Jump to content

4 in the Morning

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the Gwen Stefani song. For the Faron Young song, see It's Four in the Morning. For other uses, see 4 AM.

"4 in the Morning"
Single by Gwen Stefani
from the album The Sweet Escape
ReleasedMay 8, 2007 (2007-05-08)
Recorded2006
Studio
GenreSynth-pop
Length4:51
LabelInterscope
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Tony Kanal
Gwen Stefani singles chronology
"The Sweet Escape"
(2006) 		"4 in the Morning"
(2007) 		"Now That You Got It"
(2007)
Music video
"4 in the Morning" on YouTube

"4 in the Morning" is a song by American singer Gwen Stefani from her second studio album, The Sweet Escape (2006). It was written by Stefani and co-written and produced by Tony Kanal, with additional production by Mark "Spike" Stent. Interscope Records serviced the song to US contemporary hit radio on May 8, 2007, as the album's third single; elsewhere it was released in June 2007. Described as one of her favorite songs on the album, Stefani began writing the song while pregnant and finished with Kanal, drawing inspiration from Roberta Flack and Billy Idol records.

A 1980s-inspired mid-tempo synthpop ballad, "4 in the Morning" features a light keyboard during its intro through its break, a guitar, synthetic strings and a slick sheen. Lyrically, the song talks about a relationship on the edge, with the protagonist trying to save her love. "4 in the Morning" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who noted it as an improvement over her last singles, while praising its tempo and highlighting her vocals.

"4 in the Morning" failed to replicate the commercial success of previous singles in the United States, peaking at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was moderately successful elsewhere, peaking within the top-ten in Australia and New Zealand, and the top 20 in several European countries. Its accompanying music video was directed by Stefani's longtime collaborator Sophie Muller, and features Stefani lying in bed and walking around her apartment while performing the song in a melancholic mood. The song was performed during The Sweet Escape Tour and in some concerts Stefani made during 2015.

Background and release

[edit]

Stefani began working with No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal for her second solo studio album just after finishing the Harajuku Lovers Tour in late 2005, referring to him as her "comfort zone." The two wrote "4 in the Morning" based on a tape of melodies left from working on Stefani's debut album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004). In a webisode detailing the recording process of the album, Stefani stated that she was inspired by ballads such as Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and Billy Idol's "Eyes Without a Face", as she wanted a "nice ballad" on the record.[1] It was one of the last songs recorded for the album, with Stefani citing it as one of her favorite songs on The Sweet Escape,[1] because it "brings pleasure to [her] ears."[2] The song was serviced to US contemporary hit radio on May 8, 2007, as the album's third single.[3] A CD single, containing the album version, two remixes and its music video, was released elsewhere on June 22, 2007.[4]

Composition

[edit]
"4 in the Morning"
A 30-second sample of the song's chorus.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"4 in the Morning" was written by Stefani and Kanal, who was also responsible for its production, while Mark "Spike" Stent provided additional production.[5] Described as a 1980s-inspired mid-tempo synthpop ballad,[6][7] the track's instrumentation includes a "light" keyboard, which "runs tie the song together from intro through break", a guitar, synthetic strings and a slick sheen.[8] "4 in the Morning" has a mid-tempo beat, which according to some critics is "perfect for a slow dance".[9][10] Stefani's vocals throughout the song's chorus presents a "fast-talking" approach.[7] Lyrically, "4 in the Morning" talks about transparency in a romantic relationship,[11] with the protagonist pleading for a lover to make up his mind.[12] Bill Lamb of About.com added that the song also deals with a relationship on the edge,[9] which can be seen in the lines: "I'm lying here in the dark, I'm watching you sleep, it hurts a lot."[13] In the chorus, she sings: "I give you everything that I am/I'm handing over everything that I've got/'cause I wanna have a really true love."[10]

Critical reception

[edit]
Many critics noted that the song was influenced by Madonna's early records.

