Jump to content

Love On Top

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Love On Top"
Single by Beyoncé
from the album 4
ReleasedSeptember 12, 2011
Recorded2011
Studio
Genre
Length4:27
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Knowles
  • Taylor
Beyoncé singles chronology
"Party"
(2011) 		"Love On Top"
(2011) 		"Countdown"
(2011)
Music video
"Love On Top" on YouTube

"Love On Top" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé for her fourth studio album 4 (2011). Inspired by her state of mind while playing Etta James in the 2008 musical biopic Cadillac Records, Beyoncé wrote the song alongside Terius Nash and Shea Taylor; its production was handled by Taylor and Beyoncé. A throw-back to 1980s music, the uptempo R&B song exhibits style similar to that of Stevie Wonder, Huey Lewis, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and the Jackson 5, among others. While incorporating four key changes, Beyoncé adopts a high range when repeating the song's chorus towards the end of the song. She sings about a person whom she can always call, even after facing grief and hard work, finally earning their love and respect.

The song's musical composition, as well as Beyoncé's vocals and versatility, positively surprised critics. Beyoncé sang "Love On Top" live at 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, announcing her pregnancy at the end of her performance. This caused the upsurge of the song on several charts worldwide. It reached the top ten in Hungary, and the top twenty in Australia, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. It also debuted and peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, thus becoming the second highest debut of Beyoncé's career as a solo artist. "Love On Top" remained at number one on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks, and has sold over one million copies. Beyoncé won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Love On Top" at the 55th ceremony.

Mainly inspired by the work of the American band New Edition, the accompanying music video for "Love On Top" shows Beyoncé along with five male dancers, performing choreographed moves in a penthouse studio in New York City overlooking the Hudson River towards New Jersey. Critics generally commended the simplicity of the video, the wardrobe changes with every key change, and Beyoncé's youthful exuberance throughout the clip. The song was part of the singer's set lists on the residency shows 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé (2011) and Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live (2012), as well as The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013–14), The Formation World Tour (2016) and the Renaissance World Tour (2023).

Background and development

[edit]
Playing Etta James (pictured) motivated Beyoncé for the development of "Love On Top".

"Love On Top" was written by Beyoncé, Terius Nash and Shea Taylor while production was handled by Beyoncé and Taylor.[1] From June 16 to 27, 2011, the songs from 4 were available to listen to in full each day on Beyoncé's official website, paired with its accompanying photo spread from the album packaging and a quote.[2] On June 26, 2011, "Love On Top" was the eighth song to be chosen. The quote found Beyoncé elaborating on the song's inspiration:

"When I played Etta James [in Cadillac Records] it was the most I'd learned about myself until the recording of this album. When I went into the studio I used the same passion, honesty, and approach with my vocals I channeled as Etta James. It does not sound like the vocals on my past albums. It's a lot rawer. It comes from a deep place."[3]

Beyoncé, who has covered "At Last" which is a song originally recorded by James, portrayed the artist in the 2008 musical biopic, Cadillac Records and won critical acclaim for her portrayal.[4] She told Billboard magazine: "I realized that Etta James was so unapologetic, bold and strong that playing her was a big risk for me. It gave me the confidence and the push to challenge myself a little more with my music."[5] "Love On Top" impacted Urban radio in the United States on January 10, 2012, as the fourth single from the album in that country.[6]

Composition

[edit]

"Love On Top" is an up-tempo R&B and disco song viewed as a modern take on old school music.[7][8][9] It also exhibits elements of retro-soul music,[10][11] retro-pop,[12] 1980s pop music,[8] funk music,[13][14] jazz,[15] and 1970s classic disco music, as stated by Joanne Dorken of MTV UK, Cameron Adams of the Herald Sun and Thomas Conner of Chicago Sun-Times.[16][17][18] According to Slant Magazine's Eric Henderson, "Love On Top" is a "bright, breezy tribute to the freshness of mid-[19]80s, pre-new-jack-FM R&B reminiscent of Whitney Houston and Anita Baker."[7] He also said the song was the "perfect and totally inverted fraternal twin" of another song on 4, being "Rather Die Young".[7] "Love On Top"'s retro elements are further illustrated by its use of finger snaps, a "distorted" bass groove, and a melding of horns as well as sweet backing harmonies, especially in the bridge and the chorus of the song.[13][19][20] It is instrumentally complete with a thumping bassline, synthesizers, tribal drums, an electric piano, a guitar, a peppy saxophone,[21] and some backing vocals.[10][22][23] Rich Juzwiak of The Village Voice compared "Love On Top" to Raydio's "You Can't Change That" (1979) and New Edition's "Mr. Telephone Man" (1984).[24] Priya Elan of NME noted that "Love On Top" echoes Janet Jackson's "Whoops Now" (1995), Lionel Richie's "Dancing on the Ceiling" (1986) and the theme from My Two Dads.[21]

"Love On Top"
As Beyoncé repeats the chorus of "Love On Top", she continuously raises key into a rarely used high range.[7][25]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

According to the digital sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, "Love On Top" is mainly written in the key of C major with a tempo of 99.2 beats per minute.[26] Beyoncé's vocal range in the song spans from the low note of G3 to the high note of B5.[26] "Love On Top" is set as "both a sweet love song and an expression of girl power" as stated by Georgette Cline of AOL Music.[20] Genevieve Koski of The A.V. Club and David Amidon of PopMatters noted that "Love On Top" features "mature lyrics" alongside Beyoncé "sounding vocally giddy and aggressive while portraying the message."[10][27] Lyrically, the song finds Beyoncé as the female protagonist expressing the happiness she feels to have her love interest in her life.[20] "The languid, synth-soul smoocher" allows for an "enjoyably euphoric tone" before she chimes in with "Bring the beat in!", introducing "a mid-album interlude of mid-[19]80s pop", as stated by Andy Gill of The Independent as well as Hamish MacBain of NME.[8][23]

