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| Next single = "[[Rich Girl (Gwen Stefani song)|Rich Girl]]"<br/>(2004) |
| Next single = "[[Rich Girl (Gwen Stefani song)|Rich Girl]]"<br/>(2004) |
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"'''What You Waiting For?'''" is a [[dance-pop]] song written by [[Gwen Stefani]] and [[Linda Perry]] for Stefani's debut solo album ''[[Love. Angel. Music. Baby]]'' (2004). |
"'''What You Waiting For?'''" is a [[dance-pop]] song written by [[Gwen Stefani]] and [[Linda Perry]] for Stefani's debut solo album ''[[Love. Angel. Music. Baby]]'' (2004). The song was the first to be included on ''L.A.M.B.'' and is the album's [[opening track]]. |
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The |
The track discusses Stefani's lack of inspiration, fear of producing the album, and pressure from her record label. It introduced the [[Harajuku Girls]], Stefani's four back-up dancers, who became a major theme in producing the album. The song is influenced by [[electro (music)|electro]] and [[New Wave music]]. It received positive reviews from pop music critics and was frequently noted as a highlight of the album. |
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The song was released as the album's [[lead single]] |
The song was released as the album's [[lead single]] [[2004 in music|in 2004]] as Stefani's "explanation for doing the record".<ref name="inspired"/> The single performed well, reaching the top twenty in most countries, and topped the single charts in [[Argentina]] and [[Australia]]. It was certified platinum in the [[United States]] and Australia and was nominated for [[Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] at the [[47th Grammy Awards]]. The song was later covered by [[indie rock]] band [[Franz Ferdinand (band)|Franz Ferdinand]]. |
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==Background and writing== |
==Background and writing== |
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After the [[2003 Grammy Awards]], Linda Perry put Stefani in a [[chokehold]], telling her, "we're gonna write songs together!", and Stefani hesitantly agreed.<ref>Ives, Brian and Bottomley, C. [http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1495320/20050105/stefani_gwen.jhtml "Gwen Stefani: The Solo Express"]. [[VH1]]. [[January 5]], [[2005]]. Retrieved [[March 7]], [[2007]].</ref> Soon after Stefani finished the Rock Steady Tour with her band [[No Doubt]], she was sleeping and received a call from her label that Perry was in a studio ready to work with Stefani since Perry "only [had] five days out of the whole year to work with [her]."<ref name="access">Morrisson, John. [http://www.accessmag.com/Archives/74-gwen.html No Doubt's Gwen Stefani Rocks Steady on Her Solo Debut, ''Love Angel Music Baby''"]. ''Access''. March 2005. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref><ref name="blender">Levy, Ariel. [http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=1329 "The Coronation of Gwen Stefani"]. ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]''. December 2004. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref> Stefani later stated that she was frustrated with not having been able to see her husband, [[Bush (band)|Bush]] singer [[Gavin Rossdale]], and felt burned out from having just finished touring, so she broke down and laid in bed crying.<ref name="access"/><ref name="blender"/> |
After the [[2003 Grammy Awards]], Linda Perry put Stefani in a [[chokehold]], telling her, "we're gonna write songs together!", and Stefani hesitantly agreed.<ref>Ives, Brian and Bottomley, C. [http://www.vh1.com/artists/interview/1495320/20050105/stefani_gwen.jhtml "Gwen Stefani: The Solo Express"]. [[VH1]]. [[January 5]], [[2005]]. Retrieved [[March 7]], [[2007]].</ref> Soon after Stefani finished the Rock Steady Tour with her band [[No Doubt]], she was sleeping and received a call from her label that Perry was in a studio ready to work with Stefani since Perry "only [had] five days out of the whole year to work with [her]."<ref name="access">Morrisson, John. [http://www.accessmag.com/Archives/74-gwen.html No Doubt's Gwen Stefani Rocks Steady on Her Solo Debut, ''Love Angel Music Baby''"]. ''Access''. March 2005. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref><ref name="blender">Levy, Ariel. [http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=1329 "The Coronation of Gwen Stefani"]. ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]''. December 2004. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref> Stefani later stated that she was frustrated with not having been able to see her husband, [[Bush (band)|Bush]] singer [[Gavin Rossdale]], and felt burned out from having just finished touring, so she broke down and laid in bed crying.<ref name="access"/><ref name="blender"/> |
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During their first day of work, the two created a song titled "Fine by You", which Stefani called "a stupid love song, but really good".<ref name="cry">Eliscu, Jenny. [http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/interviewpages/0,,1402498,00.html "'I'll cry just talking about it'"]. ''[[The Guardian]]''. [[January 30]], [[2005]]. Retrieved [[March 7]], [[2007]].</ref> Perry commented that the song "wasn't right", and the track was not included on the album.<ref name="bg">Anderman, Joan. [http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2004/11/21/not_just_a_girl/ "Not just a girl"]. ''[[The Boston Globe]]''. [[November 21]], [[2004]]. Retrieved [[April 15]], [[2007]].</ref> The session was generally unproductive due to Stefani's self-consciousness and [[writer's block]], and Stefani broke down crying in the studio.<ref name="scared">Vineyard, Jennifer. [http://www.mtv.com/bands/s/stefani_gwen/news_feature_112204/ "Gwen Stefani: Scared Solo"]. [[MTV News]]. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Soghomonian, Talia. [http://www.musicomh.com/interviews/gwen-stefani.htm "Gwen Stefani : interview"]. OMH. January 2005. Retrieved [[March 7]], [[2007]].</ref> Stefani stated that songwriting without |
