boy) Bieber's tune "Never Say Never.'"^[9]

Chart performance

"Who Says" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number twenty-four, becoming the band's fourth consecutive debut within the top forty of the chart.^[10] The charting matched the debut of "Round & Round" the lead single from A Year Without Rain.^[10] The song managed to peak at number twenty-one on the chart dated June 29, marking the band's highest charting effort to date.^[11] Additionally the song has reached number seventeen on the US Pop Songs chart and the top position on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart^[10] "Who Says" also appeared on the Billboard component charts Adult Pop Songs and Adult Contemporary, the band's first appearance on those charts.^[10] It charted at number thirty-seven on the previous and twenty-seven on the latter.^[10] The song debuted at number seventeen on the Canadian Hot 100, becoming their highest charting single on the chart.^[12] It also reached number fifteen on the New Zealand Singles Chart, becoming their highest charting single on that chart, beating the peak of "Naturally" which reached number twenty there.^[13] The song charted in the top fifty in Germany and Ireland, and appeared on the main charts in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Austria.^[14]

Music video and live performances

Gomez performing "Who Says" at 2011 Much Music Video Awards (Photo: Tony Felgueiras)

The song's music video was directed by Chris Applebaum.^[15] An eight second teaser of the video was released on March 2, 2011, and the full video premiered on VEVO on March 11, 2011.^[16] The video starts off with Gomez at a photoshoot where she starts singing the first verse. She then removes her earrings and shoes and exits the studio. She is seen singing while walking through a city, riding in a cab, and eventually walking on the outskirts of the city, with several lyrics appearing in various locations including a theatre marquee, the side of a building, and written in the sky. Eventually she enters a public restroom, throws on a casual outfit and removes her make-up. After this, Gomez makes her way to a beach, where she is seen singing with her band, surrounded by fans. The video ends as the crowd runs into the water, and the waves wash away the words 'THE END' written in the sand.

Gomez appeared on both The Late Show with David Letterman on March 16, 2011,^[17] and The Seven on March 18, 2011 to promote the single.^[18] The band performed the song for the first time at the 3rd annual Concert For Hope on March 20, 2011.^[19] Later, they performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on March 22, 2011,^[20] and on Dancing with the Stars on April 5, 2011.^[21] The band also performed the song on a episode of So Random!.^[22] The band also performed the song on Good Morning America on June 17, 2011,^[23]. On June 19, 2011, the band performed the song on the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards,^[24] whereas they performed it on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Live with Regis and Kelly on June 24, 2011 and June 29, 2011, respectively.^[25][26]

Track listing

• CD single

1. "Who Says" - 3:15
2. "Ghost of You" - 3:23

• UK iTunes single / UK Promo CD single

1. "Who Says" - 3:15
2. "Who Says" (Instrumental) - 3:15

• AUS Remix Single

1. "Who Says" (Bimbo Jones Radio Remix) - 2:49
2. "Who Says" (Dave Aude Radio Remix) - 3:33
3. "Who Says" (Tony Moran and Warren Rigg Radio Remix) - 3:38

• UK Remix Single

1. "Who Says" (Dave Aude Club Mix) - 7:07
2. "Who Says" (Bimbo Jones Club Mix) - 5:46
3. "Who Says" (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Club Mix) - 7:24
4. "Who Says" (Joe Bermudez-Chico Club Remix) - 6:51
5. "Who Says" (SmashMode Extended Remix) - 5:41

Charts and certifications

Charts Chart (2011) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[27] 51 Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 75)[14] 62 Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)[28] 8 Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[12] 17 Germany (Media Control AG)[29] 44 Ireland (IRMA)[30] 36 New Zealand (RIANZ)[13] 15 Slovakia (IFPI)[31] 90 UK Singles (The Official Charts Company)[32] 51 US Billboard Hot 100[10] 21 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[10] 27 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)[33] 37 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[10] 1 US Pop Songs (Billboard)[10] 17