Rich Juzwiak noted that Beyoncé "ecstatically and hyperactively" changes keys four times during the song.[24] As stated by Scott Shetler of PopCrush, she constantly sings praises of her love interest in the first verse where she also seemingly sends him subtle digs as he did not give her his full attention in the past,[19] this being illustrated in lyrics such as, "after fighting through my fears [...] finally you've put me first."[7] The chorus, complemented with sweet backing harmonies, then arrives, with Beyoncé chanting, "Baby it's you, you're the one I love / You're the one I need / You're the only one I see / Come on baby it's you / You're the one that gives your all / You're the one I can always call / When I need you make everything stop / Finally you put my love on top."[28] The chorus carries the final two minutes of the song through four key changes,[19] ascending chromatically from C major to D♭ major, then to D major, then to E♭ major before finally finishing in E major. This was highlighted by Henderson who wrote that "the spirit carries both her and the song into a Stevie Wonder-reminiscent climax of continually rising key changes."[7] In this way, the word "baby" is said about 24 times throughout the song.[7] As soon as the synthesizers drop out, the song fades out almost instantaneously.[19]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Love On Top" was highly acclaimed by critics. Rich Juzwiak of The Village Voice complimented its "easy listening/easier dancing boogie vibe".[24] Genevieve Koski of The A.V. Club said "Love On Top" had an up-tempo nature, saying that it was possibly the only "first-listen earworm" on the album with its "breezy, retro-soul style."[10] Matthew Horton of BBC joked about the climax of the song, stating that the album 4 "was named after the four key changes in the final, teetering chorus of 'Love on Top' to ram the point home."[29] Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune commended the song for putting a "bounce" in Beyoncé's step.[30] Similarly, Matthew Perpetua of Rolling Stone named "Love On Top" "a blast" as Beyoncé creates a modern take on old-school Whitney Houston.[9] Hamish MacBain of NME favored the song's up-tempo style, stating that it was much needed after the "ballad-heavy" first half of the album.[8] Priya Elan of the same publication commented that it has "100 watt smile lyrics".[21] Stating that "Love On Top" is reminiscent of 1980s R&B, Erika Ramirez of Billboard magazine complimented the song as a "Halcyon love song, perfect to be whisked away to".[31] Spence D. of IGN commented that Beyoncé's "cheery disposition" and the "brash horns" will remind listeners of "damn good" mid-1980s R&B can be.[13] While including the song as a "must hear" from the album, Andy Gill of The Independent named "Love On Top" as "a small footnote to Stevie Wonder's innovatory genius."[23] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian praised Beyoncé's vocals and called "Love On Top" a "well-written" song.[32]

microphone.
"'Love on Top' lilts like a lost Reagan-era smash, its light-as-air bop recalling Whitney Houston [left], Michael Jackson [center], and Stevie Wonder [right] at their sunniest." — Ryan Dombal of Pitchfork Media.[33]

Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine also gave "Love On Top" a positive review, favoring its "infectious upbeat spirit" and comparing it to the styling of Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker and Whitney Houston. He also complimented the fact that the various key changes throughout the song "force Beyoncé out of her scold range and into some winningly girlish soprano whoops."[7] Similarly, Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle commented that "Love On Top" is a "bouncy jam" which finds Beyoncé in "feel-good diva mode".[34] He added that it might have turned up on early albums from Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey. Guerra concluded that Beyoncé "rarely has sounded so charming, even as she soars through several key changes."[34] Mikael Wood of Spin magazine noted that the song "imagines a perfect genetic splice" of Whitney Houston's eponymous debut album and Michael Jackson's Off the Wall.[35] Ricky Schweitzer of One Thirty BPM stated that "Love On Top" is instantaneously reminiscent of Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Stevie Wonder, and favored Beyoncé's numerous key changes, writing:

'Love On Top' employs a similar pacing [to 'Party'], though tonally, this track reminds one more immediately of Michael and Janet Jackson, as well as Stevie Wonder. This effervescent throwback escapes corniness by reveling in its pure joy and as such, it becomes one of the highlights of the album. The numerous key changes that flood the end of the song could seem masturbatory, but Beyoncé is not proving that she can sing as high as Mariah [Carey] or Whitney [Houston] because we already trust her to. It is energy and not ego that drives the constantly rising progression.[36]

Becky Bain of the website Idolator viewed "Love On Top" as a "joyful tune that doubles as a throwback to a simpler time" and added that Beyoncé's energy is "infectious".[28] Conrad Tao of Sputnikmusic very much liked "Love On Top", writing: "[...] as she forces herself into a rarely used high range, she sets for a perfect catharsis for the burgeoning sexual passions of the album's first two thirds", and describing the outcome as "absolutely magnificent".[25] Melinda Newman of HitFix commented "the soulful, exuberant, mid-tempo finger snapper, 'Love on Top' is deliciously sunny and sweet."[22] James Reed of The Boston Globe wrote that "Love On Top" sounds "like the pretty young thing of Michael Jackson's 'P.Y.T.' grew up to make a sequel to that 1983 hit."[37] Similarly, Joanne Dorken of MTV UK who described "Love On Top" as "scream[ing] 'classic disco', catchy, [being] more uptempo and differing from the rest of the album", concluded that the song shows Beyoncé's versatility and that it is "very Jackson 5".[16] Ben Cardew of Music Week stated that "Love On Top" is summery and "laidback, rather than massively immediate". However, he added that it proves to be a grower as it "ratchets up the key changes on the final third", further writing that Beyoncé's voice sounds "particularly impressive".[38] A mixed review came from Adam Markovitz of Entertainment Weekly, who compared Beyoncé's work on "Love On Top" to that of past idols such as Luther Vandross and Diana Ross, but felt the tone overshadowed her style, stating "she gets lost in her idols' polyester-swathed shadows."[39] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times noted that the song was "slinky but nowhere near sexy" adding that it sounds like a song young Brandy Norwood would release.[40]

Recognition and accolades

[edit]

James Montgomery of MTV News placed "Love On Top" at number nine on his list of the 25 Best Songs Of 2011. He called it "a throwback jam" to Beyoncé's older R&B material, stating that "[it's] big, bold, brassy and blissed-out, [and] it represents everything B was going for on her 4 album".[41] Montgomery also noted that the song was an "absolute lifesaver" and "as is the case with all of her best tunes, Beyoncé belts here".[41] Slant Magazine's staff members listed "Love On Top" as the 24th best song of the year, with Eric Henderson commenting that "somewhere between [4's] copious ballads and its few, hyperventilating dance tracks, Beyoncé strikes a perfect balance with this breezy midtempo tribute to the 1980s."[42] On The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop critic year-end list in 2011, "Love On Top" was ranked at number 51.[43] Additionally, Nick Murray of the same publication included the song on his list of 53 Great Songs From 2011.[44]

"Love On Top" was named the greatest song of the decade (2010s) by Harper's Bazaar,[45] and the best song by a female artist of the decade by Uproxx.[citation needed] In 2017, ShortList's Dave Fawbert listed "Love On Top" as containing "one of the greatest key changes in music history".[46] In 2024, Rolling Stone named the record the 14th best R&B song of the 21st century.[47]

The song was nominated in the category for Viewer's Choice at the 2012 BET Awards[48] and in the category for R&B/Hip-Hop Song at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards.[49] Beyoncé won her 17th Grammy Award with Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Love On Top" at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.[50] At the 26th ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards in 2013, "Love On Top" received the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song award.[51]

Chart performance

[edit]

For the week July 2, 2011, "Love On Top" debuted on the South Korea Gaon International Singles Chart at number 3, selling 89,942 digital downloads.[52] The song remained at that position in its second and third week, selling 52,462 downloads and 42,261 downloads respectively.[53][54] It charted inside the top ten positions of the chart for five consecutive weeks.[55]