During their first day of work, the two created a song titled "Fine by You", which Stefani called "a stupid love song, but really good".<ref name="cry">Eliscu, Jenny. [http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/interviewpages/0,,1402498,00.html "'I'll cry just talking about it'"]. ''[[The Guardian]]''. [[January 30]], [[2005]]. Retrieved [[March 7]], [[2007]].</ref> Perry commented that the song "wasn't right", and the track was not included on the album.<ref name="bg">Anderman, Joan. [http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2004/11/21/not_just_a_girl/ "Not just a girl"]. ''[[The Boston Globe]]''. [[November 21]], [[2004]]. Retrieved [[April 15]], [[2007]].</ref> The session was generally unproductive due to Stefani's self-consciousness and [[writer's block]], and Stefani broke down crying in the studio.<ref name="scared">Vineyard, Jennifer. [http://www.mtv.com/bands/s/stefani_gwen/news_feature_112204/ "Gwen Stefani: Scared Solo"]. [[MTV News]]. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Soghomonian, Talia. [http://www.musicomh.com/interviews/gwen-stefani.htm "Gwen Stefani : interview"]. OMH. January 2005. Retrieved [[March 7]], [[2007]].</ref> Stefani stated that songwriting without her bandmates was much more difficult, commenting that it was "humiliating and intimidating even if they're sweet and excited, because you're drowning in their creativity."<ref name="scared"/> |
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That night, Perry began work on another track, which she played for Stefani the next day to motivate her.<ref name="cry"/> Stefani was impressed with the track, and Perry asked her "What are you waiting for?"<ref name="access"/> According to Perry, Stefani took the question as a dare, replying, "You're totally challenging me, right?"<ref name="bg"/> The two began writing lyrics for the [[New Wave music|New Wave]] song based on Stefani's writer's block and fears about making a solo record, and the track grew into "What You Waiting For?".<ref name="inspired">Vineyard, Jennifer. [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1493633/20041110/stefani_gwen.jhtml "Gwen Stefani's Debut Solo LP Inspired By Insecurity And Japan"]. [[MTV News]]. [[November 10]], [[2004]]. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref> |
That night, Perry began work on another track, which she played for Stefani the next day to motivate her.<ref name="cry"/> Stefani was impressed with the track, and Perry asked her "What are you waiting for?"<ref name="access"/> According to Perry, Stefani took the question as a dare, replying, "You're totally challenging me, right?"<ref name="bg"/> The two began writing lyrics for the [[New Wave music|New Wave]] song based on Stefani's writer's block and fears about making a solo record, and the track grew into "What You Waiting For?".<ref name="inspired">Vineyard, Jennifer. [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1493633/20041110/stefani_gwen.jhtml "Gwen Stefani's Debut Solo LP Inspired By Insecurity And Japan"]. [[MTV News]]. [[November 10]], [[2004]]. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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Stefani came up with the idea of the [[Harajuku Girls]] while writing the song. Stefani first saw the women of [[Harajuku]], known for their unique style drawing from [[Gothic Lolita]] and [[cyberpunk]] fashion, in 1996 and had admired them |
Stefani came up with the idea of the [[Harajuku Girls]] while writing the song. Stefani first saw the women of [[Harajuku]], known for their unique style drawing from [[Gothic Lolita]] and [[cyberpunk]] fashion, in 1996 and had admired them since then.<ref name="cry"/><ref>Ahn, MiHi. [http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/feature/2005/04/09/geisha/index.html "Gwenihana"]. ''[[Salon.com|Salon]]''. [[April 9]], [[2005]]. Retrieved [[March 20]], [[2007]].</ref> Stefani decided to mention them in the line "Harajuku girls, you got the wicked style", and the concept grew into a running theme on ''Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'', with one song named after and dedicated to them.<ref name="cry"/> |
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==Music and lyrics== |
==Music and lyrics== |
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==Chart performance== |
==Chart performance== |
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[[Image:WhatYouWaitingFor1.jpg|left|thumb|Stefani performing "What You Waiting For?" on tour.]] |
[[Image:WhatYouWaitingFor1.jpg|left|thumb|Stefani performing "What You Waiting For?" on tour.]] |
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In the [[United States]], "What You Waiting For?" debuted on [[October 23]], [[2004]] at number ninety-three on the ''[[Billboard]]'' [[Hot 100]].<ref name="ms">[http://www.musicsquare.net/charts/song/603 "Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?: Charts"]. Music Square. Retrieved [[March 6]], [[2007]].</ref> It reached a peak at number forty-seven on [[December 4]], [[2004]] and remained on the chart for a total of twenty weeks.<ref name="ms"/> The song topped the [[Hot Dance Music/Club Play]] chart, but only had moderate success on the pop charts, reaching number seventeen on the [[Top 40 Mainstream]] and number twenty-four on the [[Adult Top 40]].<ref name="AMG">[http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kk8gtq3zxu48~T31 "Love.Angel.Music.Baby. > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles"]. [[All Music Guide]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> In February 2005, the song was certified platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]],<ref>[http://www.riaa.com/gp/database/search_results.asp "Gold & Platinum"]. [[Recording Industry Association of America]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> and the song was nominated for best [[Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] at the [[2005 Grammy Awards]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4262875.stm "Grammy Awards 2005: Key winners"]. [[BBC News]]. [[February 14]], [[2005]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> |