"4 in the Morning" received generally positive reviews from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic called it "coolly sensual", noting that "those celebrations of cool synths and stylish pop hooks that work the best for Stefani."[14] Billboard editor Chuck Taylor called it "a melodic retro ballad that could have come from 1983's Flashdance soundtrack", praising the track for "pay[ing] homage to a time when hooks were more meaningful than aligning with hostage-taking producers."[7] Gary Graff of the same publication wrote that "Stefani's Madonna reverence remains intact" on the song,[15] with J. Freedom du Lac from The Washington Post agreeing, noting a "Madonnaism" on the track.[13] Amanda Murray of Sputnikmusic also thought that the song "recalls a 'Crazy for You'-era Madonna", also noting that it is "pure Stefani—and understandably, [it's] far superior to any of her attempts at mimicking other artists."[16] Norman Mayers of Prefix magazine wrote that the song "soar[s] thanks to Stefani's girlish vocals and brilliant hook that reference iconic moments from Madonna and Tears for Fears."[17] Bianca Gracie of Idolator called it "a breezy yet emotive '80s-ballad that highlights her tender vocals."[12] Alex Miller from NME described the song as "an expertly conceived tear-jerker", stating that "[i]t feels like the kind of song a teenage Stefani, miming along to Talk Talk, would have dreamt of singing one day."[18]

Bill Lamb from About.com cited "4 in the Morning" as the best song on the album, calling it "beautifully performed and produced", and noting that Stefani "allows her signature vocals to sensually float and glide through the lyrical content."[9] Similarly, a reviewer for CBBC enjoyed that the song is "a melancholy and reflective ballad about relationships, which is a breath of fresh air for Gwen", praising its "catchy melody and woeful lyrics."[10] Nick Levine from Digital Spy compared it to Robert Palmer's 1986 single "Addicted to Love", writing that "it confirms what is rapidly becoming a universal truth: Gwen Stefani is far more likeable when she channels her new wave roots than when she tries to mould herself into a ghetto fabulous urban hipshaker."[6] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine praised Kanal's production for making the song "less forced and much less self-conscious."[19] Quentin B. Huff from PopMatters referred to it as one of the "few real compositions" from the album.[20] John Murphy from musicOMH agreed, writing that "she sounds great" on "the lovelorn ballad."[21] Pitchfork's Mark Pytlik, however, disapproved of the song, commenting that it destroyed "the mallpop cred that Stefani accrued with Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'s impeccable 'Cool'."[22] Spence D. from IGN was also critical with the song, calling it "the most generic, mainstream, and blasé-blah pop song on the entire album."[8]

Chart performance

[edit]
Stefani performing "4 in the Morning" during The Sweet Escape Tour.

In the United States, "4 in the Morning" debuted at number 76 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for the week of June 9, 2007,[23] before peaking at number 54 on the issue dated August 4,[24] becoming Stefani's lowest-peaking solo single on the chart at the time, and her first to miss the top 50.[25] It was more successful on the radio charts, reaching number 16 on both the Mainstream Top 40 and the Adult Top 40 charts.[26][27] The single was also successful at nightclubs and reached number two on the Dance Club Songs chart.[28] In Canada, the single fared better, where it peaked at number 17 on the Canadian Hot 100,[29] but was more successful outside of North America. In Australia, the single debuted and peaked at number nine on the ARIA Charts,[30] meanwhile it debuted at number 36 and three weeks later it peaked at number five on the New Zealand Singles Chart.[31] It became the album's third top-ten single in both countries.[30][31]

In the United Kingdom, the single peaked at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart and remained on the chart for 10 weeks.[32] It fared better in the rest of Europe, reaching the top-five in Romania, the top-ten in Finland, and the top 20 in Austria, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia and Switzerland.[33][34][35][36] In France, "4 in the Morning" managed to reach number 21, her first solo single to miss the top 20 since "Cool", which peaked 11 places lower.[37]

Music video

[edit]

The accompanying music video for "4 in the Morning" was directed by Sophie Muller and features a tearful and distraught Stefani, lying in bed as she begins to sing to the camera. In a white inside-out L.A.M.B. t-shirt, she wanders around her apartment lost and questioning her lover, who is absent from the video. The lyrics describe an argument, which she has with an off-screen lover throughout the video.[38]

After lying around her apartment and crying during a bath, she leaves her house at night and travels in a car, as she sits tearfully in the back. The video ends with Stefani rolling on the bed.

