Return the Favor (song)
Encyclopedia
"Return the Favor" is a song by American recording artist and songwriter Keri Hilson
. The song features Timbaland
, who wrote the song with Hilson and her songwriting/production team The Clutch
, as well as Walter Milsap. Following the moderate international chart success of Hilson’s lead single, "Energy
", "Return the Favor" was released from Hilson's debut album, In a Perfect World...
, serving as the international second single while the urban single, "Turnin Me On" was released in the US.
As Hilson's second vocal collaboration with mentor Timbaland, Hilson stated the purpose of the song's initial conception was to re-create the success of their worldwide hit, "The Way I Are
", as Timbaland called the "Return the Favor" bigger and better. Contemporary critics gave the song mixed reviews, noting the production and vocal similarities to "The Way I Are", preferring the latter track.
The song reached the top twenty in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany, while appearing in the top thirty of Austria and Sweden, charting in Australia and the tip charts in Belgium. The accompanying music video implements a futuristic concept and features Hilson sporting several extravagant outfits.
about the song, she said that Timberland called her and said, "I've got a song that I think's better than 'The Way I Are
'. I think it's bigger." They took the track and wrote "Return the Favor" over the beat. According to Hilson, she said that song was partially inspired by "that conversational, back-and-forth thing" they did on "The Way I Are", stating, "We got a great response from that that we wanted to do it again." The initial draft of the hook featured the line "If you kiss me then I’ll kiss you back", but according to Hilson in an interview with That Grape Juice, it was changed by unknown reason by Timbaland. After it was reported that In a Perfect World... would be pushed back to October 2008, "Return the Favor" surfaced online, and it was rumored to be the follow-up to "Energy." The sample was later removed by Hilson's management, before it was announced as the album's second single. The song was featured on December 15, 2008 episode of The Hills.
record, with a future-like sound, including euro-style synths. Dan Nishimoto of Prefix Magazine noted that the song includes Timbaland's "signature dizzying 22nd-century flair that he's been employing ever since 2006." Andy Kellman of Allmusic noted the song as a standout track from In a Perfect World.... According to J.K. Glei of Cincinnati Metromix said the song has "cascading synths," and a "classic pop structure." However Glei said that Hilson's vocals "feel flat against the driving beat" and that Timbaland "fully phones it in." While noting the song "follows the same blueprint" of Nelly Furtado
's "Promiscuous
", Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine
said it was a "satisfying pop romp" and said even though Hilson lacked Furtado's distinctiveness, that it "shouldn't have a problem striking a chord at radio."
Nick Levine of Digital Spy
said, the song was "a perfectly decent slice of midtempo Timba-pop, but it's not really in the same league as the brilliant 'The Way I Are'." MTV Buzzworthy
said "slightly less out-there are the beats -- which sound an awful lot like Hilson and Timbaland's first collaboration, "The Way I Are" -- and the cameo from Timba himself.." Sophie Bruce of BBC Music thought that the song lacked the a catchy hook such as in "The Way I Are." Less than impressed with Timbaland's rapping and "less than sexy" vocal appeal, Jon Caramanica of The New York Times
said the "unfortunate pairing" was reprised, and the song "encapsulates the record’s shortcomings."
, who directed Hilson's video for "Energy
." A preview of the video was released on October 14, 2008, and the full video premiered on October 23, 2008. Featuring a futuristic concept, the video begins with a small clip from Timbaland and Hilson's "The Way I Are", before it cuts to Hilson dancing in a future-like room while scenes are shown on a wall behind Timbaland, who is seated in a chair. Hilson is then show in a pink ruffled bra and dress dancing in front of mirrors, and then rises out of a pool in a blue swimsuit while scenes continue to be broadcast behind a seated Timbaland. Intercut with scenes with previous attire, Hilson performs ensemble choreography with dancers while wearing a black bra and pants, whilst the video ends with several different scenes.
MTV Buzzworthy
commended the video, stating, "while her ensemble's slightly more unwearable (we're looking at YOU, futuristic metallic onesie!) Hilson still manages to look beyond gorge. But then again, this chick could look cutting-edge in a giant pickle barrel." The review also compared Timbaland's look a cross between Run D.M.C. and The Matrix
.
German Maxi CD
Source
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...
. The song features Timbaland
Timbaland
Timothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
, who wrote the song with Hilson and her songwriting/production team The Clutch
The Clutch
The Clutch is an American collective of songwriters responsible for a series of successful singles including Omarion's "Ice Box", Ciara's "Like a Boy", Timbaland's "The Way I Are", Britney Spears' "Radar" and Raven-Symone's "Double Dutch Bus".-History:...