In the [[United States]], "What You Waiting For?" debuted on [[October 23]], [[2004]] at number ninety-three on the ''[[Billboard]]'' [[Hot 100]].<ref name="ms">[http://www.musicsquare.net/charts/song/603 "Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?: Charts"]. Music Square. Retrieved [[March 6]], [[2007]].</ref> It reached a peak at number forty-seven on [[December 4]], [[2004]] and remained on the chart for a total of twenty weeks.<ref name="ms"/> The song topped the [[Hot Dance Music/Club Play]] chart, but only had moderate success on the pop charts, reaching number seventeen on the [[Top 40 Mainstream]] and number twenty-four on the [[Adult Top 40]].<ref name="AMG">[http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kk8gtq3zxu48~T31 "Love.Angel.Music.Baby. > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles"]. [[All Music Guide]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> In February 2005, the song was certified platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]],<ref>[http://www.riaa.com/gp/database/search_results.asp "Gold & Platinum"]. [[Recording Industry Association of America]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> and the song was nominated for best [[Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] at the [[2005 Grammy Awards]] but lost to [[Norah Jones]]' "Sunrise".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4262875.stm "Grammy Awards 2005: Key winners"]. [[BBC News]]. [[February 14]], [[2005]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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Elsewhere, the song's reception was stronger |
Elsewhere, the song's reception was stronger. In [[Canada]], it debuted inside the top forty on the [[Canadian Singles Chart|singles chart]] before reaching number twenty-four in January 2005.<ref name="T40C">[http://top40-charts.com/songs/full.php?sid=11779&sort=chartid "Gwen Stefani What You Waiting For"]. Top40-Charts.com. Retrieved [[March 2]], [[2007]].</ref> It debuted at number four in the [[United Kingdom]] and remained on the chart for fifteen weeks, unable to reach a higher position.<ref name="ms"/> The single performed well across most of [[Europe]], reaching the top ten in [[Austria]], [[Belgium]], [[Denmark]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Ireland]], [[Italy]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Norway]], [[Russia]], and [[Sweden]].<ref name="T40C"/> On the [[United World Chart]], the track debuted at number thirty-four on [[November 27]], [[2004]] and reached the top ten two weeks later.<ref name="ms"/> The song spent sixteen weeks within the top ten, peaking at number two under [[Destiny's Child]]'s "[[Lose My Breath]]", and left the chart after [[April 16]], [[2005]].<ref name="ms"/><ref>[http://www.musicsquare.net/charts/world_singles_top_40/2005/04 "World Singles Top 40 (04/2005): Charts"]. Music Square. Retrieved [[April 14]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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In [[Australia]], the single debuted at the top of the [[ARIA Singles Chart]] on [[November 22]], [[2004]] and stayed there for two weeks.<ref name="ms"/> It stayed within the top three through [[January 17]], [[2005]] and dropped off the chart after fifteen weeks.<ref name="ms"/> The single was certified platinum by the [[Australian Recording Industry Association]].<ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2004.htm "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2004 Singles"]. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> On the 2004 end of year chart, the song charted at number twenty-six,<ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2004.htm "ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2004"]. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> and on the 2005 chart, it was listed at number forty.<ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2005.htm "ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2005"]. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> The single reached number three on [[New Zealand]] [[RIANZ]] Singles Chart and lasted four months on the chart.<ref>[http://charts.org.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Gwen+Stefani&titel=What+You+Waiting+For%3F&cat=s "Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?"]. Charts.org.nz. Retrieved [[April 8]], [[2007]].</ref> |
In [[Australia]], the single debuted at the top of the [[ARIA Singles Chart]] on [[November 22]], [[2004]] and stayed there for two weeks.<ref name="ms"/> It stayed within the top three through [[January 17]], [[2005]] and dropped off the chart after fifteen weeks.<ref name="ms"/> The single was certified platinum by the [[Australian Recording Industry Association]].<ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2004.htm "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2004 Singles"]. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> On the 2004 end of year chart, the song charted at number twenty-six,<ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2004.htm "ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2004"]. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> and on the 2005 chart, it was listed at number forty.<ref>[http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2005.htm "ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2005"]. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> The single reached number three on [[New Zealand]]'s [[RIANZ]] Singles Chart and lasted four months on the chart.<ref>[http://charts.org.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Gwen+Stefani&titel=What+You+Waiting+For%3F&cat=s "Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?"]. Charts.org.nz. Retrieved [[April 8]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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==Music video== |