After Beyoncé's performance of "Love On Top" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, the song was propelled into the top five positions of the US iTunes Store;[56] its sales picked up by 221 percent.[57] Despite not being a single at that time, it became the highest-charting song from 4 on the US iTunes Store.[56] For the week ending September 10, 2011, "Love On Top" consequently debuted at number 135 on the US Hot Digital Songs chart,[58] and charted at number 22 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.[59] The following week, the song was number 10 on the Hot Digital Songs chart, selling 113,000 downloads; digital sales went up by 803%.[60] "Love On Top" entered the US Hot 100 chart at number 20.[61] The Hot 100 debut of "Love On Top" became Beyoncé's second highest entry; after "Ring the Alarm" which entered at number 12 in 2006.[61] "Love On Top", however, fell to number 70 on the Hot 100 chart on September 24, 2011.[62] Approximately eleven years later, the song was certified 4× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 8, 2022.[63] The song passed one million digital copies in the U.S. in February 2013.[64]

For the week September 17, 2011, "Love On Top" debuted at number 85 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[65] It moved to number 9 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart issue dated February 11, 2012, and became the third song from 4 to chart inside the top ten of that chart.[66] For the week ending March 3, 2012, the song earned the Greatest Gainer/Airplay title as it lifted from number 4 to number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart with 30 million audience impressions, which went up by 22%, according to Nielsen BDS.[67] "Love On Top" topped the chart for the week ending March 10, 2012;[68] it was Beyoncé's sixth song during her solo career to reach number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[69] It spent six consecutive weeks on the top of the chart.[70] Before being sent for adds on any format on US radios, "Love On Top" debuted at number 36 on the BDS Urban AC National airplay chart issue dated October 29, 2011, having amassed 106 spins, including 55 in 7 days.[71] According to Nielsen BDS, 18 Urban AC radio stations added the song to their playlists for that week ending.[71] For the week ending March 3, 2012, it became Beyoncé's first number-one on the US Adult R&B Airplay chart.[67]

Similarly owing to the live performance, "Love On Top" debuted at number 65 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart issue dated September 17, 2011.[72] The song also entered at number 75 on the UK Singles Chart and at number 23 on the UK R&B Chart on September 4, 2011,[73][74] It debuted at number 14 on the New Zealand Singles Chart the following day,[75] and spent seven non-consecutive weeks on the chart.[75] In Ireland, "Love On Top" made its debut at number 47 on September 8, 2011.[76] The song also entered at number 40 on the Australian Singles Chart on September 12, 2011.[77] The following week, it debuted at number 9 of the Australian Urban Singles Chart,[78] and was the most added song to radios in Australia.[79] "Love On Top" peaked at number 20 on the singles chart on November 6, 2011, and number 4 on the urban chart on October 17, 2011.[80][78] Having spent 16 consecutive weeks on the Australian Singles Chart,[80] the song was certified six-times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting sales of 420,000 copies.[81]

After having been announced as a single in the UK, "Love On Top" re-entered the UK Singles Chart at number 154 on November 13, 2011, and moved to number 87 the following week.[82] It also moved from number 63 to number 38 on the UK R&B Chart.[83] On December 4, 2011, "Love On Top" climbed from number 54 to number 28 on the UK Singles Chart[84] and from 16 to number 7 on the UK R&B Chart, where the song has peaked.[85] The following week, it moved to number 22 on the UK Singles Chart,[86] where it remained until January 1, 2012.[87] On January 8, 2012, "Love On Top" reached number 20,[88] selling 15,660 digital copies and bringing its total sales to 120,648 copies.[89] The single peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart the following week.[90] On June 9, 2015, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified "Love On Top" platinum, denoting sales of 600,000 copies in the country.[91]

Music video

[edit]

Background

[edit]

The music video for "Love On Top" was directed by Ed Burke and Beyoncé. A preview of the clip was shown on the Australian television program, Sunday Night, on October 9, 2011. The visuals showed Beyoncé in a black leotard, stockings, high-top sneakers, and medal-adorned Czech military cap. Together with her five male dancers, they perform choreographed moves at Canoe Studios, a penthouse studio in West Chelsea overlooking New York City.[92][93] The preview was inspired by the music video for "If It Isn't Love" by American band New Edition and was described as "stripped-down" by Tom Ayres of Digital Spy.[94][95] The full video was initially supposed to be premiered on October 17, 2011, on Australia's Today Show.[96] However, the release date was pushed up a day and it was released on October 16, 2011, instead.[96] That same day, Beyoncé posted the following statement regarding the video on her official website:

I am excited to give my Australian fans the World Premiere of 'Love On Top'! Thank you for the amazing response to the song at radio. I have worked very hard on this video, this song is special to me and I had an idea for the video based on some of my favorite male groups. I remember seeing videos from New Edition, the Jackson 5 and the Temptations, bands I love for their beautiful harmonies, and precise choreography and I always wanted to make a video and be part of a boy group myself. It was so much fun. I put my heart and soul into 'Love On Top' and I hope you love it.[97]

After the release of the sneak peek, Michael Bivins of New Edition told Theybf.com, "When I saw Beyonce on the MTV awards in the sequined jacket this year and with the dancers in R&B group positions, I knew then she was showing love to NE! The video teaser was part two... the classic video 'If It Isn't Love' reference."[98] After the release of the full video, Johnny Gill told S2S magazine that he considers "Love On Top"'s video to be a tribute and that Beyoncé as well as her backup dancers did a great job of capturing New Edition's essence. In his opinion, that is why "she is one of the greatest living performers."[99] He went on to say, "[The video] was so cool. There's no more Michael Jackson but I think she's a beast to begin with. It's such an honor to have someone who knew, and knows, her history and to be aware of where it all started."[99]

Synopsis

[edit]

Although the song is 4 minutes and 27 seconds long, the video is 3 minutes and 17 seconds long due to the omission of the second verse.[100] Erika Ramirez of Billboard magazine and Melissa Maerz of Entertainment Weekly highlighted the fact that Beyoncé wears several different clothes including the dress that was worn during her performance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.[101][102] The clip starts with a casually dressed Beyoncé moving in coordination with her male back-up dancers who are also wearing casual clothes and Nike Dunks. Wearing a black body suit with black hose, Beyoncé puts on a display of footwork before breaking into the song. About halfway through, the visuals suddenly switch to night as the singer lights up the space in various formal looks, including a gold pantsuit, white suit, and finally a tuxedo complete with coattails, top hat, and cane. The choreography from here resembles that of the 1960s male groups. The wardrobe changes in fact correspond with every key change, except the final one. The video ends with Beyoncé yelling "cut!" and the shot returns to them at rehearsal.