Certifications Country Certification (sales thresholds) United States Platinum[34]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g} Vena, Jocelyn (2011-03-17). "Selena Gomez 'Inspired' By Latest Single, 'Who Says'". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660139/selena-gomez-who-says.jhtml. Retrieved 2011-03-17. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Saad, Nardine. "Selena Gomez debuts song 'Who Says,' misses Justin Bieber". The Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/03/selena-gomez-new-song-who-says-justin-bieber.html. Retrieved 2011-05-30. 
3. ^ "Who Says – Single by Selena Gomez & the Scene". iTunes Music Store. Apple Inc. http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/who-says-single/id423460272. 
4. ^ "Who Says (2-Track)". Bol.de. http://www.bol.de/shop/bde_mu_hg_startseite/suchartikel/who_says_2_track/selena_gomez_the_sce/EAN0050087241346/ID28510128.html?jumpId=320404#. Retrieved 2011-06-03. 
5. ^ ^{a b c d} Vena, Jocelyn (2011-03-08). "Selena Gomez Debuts New Song, 'Who Says'". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659425/selena-gomez-new-song.jhtml. Retrieved 2011-03-17. 
6. ^ Priscilla Renea, Emanuel Kiriakou (2011). "Who Says: Selena Gomez & the Scene: Digital Sheet Music" (Musicnotes). Musicnotes.com. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.. MN0092518 (Product Number). 
7. ^ ^{a b c d e} Lamb, Bill. "Selena Gomez and the Scene - "Who Says"". About.com. The New York Times Company. http://top40.about.com/od/g/gr/Selena-Gomez-And-The-Scene-Who-Says.htm. Retrieved 2011-05-07. 
8. ^ Voerding, Brian (2011-03-08). "Selena Gomez & the Scene, 'Who Says' -- New Song". AOL Radio Blog. AOL Inc. http://www.aolradioblog.com/2011/03/08/selena-gomez-who-says/. Retrieved 2011-03-17. 
9. ^ "Selena Gomez Releases New Single 'Who Says?' (LISTEN)". The Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/09/selena-gomez-releases-new_n_833705.html. Retrieved 2011-05-30. 
10. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} "Who Says - Selena Gomez - Billboard.com". Billboard.com. http://www.billboard.com/song/selena-gomez-the-scene/who-says/24908963#/song/selena-gomez-the-scene/who-says/25590983Z. Retrieved 2011-07-18. 
11. ^ Grein, Paul. "Bad Teenage Dream". Yahoo Music. Copyright © 2011 Yahoo! Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/74378/week-ending-june-22-2011-bad-teenage-dreams/. Retrieved 2011-06-22. 
12. ^ ^{a b} "Selena Gomez & The Scene Album & Song Chart History" Canadian Hot 100 for Selena Gomez & The Scene. Prometheus Global Media.
13. ^ ^{a b} "Charts.org.nz – Selena Gomez & The Scene – Who Says". Top 40 Singles. Hung Medien.
14. ^ ^{a b} "Selena Gomez & The Scene – Who Says – Austriancharts.at" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Hung Medien.
15. ^ "Chris Applebaum – Credits". chrisapplebaum.com. Chris Applebaum. http://www.chrisapplebaum.com/credits.html. Retrieved 2011-06-03. 
16. ^ "Selena Gomez Premieres 'Who Says' Video". AOL JSYK. AOL, Inc. 2011-03-11. http://www.jsyk.com/2011/03/11/selena-gomez-who-says-video/. Retrieved 2011-06-03. 
17. ^ Chaney, Jen (2011-03-17). "Selena Gomez plays coy with David Letterman; Mel Gibson turns himself in to police during ‘Beaver’ premiere". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/selena-gomez-plays-coy-with-david-letterman-mel-gibson-turns-himself-into-police-during-beaver-premiere/2011/03/17/ABKtHgk_blog.html. Retrieved 2011-06-03. 
18. ^ "Selena Gomez Plays Coy on 'The Seven'" (Video). MTV.com. MTV Networks (Viacom). http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/632652/selena-gomez-plays-coy-on-the-seven.jhtml. Retrieved 2011-06-03. 
19. ^ "Selena Gomez Wows At 'Concert For Hope' (PHOTOS)". Huffington Post. 2011-03-21. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/21/selena-gomez-wows-at-conc_n_838463.html. Retrieved 2011-06-03. 
20. ^ "Selena Gomez & The Scene perform 'Who Says'". Ellen.warnerbros.com. AOL, Inc. http://ellen.warnerbros.com/videos/?autoplay=true&mediaKey=3c863e24-c0f8-4804-8827-2052269eabac. 
21. ^ O'Connell, Mikey (2011-04-05). "'Dancing With the Stars': Selena Gomez brings 'Who Says' to results show". Zap2it. Tribune Media Services, Inc. http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/dancing-with-the-stars-selena-gomez-brings-who-says-to-results-show.html. Retrieved 2011-06-03. 
22. ^ Longman, Haley (2011-05-18). "Even Sans Demi, The New Season of So Random Will Be So Awesome (Video)". Teen.com. http://www.teen.com/disney-so-random-new-season-trailer-guest-stars/. Retrieved 2011-05-30. 
23. ^ "Selena Gomez Performs On ‘Good Morning America’, Talks Britney Spears". Idolator. Buzzmedia Publishers. 2011-06-17. http://idolator.com/5905972/selena-gomez-performs-on-good-morning-america-britney-spears. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
24. ^ "Lady Gaga goes bald, Selena Gomez hosts MuchMusic Awards [Pictures, Video]". International Business Times. 2011-06-20. http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/166080/20110620/lady-gaga-bald-selena-gomez-mmva-much-music-video-awards.htm. Retrieved 2011-06-30. 
25. ^ Blotnick, Emily. "Selena Gomez and The Scene Perform “Who Says”". NBC Universal. http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2011/06/selena-gomez-and-the-scene-perform-who-says/. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
26. ^ Gilmore, Story. "Video: Selena Gomez Performs “Who Says” On Regis And Kelly". Neon Limelight. http://neonlimelight.com/2011/06/29/video-selena-gomez-performs-who-says-on-regis-and-kelly/. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
27. ^ "Chartifacts - Week Commencing: 28th March 2011". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 29, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5xXWzZvga. Retrieved March 29, 2011. 
28. ^ "Ultratop.be – Selena Gomez & The Scene – Who Says" (in Dutch). Ultratip. ULTRATOP & Hung Medien / hitparade.ch.
29. ^ "Die ganze Musik im Internet: Charts, News, Neuerscheinungen, Tickets, Genres, Genresuche, Genrelexikon, Künstler-Suche, Musik-Suche, Track-Suche, Ticket-Suche - musicline.de" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH.
30. ^ "Chart Track". Irish Singles Chart. Irish Recorded Music Association.
31. ^ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201128 into search.
32. ^ "Archive Chart" UK Singles Chart. The Official Charts Company.
33. ^ "Chart Highlights: Pop, Dance Club Songs & More". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2011-08-09. http://www.billboard.com/column/chartbeat#/column/chartbeat/chart-highlights-pop-dance-club-songs-more-1005308792.story. Retrieved August 9, 2011. 
34. ^ "RIAA Searchable Database". Recording Industry Association of America. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH. Retrieved 2011-05-30.