Jump to content

Hold My Hand (Michael Jackson and Akon song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Hold My Hand"
Single by Michael Jackson and Akon
from the album Michael
ReleasedNovember 15, 2010 (2010-11-15)
Recorded
  • December 2007 (basic tracks)
  • 2010 (additional overdubs and mixing)
Genre
Length3:32
LabelEpic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Akon
  • Giorgio Tuinfort
  • Michael Jackson (co-producer)
Michael Jackson singles chronology
"Mind Is the Magic"
(2010) 		"Hold My Hand"
(2010) 		"Hollywood Tonight"
(2011)
Akon singles chronology
"Move That Body"
(2010) 		"Hold My Hand"
(2010) 		"Kush"
(2010)
Music video
"Hold My Hand" on YouTube
Audio sample
"Hold My Hand"

"Hold My Hand" is a duet performed by American singer-songwriters Michael Jackson and Akon, from Jackson's first posthumous album Michael (2010).[2] The song was originally recorded by Akon and Jackson in December 2007. The song was an international top 10 hit in nations such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Background

[edit]

Co-writer Claude Kelly told HitQuarters that "Hold My Hand" was originally written with Whitney Houston in mind.[3] Akon and Kelly had been in the studio working on songs for Houston's I Look to You album and while on his own Kelly completed the song from a track Akon had left. After hearing the song later, Akon said that he loved it and wanted to keep it for himself, so he wanted to record his own version of it. Shortly afterwards Akon went to Las Vegas to work on what would have been Michael Jackson's next album. While there, Jackson heard the song and loved it, and decided he wanted to contribute to it. When Kelly was asked what he thought it was about the song that struck a chord with both Akon and Jackson, he said that it was the song's theme of friendship and togetherness.[3] "Hold My Hand" was recorded by Jackson and Akon in late December 2007 at the Studio at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.[2] Akon finished the rest of his vocals for the song in 2010, a few days before the release.[2] A handwritten note from Jackson belonging to his estate indicated his desire that "Hold My Hand" be the first single on his next project.[2] However, in its unfinished state, the song leaked out on June 30, 2008.[2] This would be the last new song leaked during Jackson's lifetime. Due to the leak, the song was subsequently pulled from Akon's track listing for his 2008 album, Freedom. Akon regretted the decision after Jackson died the next year and decided to finish the song in his honor.[4][5]

Akon commented, "The world was not ready to hear 'Hold My Hand' when it leaked a couple years ago. We were devastated about it. But its time has definitely come; now in its final state, it has become an incredible, beautiful, anthemic song. I'm so proud to have had the chance to work with Michael, one of my all time idols."[2] Before the official release of the song, Akon stated on Twitter that the final version would have more of Jackson's vocals. The song was released globally on Monday, November 15, 2010, at 12:01am EST. It was available to stream from Jackson's official website.[2] Jackson's nephew, Taj Jackson, posted a message saying that his uncle was proud of the song. "I'll never forget that smile he had on his face as the song played through the speakers [in his room] at the Palms Hotel in Vegas."[6] The song is the second collaboration between the two artists and the second consecutive duet single release for Jackson, following "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008". That song proved a commercial success and charted within the top 20 in several countries.[7]

Music video

[edit]

On Monday, November 22, 2010, the filming for the official video began in Tustin, California, a main filming location being the airship hangars at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. There was a casting call posted up on Jackson's official website, saying that they were "looking for his fans of all ages who want to be a part of this iconic event."[8] On December 4, 2010, a 30-second teaser of the video was released on Michael Jackson's official YouTube channel and the official website. It featured clips from Jackson's Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour DVD and clips of fans dancing.[9] The video debuted at midnight December 9, 2010 on worldwide websites, including MichaelJackson.com.[10] The video showed Jackson in concert (from Dangerous World Tour in Bucharest and HIStory World Tour in Munich), Akon singing and children dancing in the dress of Jackson, as well as sentimental scenes of children, families, and elderly people holding hands and a woman weeping.[10] The video was directed by Mark Pellington.

