Killer Love
Encyclopedia
Killer Love is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Nicole Scherzinger
, former lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls
. It was released from March 18, 2011 in international markets by Interscope Records
, in association with its affiliated record labels. Scherzinger began recording the album in 2005, under the title Her Name Is Nicole, and was originally due for release in 2007. However unsuccessful singles and poor timing led the project being pushed back numerous times into 2008 and 2009. Scherzinger would then go on to shelve the album, citing bad timing and creative issues as the reasons for its cancellation. In 2010, following the release of the Pussycat Dolls' second album Doll Domination
, Scherzinger enlisted Moroccan producer RedOne
to produce material for her debut album.
Completed in 2011 and titled Killer Love, Scherzinger's debut album features a combination of up-tempo club songs, as well as mid-tempo and down-tempo ballad
s. The songs contain elements of rock
, soul
and funk music and Scherzinger specifically selected songs and productions which would suit being performed live. Amongst the fourteen-song set are two collaborations, one with Enrique Iglesias
, and one with Sting, which was leftover from the Her Name is Nicole recording sessions. RedOne and his associates produced almost half of the album, while the rest was produced by the likes of Jim Jonsin
, StarGate
, The-Dream
, Tricky Stewart
and Boi-1da
amongst others.
Killer Love was preceded by the release of the RedOne-produced lead single, "Poison
" which respectively peaked at number three and number seven in the UK and Ireland, becoming one of Scherzinger's highest charting solo singles. It received mainly positive critical reception for establishing Scherzinger with her own sound and identity. A second single "Don't Hold Your Breath
" (produced by Carl Falk
, Steve Josefsson
and Rami
) also preceded the album, reaching number one in the UK and top-ten Ireland. To date, Killer Love has been only released in limited territories, mainly: Ireland, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. An alternate version of the album will be released in the United States featuring Snoop Dogg
and 50 Cent
.
Upon release, Killer Love received mixed response from critics. Some praised Scherzinger's strong vocals and conviction to convey emotion, while others criticized her choice of allowing RedOne to produce the majority of the album, stating that some of the songs sounded too similar to each other. At times it was felt that Scherzinger lacked coherence across the record, often taking the sound that individual producers had created for her instead of showing originality. Critics compared many of the songs to those her fellow pop
and R&B
contemporaries: Beyoncé
, Rihanna
and Britney Spears
. Commercially, Killer Love was most successful in the UK peaking at number eight.
. Amongst those working on the album were Akon
, Gary Lightbody
, Dr. Dre
, Ne-Yo
, T.I.
, Timbaland
, will.i.am
, and Kanye West
. However following four unsuccessful singles, Scherzinger admitted she was going to restart her album. In an interview with Billboard
magazine in April 2009, she said "the current incarnation of [my album] is just in talks and in the writing process. I haven't started recording yet". Singer-songwriter Keri Hilson
, confirmed that Scherzinger's album was not released so that Scherzinger could focus on releasing new music with the Pussycat Dolls instead. Then in January 2010, Scherzinger began the recording and writing process for a third time, reuniting with Ne-Yo on "personal and heartfelt" tracks. She attempted to launch her debut album for a second time on May 2010, with a brand new "rock, funk, soul edge" sound, and a brand new single "Nobody Can Change Me".
Reports of a second attempt at a solo album surfaced in January 2010 when Contactmusic reported that singersongwriter Ne-Yo
is working with Scherzinger on new material. Ne-Yo had previously given two songs he wrote, "Save Me From Myself" and "Happily Never After", to Scherzinger for Her Name Is Nicole. Of the new collaborations he said,"she is putting all her energy into her work". He was also quoted as saying
Then in August 2010, Morrocan producer RedOne
confirmed his involvement in the project during an interview with BBC Music
, where he confirmed that the it was the third time that new material had been recorded for the album. When asked why he thought the album didn't previously come out RedOne said "Her last one never came out because it was collecting hamburgers, like fast food. One from McDonalds, one from Burger King
, and so on. It tasted good, but it wasn't consistent." He confirmed that he had produced the majority of the new album. Scherzinger followed up his comments in an interview with X magazine in September 2010. She said "It was actually my decision not to put Her Name Is Nicole out, not the label's". Scherzinger then said how much of an honor it was to work with RedOne. "He's an unbelievable producer and musician. He had made some amazing songs with Lady Gaga
. Now, there is someone with the 'x factor'. I can't touch GaGa or RedOne in that space, but I know that we've created something unique of our own." RedOne revealed that Jimmy Iovine
(chairman of Scherzinger's record label) personally called him to work on Scherzinger's album. RedOne recalled, in an interview with PopEater,
According to Billboard
Scherzinger has collaborated with Ne-Yo and Jay Sean for songs on the album, while Scherzinger confirmed that the album was mostly up-tempo songs which "lend themselves to live performances". Though Ne-Yo's songs are not featured on the international version of the album, Scherzinger confirmed that songs produced by the singer-songwriter will appear on the US version of Killer Love. When Scherzinger was asked by her UK-label (Polydor Records
) which artists she wanted to work with, Scherzinger's only request was UK rap-singer Plan B. Digital Spy
asked Scherzinger to describe her album, during the interview she said "the album is largely produced by RedOne, I wanted something explosive that could be staged live in a full performance and I needed music to match the intensity. That’s what he did. It’s raw, dangerous and big. That’s what I want to be on stage. It’s a different energy to Lady GaGa. The music is more rock, funk and soul inspired." The cover art
of Killer Love was revealed on March 3, 2011 along with the album's tracklisting. On the artwork, Scherzinger strikes a comfy pose, cracking a half-smile with a tuft of gray fur draped over her left shoulder.
Killer Love sees Scherzinger duet with two male vocalists. On the ballad, "Power's Out", she duets with English recording artist Sting. Speaking of their collaboration, which took place with both singers in the same studio, Scherzinger said "[Sting's] energy is very commanding, in a subtle way. He is giving, generous and kind. I flew to Boston for his show with The Police
. I met him and he was everything and more than I thought. I felt like we were doing yoga when we were singing. He was such an easy guy to work with... Singing on the same mic you are really close. He had fresh breath. No broccoli in the teeth." David Renshaw from PopDash said the song borrowed elements and the sound from The Police
, a band Sting was previously lead singer of, and in particular their 1983 hit single "Every Breath You Take
". The other duet is with Enrique Iglesias
, on his 2010 single "Heartbeat
". The version featured on Killer Love is the "Rude Well's Open Heart Remix". Ellwood noted that the remix "added beats changing the tone of the song completely."