Reception

[edit]

Consequence of Sound's Alex Young praised the simplicity of the concept adding that it costs "more money than your entire life fortune."[103] That was echoed by Andrew Martin of Prefix Magazine who called the video "super-simplistic, albeit effective."[104] A writer of OK! compared the video with Will Smith's work in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air adding that Beyoncé "has gone back to video basics."[105] A writer of The Huffington Post called the video a "fresh take on a New Edition classic" and concluded that it was a "lot more simple than it sounds."[106] Lisa Potter of Marie Claire also praised the energy and Beyoncé's figure in the video, writing, "The pregnant superstar puts on another energetic performance during the video, showing off her fabulous figure in a skimpy black leotard complete with a military fetish cap and Isabel Marant sneakers, before changing into a series of tailored suits."[107] Jenna Hally Rubenstein of MTV Buzzworthy wrote that the video was similar to Michael Jackson's Dangerous era adding, "While some might say the basic concept of Beyoncé's 'Love on Top' video is too straightforward, we actually think it's amazing – just let Beyoncé sing, dance, look fuhLAWless and wear a cute hat! What else do you people need?!"[108] Maura Johnston of The Village Voice described the video as a direct homage to New Edition's "If It Isn't Love" but added that when the song's key changes start, "Beyoncé and her posse of backup dancers get a bit brassier and fancier".[109] She further wrote that the video was something that Phil Collins "would be proud" of.[109]

Comparing the video with works by Stevie Wonder, Matthew Perpetua of Rolling Stone wrote, "compared to the over-the-top sensory overload of 'Countdown, ' the 'Love on Top' clip is very simple and straightforward, with the singer performing with backup singers and dancers in a spare room. Still, she changes wardrobe with every key change as the song reaches its euphoric climax."[110] Similarly, Leah Collins of Dose magazine wrote, "New jack swing dance moves and costume changes are pretty much the focus of this one. [...] Still, Beyonce reveals a talent we never knew she had: the ability to switch costumes every time she switches keys. (This, it turns out, is a good thing. That pantsless African dictator look in the first scene? Maybe we're the only ones, but we're not really feeling Idi Amin-chic this season.)"[111] Georgette Cline of The Boombox found similarities between the video for "Love On Top" and the earlier videos that Beyoncé made with Destiny's Child[112] while Sarah Anne Hughes of The Washington Post called the video fancy and an "obvious homage to New Edition's 'If It Isn't Love.'"[113] A more mixed review was given by Amanda Dobbins of New York magazine who wrote that "The video will do nothing to silence Beyoncé plagiarism or baby bump conspiracy theorists; the first half borrows from an old New Edition video, and the entire thing was clearly filmed before her bump began to show."[114] However, she added, "Still, Vulture salutes any artistic undertaking that requires a costume change with every key change."[114] The video was nominated in the category for Video of the Year at the 2012 BET Awards[48] and in the category for Best Female Video at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.[115] It won Best Dance Performance at the 2012 Soul Train Music Awards.[116]

Live performances

[edit]

Beyoncé performed "Love On Top" live for the first time on August 14, 2011, during her residency show 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé held at Roseland Ballroom in New York City.[117] Wearing a gold dress, she performed the song in front of 3,500 people, backed by her all-female band and her backing singers, the Mamas.[117] For the performance, "Love On Top" was given an "uptempo overhaul" and eventually got everyone "moving to the catchy [synthesizers]", as stated by Mike Wass of Idolator.[117] Wass also wrote that "Love On Top" was one of the highlights of the concert.[117] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times gave Beyoncé critical acclaim, favoring performances of "underdog tracks" such as "Party" and "Love On Top".[118] Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone also complimented Beyoncé's performance of the song, commending how she turned "the groovy 'Love on Top' into a vintage soul showcase, dropping on bended knee to unleash melismas at the top of her vocal range."[119] Jozen Cummings of The Wall Street Journal commented that "the focus was on her voice [on] 'Love on Top' [...] she changes key four times — impressive on the album but even more so in person."[120] Yolanda Sangweni of Essence magazine stated that the fact that Beyoncé goes through four key changes is "quite a feat for any singer."[121] The live performance was later included on the DVD Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 which chronicled the concert. It premiered online and released on the iTunes Store on January 11, 2012.[122][123]

Beyoncé performing "Love On Top" during The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in 2013

In May 2012, Beyoncé performed "Love On Top" during her residency show Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live in Atlantic City.[124][125] Beyoncé started singing the song by saying, "Atlantic City, snap your fingers".[126] According to Maura Johnston of The Village Voice, the crowd "sang the chorus of 'Love on Top' and even... tried its endlessly modulating key-change while Beyoncé watched with bemusement and delight".[125] Chuck Darrow of The Philadelphia Inquirer was positive about the performance of the song during the concert, saying, "As for the music, Beyonce kept the needle in the red zone for much of the show, dealing primarily in such full-throttle, groove-intensive signature tracks as 'Love on Top'".[127] Tris McCall of New Jersey On-Line noted that she "made the most of each modulation and break" while performing the song.[128] Rebecca Thomas of MTV News was also positive about the performance, writing, "Without missing a step of the New Edition-inspired choreography, B powered through the song's modulations in an extended vocal showcase."[126] The performance of "Love On Top" on the concert was later included on the concert film Live in Atlantic City (2013).[129]

Beyoncé sang the chorus of the song a cappella during the opening of her Super Bowl XLVII halftime show performance.[130] In 2013 and 2014, the song was part of the set list of Beyoncé's The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. On May 8, 2013, while performing the song in Manchester, she held her microphone out to a random audience member, which turned out to be British singer Joe McElderry, who sang a line of the song through the microphone.[citation needed] An a cappella version of the song was performed in 2016 as part of the setlist of The Formation World Tour.[131] In 2023, Beyoncé performed "Love on Top" during the Renaissance World Tour. During the performance, she sang the final two key changes once again a cappella with the audience.

Video Music Awards performance

[edit]

At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Beyoncé performed "Love On Top" after having said on the black carpet about an hour before going on stage that she would be making an announcement.[132] Before beginning her live performance, she said to the audience: "Tonight I want you to stand up on your feet, I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me", giving a hint about the news that she had alluded to on the black carpet.[132] She took the stage in "a purple spangly tuxedo jacket, black pants and white tuxedo shirt, still rocking her fierce six-inch heels of old, pregnant or not", as stated by Gil Kaufman of MTV News.[132] As she performed, her blond hair blowing in the wind, and backed by six dancers wearing similar shimmering tuxes, Beyoncé gave new meaning to the lyrics: "Now everybody asks me why I'm smiling out from ear to ear."[132] She kept her dancing to a minimum for most of the song as she held onto the microphone stand while singing "Love On Top".[132] Eventually making her way to the extended lip in front of the stage and throwing down, she encouraged the audience to put their hands together.[132] Beyoncé ended the performance by dropping the microphone, opening her jacket, rubbing her belly, and thus announcing her pregnancy to the world.[132]