Critical reception

[edit]

The song received mostly positive reviews in contrast to the negative reviews of the previous promotional single "Breaking News".[11] Ashante Infantry, entertainment reporter for the Toronto Star, called it a "catchy, well-meaning addition to Jackson's catalog." She also wrote, "Buoyed by strings and a backing chorus, the singer applies his angelic tenor to soaring phrasing that models the uplifting purport of the tune’s love and unity lyrics in the spirit of 1995's "You Are Not Alone", Jackson's last No. 1 hit."[12] Huffington Post commentator Joe Vogel praised it as "a simple, but powerful song that embodies so much of what fans loved about Michael Jackson. Like U2's 'One' it is a 'love song' that expands outward making the personal something more profound and universal", and added that "With its catchy chorus and majestic crescendo it has all the makings of a big hit." Vogel also noted the first line of the song, "This life don't last forever", was a "poignant reminder of the transience of life".[13] MTV's Gil Kaufman stated that "the uplifting 'Hold My Hand' is one of Jackson's classic love ballads, a heart-stirring call to unity," and that it ended with "a majestic feel."[14] Newsday music critic Glenn Gamboa said that the tune "finds Jackson in fine voice". He also remarked, "Now this is more like it."[15] Gerrick D. Kennedy of the Los Angeles Times music blog wrote that the "mid-tempo uplifting track is classic M.J."[16]

Negative reviews however came from Yahoo! Music, where commentator Chris Willman argued that the single stole elements from the Hootie & the Blowfish song of the same name,[17] and Minneapolis City Pages where commentator Ray Cummings said "there's no way to reasonably avoid being disappointed and dispirited by its thinness."[18] Michael Roffman from Consequence of Sound called the track "highly irritating" and "incredibly repetitive", where "Akon belts out the same thing again and again in an equally monotonous pitch", adding that "as a lead single it was tepid and incredibly campy."[19]Boston Herald critic Jed Gottlieb described the song as "an average, Auto-Tuned Akon croon" without "the snap, crackle and pop of a finished King of Pop product." Gottlieb also wrote, "Jackson is grumbling from his grave."[20] Jason Lipshutz from Billboard said it "isn't a classic Jackson single", but that Jackson's "diehards should delight in hearing a stylish pop production that doesn't dwell on the singer's troubled life."[21]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The song debuted at number 53 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart the week of November 27, 2010.[22][23] It also became Michael Jackson's 48th hit on Billboard Hot 100, and debuted at number 84.[24] It debuted on the Adult R&B chart at number 16 as the chart's highest start in 2010 the same week.[25] The song is Jackson's first top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 since 2002's "Butterflies". The song debuted at number 24 on the Billboard Jazz Songs Chart on the week of January 15, 2011, as Jackson's first single on this chart, it peaked at number 16.[26] According to SoundScan, the song has sold 304,000 copies by the middle of January 2011.[27]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks written by Akon, Giorgio Tuinfort, and Claude Kelly; produced by Akon and Tuinfort, with co-production by Jackson.[28]

European CD single[29]
No.TitleLength
1."Hold My Hand"3:32
2."Hold My Hand" (vocals & orchestra)3:44
3."Hold My Hand" (alternative mix)3:48
4."Hold My Hand" (instrumental)3:32
Total length:13:56

Personnel

[edit]

Credits lifted from the liner notes of Michael.[28]

Technical

  • Kory Aaron – vocal recording
  • Eelco Bakker – vocal recording
  • Serban Ghenea – mixing engineer
  • Franck van der Heijden – arranger
  • Michael Jackson – co-producer
  • Claude Kelly – writer
  • Wessel Oltheten – mixing engineer, recording engineer
  • Matt Paul – vocal recording
  • Justin Pintar – vocal recording
  • Miguel Scott – vocal recording
  • Akon – finisher, producer, programming, writer
  • Giorgio Tuinfort – finisher, producer, programming, writer
  • Ryan Wiese – vocal recording
  • Mack Woodward – vocal recording

Performers and musicians

  • Dennis Krijnen – orechestra
  • Arlia de Ruiter – violin
  • Pauline Terlouw – violin
  • Erica Korthals-Altes – violin
  • Vera Laporeva – violin
  • Sarah Koch – violin
  • Linda Dumessie – violin
  • Dennis Koenders – violin
  • Seija Teeuwen – violin
  • David Peijnenborgh – violin
  • Wim Kok – violin
  • Elizabeth Liefkes Cats – violin
  • Feyona van Iersel – violin
  • Vera van der Brie – violin
  • Erik Jan Kromhout – violin
  • Giorgio Tuinfort – grand piano
  • Mieke Honingh – alt violin
  • Isabella Petersen – alt violin
  • Iris Schut – alt violin
  • Rani Kumar – alt violin
  • Arjen de Graaf – alt violin
  • Emile Visser – celli
  • Maarten Jansen – celli
  • Michiel Weidner – celli
  • Jascha Albracht – celli
  • Erik Winkelman – contrabas
  • Pierre Buizer – horns
  • Iris Oltheten – horns
  • Alan Austin – choir
  • Anthony Brice – choir
  • Antoria Caston – choir
  • Richard Dale – choir
  • Eric Echols – choir
  • Charlene Gillead – choir
  • Valencia Green – choir
  • Cynthia Jones – choir
  • Iris McGhee – choir
  • Felicia Peavy – choir
  • Michelle Roberts – choir
  • Gina Taylor – choir
  • Dana Widener – choir
  • Terance Wilson – choir
  • Sandra Wright – choir
  • Leo Wheat, Jr. – choir