Some of the album's ballad
s, "Casualty" and "Desperate", were likened to the style of Leona Lewis
. "Casualty" is one of the album's two closing ballads, the other being "AmenJena". The former is a "contemporary ballad-that's-not-a-ballad," while the latter is slower and more moving, as it is stripped of the album's synthesized and electronic
production, to leace Scherzinger's voice with the piano-led melody. The album's other ballad "Everybody" also restricts the polished production, "to allow Scherzinger’s voice to be the main focus." Kim Dawson, from The Daily Star, noted "Everybody" as the album's "goosebump ballad" moment. When talking to MTV
, in the United States, Scherzinger said [in context of the US version of her album] it was "a mixture of strong dance anthems, urban twists and uplifting songs."
Critics noted "You Will Be Loved" for its background vocals, which contain some yodelling. Its chorus is constructed by repeating the title of the song, similar to "Gimme More
" by Britney Spears
(2007) and "Halo
" by Beyoncé Knowles
(2009). It was written by Timothy and Theron Thomas, a duo who had previously written "Supervillain", the third single from Scherzinger's ill-fated first incarnation of her solo album, Her Name Is Nicole. "Right There" was compared to Rihanna
's "Rude Boy
", only politer in tone. Both "Rude Boy" and "Right There" were co-written by Ester Dean
. The latter features a "glistening beat," over which Scherzinger becomes territorial with her man, and warns other girls away. Additionally, an alternate version of the song was recorded with 50 Cent
, to be included on the US version of Killer Love. The album's lead single, "Poison
", was described by 4 Music as a club thumper, while the follow-up, "Don't Hold Your Breath
", was described as "sort-of-ballad
-but-not-really." The Observer
s Michael Cragg also noted "Don't Hold Your Breath" as a "classy don't-darken-my-door-again anthem." Dawson noted the freedom theme in the song, likening it to a "Sugababe trying to break free," while Renshaw compared the song to Jordin Sparks
and Chris Brown's 2008 duet "No Air".
Killer Love also features a number of up-tempo songs including "Wet", described as a "party playlist essential" thanks to its throbbing base and electronic
beats. It was described, by Phillip Ellwood from Entertainment Focus, as the best of the up-tempos. the title track was described as "catchy," with a "juicy beat," and "radio-friendly" chorus
. It features a "HI-NRG" beat with saucy lyrics which "equate love to actual, physical pain." Another one of the up-tempo songs, "Club Banger Nation" features a 90's Europop
introduction, with "shimmering beats and belting vocals" "Say Yes" was originally produced by The Cave (Jonas Saeed & Pontus Söderqvist
), during early recording sessions. It was written by RedOne
, Jimmy Joker, Jonas Saeed, Pontus Söderqvist
, Nailah Thourbourne, Nyanda Thourbourne
, Tasha Thourbourne, Candace Thourbourne. Nailah had previously worked with Scherzinger twice, contributing to "Puakenikini" with Nayanda Thourborne and working with Akon
, Scherzinger and Giorgio Tuinfort on the song "On My Side". Both were recorded for Her Name Is Nicole, though the former was also released as one of Her Name Is Nicoles ill-fated singles. For its inclusion on Killer Love, "Say Yes" was re-tooled and reproduced by RedOne and Joker. Renshaw compared the song to works by Taio Cruz
, thanks to the elements of Eurodance
present in its production.
s Michael Cragg noted the album as being consistent with most other modern R&B
albums, stating "Killer Love is two thirds deliriously catchy pop stompers and one third balladry." Cragg also noted that Scherzinger's "not so inconsiderable voice" takes a backseat allowing the record producer
s to inject their own influences into her music. Alex Macpherson from BBC Online commented that "Scherzinger is one of the few pop performers with the requisite power to dominate [her] beats rather than vice versa. Killer Love is far from the album you sense Scherzinger could still deliver: at times, her personality is all that – barely – carries substandard, unmemorable songs." Kim Dawson from The Daily Star was positive, saying that "Nicole’s solo record truly is killer and no filler." Another positive reaction came from "Entertainment Focus" who went to say that: "Killer Love is a competent and enjoyable record from one of the nicest women in pop. Fingers crossed this time it works out for her." The 4Music
review was also positive, noting that "Killer Love will definitely establish her as a viable act in her own right." Robert Copsey wrote favorably for Digital Spy
that "Killer Love is a sturdy debut from the part-time X Factor
judge that, in part, lives up to her promise of being "in your face and strong".
However, Hugh Montgomery from The Independent
gave it a negative review for a perceived lack of originality and musical identity, calling it "a debut that bludgeons the listener with faux-raunchy Euro-dance
before flatlining with the obligatory earnest balladry and a Sting duet. At 14 tracks, it's at least 12 too long, much of it imaginably pilfered off Rihanna
's reject pile." Stephen Thomas Erlewine
wrote for Allmusic that the album don't have "powerful hooks in the rhythms or melodies."
" was unveiled as Killer Loves lead single
on October 14, 2010. The "toxic pop
" song makes use of heavy synthesizers and a production from RedOne
. It was released from October 25, 2010. "Poison" was performed live for the first time on the series seven
of The X Factor, on November 28, 2010 a day ahead of its UK release. Upon release, "Poison" debuted at number three on the UK Singles Chart
, as well as top-ten in Ireland.
Second single, "Don't Hold Your Breath
", was produced by Carl Falk
, Steve Josefsson
(of the Swedish House Mafia
) and Rami Yacoub
. An early demo of the song by Timbaland
and Keri Hilson
had previously leaked online in June 2010. In early January two more unfinished versions leaked including one demo with Scherzinger's vocals, before the final version premiered via Rap-Up
.com. It was released from March 10, 2011. The "empowering pop jam" serves as the album's second UK single and first in other international markets. It peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart
, and top-five in Ireland. "Don't Hold Your Breath" was released as a digital download in the US in August 2011, it serves as the second US single and will impact US radio on September 20, 2011.
"Right There
" impacted on UK urban music radio
on April 1, 2011 as the album's third UK single. The song was released digitally in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2011. Meanwhile, for its release as the lead single for the US edition of Killer Love, the song was re-recorded to feature two new verses from American rapper 50 Cent
. This version of the song was available for purchase at the US iTunes store on May 17, 2011. It impacted US Top 40/Mainstream radio and Rhythmic radio on May 24, 2011. It peaked on the Billboard Hot 100
at thirty-nine, thus becoming her first US single as a lead artist to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
On July 14, 2011, UK entertainment website Digital Spy
revealed that "Wet
" will be the album's fourth UK single. An accompanying music video directed by Justin Francis was filmed in July 2011. The video premiered on August 3, 2011. The song released in the UK on August 29, 2011. It reached top ten in Ireland and 21 in the UK. "Try with Me
" was released as the lead single from the European re-release and over-all fourth single from Killer Love on October 30, 2011. The song and its video made its premiere on October 18, 2011 at Capital FM
and MSN.com, respectively.