"4 in the Morning" was given a "First Look" on MTV's top-ten chart program Total Request Live on April 26, 2007,[39] and peaked at number seven on May 9.[40] On MuchMusic's Countdown, it became Stefani's second lowest-charting video (next to "Early Winter", which peaked at number 23) since 2005's "Luxurious", peaking at number seven for two consecutive weeks after a slow ascent.[41]

Track listings

[edit]
  1. "4 in the Morning" (album version) – 4:51
  2. "4 in the Morning" (Thin White Duke Edit) – 4:55
  • Australian and German CD maxi single[43][44]
  1. "4 in the Morning" (album version) – 4:51
  2. "4 in the Morning" (Thin White Duke Edit) – 4:55
  3. "4 in the Morning" (Oscar the Punk Remix) – 5:41
  4. "4 in the Morning" (video) – 4:24

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of The Sweet Escape[5]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "4 in the Morning"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[82] Platinum 70,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[83] Gold 7,500*
United States (RIAA)[84] Gold 500,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "4 in the Morning"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
United States May 8, 2007 Contemporary hit radio Interscope [3]
Germany June 22, 2007
  • CD single
  • CD maxi single
  • digital download
 Universal [4][44][85]
Australia June 23, 2007
  • CD maxi single
  • digital download
 [43]
United Kingdom June 25, 2007
  • CD single
  • digital download
 Polydor [42][86]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Four In The Morning – In Studio (Webisode #2)". YouTube. Interscope Records. November 3, 2006. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
  2. ^ "Gwen Stefani: FAQs". GwenStefani.com. Archived from the original on May 16, 2008. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Mainstream Top 40 eWeekly". AllAccess. May 1, 2007. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "4 in the Morning (2-Track)" (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  5. ^ a b The Sweet Escape (CD liner notes). Gwen Stefani. Interscope Records. 2006. B0008099-02 IN02.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ a b Levine, Nick (June 21, 2007). "Gwen Stefani: '4 In The Morning'". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  7. ^ a b c Taylor, Chuck (May 12, 2007). "The Billboard Reviews: Singles". Billboard. Vol. 119, no. 19. p. 38. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  8. ^ a b D., Spence (December 5, 2006). "Gwen Stefani – The Sweet Escape". IGN. Archived from the original on December 11, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2015.
  9. ^ a b c Lamb, Bill (2007). "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning". About.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2007.
  10. ^ a b c "Single: Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning". CBBC. September 11, 2007. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  11. ^ Hoose, Bob. "The Sweet Escape Album Review". Plugged In (publication). Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  12. ^ a b Gracie, Bianca (November 21, 2014). "In Celebration Of Gwen Stefani: 12 Of The Best Songs From Our Favorite Hollaback Girl". Idolator. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  13. ^ a b du Lac, J. Freedom (December 5, 2007). "From Gwen Stefani, A Madcap Mash-Up". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 16, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  14. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Sweet Escape – Gwen Stefani". AllMusic. Archived from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  15. ^ Graff, Gary (December 16, 2006). "Reviews > Spotlights: Albums". Billboard. Vol. 118, no. 50. p. 43. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  16. ^ Murray, Amanda (December 29, 2006). "Gwen Stefani – The Sweet Escape". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  17. ^ Mayers, Norman (December 5, 2006). "Album Review: Gwen Stefani – The Sweet Escape". Prefix Magazine. Archived from the original on October 23, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  18. ^ Miller, Alex (December 1, 2006). "Gwen Stefani: The Sweet Escape". NME. Archived from the original on October 23, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  19. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (December 1, 2006). "Gwen Stefani: The Sweet Escape". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  20. ^ Huff, Quentin B. (December 14, 2006). "Gwen Stefani: The Sweet Escape". PopMatters. Archived from the original on July 1, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  21. ^ Murphy, John (December 4, 2006). "Gwen Stefani – The Sweet Escape". musicOMH. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2015.
  22. ^ Pytlik, Mark (December 7, 2006). "Gwen Stefani: The Sweet Escape". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on May 1, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2007.
  23. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (May 31, 2007). "Rihanna, Shop Boyz Rocket To The Top Of Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  24. ^ "The Hot 100 – The Week of August 4, 2007". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 29, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  25. ^ a b "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  26. ^ a b "Pop 100". Billboard. Vol. 119, no. 32. August 11, 2007. p. 42.