Describing Beyoncé as "a veteran on the VMA stage", Kaufman wrote that "the audience was clearly feeling the love also" and praised how she "[got] a bit wild as she brought the tune home with some of her signature."[132] Staff members of the AOL's The Boombox commented that the lyrics of the song "felt especially meaningful" to announce her pregnancy to the world.[133] Staff members of Rolling Stone called the performance "spectacular"[134] while Todd Martens of the Los Angeles Times called it "rousing".[135] Claire Suddath of Time magazine commented that "this offering from the reigning queen of pop music is relatively toned down and yet she still looked and sounded better than nearly everyone else at the awards."[136] Similarly, Darren Franich of Entertainment Weekly wrote that "If you had to pick one defining moment, it would have to be Beyoncé's baby bump. The diva's rendition of 'Love on Top' might not have been her best VMA performance ever, but there's no denying the sheer electricity in the room when she ended her set by proudly revealing her pregnant tummy."[137] A critic of Essence magazine concluded that "[Beyoncé's] performance of 'Love on Top' at the 2011 VMAs [...] will surely be one of the year's most memorable pop culture moments."[138] The writers of MTV News placed the performance at number 4 on their list of Best Live MTV Performances of 2011.[139] It was stated that Beyoncé was in "typical Sasha Fierce fashion" while the performance was described as "ebullient".[139] Erika Ramirez of Billboard magazine put the performance at number two on her list of "Beyonce's 5 Biggest TV Performances" adding that it was "one of the most memorable TV moments of her career".[140] Dan Hyman from Rolling Stone listed the performance and Beyoncé's announcement of her pregnancy at number 17 on the list of "The 24 Wildest Moments in VMA History",[141] while Billboard listed it at number 7 on its list of "MTV VMAs' 10 Best Performances Ever" in 2013.[142] The performance was nominated for VMAs Most Iconic Performance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. [143]

Cover versions

[edit]

On March 18, 2012, the girls on the Australian talent show Young Talent Time team opened the show with a performance of "Love On Top", while the boys performed as backing vocalists.[144] Diana Rouvas performed the song on The Voice (Australia) on May 21, 2012.[145] Michelle Graffin of The Age called it the "song of the night", writing that Rouvas was "so good she can wrestle 'Love on Top' from Beyoncé's iron grip and transform it into a smokey nightclub number worthy of the young Liza Minnelli".[145] Rouvas' version of "Love On Top" peaked at number 22 on the Australian Singles Chart on June 3, 2012.[146][147] On September 17, 2012, Nathaniel Willemse performed "Love On Top" during the first live show of the fourth season of The X Factor in Australia.[148] A writer for Take 40 Australia called it a "smooth performance".[148] On February 22, 2013, Novita Dewi performed "Love On Top" during the first gala show of the first season of X Factor Indonesia.[149]

Amber Holcomb, a contestant of the 12th season of American Idol covered the song on April 10, 2013, during an episode of the show.[150] Brian Mansfield of USA Today praised her performance writing that she was "comfortable and confident and happy" but added that the high melody of the song "puts a little strain on her voice toward the end".[151] That was somewhat echoed by Bobby Olivier of The Star-Ledger who noted that the performance was "pitchy, but a lot of fun". However, he wrote that Holcomb "seemed to struggle a little with keeping up with the melody" and that her version was different from the original, but concluded that it was a solid performance.[152] On April 8, 2013, Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy performed a samba dance to the song during the 16th season of the American show Dancing with the Stars.[153] Morissette and Penelope Matanguihan performed the song on the first season of The Voice of the Philippines on June 23 and July 14, 2013, respectively.[154][155] In 2018 Dami Im released a version on her album I Hear a Song. On February 9, 2017, Peck Palitchoke, a contestant of The Mask Singer Thailand (season 1) under the kangaroo mask, performed "Love On Top".[156] In August 2020, the cast of Pitch Perfect performed a cover of the song in aid of Unicef for the COVID-19 pandemic and the explosion of Beirut.[157]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits to the song were adapted from 4's liner notes.[1]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[81] 6× Platinum 420,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[187] Diamond 250,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[188] 2× Platinum 160,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[189] Platinum 90,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[190] Platinum 50,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[191] Gold 10,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[192] Gold 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[91] 2× Platinum 1,200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[63] 4× Platinum 1,000,000[64]
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[193] Gold 900,000†

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format
Australia[194] September 12, 2011 Contemporary hit radio
Italy[195] October 28, 2011
Belgium[196] December 7, 2011 Digital download
United States[6] January 10, 2012 Urban contemporary