(^) denotes additional producer
Notes
, that the US album would contain contributions from RedOne
, Ne-Yo
, Jim Jonsin
, The-Dream
and Tricky Stewart
. In addition to this, 50 Cent
will be featured on the album's US lead single, a new version of the Jonsin-produced, "Right There". American hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg
appears on one of the four to five new songs recorded for the US album. He appears on a song titled "Peep Show", written and produced by Harvey Mason, Jr.
and R. Kelly
. Furthermore, in an interview with Rap-Up
, Scherzinger said that "Power's Out" (featuring Sting) is likely to appear on the album.
Performance credits
Management and administration credits
Art and direction
Technical credits
Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, record producer, model, and actress. Scherzinger is perhaps best known for being the lead vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls....
, former lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls
Pussycat Dolls
The Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble based in Los Angeles; currently consisting of Lauren Bennett, Vanessa Curry, Kristal "Lyndriette" Smith, Tiffany "Taz" Zavala, Kia Hampton and Paula Van Oppen. The Pussycat Dolls were founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995...
. It was released from March 18, 2011 in international markets by Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
, in association with its affiliated record labels. Scherzinger began recording the album in 2005, under the title Her Name Is Nicole, and was originally due for release in 2007. However unsuccessful singles and poor timing led the project being pushed back numerous times into 2008 and 2009. Scherzinger would then go on to shelve the album, citing bad timing and creative issues as the reasons for its cancellation. In 2010, following the release of the Pussycat Dolls' second album Doll Domination
Doll Domination
Doll Domination is the second studio album from United States American girlgroup Pussycat Dolls, released from September 19, 2008 by A&M Records. The album debuted at number four on the US album chart, selling 79,000 copies in its first week...
, Scherzinger enlisted Moroccan producer RedOne
RedOne
Nadir Khayat , known by the stage name RedOne, is a Moroccan producer and songwriter. Renowned for co-producing hit singles such as "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "LoveGame", "Bad Romance", "Alejandro" and "Judas", he is attributed by some as the key to Lady Gaga's success...
to produce material for her debut album.
Completed in 2011 and titled Killer Love, Scherzinger's debut album features a combination of up-tempo club songs, as well as mid-tempo and down-tempo ballad
Ballad
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads were particularly characteristic of British and Irish popular poetry and song from the later medieval period until the 19th century and used extensively across Europe and later the Americas, Australia and North Africa. Many...
s. The songs contain elements of rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
, soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
and funk music and Scherzinger specifically selected songs and productions which would suit being performed live. Amongst the fourteen-song set are two collaborations, one with Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
, and one with Sting, which was leftover from the Her Name is Nicole recording sessions. RedOne and his associates produced almost half of the album, while the rest was produced by the likes of Jim Jonsin
Jim Jonsin
James Scheffer, better known by his professional name, Jim Jonsin, is an American Grammy award winning record producer, songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur...
, StarGate
Stargate (production team)
This is a list of songs written and produced by the Norwegian production team Stargate.-Produced singles:-1999:5ive - Invincible*05. "Two Sides to Every Story"*06. "You Make Me a Better Man"Noora Noor - Curious*01. "Curious"...
, The-Dream
The-Dream
Terius Youngdell Nash , better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for co-writing "Umbrella" for Rihanna and "Single Ladies " for Beyoncé, as well as for his three solo albums, Love Hate, Love vs...
, Tricky Stewart
Christopher Stewart (music producer)
Christopher "Tricky" Stewart is an American songwriter, music producer, music publisher, executive producer, recording industry executive and recording studio owner. In a career spanning 16 years, Stewart, at the helm of his company RedZone Entertainment, is responsible for over 25 million...
and Boi-1da
Boi-1da
Matthew Samuels , better known as Boi-1da , is a Canadian hip-hop producer from Toronto, Ontario. He has produced for artists and groups such as Chip tha Ripper, Kardinal Offishall, Clipse, Drake, Eminem, Saukrates, k-os, G-Unit, and The Diplomats among others...
amongst others.
Killer Love was preceded by the release of the RedOne-produced lead single, "Poison
Poison (Nicole Scherzinger song)
"Poison" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from her debut studio album, Killer Love . Released from October 25, 2010, it is the first single from the album. It was produced by RedOne, BeatGeek and Jimmy Joker, and is distinctively different to Scherzinger's previous...
" which respectively peaked at number three and number seven in the UK and Ireland, becoming one of Scherzinger's highest charting solo singles. It received mainly positive critical reception for establishing Scherzinger with her own sound and identity. A second single "Don't Hold Your Breath
Don't Hold Your Breath
"Don't Hold Your Breath" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from her debut studio album, Killer Love . The empowering mid-tempo pop song was written by Josh Alexander, Billy Steinberg and Toby Gad. The song was released on March 10, 2011, as the album's second single...
" (produced by Carl Falk
Carl Falk
Carl Falk is a Swedish composer, producer, song writer and musician.Falk began playing violin at the young age of five, moving on to playing drums and piano before settling on the guitar as his instrument of choice...
, Steve Josefsson
Steve Angello
Steve Angello is a Greek-Swedish DJ, producer, and record label owner. He is part of a three person group dubbed the Swedish House Mafia.- Background :...
and Rami
Rami Yacoub
Rami Yacoub is a Swedish music producer and songwriter of Palestinian descent, and former member of the successful songwriting/production houses Cheiron Studios and Maratone...
) also preceded the album, reaching number one in the UK and top-ten Ireland. To date, Killer Love has been only released in limited territories, mainly: Ireland, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. An alternate version of the album will be released in the United States featuring Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
and 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
.
Upon release, Killer Love received mixed response from critics. Some praised Scherzinger's strong vocals and conviction to convey emotion, while others criticized her choice of allowing RedOne to produce the majority of the album, stating that some of the songs sounded too similar to each other. At times it was felt that Scherzinger lacked coherence across the record, often taking the sound that individual producers had created for her instead of showing originality. Critics compared many of the songs to those her fellow pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
and R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
contemporaries: Beyoncé
Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles , often known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child...
, Rihanna
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty , better known as simply Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers...
and Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
. Commercially, Killer Love was most successful in the UK peaking at number eight.
Background and development
Scherzinger initially began work on her debut studio album back in 2005. The project, titled Her Name is Nicole, saw the singer recording 75–100 songs, with some of the songs later ending up with the Pussycat DollsPussycat Dolls
The Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble based in Los Angeles; currently consisting of Lauren Bennett, Vanessa Curry, Kristal "Lyndriette" Smith, Tiffany "Taz" Zavala, Kia Hampton and Paula Van Oppen. The Pussycat Dolls were founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995...
. Amongst those working on the album were Akon
Akon
Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
, Gary Lightbody
Gary Lightbody
Gary Lightbody is an Northern Irish musician and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the alternative rock band Snow Patrol.- Early life :...
, Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
, Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo
Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. , better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario...
, T.I.
T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
, Timbaland
Timbaland
Timothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
, will.i.am
Will.i.am
William James Adams, Jr. , better known by his stage name will.i.am and occasionally by his other stage name Zuper Blahq, is an American rapper, musician, songwriter, singer, actor and producer...
, and Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
. However following four unsuccessful singles, Scherzinger admitted she was going to restart her album. In an interview with Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
magazine in April 2009, she said "the current incarnation of [my album] is just in talks and in the writing process. I haven't started recording yet". Singer-songwriter Keri Hilson
Keri Hilson
Keri Lynn Hilson is an American R&B singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, Hilson began her music career as a songwriter, penning tracks for several artists in the mid-2000s as part of the five-person production and songwriting team, The Clutch...
, confirmed that Scherzinger's album was not released so that Scherzinger could focus on releasing new music with the Pussycat Dolls instead. Then in January 2010, Scherzinger began the recording and writing process for a third time, reuniting with Ne-Yo on "personal and heartfelt" tracks. She attempted to launch her debut album for a second time on May 2010, with a brand new "rock, funk, soul edge" sound, and a brand new single "Nobody Can Change Me".
Reports of a second attempt at a solo album surfaced in January 2010 when Contactmusic reported that singersongwriter Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo
Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. , better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario...
is working with Scherzinger on new material. Ne-Yo had previously given two songs he wrote, "Save Me From Myself" and "Happily Never After", to Scherzinger for Her Name Is Nicole. Of the new collaborations he said,"she is putting all her energy into her work". He was also quoted as saying
Then in August 2010, Morrocan producer RedOne
RedOne
Nadir Khayat , known by the stage name RedOne, is a Moroccan producer and songwriter. Renowned for co-producing hit singles such as "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "LoveGame", "Bad Romance", "Alejandro" and "Judas", he is attributed by some as the key to Lady Gaga's success...
confirmed his involvement in the project during an interview with BBC Music
BBC Music
BBC Music is a team working in the department of Audio and Music Interactive at the BBC. Responsible for the BBC Music website - the portal site to music content across the BBC website....
, where he confirmed that the it was the third time that new material had been recorded for the album. When asked why he thought the album didn't previously come out RedOne said "Her last one never came out because it was collecting hamburgers, like fast food. One from McDonalds, one from Burger King
Burger King
Burger King, often abbreviated as BK, is a global chain of hamburger fast food restaurants headquartered in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. The company began in 1953 as Insta-Burger King, a Jacksonville, Florida-based restaurant chain...
, and so on. It tasted good, but it wasn't consistent." He confirmed that he had produced the majority of the new album. Scherzinger followed up his comments in an interview with X magazine in September 2010. She said "It was actually my decision not to put Her Name Is Nicole out, not the label's". Scherzinger then said how much of an honor it was to work with RedOne. "He's an unbelievable producer and musician. He had made some amazing songs with Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
. Now, there is someone with the 'x factor'. I can't touch GaGa or RedOne in that space, but I know that we've created something unique of our own." RedOne revealed that Jimmy Iovine
Jimmy Iovine
James "Jimmy" Iovine is an American music producer, entrepreneur and chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M.-Biography:...
(chairman of Scherzinger's record label) personally called him to work on Scherzinger's album. RedOne recalled, in an interview with PopEater,
According to Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Scherzinger has collaborated with Ne-Yo and Jay Sean for songs on the album, while Scherzinger confirmed that the album was mostly up-tempo songs which "lend themselves to live performances". Though Ne-Yo's songs are not featured on the international version of the album, Scherzinger confirmed that songs produced by the singer-songwriter will appear on the US version of Killer Love. When Scherzinger was asked by her UK-label (Polydor Records
Polydor Records
Polydor is a record label owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom.-Beginnings:Polydor was originally an independent branch of the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Its name was first used as an export label in 1924, the British and German branches of the Gramophone...
) which artists she wanted to work with, Scherzinger's only request was UK rap-singer Plan B. Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
asked Scherzinger to describe her album, during the interview she said "the album is largely produced by RedOne, I wanted something explosive that could be staged live in a full performance and I needed music to match the intensity. That’s what he did. It’s raw, dangerous and big. That’s what I want to be on stage. It’s a different energy to Lady GaGa. The music is more rock, funk and soul inspired." The cover art
Cover art
Cover art is the illustration or photograph on the outside of a published product such as a book , magazine, comic book, video game , DVD, CD, videotape, or music album. The art has a primarily commercial function, i.e...
of Killer Love was revealed on March 3, 2011 along with the album's tracklisting. On the artwork, Scherzinger strikes a comfy pose, cracking a half-smile with a tuft of gray fur draped over her left shoulder.
Composition
The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
. I met him and he was everything and more than I thought. I felt like we were doing yoga when we were singing. He was such an easy guy to work with... Singing on the same mic you are really close. He had fresh breath. No broccoli in the teeth." David Renshaw from PopDash said the song borrowed elements and the sound from The Police
The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
, a band Sting was previously lead singer of, and in particular their 1983 hit single "Every Breath You Take
Every Breath You Take
"Every Breath You Take" is a song by The Police on the band's 1983 album Synchronicity, written by Sting and Andy Summers . The single was one of the biggest hits of 1983, topping the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for eight weeks and the UK Singles Chart for four weeks. It also topped the...
". The other duet is with Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
, on his 2010 single "Heartbeat
Heartbeat (Enrique Iglesias song)
"Heartbeat" is a song by Spanish recording artist Enrique Iglesias. The song was written by Iglesias, along with his long-term collaborators Jamie Scott and Mark Taylor, for his ninth studio album Euphoria . The mid-tempo ballad, produced by Taylor, features guest vocals from American recording...
". The version featured on Killer Love is the "Rude Well's Open Heart Remix". Ellwood noted that the remix "added beats changing the tone of the song completely."
Some of the album's ballad
Ballad
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads were particularly characteristic of British and Irish popular poetry and song from the later medieval period until the 19th century and used extensively across Europe and later the Americas, Australia and North Africa. Many...
s, "Casualty" and "Desperate", were likened to the style of Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis
Leona Louise Lewis is a British singer and songwriter. Lewis first came to prominence in 2006 when she won the third series of the British television series The X Factor....
. "Casualty" is one of the album's two closing ballads, the other being "AmenJena". The former is a "contemporary ballad-that's-not-a-ballad," while the latter is slower and more moving, as it is stripped of the album's synthesized and electronic
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
production, to leace Scherzinger's voice with the piano-led melody. The album's other ballad "Everybody" also restricts the polished production, "to allow Scherzinger’s voice to be the main focus." Kim Dawson, from The Daily Star, noted "Everybody" as the album's "goosebump ballad" moment. When talking to MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, in the United States, Scherzinger said [in context of the US version of her album] it was "a mixture of strong dance anthems, urban twists and uplifting songs."