  27. ^ a b "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  28. ^ a b "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  29. ^ a b "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  30. ^ a b c "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  31. ^ a b c "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  32. ^ a b "Gwen Stefani: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  33. ^ a b "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  34. ^ a b "The Irish Charts – Search Results – 4 in the Morning". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  35. ^ a b "Romanian Top 100 – Issue nr: 30/2007" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. August 6–12, 2007. Archived from the original on August 8, 2007. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  36. ^ a b "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 200731 into search. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  37. ^ a b "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  38. ^ Vineyard, Jennifer; Warburton, Richard (March 12, 2007). "Gwen Stefani Lets Her Lover Have It In New Clip". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  39. ^ Total Request Live. Season 15. Episode 57. April 26, 2007. MTV.
  40. ^ Total Request Live. Season 15. Episode 64. May 9, 2007. MTV.
  41. ^ Countdown. July 27, 2007. MuchMusic.
  42. ^ a b "4 In The Morning". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  43. ^ a b "Gwen Stefani Store – 4 In The Morning". Getmusic. Universal Music Australia. Archived from the original on February 26, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  44. ^ a b "4 in the Morning (Enhanced, Maxi)" (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  45. ^ "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  46. ^ "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  47. ^ "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  48. ^ "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  49. ^ "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  50. ^ Gwen Stefani — 4 in the Morning. TopHit. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  51. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 44. týden 2007 in the date selector. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  52. ^ "Hitlisten.NU – Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning" (in Danish). Tracklisten. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  53. ^ "4 in the Morning – Gwen Stefani". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 10, 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  54. ^ "Gwen Stefani: 4 in the Morning" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  55. ^ "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  56. ^ "Gwen Stefani – Global Dance Songs". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  57. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Dance Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  58. ^ "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning". Top Digital Download. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  59. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 29, 2007" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  60. ^ "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  61. ^ "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning". VG-lista. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  62. ^ "Poland Top 5". Nielsen Music Control. Archived from the original on November 6, 2007. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  63. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: Sep 6, 2007". TopHit. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  64. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  65. ^ "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning". Singles Top 100. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  66. ^ "Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  67. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  68. ^ "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  69. ^ "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  70. ^ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2007". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on April 27, 2011. Retrieved April 16, 2010.
  71. ^ "CIS Year-End Radio Hits (2007)". TopHit. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  72. ^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2007" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on December 23, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  73. ^ "Top Selling Singles of 2007". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on May 11, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  74. ^ "Romanian Top 100 2007" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on March 15, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2008.
  75. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart: 2007". TopHit. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  76. ^ "Swiss Year-End Charts 2007". swisscharts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on July 2, 2015. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  77. ^ "Dance/Club Songs – Year-End 2007". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 21, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  78. ^ "Популярные хиты 2008" [Popular hits 2008] (in Russian). TopHit. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  79. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart: 2008". TopHit. Archived from the original on April 27, 2024. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  80. ^ "Top Radio Hits Global Decade Chart: 00s". TopHit. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  81. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Decade Chart: 00s". TopHit. Archived from the original on April 21, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  82. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2014 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  83. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning". Radioscope. Retrieved December 19, 2024. Type 4 in the Morning in the "Search:" field.
  84. ^ "American single certifications – Gwen Stefani – 4 In The Morning". Recording Industry Association of America. March 8, 2021. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  85. ^ "4 In The Morning (International Version): Gwen Stefani: MP3-Downloads" (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  86. ^ "4 In The Morning (UK Version): Gwen Stefani: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=4_in_the_Morning&oldid=1264096099"