, as well as Walter Milsap. Following the moderate international chart success of Hilson’s lead single, "Energy
Energy (Keri Hilson song)
"Energy" is the debut single by American recording artist Keri Hilson. The song was written and produced by The Runaways, consisting of Louis Biancaniello, Sam Watters, Rico Love, and Wayne Wilkins, for her studio album In a Perfect World… and In a Perfect World.....
", "Return the Favor" was released from Hilson's debut album, In a Perfect World...
In a Perfect World...
In a Perfect World... is the debut studio album of American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, released March 24, 2009 on Zone 4. Originally planned for a 2007 release, it was pushed back numerous times into 2009, amid her label's budget issues and minor single releases...
, serving as the international second single while the urban single, "Turnin Me On" was released in the US.
As Hilson's second vocal collaboration with mentor Timbaland, Hilson stated the purpose of the song's initial conception was to re-create the success of their worldwide hit, "The Way I Are
The Way I Are
"The Way I Are" is a song by Timbaland, released as the second single from his second album, Timbaland Presents Shock Value. The song is known in part for its incorrect grammar. The song samples "Push it", a 1987 hit by group Salt-n-Pepa, and features R&B singer Keri Hilson and uncredited vocals...
", as Timbaland called the "Return the Favor" bigger and better. Contemporary critics gave the song mixed reviews, noting the production and vocal similarities to "The Way I Are", preferring the latter track.
The song reached the top twenty in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany, while appearing in the top thirty of Austria and Sweden, charting in Australia and the tip charts in Belgium. The accompanying music video implements a futuristic concept and features Hilson sporting several extravagant outfits.
Background
When Hilson talked to Digital SpyDigital 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....
about the song, she said that Timberland called her and said, "I've got a song that I think's better than 'The Way I Are
The Way I Are
"The Way I Are" is a song by Timbaland, released as the second single from his second album, Timbaland Presents Shock Value. The song is known in part for its incorrect grammar. The song samples "Push it", a 1987 hit by group Salt-n-Pepa, and features R&B singer Keri Hilson and uncredited vocals...
'. I think it's bigger." They took the track and wrote "Return the Favor" over the beat. According to Hilson, she said that song was partially inspired by "that conversational, back-and-forth thing" they did on "The Way I Are", stating, "We got a great response from that that we wanted to do it again." The initial draft of the hook featured the line "If you kiss me then I’ll kiss you back", but according to Hilson in an interview with That Grape Juice, it was changed by unknown reason by Timbaland. After it was reported that In a Perfect World... would be pushed back to October 2008, "Return the Favor" surfaced online, and it was rumored to be the follow-up to "Energy." The sample was later removed by Hilson's management, before it was announced as the album's second single. The song was featured on December 15, 2008 episode of The Hills.
Composition and critical reception
"Return the Favor" is described as an electro-dance-popDance-pop
Dance-pop is dance-oriented pop music that originated in the early 1980s. Developing from post-disco, it is generally up-tempo music intended for clubs with the intention of being danceable or merely dancey...
record, with a future-like sound, including euro-style synths. Dan Nishimoto of Prefix Magazine noted that the song includes Timbaland's "signature dizzying 22nd-century flair that he's been employing ever since 2006." Andy Kellman of Allmusic noted the song as a standout track from In a Perfect World.... According to J.K. Glei of Cincinnati Metromix said the song has "cascading synths," and a "classic pop structure." However Glei said that Hilson's vocals "feel flat against the driving beat" and that Timbaland "fully phones it in." While noting the song "follows the same blueprint" of Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado
Nelly Kim Furtado is a Canadian singer-songwriter, record producer and actress. Furtado grew up in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.Furtado first gained fame with her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!, and its single "I'm Like a Bird", which won a 2001 Juno Award for Single of the Year and a 2002 Grammy...
's "Promiscuous
Promiscuous (song)
"Promiscuous" is a dance-pop/R&B song by Canadian recording artist Nelly Furtado, from the album, Loose . It was written by Furtado, Timothy "Attitude" Clayton, Timbaland and Nate "Danja" Hills, with the latter pair handling production of the song...
", Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine
Slant Magazine
Slant Magazine is an online publication that features reviews of movies, music, TV, DVDs, theater, and video games, as well as interviews with actors, directors, and musicians. The site covers various film festivals like the New York Film Festival.- History :...
said it was a "satisfying pop romp" and said even though Hilson lacked Furtado's distinctiveness, that it "shouldn't have a problem striking a chord at radio."