Critics noted "You Will Be Loved" for its background vocals, which contain some yodelling. Its chorus is constructed by repeating the title of the song, similar to "Gimme More
Gimme More
"Gimme More" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears from her fifth studio album, Blackout. It was released on September 27, 2007 by Jive Records as the lead single of the album. The song was written by Jim Beanz, Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica, Nate "Danja" Hills and Keri Hilson...
" by Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
(2007) and "Halo
Halo (Beyoncé Knowles song)
"Halo" is a song recorded by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles for her third studio album I Am... Sasha Fierce . Columbia Records released the song as the fourth single of the album, to mainstream radio in the United States on January 20, 2009. It was composed by Ryan Tedder, Evan Bogart, and...
" by Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles , often known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child...
(2009). It was written by Timothy and Theron Thomas, a duo who had previously written "Supervillain", the third single from Scherzinger's ill-fated first incarnation of her solo album, Her Name Is Nicole. "Right There" was compared to Rihanna
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty , better known as simply Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers...
's "Rude Boy
Rude Boy (song)
"Rude Boy" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna, taken from her fourth studio album, Rated R . The song was released as the third single from the album on February 19, 2010, through Def Jam. It was written by Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Ester Dean, Makeba Riddick, Rob Swire...
", only politer in tone. Both "Rude Boy" and "Right There" were co-written by Ester Dean
Ester Dean
Ester Renay Dean is an American singer and songwriter, and record producer signed to Zone 4 Records/Interscope Records. She is most notable for her dual appearance on Rio: Music From The Motion Picture and her 2009 US hit single "Drop It Low", which featured singer Chris Brown...
. The latter features a "glistening beat," over which Scherzinger becomes territorial with her man, and warns other girls away. Additionally, an alternate version of the song was recorded with 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
, to be included on the US version of Killer Love. The album's lead single, "Poison
Poison (Nicole Scherzinger song)
"Poison" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from her debut studio album, Killer Love . Released from October 25, 2010, it is the first single from the album. It was produced by RedOne, BeatGeek and Jimmy Joker, and is distinctively different to Scherzinger's previous...
", was described by 4 Music as a club thumper, while the follow-up, "Don't Hold Your Breath
Don't Hold Your Breath
"Don't Hold Your Breath" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from her debut studio album, Killer Love . The empowering mid-tempo pop song was written by Josh Alexander, Billy Steinberg and Toby Gad. The song was released on March 10, 2011, as the album's second single...
", was described as "sort-of-ballad
Ballad
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads were particularly characteristic of British and Irish popular poetry and song from the later medieval period until the 19th century and used extensively across Europe and later the Americas, Australia and North Africa. Many...
-but-not-really." The Observer
The Observer
The Observer is a British newspaper, published on Sundays. In the same place on the political spectrum as its daily sister paper The Guardian, which acquired it in 1993, it takes a liberal or social democratic line on most issues. It is the world's oldest Sunday newspaper.-Origins:The first issue,...
s Michael Cragg also noted "Don't Hold Your Breath" as a "classy don't-darken-my-door-again anthem." Dawson noted the freedom theme in the song, likening it to a "Sugababe trying to break free," while Renshaw compared the song to Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks
Jordin Brianna Sparks is an American pop / R&B singer-songwriter and actress. She hails from Glendale, Arizona who rose to fame as the winner of the sixth season of American Idol. Sparks won when she was 17 years old, making her the youngest winner in Idol history...
and Chris Brown's 2008 duet "No Air".
Killer Love also features a number of up-tempo songs including "Wet", described as a "party playlist essential" thanks to its throbbing base and electronic
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
beats. It was described, by Phillip Ellwood from Entertainment Focus, as the best of the up-tempos. the title track was described as "catchy," with a "juicy beat," and "radio-friendly" chorus
Refrain
A refrain is the line or lines that are repeated in music or in verse; the "chorus" of a song...
. It features a "HI-NRG" beat with saucy lyrics which "equate love to actual, physical pain." Another one of the up-tempo songs, "Club Banger Nation" features a 90's Europop
Europop
Europop refers to a style of pop music that first developed in today's form in Europe, throughout the late 1970s. Europop topped the charts throughout the 1980s and ’90s...
introduction, with "shimmering beats and belting vocals" "Say Yes" was originally produced by The Cave (Jonas Saeed & Pontus Söderqvist
Pontus Söderqvist
Pontus Söderqvist is a Swedish music producer and songwriter. He often works with Nick Nice though their production centre, LaCarr Studios. One of their notable productions was Joana Zimmer's single "I Believe". The duo produced a couple of songs on the No Angels's album Now ... Us! with the single...
), during early recording sessions. It was written by RedOne
RedOne
Nadir Khayat , known by the stage name RedOne, is a Moroccan producer and songwriter. Renowned for co-producing hit singles such as "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "LoveGame", "Bad Romance", "Alejandro" and "Judas", he is attributed by some as the key to Lady Gaga's success...
, Jimmy Joker, Jonas Saeed, Pontus Söderqvist
Pontus Söderqvist
Pontus Söderqvist is a Swedish music producer and songwriter. He often works with Nick Nice though their production centre, LaCarr Studios. One of their notable productions was Joana Zimmer's single "I Believe". The duo produced a couple of songs on the No Angels's album Now ... Us! with the single...
, Nailah Thourbourne, Nyanda Thourbourne
Brick & Lace
Brick and Lace are a Jamaican R&B reggae fusion musical duo consisting of sisters Nyanda and Nailah Thorbourne. Originally Brick & Lace consisted of three sisters Nyanda, Nailah, and Tasha Thorbourne...
, Tasha Thourbourne, Candace Thourbourne. Nailah had previously worked with Scherzinger twice, contributing to "Puakenikini" with Nayanda Thourborne and working with Akon
Akon
Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
, Scherzinger and Giorgio Tuinfort on the song "On My Side". Both were recorded for Her Name Is Nicole, though the former was also released as one of Her Name Is Nicoles ill-fated singles. For its inclusion on Killer Love, "Say Yes" was re-tooled and reproduced by RedOne and Joker. Renshaw compared the song to works by Taio Cruz
Taio Cruz
Taio Cruz is a British singer-songwriter, record producer, occasional rapper, and entrepreneur. In 2008, he released his debut album Departure, which Cruz wrote, arranged and produced himself. It achieved initial success in the UK and earned him a MOBO Award nomination...
, thanks to the elements of Eurodance
Eurodance
Eurodance is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the late 1980s or early 1990s primarily in Europe. It combines many elements from House, Techno, Hi-NRG and especially Italo-Disco...
present in its production.