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b 4 (Media notes). Beyoncé Knowles. Columbia Records. 2011. Archived from the original on June 27, 2011.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ^ "Join Us As We Count Down To '4'". Beyonconline.com. Archived from the original on June 20, 2011. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
  3. ^ "Beyoncé's New Album Out Now & Streaming In Full | The Official Beyoncé Site". Beyonceonline.com. Note that you have to click on the cover art of 'Love on Top' to see the quote. Archived from the original on August 23, 2011. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
  4. ^ Kaufman, Gil (February 5, 2009). "Beyonce Slammed By Etta James For Singing 'At Last' At Inaugural Ball". MTV News. Archived from the original on August 23, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  5. ^ "Beyonce Belts It Out On 'Cadillac' Soundtrack". Billboard. December 1, 2008. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  6. ^ a b "Future releases – January 10, 2012". Allaccess. Archived from the original on December 28, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h "Beyoncé: 4 | Music Review". Slant Magazine. June 10, 2011. Archived from the original on December 18, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  8. ^ a b c d MacBain, Hamish (June 21, 2011). "Beyonce – Album Review: Beyonce – '4' – Album Reviews". NME. Archived from the original on July 9, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  9. ^ a b Perpetua, Matthew (June 8, 2011). "Beyonce's '4': A Track-by-Track Breakdown". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 3, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  10. ^ a b c d Koski, Genevieve (June 28, 2011). "Beyoncé: 4 Music Review". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  11. ^ Gardner, Elysa (May 25, 2012). "Beyonce wows in first post-baby performance". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 27, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  12. ^ Gleason, Holly (June 24, 2011). "Beyoncé 4 (Columbia)". Paste. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  13. ^ a b c D, Spence (June 28, 2011). "Beyonce: 4 Review – Jay-Z's wife returns with something new and something old on latest". IGN. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  14. ^ Copsey, Robert (June 8, 2011). "Beyoncé's new album '4': First listen". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  15. ^ Gamboa, Glenn (May 27, 2012). "Beyoncé makes ambitious return to stage". Newsday. Archived from the original on May 30, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  16. ^ a b Dorken, Joanne (June 21, 2011). "Beyoncé '4' Track By Track Review". MTV UK. Archived from the original on August 29, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
  17. ^ Adams, Cameron (June 23, 2011). "Album review: 4 by Beyonce". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  18. ^ Conner, Thomas (June 22, 2011). "CD review: Beyonce, '4' – Music: Via Chicago". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  19. ^ a b c d Shetler, Scott (June 11, 2011). "Beyonce, 'Love on Top' – Song Review". PopCrush. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  20. ^ a b c Cline, Georgette (June 20, 2011). "Beyonce Releases 'Love on Top' From Upcoming Album '4' – Exclusive Listen + Photo". AOL Music. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  21. ^ a b c Elan, Priya (June 10, 2011). "Beyonce, '4' – First Listen". NME. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2011.
  22. ^ a b Newman, Melinda (June 9, 2011). "Listen: Beyonce kicks it old style with delicious Love On Top". HitFix. Archived from the original on August 16, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  23. ^ a b c Gill, Andy (June 24, 2011). "Album: Beyonce, 4 (Columbia) – Reviews, Music". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on August 8, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  24. ^ a b c Juzwiak, Rich (June 28, 2011). "Beyonce's Odes to Joy". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  25. ^ a b Tao, Conrad (June 24, 2011). "Review of Beyoncé – 4". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  26. ^ a b Knowles, Beyoncé; Nash, Terius; Taylor, Shea (2011). "Love on Top – Beyonce – Digital Music Sheet". Musicnotes.com. MN0097131 (Product number). {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  27. ^ Amidon, David (June 27, 2011). "Beyoncé: 4 < PopMatters". PopMatters. Archived from the original on August 4, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  28. ^ a b Bain, Becky (June 8, 2011). "Beyonce Wants Your 'Love On Top' In New Song". Idolator. Retrieved August 3, 2011.[permanent dead link]
  29. ^ Horton, Matthew (June 22, 2011). "BBC – Music – Review of Beyoncé – 4". BBC Online. Archived from the original on June 23, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  30. ^ Kot, Greg (June 24, 2011). "Beyonce album review; 4". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on February 27, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  31. ^ Ramirez, Erika (June 28, 2011). "Beyonce's '4:' Track-by-Track Review". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 21, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  32. ^ Petridis, Alexis (June 23, 2011). "Beyoncé: 4 – review | Music". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on March 28, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  33. ^ Dombal, Ryan (June 28, 2011). "Album Reviews: Beyoncé: 4". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on August 2, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  34. ^ a b Guerra, Joey (June 26, 2011). "Review: It figures Beyoncé's 4 is another jewel". The Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  35. ^ Wood, Mikael (June 27, 2011). "Beyonce, '4' (Columbia)". Spin. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  36. ^ Schweitzer, Ricky (July 3, 2011). "Album Review: Beyoncé – 4". One Thirty BPM. Archived from the original on August 9, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  37. ^ Reed, James (June 26, 2011). "CD review: Beyoncé shows a softer side on '4'". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  38. ^ Cardew, Ben (June 20, 2011). "First Listen: Beyonce's eclectic album 4 is much better than its first singles". Music Week. Archived from the original on June 23, 2011. Retrieved November 30, 2011.
  39. ^ Markovitz, Adam (July 10, 2011). "4 review – Beyoncé Review". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on June 27, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  40. ^ Caramanica, Jon (June 27, 2011). "On '4,' Beyoncé Bids Farewell (for Now) to Her Old Selves". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 1, 2011. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  41. ^ a b Montgomery, James (December 13, 2011). "Beyonce, Britney Spears And More: 25 Best Songs Of 2011". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 11, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  42. ^ "The 25 Best Singles of 2011". Slant Magazine. December 13, 2011. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  43. ^ "New York Pazz and Jop Singles". The Village Voice. 2011. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  44. ^ Murray, Nick (December 30, 2011). "53 More Great Songs From 2011". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  45. ^ Maher, Natalie (December 30, 2019). "Have You Listened to These 35 Best Songs of the 2010s?". Harper's BAZAAR. Archived from the original on December 30, 2019. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  46. ^ "The 19 greatest key changes in music history". ShortList. October 1, 2017. Archived from the original on January 14, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  47. ^ "The 100 Greatest R&B Songs of the 21st Century". Rolling Stone. January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  48. ^ a b "Beyoncé and Kanye West Lead BET Awards' 12 Nominations". Rap-Up. May 22, 2012. Archived from the original on December 3, 2015. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  49. ^ Finn, Natalie (May 18, 2012). "Teen Choice Award Nominations: Did The Hunger Games Top Twilight?". E! Online. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  50. ^ "55th Annual Grammy Awards Nominees". Grammy.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  51. ^ "Usher, Kendrick Lamar and Other Top Names in Music Honored at ASCAP's 26th Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards". American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. June 27, 2013. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  52. ^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: June 26, 2011, to July 2, 2011)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  53. ^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: July 3, 2011, to July 9, 2011)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  54. ^ a b "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: July 10, 2011, to July 16, 2011)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  55. ^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: July 24, 2011, to July 30, 2011)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
  56. ^ a b Mitchell, John (August 30, 2011). "Beyonce's Album Sees Sales Surge After VMA Performance Of 'Love On Top'". MTV Newsroom. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2011.
  57. ^ Kaufman, Gil (September 1, 2011). "Beyonce, Adele, Lil Wayne Get VMA Bump On iTunes". MTV News. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
  58. ^ Grein, Paul (September 5, 2011). "Week Ending Sept. 5, 2011. Albums: Weezy Does It". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved September 7, 2011.
  59. ^ "Chart Search". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2011. Note: Billboard.biz subscription is required to access the source.
  60. ^ Caulfield, Keith (September 7, 2011). "MTV VMAs Boost Adele, Beyonce on Billboard 200; RHCP Scores Big Debut". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 29, 2011. Retrieved September 7, 2011.
  61. ^ a b c Caulfield, Keith (September 7, 2011). "Adele's 'Someone Like You' Soars To No. 1 On Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 29, 2011. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  62. ^ Grein, Paul (September 14, 2011). "Week Ending Sept. 11, 2011. Songs: The Voices". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  63. ^ a b "American single certifications – Beyonce – Love On Top". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  64. ^ a b Grein, Paul (February 27, 2013). "Week Ending Feb. 24, 2013. Songs: 'Harlem Shake' Stays Put". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved February 28, 2013.