==Music video== |
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[[Image:Gwen stefani whatyouwaitingforscreenshot2.PNG|thumb|right|215px|The song's music video was inspired by Lewis Carroll's ''Alice'' books.]] |
[[Image:Gwen stefani whatyouwaitingforscreenshot2.PNG|thumb|right|215px|The song's music video was inspired by [[Lewis Carroll]]'s ''Alice'' books.]] |
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The song's [[music video]] was directed by [[Francis Lawrence]] and produced by Caleb Dewart of DNA Inc.<ref>[http://www.muchmusic.com/events/mmva05/nominees/ "MMVA 05"]. [[MuchMusic]]. Retrieved [[April 14]], [[2007]].</ref> The video deals directly with the lyrics of the song, featuring Stefani's search for inspiration in songwriting. It opens with a lengthy non-musical section in which Stefani arrives in [[Los Angeles]] from No Doubt's ''Rock Steady'' tour. Stefani receives several calls from manager [[Jimmy Iovine]] trying to convince her to push forward with her solo project, though Stefani states that she needs "to get inspired". After a failed studio attempt, Stefani sees a flyer advertising help for writer's block. Upon arrival she fills out a form and asks when she will be finished, |
The song's [[music video]] was directed by [[Francis Lawrence]] and produced by Caleb Dewart of DNA Inc.<ref>[http://www.muchmusic.com/events/mmva05/nominees/ "MMVA 05"]. [[MuchMusic]]. Retrieved [[April 14]], [[2007]].</ref> The video deals directly with the lyrics of the song, featuring Stefani's search for inspiration in songwriting. It opens with a lengthy non-musical section in which Stefani arrives in [[Los Angeles]] from No Doubt's ''Rock Steady'' tour. Stefani receives several calls from manager [[Jimmy Iovine]] trying to convince her to push forward with her solo project, though Stefani states that she needs "to get inspired". After a failed studio attempt, Stefani sees a flyer advertising help for writer's block. Upon arrival she fills out a form, and when she asks when she will be finished, she realizes that she is back in the studio with a [[pocket watch]] on the piano. A toy [[rabbit]] runs across the top of piano, causing her to fall back on her chair and freeze, and she is transported to a fantasy-like environment based on ''[[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]]'' and ''[[Through the Looking-Glass]]''. Stefani portrays several characters from the books, including [[Alice (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)|Alice]], the White Queen, and the Red Queen, in dresses by British-[[Gibraltar]]ian [[fashion design]]er [[John Galliano]].<ref>[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,732983,00.html "The Must List | Must List | News + Notes"]. ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''. [[October 29]], [[2004]]. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> The video often cuts back to Stefani back in the studio, still in her frozen state singing as the song records itself. Stefani soon rediscovers her confidence and by the end of the song, she is transported back to reality and unfrozen, breaking into performance for her Harajuku Girls. |
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[[Image:WhatYouWaitingForCrop.jpg|left|thumb|Stefani, dressed as Alice, performs the song in front of an image of the [[White Rabbit]].]] |
[[Image:WhatYouWaitingForCrop.jpg|left|thumb|Stefani, dressed as Alice, performs the song in front of an image of the [[White Rabbit]].]] |
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The music video was well-received, and ''[[Stylus Magazine]]'' referred to it a [[short film]], comparing it to [[Michael Jackson]]'s "[[Thriller (music video)|Thriller]]", and commented, "I sigh with admiration and wish every video was this alive."<ref>Bloch, Sam. [http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/pop_playground/stylus-videodrome-volume-iii.htm "Stylus Videodrome, Volume III"]. ''[[Stylus Magazine]]'' Retrieved [[April 4]], [[2007]].</ref> The video debuted on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Total Request Live]]'' on [[October 18]], [[2004]] at number eleven.<ref name="TRL">[http://host17.hrwebservices.net/~atrl/trlarchive/db.html "The TRL Archive - Debuts"]. Popfusion. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> It reached the top of the chart and was there for three non-consecutive days,<ref>[http://www.popfusion.net/records/recaparchive/2004_11.html "The TRL Archive - Recap - November 2004"]. Popfusion. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> lasting on the program |