Commercial performance
Killer Love made its chart debut in Ireland on March 25, 2011, at number fourteen. Two days later, it would make its UK Album Chart debut at number eight, selling 19,743 copies, performing one position better than Scherzinger's last release with the Dolls. As of August 15, 2011 the album has sold 140,000 copies in the United Kingdom.Critical response
The ObserverThe Observer
The Observer is a British newspaper, published on Sundays. In the same place on the political spectrum as its daily sister paper The Guardian, which acquired it in 1993, it takes a liberal or social democratic line on most issues. It is the world's oldest Sunday newspaper.-Origins:The first issue,...
s Michael Cragg noted the album as being consistent with most other modern R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
albums, stating "Killer Love is two thirds deliriously catchy pop stompers and one third balladry." Cragg also noted that Scherzinger's "not so inconsiderable voice" takes a backseat allowing the record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
s to inject their own influences into her music. Alex Macpherson from BBC Online commented that "Scherzinger is one of the few pop performers with the requisite power to dominate [her] beats rather than vice versa. Killer Love is far from the album you sense Scherzinger could still deliver: at times, her personality is all that – barely – carries substandard, unmemorable songs." Kim Dawson from The Daily Star was positive, saying that "Nicole’s solo record truly is killer and no filler." Another positive reaction came from "Entertainment Focus" who went to say that: "Killer Love is a competent and enjoyable record from one of the nicest women in pop. Fingers crossed this time it works out for her." The 4Music
4Music
4Music is a music and entertainment channel in the United Kingdom and available on some digital television providers in the Republic of Ireland - its web component can be found at with its own and pages. It is the only channel within the Box Television Network to be branded under Channel 4 and...
review was also positive, noting that "Killer Love will definitely establish her as a viable act in her own right." Robert Copsey wrote favorably for Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
that "Killer Love is a sturdy debut from the part-time X Factor
The X Factor (UK)
The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. Created by Simon Cowell, it began in September 2004 and is contested by aspiring singers drawn from public auditions. It is the originator of the international X Factor franchise. The seven series of the show to date...
judge that, in part, lives up to her promise of being "in your face and strong".
However, Hugh Montgomery from The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
gave it a negative review for a perceived lack of originality and musical identity, calling it "a debut that bludgeons the listener with faux-raunchy Euro-dance
Eurodance
Eurodance is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the late 1980s or early 1990s primarily in Europe. It combines many elements from House, Techno, Hi-NRG and especially Italo-Disco...
before flatlining with the obligatory earnest balladry and a Sting duet. At 14 tracks, it's at least 12 too long, much of it imaginably pilfered off Rihanna
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty , better known as simply Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers...
's reject pile." Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine is a senior editor for Allmusic. He is the author of many artist biographies and record reviews for Allmusic, as well as a freelance writer, occasionally contributing liner notes. He is also frontman and guitarist for the Ann Arbor-based band Who Dat?Erlewine is the nephew...
wrote for Allmusic that the album don't have "powerful hooks in the rhythms or melodies."
Singles
To lead the album's release in the United Kingdom, "PoisonPoison (Nicole Scherzinger song)
"Poison" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from her debut studio album, Killer Love . Released from October 25, 2010, it is the first single from the album. It was produced by RedOne, BeatGeek and Jimmy Joker, and is distinctively different to Scherzinger's previous...
" was unveiled as Killer Loves lead single
Lead single
A lead single is usually the first single released by a musician or a band before the release of its home album.During the era of the grammophone record, all music arrived in the marketplace as what is now termed a single, one potential hit song backed by an additional song of generally less...
on October 14, 2010. The "toxic pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
" song makes use of heavy synthesizers and a production from RedOne
RedOne
Nadir Khayat , known by the stage name RedOne, is a Moroccan producer and songwriter. Renowned for co-producing hit singles such as "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "LoveGame", "Bad Romance", "Alejandro" and "Judas", he is attributed by some as the key to Lady Gaga's success...
. It was released from October 25, 2010. "Poison" was performed live for the first time on the series seven
The X Factor (UK series 7)
The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent; the winner of which receives a £1 million recording contract with the Syco Music record label. The seventh series started on ITV on 21 August 2010 and ended on 12 December 2010. The winner was Matt Cardle and...
of The X Factor, on November 28, 2010 a day ahead of its UK release. Upon release, "Poison" debuted at number three on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, as well as top-ten in Ireland.
Second single, "Don't Hold Your Breath
Don't Hold Your Breath
"Don't Hold Your Breath" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from her debut studio album, Killer Love . The empowering mid-tempo pop song was written by Josh Alexander, Billy Steinberg and Toby Gad. The song was released on March 10, 2011, as the album's second single...
", was produced by Carl Falk
Carl Falk
Carl Falk is a Swedish composer, producer, song writer and musician.Falk began playing violin at the young age of five, moving on to playing drums and piano before settling on the guitar as his instrument of choice...
, Steve Josefsson
Steve Angello
Steve Angello is a Greek-Swedish DJ, producer, and record label owner. He is part of a three person group dubbed the Swedish House Mafia.- Background :...
(of the Swedish House Mafia
Swedish House Mafia
Swedish House Mafia is a Swedish House Music group consisting of the three disc jockeys and producers; Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso. The group officially formed in late 2008....
) and Rami Yacoub
Rami Yacoub
Rami Yacoub is a Swedish music producer and songwriter of Palestinian descent, and former member of the successful songwriting/production houses Cheiron Studios and Maratone...
. An early demo of the song by Timbaland
Timbaland
Timothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
and Keri Hilson
Keri Hilson
Keri Lynn Hilson is an American R&B singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, Hilson began her music career as a songwriter, penning tracks for several artists in the mid-2000s as part of the five-person production and songwriting team, The Clutch...
had previously leaked online in June 2010. In early January two more unfinished versions leaked including one demo with Scherzinger's vocals, before the final version premiered via Rap-Up
Rap-Up
Rap-Up is a magazine launched in 2001 by founder Devin Lazerine. The publication was originally a website devoted to hip hop, until Lazerine decided to pitch the possibility of a magazine to several publishers. The magazine is focused on the hip hop and R&B aspect of the music industry, and...
.com. It was released from March 10, 2011. The "empowering pop jam" serves as the album's second UK single and first in other international markets. It peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, and top-five in Ireland. "Don't Hold Your Breath" was released as a digital download in the US in August 2011, it serves as the second US single and will impact US radio on September 20, 2011.
"Right There
Right There
"Right There" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from her debut studio album, Killer Love . Written by Ester Dean, Frank Romano, Daniel Morris and co-written and produced by Jim Jonsin, the Island-flavored midtempo pop song sees Scherzinger singing about her lover and...