  65. ^ "Week of September 17, 2011 – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Greatest Gainers)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  66. ^ Trust, Gary (February 3, 2012). "Weekly Chart Notes: Beyonce, Robin Thicke, Paul McCartney". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 20, 2013. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  67. ^ a b Santiago, Karinah (February 23, 2012). "Chart Juice: Beyonce Banks First Adult R&B No. 1". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 14, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  68. ^ "Week of March 10, 2012 – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  69. ^ Grein, Paul (February 29, 2012). "Week Ending Feb. 26, 2012. Songs: Clarkson Sets 'Idol' Record". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on March 4, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  70. ^ "Love On Top" spent six consecutive weeks at number 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs:
  71. ^ a b "BDSradio.com – Urban AC National Airplay Chart". Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems. Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved October 25, 2011.
  72. ^ a b "Week of September 17, 2011 – Canadian Hot 100 (Greatest Gainers)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  73. ^ "Chart Archive > Singles > 10 September 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on June 24, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  74. ^ "Chart Archive > R&B Singles > 10 September 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  75. ^ a b "Beyonce – Love on Top (song)". New Zealand Singles Chart. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  76. ^ "Irish Singles Chart (September 8, 2011)". Chart-Track. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  77. ^ "Top 50 Singles Chart (September 12, 2011)". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on December 30, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  78. ^ a b c "Top 40 Urban Albums & Singles Chart". ARIA Charts. Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
  79. ^ "Most Added To Radio – Australia (September 18, 2011)". The Music Network. Archived from the original on September 11, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
  80. ^ a b c d e "Beyonce – Love on Top (song)". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
  81. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2022 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  82. ^ "Chart Archive > Singles > 19 November 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on November 22, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  83. ^ "Chart Archive > R&B Singles > 19 November 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  84. ^ "Chart Archive > Singles > 10 December 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  85. ^ "Chart Archive > R&B Singles > 10 December 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2011.
  86. ^ "Chart Archive > Singles > 17 December 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on October 18, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  87. ^ "Chart Archive > Singles > 7 January 2012". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  88. ^ "Chart Archive > Singles > 14 January 2012". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  89. ^ Jones, Alan (January 9, 2011). "Album Chart Analysis: Adele needs just 38k weekly sales to claim No.1". Music Week. Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2011.(subscription required)
  90. ^ a b "Chart Archive > UK Singles > 21st January 2012". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on August 3, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  91. ^ a b "British single certifications – Beyoncé – Love On Top". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  92. ^ "Sneak Peek: Beyoncé – 'Love on Top'". Rap-Up. October 9, 2011. Archived from the original on August 31, 2017. Retrieved October 9, 2011.
  93. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (October 10, 2011). "Beyonce Puts 'Love On Top' In New Video Tease". MTV News. Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  94. ^ Ramirez, Erika (October 10, 2011). "Beyonce Teases 'Love on Top' Video". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 10, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  95. ^ Ayres, Tom (October 9, 2011). "Beyoncé unveils 'Love on Top' video teaser". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on January 16, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  96. ^ a b "Video: Beyoncé – 'Love on Top'". Rap-Up. October 16, 2011. Archived from the original on October 18, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  97. ^ "Beyoncé World Premieres 'Love on Top' in Australia". Beyonceonline.com. October 16, 2011. Archived from the original on October 19, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  98. ^ Periccone, Kathleen (October 14, 2011). "Video: Beyoncé – 'Love on Top'". Daily News. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
  99. ^ a b Eskridge, Sonya (October 28, 2011). "Johnny Gill flattered by Beyoncé". Sister 2 Sister. Archived from the original on October 31, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
  100. ^ Devaro, Andrea (October 17, 2011). "Beyonce 'Love on Top' Video Released (Video)". Long Island Press. Archived from the original on December 23, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  101. ^ Ramirez, Erika (October 17, 2011). "Beyonce Shows Off Moves in 'Love on Top': Watch". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 27, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  102. ^ Maerz, Melissa (October 17, 2011). "Beyoncé Leads the Bé-Boys in 'Love On Top': Watch it Here". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 21, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  103. ^ Young, Alex (October 16, 2011). "Video: Beyoncé – 'Love on Top'". Consequence of Sound. Archived from the original on November 19, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  104. ^ Martin, Andrew (October 16, 2011). "Beyonce: "Love On Top" (Video)". Prefix Magazine. Archived from the original on October 19, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  105. ^ "Beyonce, the nineties called, they want their backing dancers back". OK!. October 17, 2011. Archived from the original on December 21, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  106. ^ Zakarin, Jordan (October 17, 2011). "Beyonce's 'Love On Top' Video Debuts (WATCH)". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on October 18, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  107. ^ Potter, Lisa (October 17, 2011). "FIRST WATCH: Beyonce's Love On Top video". Marie Claire. Archived from the original on October 19, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  108. ^ Hally Rubenstein, Jenna (October 10, 2011). "Video Preview: Beyonce, 'Love On Top'". MTV News. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  109. ^ a b "Beyoncé Goes Back To The Classics For 'Love On Top'". The Village Voice. October 17, 2011. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  110. ^ Perpetua, Matthew (October 17, 2011). "Video: 'Love on Top'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 18, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  111. ^ Collins, Leah (October 17, 2011). "Beyonce Debuts 'Love on Top' Video, Pays Tribute to New Edition". Dose. Retrieved October 17, 2011.[permanent dead link]
  112. ^ Cline, Georgette (October 17, 2011). "Beyonce Dreams of Boy Band Stardom in 'Love on Top'". The Boombox. Archived from the original on October 18, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  113. ^ Anne Hughes, Sarah (October 17, 2011). "Watch Beyonce's 'Love On Top' video". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  114. ^ a b Dobbins, Amanda (October 17, 2011). "'Love on Top' Video: Beyoncé's Boy Band Is Here". New York. Archived from the original on October 18, 2011. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  115. ^ Kaufman, Gil (July 31, 2012). "2012 MTV Video Music Awards: The Nominations Are In!". MTV News. Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  116. ^ Daniel, Danica (November 25, 2012). "Soul Train Awards 2012 Complete Winners List". Centric. Archived from the original on November 28, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  117. ^ a b c d Wass, Mike (August 15, 2011). "Beyonce's Intimate Night At Roseland Ballroom: Idolator Review". Idolator. Archived from the original on March 4, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  118. ^ Caramanica, Jon (August 15, 2011). "Closer to Her Fans and Further Away From Her Past". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 25, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  119. ^ Rosen, Jody (August 15, 2011). "Beyonce Gets Intimate in First of '4' Roseland Ballroom Shows". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 19, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  120. ^ Cummings, Jozen (August 15, 2011). "Beyoncé Gets Intimate With Fans at Roseland". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  121. ^ Sangweni, Yolanda (August 17, 2011). "Beyonce Gives an 'Intimate' Performance in NYC". Essence. Archived from the original on August 19, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  122. ^ "Beyoncé – Love On Top (Live at Roseland) – Video". Vevo. January 12, 2012. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2012.
  123. ^ "Love On Top (Live At Roseland) – Beyoncé". iTunes Store (US). January 11, 2012. Archived from the original on June 19, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  124. ^ Ganz, Caryn (May 29, 2012). "Run the World (Showgirls): Beyonce Gets Back to Business in Atlantic City". Spin. Archived from the original on June 4, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  125. ^ a b Johnston, Maura (May 27, 2012). "Live: Beyoncé Brings The House Down At Atlantic City's Newest Casino". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on May 29, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  126. ^ a b Thomas, Rebecca (May 27, 2012). "Beyonce Serenades Michelle Obama, Cements Comeback In Atlantic City". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