The music video was well-received, and ''[[Stylus Magazine]]'' referred to it a [[short film]], comparing it to [[Michael Jackson]]'s "[[Thriller (music video)|Thriller]]", and commented, "I sigh with admiration and wish every video was this alive."<ref>Bloch, Sam. [http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/pop_playground/stylus-videodrome-volume-iii.htm "Stylus Videodrome, Volume III"]. ''[[Stylus Magazine]]'' Retrieved [[April 4]], [[2007]].</ref> The video debuted on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Total Request Live]]'' on [[October 18]], [[2004]] at number eleven.<ref name="TRL">[http://host17.hrwebservices.net/~atrl/trlarchive/db.html "The TRL Archive - Debuts"]. Popfusion. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> It reached the top of the chart and was there for three non-consecutive days,<ref>[http://www.popfusion.net/records/recaparchive/2004_11.html "The TRL Archive - Recap - November 2004"]. Popfusion. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> lasting over five weeks on the program.<ref name="TRL"/> At the 2005 [[MTV Video Music Awards]], the video was nominated for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Editing|Best Editing]] and won the award for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction|Best Art Direction]].<ref>[http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/2005/2005mtvv.htm "Past Winners Database"]. ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''. 2005. Retrieved [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref> In Canada, it only reached number eleven on the [[MuchMusic]]'s ''[[Countdown (MuchMusic TV series)|Countdown]]'', though it remained on the chart for eight weeks.<ref name="T40C"/> At the 2005 [[MuchMusic Video Awards]], the video was nominated for Best International Video but lost to [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]]'s "[[Caught Up]]".<ref>[http://www.muchmusic.com/events/mmva05/winners/ "MMVA 05"]. [[MuchMusic]]. Retrieved [[April 14]], [[2007]].</ref> |
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==Alternate versions== |
==Alternate versions== |
Revision as of 22:57, 15 April 2007
"What You Waiting For?" | |
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Song |
"What You Waiting For?" is a dance-pop song written by Gwen Stefani and Linda Perry for Stefani's debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby (2004). The song was the first to be included on L.A.M.B. and is the album's opening track.
The track discusses Stefani's lack of inspiration, fear of producing the album, and pressure from her record label. It introduced the Harajuku Girls, Stefani's four back-up dancers, who became a major theme in producing the album. The song is influenced by electro and New Wave music. It received positive reviews from pop music critics and was frequently noted as a highlight of the album.
The song was released as the album's lead single in 2004 as Stefani's "explanation for doing the record".[1] The single performed well, reaching the top twenty in most countries, and topped the single charts in Argentina and Australia. It was certified platinum in the United States and Australia and was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 47th Grammy Awards. The song was later covered by indie rock band Franz Ferdinand.
Background and writing
After the 2003 Grammy Awards, Linda Perry put Stefani in a chokehold, telling her, "we're gonna write songs together!", and Stefani hesitantly agreed.[2] Soon after Stefani finished the Rock Steady Tour with her band No Doubt, she was sleeping and received a call from her label that Perry was in a studio ready to work with Stefani since Perry "only [had] five days out of the whole year to work with [her]."[3][4] Stefani later stated that she was frustrated with not having been able to see her husband, Bush singer Gavin Rossdale, and felt burned out from having just finished touring, so she broke down and laid in bed crying.[3][4]
During their first day of work, the two created a song titled "Fine by You", which Stefani called "a stupid love song, but really good".[5] Perry commented that the song "wasn't right", and the track was not included on the album.[6] The session was generally unproductive due to Stefani's self-consciousness and writer's block, and Stefani broke down crying in the studio.[7][8] Stefani stated that songwriting without her bandmates was much more difficult, commenting that it was "humiliating and intimidating even if they're sweet and excited, because you're drowning in their creativity."[7]
That night, Perry began work on another track, which she played for Stefani the next day to motivate her.[5] Stefani was impressed with the track, and Perry asked her "What are you waiting for?"[3] According to Perry, Stefani took the question as a dare, replying, "You're totally challenging me, right?"[6] The two began writing lyrics for the New Wave song based on Stefani's writer's block and fears about making a solo record, and the track grew into "What You Waiting For?".[1]
Stefani came up with the idea of the Harajuku Girls while writing the song. Stefani first saw the women of Harajuku, known for their unique style drawing from Gothic Lolita and cyberpunk fashion, in 1996 and had admired them since then.[5][9] Stefani decided to mention them in the line "Harajuku girls, you got the wicked style", and the concept grew into a running theme on Love. Angel. Music. Baby., with one song named after and dedicated to them.[5]
Music and lyrics
"What You Waiting For?" is a club song composed in common time and in the key of G minor.[10] The song opens with an emotional piano solo as a tribute to Stefani's time with No Doubt.[10][11] The verse begins at only 60 beats per minute and gradually slows,[10] mixed with sounds of applause from an audience.[12] A beat set at 138 BPM begins, and Stefani repeats the phrase "tick-tock", commonly interpreted as a reference to her maternal clock and the pressures she felt about producing the album.[10][13]
Template:Sound sample box align right Template:Multi-listen start Template:Multi-listen item Template:Multi-listen end Template:Sample box end Stefani leads into an inner argument by alternating her vocal range and point of view. In a melody similar to that of Weezer's "Hash Pipe",[14] one side of Stefani's personality sings in a higher range in the first person, and the other, more confident personality sings lower and in the second person.[11] During the verses, the more nervous personality discusses her concerns about leaving No Doubt for a solo career as well as the ephemeral success of female singers in the music industry.[15] The chorus is a boost of confidence for her[11] and continues the song's time motif with the lines "Look at your watch now / You're still a super hot female". After a verse about her excitement for her future, the two personalities merge into one.[11] Stefani's vocal range spans nearly two octaves in the song, from G3 to F5.[10]