Nick Levine of 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....
said, the song was "a perfectly decent slice of midtempo Timba-pop, but it's not really in the same league as the brilliant 'The Way I Are'." MTV Buzzworthy
MTV News
MTV News is the news division of MTV, one of the first and most popular music television network in the U.S., as well as some of MTV's related channels around the world. MTV News began in the late 1980s with the program The Week In Rock, hosted by Kurt Loder, the first official MTV News correspondent...
said "slightly less out-there are the beats -- which sound an awful lot like Hilson and Timbaland's first collaboration, "The Way I Are" -- and the cameo from Timba himself.." Sophie Bruce of BBC Music thought that the song lacked the a catchy hook such as in "The Way I Are." Less than impressed with Timbaland's rapping and "less than sexy" vocal appeal, Jon Caramanica of The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
said the "unfortunate pairing" was reprised, and the song "encapsulates the record’s shortcomings."
Chart performance
"Return the Favor" was the most successful in the United Kingdom and Ireland, peaking at nineteen in both countries. In Austria, the song debuted and peaked at twenty-five on the Austrian Singles Chart, before falling off after six weeks. On the Swedish Singles Chart, It debuted and peaked at thirty, before falling off after six weeks on the chart. In Belgium, "Return the Favore" appeared on Belgian Tip Charts, peaking at six in Flanders, and seventeen Wallonia. While debuting and peaking at twenty-one on the German Singles Chart, it completed nine weeks on the chart before falling off. It made the lower regions of the ARIA Singles Chart appearing at eighty.Music video
The music video was directed by MelinaMelina Matsoukas
Melina Matsoukas is an American music video director.-Life and career:Matsoukas is of Greek, Jewish, Jamaican and Cuban descent. Both her name and surname are Greek: Μελίνα Ματσούκα. She is a graduate of the American Film Institute and New York University...
, who directed Hilson's video for "Energy
Energy (Keri Hilson song)
"Energy" is the debut single by American recording artist Keri Hilson. The song was written and produced by The Runaways, consisting of Louis Biancaniello, Sam Watters, Rico Love, and Wayne Wilkins, for her studio album In a Perfect World… and In a Perfect World.....
." A preview of the video was released on October 14, 2008, and the full video premiered on October 23, 2008. Featuring a futuristic concept, the video begins with a small clip from Timbaland and Hilson's "The Way I Are", before it cuts to Hilson dancing in a future-like room while scenes are shown on a wall behind Timbaland, who is seated in a chair. Hilson is then show in a pink ruffled bra and dress dancing in front of mirrors, and then rises out of a pool in a blue swimsuit while scenes continue to be broadcast behind a seated Timbaland. Intercut with scenes with previous attire, Hilson performs ensemble choreography with dancers while wearing a black bra and pants, whilst the video ends with several different scenes.
MTV Buzzworthy
MTV News
MTV News is the news division of MTV, one of the first and most popular music television network in the U.S., as well as some of MTV's related channels around the world. MTV News began in the late 1980s with the program The Week In Rock, hosted by Kurt Loder, the first official MTV News correspondent...
commended the video, stating, "while her ensemble's slightly more unwearable (we're looking at YOU, futuristic metallic onesie!) Hilson still manages to look beyond gorge. But then again, this chick could look cutting-edge in a giant pickle barrel." The review also compared Timbaland's look a cross between Run D.M.C. and The Matrix
The Matrix
The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction-action film written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, and Hugo Weaving...
.
Track listing
- European Promo CD
- "Return the Favor" (Radio Version) – 3:40
- "Return the Favor" (Main Version) – 5:30
- "Return the Favor" (Instrumental) – 5:29
- UK Digital Download - Single
- "Return the Favor" – 5:29
German Maxi CD
- "Return the Favor" (Radio Edit) – 3:38
- "Return the Favor" (Sketch Iz Dead Remix) – 4:40
- "Return the Favor" (Instrumental) – 5:48
- "Return the Favor" (Video) – 3:53
Personnel
- SongwriterSongwriterA songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
s - Timothy Mosley, Keri Hilson, Ezekiel Lewis, Bulewa Muhammed, Patrick Smith, Candice Nelson, Walter Millsap III - ProductionRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
- Timbaland - Editors - Walter Millsap III, Dave (d-lo), Marcella Araica
- Recording - Scott Naughton
- MixingAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
- Demacio Castellon - Vocal arrangement - The ClutchThe ClutchThe Clutch is an American collective of songwriters responsible for a series of successful singles including Omarion's "Ice Box", Ciara's "Like a Boy", Timbaland's "The Way I Are", Britney Spears' "Radar" and Raven-Symone's "Double Dutch Bus".-History:...
- Additional production, vocal production - Walter Millsap III
Source
Charts
| Chart (2010) | Peak position |
|---|---|
Release history
| Region | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|
| United States | October 7, 2008 | Digital download |
| Australia | March 27, 2009 | |
| United Kingdom | April 12, 2009 |