  127. ^ Darrow, Chuck (May 27, 2012). "Beyonce dazzles at Revel". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 8, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  128. ^ McCall, Tris (May 29, 2012). "Beyonce opens Revel with fanfare". New Jersey On-Line. Archived from the original on June 1, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  129. ^ ""Life Is But A Dream" To Be Released On DVD On November 25 Worldwide" (Press release). PR Newswire/Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. November 1, 2013. Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  130. ^ "Super Bowl: Beyonce wows at half-time show". BBC Online. February 4, 2013. Archived from the original on March 26, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  131. ^ Sullivan, Caroline (June 29, 2016). "Beyoncé, Formation World Tour, Sunderland review – she slays". The Guardian. Archived from the original on September 9, 2016. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  132. ^ a b c d e f g h Kaufman, Gil (August 29, 2011). "Beyonce Puts 'Love On Top' At VMAs, Reveals Pregnancy". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 13, 2014. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
  133. ^ Staff members of The Boombox (August 29, 2011). "Beyonce Puts 'Love On Top' At VMAs, Reveals Pregnancy". The Boombox. Archived from the original on September 23, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  134. ^ Staff members of Rolling Stone (August 28, 2011). "Beyonce Rocks 'Love on Top' at the VMAs". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 19, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  135. ^ Martens, Todd (August 28, 2011). "MTV VMAs: Tyler, the Creator best new artist; Beyonce pregnant". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  136. ^ Suddath, Claire (August 29, 2011). "Beyoncé, 'Love on Top'". Time. Archived from the original on August 30, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  137. ^ Franich, Darren (August 29, 2011). "MTV 2011 VMAs: Beyonce's baby bump, the moving Amy Winehouse tribute, and other memorable moments". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  138. ^ Sangweni, Yolanda (August 28, 2011). "Must-See: Beyonce's VMA Performance of 'Love on Top'". Essence. Archived from the original on August 31, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  139. ^ a b "Best Live MTV Performances of 2011". MTV News. December 13, 2011. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  140. ^ Ramirez, Erika (February 2, 2013). "Beyonce's 5 Biggest TV Performances". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 29, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  141. ^ Hyman, Dan (August 20, 2013). "The 24 Wildest Moments in VMA History". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Archived from the original on August 20, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  142. ^ "MTV VMAs' 10 Best Performances Ever". Billboard. August 22, 2013. p. 2. Archived from the original on August 24, 2013. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  143. ^ "VMAs Most Iconic Performance - Winners for 2024 MTV Video Music Award Awards". vma.votenow.tv. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
  144. ^ B, Alicia (March 18, 2012). "Young Talent Time – Episode 9 – How To Train Your Dragon and Anthony Callea". Throng.com.au. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
  145. ^ a b Griffin, Michelle (May 22, 2012). "The Voice recap – Second Live Monday night". The Age. Melbourne. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  146. ^ "Diana Rouvas – Love On Top". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  147. ^ "Single Top 50". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. June 3, 2012. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  148. ^ a b "The X Factor Australia Recap – Monday September 17, 2012". Take 40 Australia. September 17, 2012. Archived from the original on September 20, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  149. ^ "Video – Novita Dewi 'Love On Top' – Live Show 1 X Factor: 2013". X Factor Indonesia. Archived from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  150. ^ "Amber Holcomb Covers Beyoncé's 'Love on Top' on 'American Idol'". Rap-Up. April 11, 2013. Archived from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  151. ^ Mansfield, Brian (April 10, 2013). "'American Idol' Top 6 performance night: The live blog". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  152. ^ Olivier, Bobby (April 11, 2013). "'American Idol' 2013 recap: Diva-in-training owns the night". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  153. ^ Barrett, Annie (April 9, 2013). "'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Love On Top". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on June 13, 2013. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  154. ^ "Sarah fan goes to Team Sarah on 'The Voice'". ABS-CBN News. June 23, 2013. Archived from the original on June 26, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  155. ^ "Lea vs Sarah anew for Gapan beauty in 'Voice PH'". ABS-CBN News. July 14, 2013. Archived from the original on July 19, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  156. ^ Love on top - หน้ากากจิงโจ้ | THE MASK SINGER หน้ากากนักร้อง, February 9, 2017, archived from the original on November 3, 2020, retrieved November 20, 2019
  157. ^ Kinane, Ruth (August 17, 2020). "Pitch Perfect's Barden Bellas reunite to sing Beyoncé and raise money for Unicef". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
  158. ^ "Brazil Hot 100 Airplay". Billboard Brasil (in Portuguese). 24. Brazil: Nielsen Business Media, Inc: 81. February 2012.
  159. ^ "French Charts – 20 January 2014 Week 41" (in French). Charts in France. January 21, 2014. Archived from the original on March 28, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  160. ^ "Beyoncé – Global Dance Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  161. ^ "Hungarian Top 10 Singles Chart" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. February 27, 2012. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
  162. ^ "Irish Singles Chart (January 19, 2012)". Chart-Track. Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2012.
  163. ^ "Classifica italian FIMI del 18 Aprile 2011". Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Sony BMG Italy. Archived from the original on September 3, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
  164. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot 100" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 30, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2011.
  165. ^ "Beyoncé Chart History - Mexiko Ingles Airplay". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  166. ^ "Mexixo Ingles". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  167. ^ "Beyoncé - Love On Top". Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  168. ^ "Beyoncé - Love On Top". Dutch Charts. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  169. ^ "Beyonce – Love On Top". New Zealand Singles Chart. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  170. ^ "Beyoncé – Love on Top" (in Slovak). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (Slovakia). Archived from the original on May 27, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  171. ^ "South African Top 10 Airplay Chart". Mediaguide. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011.
  172. ^ "Chart Archive > R&B Singles > 11th February 2012". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2011.
  173. ^ "Beyonce Album & Song Chart History". Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Beyonce. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
  174. ^ Santiago, Karinah (March 2, 2012). "Chart Juice: Beyonce Nabs Sixth No.1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 19, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  175. ^ "Chart Highlights: Beyonce 'On Top' of Dance/Club Play Songs". Billboard. April 2, 2012. Archived from the original on October 2, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  176. ^ "Rhythmic Top 40 – 2012-04-14". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2012. Note: Need Login.
  177. ^ "ARIA End of Year Charts — Top 100 Singles". ARIA Charts. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  178. ^ "ARIA Charts — End Of Year Charts — Top 50 Urban Singles 2011". ARIA Charts. Archived from the original on February 28, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  179. ^ "Annual South Korea International Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on October 15, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  180. ^ "Top Selling Singles" (PDF). British Phonographic Industry. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 10, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  181. ^ "Annual South Korea International Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  182. ^ "Top Selling Singles" (PDF). British Phonographic Industry. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 31, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  183. ^ "R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – 2012 Year End Charts | Billboard". Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on March 17, 2013. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  184. ^ "Annual South Korea International Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  185. ^ "Annual South Korea International Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  186. ^ "Annual South Korea International Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  187. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Beyoncé – Love On Top" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  188. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Beyoncé – Love On Top". Music Canada. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  189. ^ "Danish single certifications – Beyoncé – Love On Top". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  190. ^ "Italian single certifications – Beyoncé – Love On Top" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved June 4, 2018. Select "2018" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Love On Top" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  191. ^ "Portuguese single certifications – Beyoncé – Love On Top" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  192. ^ "Spanish single certifications – Beyoncé – Love On Top". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  193. ^ "Danish single certifications – Beyoncé – Love On Top". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  194. ^ "Beyonce – Love On Top – Issue 853". The Music Network. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  195. ^ "RADIO DATE – Le novità musicali della settimana – Venerdì 28 Ottobre 2011" (in Italian). EarOne. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  196. ^ "Love On Top – Single by Beyoncé". iTunes Store (Belgium). Archived from the original on June 1, 2014. Retrieved January 1, 2012.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Love_On_Top&oldid=1256041809"