Critical reception
"What You Waiting For?" received very positive reviews from critics. Pitchfork Media gave the song a strong review, rating it four and a half stars and calling it "fucking great".[12] Blender noted the song's New Wave influence by stating that it could start a revival of Missing Persons.[16] PopMatters was mixed on the song, calling the opening "awkward" and the refrain "ridiculously dumb", but arguing that the song "is so frivolous and stupid that it winds up being brilliant; it pretends to be nothing more than party bubblegum and achieves its artistic criteria beautifully."[17] Slant Magazine agreed, stating that "it's this impishness that helps make 'What You Waiting For' one of the hottest 'arrival' songs of all time".[18] PlayLouder found the track's production "crisp" and "edgy",[19] and LAUNCHcast called the song "itchily irresistible".[20] Contactmusic gave the song a nine out of ten rating, commenting that it has "irresistible commercial pull and a melody to die for" and that the track "makes the most of her unmistakable vocal and reflects that off-the-wall Stefani personality perfectly."[21] OMH Media gave the song a negative review, stating that "it'll become one of those tracks that's irritatingly catchy - but on this initial listening, Ms Stefani's debut solo effort is just plain irritating."[22]
Many reviewers highlighted the track as a highlight of Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Entertainment Weekly gave the album a C+ rating but called the track "one of the album's undeniable highs".[23] In its review of the album, Pitchfork Media said that "we can't expect 12 more cuts as personal or urgent as debut single 'What You Waiting For'...one of the best electro songs this year."[24] The BBC stated that it "stands out as the best track on the album for the way it pits storming beats against enthusiastic lyrics" and compared the track to Goldfrapp's 2003 single "Strict Machine".[25] Eric Greenwood of Drawer B Media, who said that the album "fails on every level", also commented that "if this album had even two more songs this immediate and catchy, then I'd stick my neck out for it, but, sadly, it's the only song worth listening to."[14]
Chart performance
In the United States, "What You Waiting For?" debuted on October 23, 2004 at number ninety-three on the Billboard Hot 100.[26] It reached a peak at number forty-seven on December 4, 2004 and remained on the chart for a total of twenty weeks.[26] The song topped the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, but only had moderate success on the pop charts, reaching number seventeen on the Top 40 Mainstream and number twenty-four on the Adult Top 40.[27] In February 2005, the song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America,[28] and the song was nominated for best Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2005 Grammy Awards but lost to Norah Jones' "Sunrise".[29]
Elsewhere, the song's reception was stronger. In Canada, it debuted inside the top forty on the singles chart before reaching number twenty-four in January 2005.[30] It debuted at number four in the United Kingdom and remained on the chart for fifteen weeks, unable to reach a higher position.[26] The single performed well across most of Europe, reaching the top ten in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, and Sweden.[30] On the United World Chart, the track debuted at number thirty-four on November 27, 2004 and reached the top ten two weeks later.[26] The song spent sixteen weeks within the top ten, peaking at number two under Destiny's Child's "Lose My Breath", and left the chart after April 16, 2005.[26][31]
In Australia, the single debuted at the top of the ARIA Singles Chart on November 22, 2004 and stayed there for two weeks.[26] It stayed within the top three through January 17, 2005 and dropped off the chart after fifteen weeks.[26] The single was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association.[32] On the 2004 end of year chart, the song charted at number twenty-six,[33] and on the 2005 chart, it was listed at number forty.[34] The single reached number three on New Zealand's RIANZ Singles Chart and lasted four months on the chart.[35]
Music video
The song's music video was directed by Francis Lawrence and produced by Caleb Dewart of DNA Inc.[36] The video deals directly with the lyrics of the song, featuring Stefani's search for inspiration in songwriting. It opens with a lengthy non-musical section in which Stefani arrives in Los Angeles from No Doubt's Rock Steady tour. Stefani receives several calls from manager Jimmy Iovine trying to convince her to push forward with her solo project, though Stefani states that she needs "to get inspired". After a failed studio attempt, Stefani sees a flyer advertising help for writer's block. Upon arrival she fills out a form, and when she asks when she will be finished, she realizes that she is back in the studio with a pocket watch on the piano. A toy rabbit runs across the top of piano, causing her to fall back on her chair and freeze, and she is transported to a fantasy-like environment based on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Stefani portrays several characters from the books, including Alice, the White Queen, and the Red Queen, in dresses by British-Gibraltarian fashion designer John Galliano.[37] The video often cuts back to Stefani back in the studio, still in her frozen state singing as the song records itself. Stefani soon rediscovers her confidence and by the end of the song, she is transported back to reality and unfrozen, breaking into performance for her Harajuku Girls.