" impacted on UK urban music radio
BBC Radio 1Xtra
BBC Radio 1Xtra is a digital radio station in the United Kingdom from the BBC specialising in new black music, sometimes referred to as urban music. Launched at 18:00 on 16 August 2002, it had been codenamed Network X during the consulation period and is the sister station to BBC Radio 1...
on April 1, 2011 as the album's third UK single. The song was released digitally in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2011. Meanwhile, for its release as the lead single for the US edition of Killer Love, the song was re-recorded to feature two new verses from American rapper 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
. This version of the song was available for purchase at the US iTunes store on May 17, 2011. It impacted US Top 40/Mainstream radio and Rhythmic radio on May 24, 2011. It peaked on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
at thirty-nine, thus becoming her first US single as a lead artist to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
On July 14, 2011, UK entertainment website Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
revealed that "Wet
Wet (Nicole Scherzinger song)
"Wet" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from her debut studio album Killer Love . The song was written by Ester Dean and Traci Hale, co-written and produced by Norwegian duo StarGate "Wet" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from her debut...
" will be the album's fourth UK single. An accompanying music video directed by Justin Francis was filmed in July 2011. The video premiered on August 3, 2011. The song released in the UK on August 29, 2011. It reached top ten in Ireland and 21 in the UK. "Try with Me
Try with Me
"Try with Me" is a song by American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger, taken from the European re-release of her debut studio album, Killer Love . The song was released on October 30, 2011 in the United Kingdom...
" was released as the lead single from the European re-release and over-all fourth single from Killer Love on October 30, 2011. The song and its video made its premiere on October 18, 2011 at Capital FM
The Capital FM Network
Capital is a radio network of nine Independent Local Radio stations in the United Kingdom which are owned and operated by Global Radio, launching on 3 January 2011. Capital was previously known as Mix, One, Galaxy and Hit Music at various times...
and MSN.com, respectively.
International edition
(*) denotes co-producer(^) denotes additional producer
Notes
- Track listing and credits from album booklet.
- The demo for "Say Yes" was originally produced by The Cave (Jonas Saeed and Pontus SöderqvistPontus SöderqvistPontus Söderqvist is a Swedish music producer and songwriter. He often works with Nick Nice though their production centre, LaCarr Studios. One of their notable productions was Joana Zimmer's single "I Believe". The duo produced a couple of songs on the No Angels's album Now ... Us! with the single...
).
US edition
The US version of Killer Love will feature an alternate track listing. Scherzinger confirmed, during an interview with MTVMTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, that the US album would contain contributions from RedOne
RedOne
Nadir Khayat , known by the stage name RedOne, is a Moroccan producer and songwriter. Renowned for co-producing hit singles such as "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "LoveGame", "Bad Romance", "Alejandro" and "Judas", he is attributed by some as the key to Lady Gaga's success...
, Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo
Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. , better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario...
, Jim Jonsin
Jim Jonsin
James Scheffer, better known by his professional name, Jim Jonsin, is an American Grammy award winning record producer, songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur...
, The-Dream
The-Dream
Terius Youngdell Nash , better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for co-writing "Umbrella" for Rihanna and "Single Ladies " for Beyoncé, as well as for his three solo albums, Love Hate, Love vs...
and Tricky Stewart
Christopher Stewart (music producer)
Christopher "Tricky" Stewart is an American songwriter, music producer, music publisher, executive producer, recording industry executive and recording studio owner. In a career spanning 16 years, Stewart, at the helm of his company RedZone Entertainment, is responsible for over 25 million...
. In addition to this, 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
will be featured on the album's US lead single, a new version of the Jonsin-produced, "Right There". American hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
appears on one of the four to five new songs recorded for the US album. He appears on a song titled "Peep Show", written and produced by Harvey Mason, Jr.
Harvey Mason, Jr.
Harvey Mason, Jr. is a songwriter, record producer and movie producer. He has written and produced songs for some of the biggest legends in the music industry including Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross as well as today’s superstars like Britney Spears, Jordin...
and R. Kelly
R. Kelly
Robert Sylvester Kelly , better known by his stage name R. Kelly, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. A native of Chicago, Kelly began performing during the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement. In 1993, Kelly went solo with the album 12 Play...
. Furthermore, in an interview with Rap-Up
Rap-Up
Rap-Up is a magazine launched in 2001 by founder Devin Lazerine. The publication was originally a website devoted to hip hop, until Lazerine decided to pitch the possibility of a magazine to several publishers. The magazine is focused on the hip hop and R&B aspect of the music industry, and...
, Scherzinger said that "Power's Out" (featuring Sting) is likely to appear on the album.
Personnel
Adapated from the album booklet.Performance credits
- Ester DeanEster DeanEster Renay Dean is an American singer and songwriter, and record producer signed to Zone 4 Records/Interscope Records. She is most notable for her dual appearance on Rio: Music From The Motion Picture and her 2009 US hit single "Drop It Low", which featured singer Chris Brown...
– background vocals - Enrique IglesiasEnrique IglesiasEnrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
– guest vocals
- Nicole ScherzingerNicole ScherzingerNicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, record producer, model, and actress. Scherzinger is perhaps best known for being the lead vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls....
– lead vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, background vocals - Sting – guest vocals
Management and administration credits
- Brain Alvarez – business affairs
- Gretchen Anderson – production management
- Brett Bracy – international publicity
- Fiona Dearing – marketing
- Todd Douglas – business affairs
- Azoff Geary – management
- Susan Hilderley – business affairs
- Larry JacksonLarry JacksonLawrence Curtis Jackson was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies from 1955 to 1968...
– A&R
- DJ Mormille – A&R
- Marta Navas – A&R administration
- Clark Pardee – production management
- Ginger Ramsey – marketing
- Dave Rene – A&R
- Don Robinson – international marketing
- Paul Smith – management
- Jeanne Venton – A&R administration
Art and direction
- Chris Gheringer – mastering
- Stephanie Hsu – creative manager
- Nino Muñoz – photographer
- Julian Peploe Studio – art direction
Technical credits
- Josh Alexander – vocal producer
- BeatGeek – producer, instruments, programming
- Boi-1daBoi-1daMatthew Samuels , better known as Boi-1da , is a Canadian hip-hop producer from Toronto, Ontario. He has produced for artists and groups such as Chip tha Ripper, Kardinal Offishall, Clipse, Drake, Eminem, Saukrates, k-os, G-Unit, and The Diplomats among others...
– producer - David Boyd – assistant vocal recorder
- Maven Boys – additional producer
- David Bukovinsky – cello
- Mattias Bylund – strings arranger, stringer recorder, strings editor
- The Cave – original song demo production for "Say Yes"
- Michael Daley – assistant vocal recorder
- Mikkel Erkissen – recording engineer
- Carl FalkCarl FalkCarl Falk is a Swedish composer, producer, song writer and musician.Falk began playing violin at the young age of five, moving on to playing drums and piano before settling on the guitar as his instrument of choice...