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[67] Platinum 80,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[68] Gold 45,000‡
Germany (BVMI)[69] Gold 150,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[70] Gold 15,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)[71] Gold 7,500*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[72] Gold 20,000*
Sweden (GLF)[73] Platinum 40,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[74] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[75] Gold 500,000‡

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

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "Hold My Hand"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
France November 15, 2010 Digital download Sony Music [76]
New Zealand [77]
Australia [78]
Belgium [79]
Sweden [79]
Germany [80]
Denmark [81]
Spain [82]
China November 17, 2010 [83]
Poland November 18, 2010 [84]
United States Epic [85]
November 23, 2010 Contemporary hit radio [86]
Rhythmic contemporary radio
Austria December 3, 2010 CD single Sony Music [87]
Germany [87]
United Kingdom December 5, 2010 Digital download Epic [29][88]
December 6, 2010 CD single
France Sony Music [89]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Review: "Hold My Hand" (Michael Jackson and Akon)". November 15, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "MICHAEL Press Release". Sony Music Entertainment. November 4, 2010. Retrieved November 4, 2010.
  3. ^ a b "Interview with Claude Kelly". HitQuarters. May 24, 2010. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  4. ^ "Akon's New Album "Freedom" tracklisting is out". Retrieved November 20, 2010.
  5. ^ "Michael Jackson Cameo Shocks Akon Songwriter". Billboard.com. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  6. ^ "Michael Jackson duet with Akon released online". CNN. November 15, 2010.
  7. ^ "Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008 (chanson)". LesCharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved February 27, 2010.
  8. ^ "Casting Call for the "Hold My Hand" Music Video". Michaeljackson.com. November 19, 2010. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2010.
  9. ^ "Hold My Hand Music Video 30 Second Teaser". MichaelJackson.com. December 4, 2010. Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  10. ^ a b Deutsch, Linda (December 7, 2010). "Jackson's first posthumous video hits the Web, Video for album's first single, 'Hold My Hand,' to officially debut Thursday". Associated Press via MSNBC.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  11. ^ "New Michael Jackson Song Released, Gathers Buzz". ABC News. November 15, 2010. Retrieved November 15, 2010.
  12. ^ Infantry, Ashante (November 15, 2010). "Review: Michael Jackson back to form with Akon duet". Toronto Star. Retrieved November 15, 2010.
  13. ^ Vogel, Joe (November 15, 2010). "Review: "Hold My Hand" (Michael Jackson and Akon)". Huffington Post. Retrieved November 15, 2010.
  14. ^ Gil Kaufman (November 15, 2010). "Jackson's 'Hold My Hand' Debuts Online – Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. Archived from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  15. ^ 'Hold My Hand,' featuring Jackson and Akon, released
  16. ^ "Pop & Hiss". Los Angeles Times.
  17. ^ "Michael Jackson and Akon Get Hootie-esque and Hold Hands On New Single – Stop The Presses!". Archived from the original on November 20, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  18. ^ "Michael Jackson/Akon duet "Hold My Hand" less fake than "Breaking News" but bogus nonetheless – Minneapolis / St. Paul Music – Gimme Noise". Archived from the original on November 17, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  19. ^ "Album Review: Michael Jackson - Michael". December 20, 2010.
  20. ^ Gottlieb, Jed (November 24, 2010). "'Hold My Hand' (Epic): C+". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on August 25, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2010.
  21. ^ Jason Lipshutz (November 19, 2010). "Michael Jackson (Duet with Akon), "Hold My Hand"". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  22. ^ "Michael Jackson Music News & Info". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
  23. ^ Gary Trust (November 18, 2010). "Weekly Chart Notes: 'Glee,' Black Eyed Peas, Susan Boyle". Billboard. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  24. ^ Silvio Pietroluongo (November 24, 2010). "Rihanna's 'Only Girl' Rebounds to No. 1 on Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  25. ^ Gary Trust (November 24, 2010). "Weekly Chart Notes: Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow, the Beatles". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2010.
  26. ^ "Chart Highlights: Pop. Rock, Dance/Club Play Songs & More". Billboard.com. January 3, 2011. Retrieved January 6, 2011.
  27. ^ Mitchell, Gail (January 21, 2011). "Michael Jackson's 'Michael' Album Sales Pale Next to 'This Is It'". Billboard. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  28. ^ a b Michael (booklet). Michael Jackson. MJJ, Epic, Sony. 2010.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  29. ^ a b "Uk Single Download Release Date (Sun 5th Dec.) CD Single (Mon 6th Dec.)". MichaelJackson.com. Archived from the original on November 26, 2010.
  30. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  31. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  32. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  33. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  34. ^ "Canadian Hot 100". Billboard.com. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  35. ^ Michael Jackson feat. Akon — Hold My Hand. TopHit. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  36. ^ "IFPICR week 2010/49".
  37. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand". Tracklisten.
  38. ^ Suomen virallinen lista - ylex.yle.fi Archived 2012-03-15 at archive.today