The music video was well-received, and Stylus Magazine referred to it a short film, comparing it to Michael Jackson's "Thriller", and commented, "I sigh with admiration and wish every video was this alive."[38] The video debuted on MTV's Total Request Live on October 18, 2004 at number eleven.[39] It reached the top of the chart and was there for three non-consecutive days,[40] lasting over five weeks on the program.[39] At the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, the video was nominated for Best Editing and won the award for Best Art Direction.[41] In Canada, it only reached number eleven on the MuchMusic's Countdown, though it remained on the chart for eight weeks.[30] At the 2005 MuchMusic Video Awards, the video was nominated for Best International Video but lost to Usher's "Caught Up".[42]
Alternate versions
Jacques Lu Cont made the most well-known remix of the song, titled the "TWD Mix", which was included on the CD single. The track, over eight minutes long, is carried by a guitar riff and occasional chimes.[43] The remix received positive reviews from music critics. Pitchfork Media called it "outstanding",[44] and Stylus Magazine stated that it "endowed [the song] with a sense of grandeur".[45] About.com found the remix "moody and a bit hypnotic", commenting that it is "best suited for early-evening sets".[43] Armand Van Helden created two remixes, the Armand Van Helden Remix and the Armand Van Helden Dub, which use only some of the original vocals and a new bassline constructed with synthesizers and some electric guitar.[43] Felix da Housecat created the Rude Ho Mix, which uses more bass guitar and leaves out the original background vocals by Mimi Parker until the final verse.[43]
Template:Sound sample box align right Template:Multi-listen start Template:Multi-listen item Template:Multi-listen end Template:Sample box end Alex Kapranos, guitarist and lead singer of Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand, has worn a Gwen Stefani pin on a Members Only Jacket as a tribute to "What You Waiting For?".[46] In December 2005, the band performed a cover version of the song on Live Lounge, a segment of The Jo Whiley Show on BBC Radio 1. The cover includes the chorus from Billy Idol's 1983 song "White Wedding".[47] In October 2006, the song was released as a part of the Radio 1's Live Lounge compilation, and the cover received mixed reviews. IndieLondon called the track "completely insane", stating that it "really has to be heard to be believed".[47] The Guardian found the cover smug, commenting that "one of Alex Kapranos's eyebrows [is] raised so high that it practically vacates his head".[48]
Formats and track listings
These are the formats and track listings of major single releases of "What You Waiting For?".
- CD single
- "What You Waiting For?" (album version)
- "What You Waiting For?" (Jacques Lu Cont's TWD mix)
- "What You Waiting For?" (instrumental)
- "Snippets/Gwen Stefani/L.A.M.B." (international version)
- "What You Waiting For?" (video/director's cut: explicit version)
- North American vinyl single
- "What You Waiting For?" (album version)
- "What You Waiting For?" (instrumental)
- French vinyl single
- "What You Waiting For?" (Armand Van Helden remix)
- "What You Waiting For?" (The Rude Ho mix)
- "What You Waiting For?" (Armand Van Helden dub)
Credits and personnel
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Charts
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References
- ^ a b Vineyard, Jennifer. "Gwen Stefani's Debut Solo LP Inspired By Insecurity And Japan". MTV News. November 10, 2004. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
- ^ Ives, Brian and Bottomley, C. "Gwen Stefani: The Solo Express". VH1. January 5, 2005. Retrieved March 7, 2007.