– producer - Chris Garcia – digital editor
- Angela N. Golighty – production coordinator
- Mark "Exit" Goodchild – engineering
- Trina Harmon – producer, vocal producer, pianist
- Kuk HarrellKuk HarrellThaddis "Kuk" Harrell is an American songwriter, vocal producer, arranger and engineer. He is managed by RedZone Entertainment, and is a member of a songwriting–production team composed of himself, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Terius "The Dream" Nash...
– vocal producer - Dabbling Harward – additional vocal recorder
- Andrew Hey – vocal recorder
- Ghazi Hourani – assistant recording engineer
- Matt Huber – assistant mixing engineer
- Mattias Johnasson – violinist
- Jimmy Joker – producer, vocal editor, recording engineer
- Jim JonsinJim JonsinJames Scheffer, better known by his professional name, Jim Jonsin, is an American Grammy award winning record producer, songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur...
– producer, programmer, keyboards - Steve JosefssonSteven AngeloSteven V. Angelo is a town administrator and politician who most recently served as the Town Administrator for Atkinson, New Hampshire.-Early life:...
– producer - Jaycen Joshua – mixing
- AJ Junior – vocal editor, instruments
- Martin Keirszenbaum – guitars and additional keyboards
- Paul LaMalfa – assistant recording engineer
- Damien Lewis – additional and assistant engineering
- Robert Marks – recording engineer, mixing
- Patrick Mascall – guitarist
- Harvey Mason, Jr.Harvey Mason, Jr.Harvey Mason, Jr. is a songwriter, record producer and movie producer. He has written and produced songs for some of the biggest legends in the music industry including Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross as well as today’s superstars like Britney Spears, Jordin...
– vocal producer - Justin Merrill – additional mixing engineer, recording engineer
- Danny Morris – additional keyboards
- Trevor Muzzy – recording engineer, guitarist, vocal editor, mixing, instruments
- Terius "The-Dream" NashThe-DreamTerius Youngdell Nash , better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for co-writing "Umbrella" for Rihanna and "Single Ladies " for Beyoncé, as well as for his three solo albums, Love Hate, Love vs...
– producer - Alec Newell – engineering
- Rob Orton – mixing
- Carlos Paucar – vocal recorder
- Dave Pensado – mixing
- RamiRami YacoubRami Yacoub is a Swedish music producer and songwriter of Palestinian descent, and former member of the successful songwriting/production houses Cheiron Studios and Maratone...
– producer - RedOneRedOneNadir Khayat , known by the stage name RedOne, is a Moroccan producer and songwriter. Renowned for co-producing hit singles such as "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "LoveGame", "Bad Romance", "Alejandro" and "Judas", he is attributed by some as the key to Lady Gaga's success...
– producer, recording engineer, guitarist, instruments, programming, vocal arranger, vocal production - Frank RomanoFrank RomanoFrank Romano is an American born guitarist, songwriter and record producer, influenced by a number of musical styles and backgrounds, but rooted primarily in a fusion of Rock, R&B, Funk and Pop.- Career :...
– guitarist, bass - StargateStargate (production team)This is a list of songs written and produced by the Norwegian production team Stargate.-Produced singles:-1999:5ive - Invincible*05. "Two Sides to Every Story"*06. "You Make Me a Better Man"Noora Noor - Curious*01. "Curious"...
(Mikkel S. Eriksen & Tor E. Hermansen) – producer, instruments - Billy SteinbergBilly SteinbergWilliam Endfield "Billy" Steinberg is an American songwriter. He has achieved most of his success as part of a song writing team, most notably with Tom Kelly. He has also co-written several hit songs with Rick Nowels.-Biography:...
– vocal producer - C. "Tricky" StewartChristopher Stewart (music producer)Christopher "Tricky" Stewart is an American songwriter, music producer, music publisher, executive producer, recording industry executive and recording studio owner. In a career spanning 16 years, Stewart, at the helm of his company RedZone Entertainment, is responsible for over 25 million...
– producer - Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing
- Julian Swirsky – producer
- Phil Tan – mixing
- Marke TaylorMark Taylor (record producer)Mark Taylor is a Grammy Award winning British record producer and songwriter. Having sold over 50 million records, he has produced and written for artists such as Cher, Enrique Iglesias, Britney Spears, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Kylie Minogue, and Lady Gaga...
– producer, keyboards, programmer - Jamie Scott & The Town – pianist
- Sandy VeeSandy VeeSandy Julien Wilhelm, known professionally as Sandy Vee, is a French songwriter, disc jockey and music producer. Originally a disk jockey and producer within the house genre, he began working with pop artists in 2009...
– producer, recording engineer, mixing, instruments - Miles Walker – recording engineer
- Stuart White – additional engineer
- Andrew Wuepper – mixing assistant
Charts
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
26 |
| Belgian Albums Chart Ultratop Ultratop is an organization which generates and publishes the official record charts in Belgium, and it is also the name of most of those charts... (Flanders) |
54 |
| Belgian Albums Chart Ultratop Ultratop is an organization which generates and publishes the official record charts in Belgium, and it is also the name of most of those charts... (Wallonia) |
61 |
| Dutch Albums Chart | 66 |
| French Albums Chart Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry... |
57 |
| Irish Albums Chart Irish Albums Chart The Irish Albums Chart is the Irish music industry standard albums popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on its behalf by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured electronically... |
14 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart | 34 |
| Scottish Albums Chart Scottish Singles and Albums Chart The Scottish Singles Chart and Scottish Albums Chart are charts compiled by The Official Charts Company, based on physical and digital sales in the STV North, STV Central and ITV Border regions.... |
6 |
| Swiss Albums Chart Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... |
55 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
8 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Edition | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | March 18, 2011 | International edition | CD Compact Disc The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,... , digital download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
Universal Music Universal Music Group Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations... |
| France | ||||
| United Kingdom | March 21, 2011 | Polydor Records Polydor Records Polydor is a record label owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom.-Beginnings:Polydor was originally an independent branch of the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Its name was first used as an export label in 1924, the British and German branches of the Gramophone... |
||
| Belgium | Universal Music | |||
| Switzerland | March 25, 2011 | |||
| France | April 25, 2011 | |||
| Netherlands | May 20, 2011 | |||
| Poland | ||||
| Germany | August 26, 2011 | |||
| Australia | September 2, 2011 | |||
| Ireland | November 11, 2011 | International edition (Repackaged) | Polydor Records | |
| United Kingdom | November 14, 2011 | |||
| United States | January 2012 | US edition | A&M Records A&M Records A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:... , Interscope Records Interscope Records Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:... |