  39. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  40. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  41. ^ "Airplay Charts Deutschland – Woche 52/2010". German Charts. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  42. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  43. ^ "Chart Track: Week 50, 2010". Irish Singles Chart.
  44. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand". Top Digital Download.
  45. ^ "Hot 100 - Japan Chart - December 6, 2010". Billboard Japan. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
  46. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  47. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand". Top 40 Singles.
  48. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand". VG-lista.
  49. ^ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  50. ^ "Dance Chart :: Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. December 16, 2010. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  51. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  52. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand" Canciones Top 50.
  53. ^ "Promusicae (Week: January 1, 2011)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 16, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
  54. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand". Singles Top 100.
  55. ^ "Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand". Swiss Singles Chart.
  56. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  57. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  58. ^ "Ukraine Airplay Chart for 2010-12-27." TopHit. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  59. ^ "Michael Jackson Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  60. ^ "Michael Jackson Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  61. ^ "Michael Jackson Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  62. ^ "Michael Jackson Chart History (Smooth Jazz Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  63. ^ "Årslista Singlar, 2010". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  64. ^ "End Of Year Charts: 2010" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 28, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  65. ^ "MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 2011" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Retrieved February 23, 2012.
  66. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 18, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  67. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Michael Jackson – Hold My Hand". Music Canada. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  68. ^ "Danish single certifications – Michael Jackson ft Akon – Hold My Hand". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  69. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Michael Jackson with Akon; 'Hold My Hand')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  70. ^ "Italian single certifications – Michael Jackson with Akon – Hold My Hand" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  71. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Michael Jackson feat. Akon – Hold My Hand". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved January 2, 2012. {{cite web}}: |archive-url= is malformed: timestamp (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)[dead link]THE FIELD archive-url MUST BE PROVIDED for NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATION from obsolete website.
  72. ^ "Top 100 Songs Annual 2011". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  73. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2011" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 24, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  74. ^ "British single certifications – Michael Jackson ft Akon – Hold My Hand". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  75. ^ "American single certifications – Michael Jackson – Hold My Hand". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  76. ^ Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single de Michael Jackson – Télécharger Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single sur iTunes
  77. ^ "Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) - Single by Michael Jackson - Download Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) - Single on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. November 15, 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  78. ^ Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) - Single
  79. ^ a b Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single by Michael Jackson – Download Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single on iTunes
  80. ^ Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single von Michael Jackson – Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single bei iTunes laden
  81. ^ Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single by Michael Jackson – Download Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single on iTunes
  82. ^ Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single de Michael Jackson – Descarga Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) – Single en iTunes
  83. ^ 单曲 – Hold My Hand(Hold My Hand (Single)) – 谷歌音乐搜索 Archived 2010-12-04 at the Wayback Machine
  84. ^ News | The Official Michael Jackson Site Archived 2010-11-21 at the Wayback Machine
  85. ^ Amazon.com: Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon): Michael Jackson Duet with Akon: MP3 Downloads
  86. ^ "CHR – Available for Airplay". FMQB. Archived from the original on January 1, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  87. ^ a b "Hold My Hand (Duet With Akon): Michael Jackson Duet With Akon: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.de. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  88. ^ "Music CDs, DVDs, Games & More". hmv.com. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  89. ^ "Hold My Hand : Michael Jackson & Akon: Amazon.fr: Musique". Amazon.fr. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=Hold_My_Hand_(Michael_Jackson_and_Akon_song)&oldid=1235646663"