- ^ a b c Morrisson, John. No Doubt's Gwen Stefani Rocks Steady on Her Solo Debut, Love Angel Music Baby". Access. March 2005. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
- ^ a b Levy, Ariel. "The Coronation of Gwen Stefani". Blender. December 2004. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
- ^ a b c d Eliscu, Jenny. "'I'll cry just talking about it'". The Guardian. January 30, 2005. Retrieved March 7, 2007.
- ^ a b Anderman, Joan. "Not just a girl". The Boston Globe. November 21, 2004. Retrieved April 15, 2007.
- ^ a b Vineyard, Jennifer. "Gwen Stefani: Scared Solo". MTV News. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
- ^ Soghomonian, Talia. "Gwen Stefani : interview". OMH. January 2005. Retrieved March 7, 2007.
- ^ Ahn, MiHi. "Gwenihana". Salon. April 9, 2005. Retrieved March 20, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e Sheet music for "What You Waiting For?". Famous Music. 2004.
- ^ a b c d Vineyard, Jennifer. "Gwen Stefani Battles With Herself On First Single From Solo LP". MTV News. September 28, 2004. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
- ^ a b "Gwen Stefani: 'What You Waiting For' [Track Review]". November 8, 2004. Retrieved March 3, 2004.
- ^ Vineyard, Jennifer. "Gwen Stefani Confirms Pregnancy While Onstage In Florida". MTV News. December 24, 2005. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
- ^ a b Greenwood, Eric. "Gwen Stefani - Love Angel Music Baby (Interscope)". Drawer B Media. January 19, 2005. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ Rosen, Jody. "Gwen Stefani, diva clown." Slate. December 14, 2004. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ Smith, RJ. "Gwen Stefani : Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Review". Blender. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ Damas, Jason. "Gwen Stefani: Love.Angel.Music.Baby. - PopMatters Music Review". PopMatters. November 29, 2007. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ Cinquemani, Sal. "Music Review: Gwen Stefani: Love. Angel. Music. Baby." Slant Magazine. 2004. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ Smirke, Richard. "Gwen Stefani: Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004) review". PlayLouder. November 23, 2004. Retrieved March 6, 2007.
- ^ Nine, Jennifer. "Gwen Stefani - 'Love, Angel, Music, Baby'". LAUNCHcast. November 25, 2004. Retrieved March 6, 2007.
- ^ Volp-Fletcher, Jemma. "Gwen Stefani - What you waiting for? - Single Review". Contactmusic. Retrieved March 20, 2007.
- ^ Tripney, Natasha. "Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For? (Interscope)". OMH Media. Retrieved March 20, 2007.
- ^ Browne, David. "Love. Angel. Music. Baby. | Music Review". Entertainment Weekly. November 23, 2004. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ Sylvester, Nick. "Gwen Stefani: Love Angel Music Baby: Pitchfork Record Review". Pitchfork Media. November 24, 2004. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ Haines, Lisa. "Rock/Indie Review - Gwen Stefani, Love Angel Music Baby". British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?: Charts". Music Square. Retrieved March 6, 2007.
- ^ a b c "Love.Angel.Music.Baby. > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". All Music Guide. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ "Gold & Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ "Grammy Awards 2005: Key winners". BBC News. February 14, 2005. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e "Gwen Stefani What You Waiting For". Top40-Charts.com. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
- ^ "World Singles Top 40 (04/2005): Charts". Music Square. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2004 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ "ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2004". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ "ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2005". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ "Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?". Charts.org.nz. Retrieved April 8, 2007.
- ^ "MMVA 05". MuchMusic. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ "The Must List | Must List | News + Notes". Entertainment Weekly. October 29, 2004. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ Bloch, Sam. "Stylus Videodrome, Volume III". Stylus Magazine Retrieved April 4, 2007.
- ^ a b "The TRL Archive - Debuts". Popfusion. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ "The TRL Archive - Recap - November 2004". Popfusion. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ "Past Winners Database". Los Angeles Times. 2005. Retrieved March 3, 2007.
- ^ "MMVA 05". MuchMusic. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ a b c d "Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For (The Remixes)". About.com. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ Mandel, Aaron. "Fischerspooner's New Album Set for April Release". Pitchfork Media. January 24, 2005. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ Cunningham, John M. "Top 10 Remixes of 2005". Stylus Magazine. December 30, 2005. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ Hiatt, Brian. "Hot Scots". Rolling Stone. September 22, 2005. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ a b "Live Lounge (Radio 1) - Review". IndieLondon. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ Lynskey, Dorian. "If hit ain't broke". The Guardian. October 13, 2006. Retrieved April 14, 2007.
- ^ "Top 40 Argentina". Top 40 Argentina. Retrieved March 16, 2007.