Wikipedia

Love Myself (Hailee Steinfeld song)

"Love Myself" is the debut single by American actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld. It was released on August 7, 2015, through Republic Records and Universal Music Group, as the lead single from her debut extended play (EP), Haiz (2015).[1] The song was written by Mattias Larsson, Robin Fredriksson, Oscar Holter, Julia Michaels, and Justin Tranter, with the production being handled by Holter, with Larsson and Fredriksson under their stage name Mattman & Robin.[2][3]

"Love Myself"
Single by Hailee Steinfeld
from the EP Haiz
ReleasedAugust 7, 2015 (2015-08-07)
Recorded2015
Genre
Length3:38
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Hailee Steinfeld singles chronology
"Love Myself"
(2015) 		"Rock Bottom"
(2016)
Music video
"Love Myself" on YouTube

Lyrically the song centres around self-confidence and has been referred to as an "ode to masturbation" in the media. The song received positive reviews from contemporary music critics who praised Steinfeld's voice and style, comparing positively to Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. The song also found commercial success, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, number six on the US Dance Club Songs chart and number 15 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart.

Background and release

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Steinfeld gained recognition as a singer after performing "Flashlight" in Pitch Perfect 2 (2015) which she also starred in.[4] She signed with Republic Records beginning of 2015.[5] Steinfeld's debut single was released on August 7, 2015.[5] Billboard noted that,

The 18-year-old, who showed the world her chops as the standout newcomer in Pitch Perfect 2, brings all the self-confidence a girl could need to the empowering anthem.

Music and lyrics

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The song was described as a "sugary, feel-good pop jam".[5] The lyrics to the song include "I'm gonna put my body first/And love me so hard 'til it hurts" and "I'm gonna touch the pain away/I know how to scream my own name"; the music video, released one week later, features Steinfeld wearing a leotard emblazoned with "self service".[6] This prompted many fans and media outlets to dub the song an "ode to masturbation".[7][8][9] According to musicnotes.com, the song is written in G minor, with a chord sequence of Cm -Gm -B♭-Cm-Eb 2 and has a tempo of 120 beats per minute in common time.[10]

Themes and analysis

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Vulture writer Dee Lockett noted that Steinfeld "made her ode to masturbation just subliminal enough to fly over a less-involved parent's head, and its sugary TeenNick-appropriate production probably will not raise any suspicions either".[11] She also pointed out a feminist lens of the song saying that if "Love Myself" means the music industry "might finally let young female pop-stars stop pretending that men are the only way they can get off, then Hailee Steinfeld might've just thrown her name into the conversation about pop's new feminist generation".[11]

Steinfeld herself has stated that the meaning of the song is intended to be interpreted by the listener, "but for me it's an empowerment record and it’s ultimately about taking care of yourself and indulging yourself, whether that be emotionally or physically or with material things."[12] Steinfeld noted in an interview with MTV that "there is that sense of fearlessness, which I think kind of came from that word exactly: just being fearless and being able to kind of put myself out there".[13]

Critical reception

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Steinfeld performing the song on the Witness Tour in 2017

Upon release, the track received positive reviews. The Young Folks writer Brooke Pawling Stennet wrote that she "shows great potential through her debut track" calling it a "solid debut for a young Steinfeld now eighteen years old and ready to make a name for herself".[14] She did feel that the 2015-2016 trend for being "body positive" is not captivated in the song but noted that it is still a "fun song that lies in the same vein as the new style that artists like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and One Direction are all pushing towards as they break free of their own invisible chains of adolescent and innocent teeny bop status".[14] The Independent also praised the track saying that it "leaves any listener feeling empowered and happy with themselves".[15] They also called the song "pop bliss" praising Hailee's unique voice and comparing it to Tove Lo and Ariana Grande.[15] They went on to sat that "if this is what [Steinfeld] has to offer on her debut, then she is an artist to look out for".[15]

Vulture writer Dee Lockett also praise the song noting "a glaze to Steinfeld’s vocal style on the track that's unmistakably Swift-influenced.[11] She also compared the song's "down to the shout-sung 'I love me!' hook" to Kendrick Lamar.[11] She also compared the song to Selena Gomez's "Good for You" noting that Steinfeld also "celebrates a sexual awakening".[11] MTV writer Madeline Roth called Steinfeld a "fearless pop star" noting that she "came roaring out the gate with a self-empowerment anthem" which sets "her apart from the pack of pop stars who came before her".[13] She also compared "Love Myself" to the debut singles of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson, Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift ("...Baby One More Time, "Genie In a Bottle", "Candy", "I Wanna Love You Forever", "Come & Get It" and "Tim McGraw" respectively).[13] Roth added that the song is "a strong statement for a 19-year-old to make, and in a way, it's one that only someone as young and optimistic as her could make".[13]

Chart performance

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The song peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, number six on the US Dance Club Songs chart and number 15 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart. On the latter, the song debuted at number 27, marking the highest debut for a solo female artist on the chart in 17 years, since Natalie Imbruglia's single "Torn" entered at number 26 in 1998.[16][17]

Usage in media

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The song has been featured in multiple soundtracks, films and television shows. In 2015, the song was included on the Jem and the Holograms soundtrack.[18] The song was also featured in Blockers (2018).[19] In a review for the film, Insider writer Kim Renfro commented that "the anthem carried throughout the movie" and that the song "drives the message home".[20] The song has also been played in Love Island, DC's Stargirl, How to Be Single and at World of Dance events.[21]

Music video

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The accompanying music video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, was released on August 14, 2015. The video shows Steinfeld dancing through Los Angeles with several other people.[22][23]

Track listing

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  • Digital download[1]
  1. "Love Myself" – 3:38
  • Love Myself (Remixes) – EP[24]
  1. "Love Myself" (Fareoh Remix - Extended) – 4:47
  2. "Love Myself" (KREAM Remix) – 3:41
  3. "Love Myself" (Riddler Remix) – 5:05
  4. "Love Myself" (Toy Armada & DJ GRIND Club Mix) – 6:11

Credits and personnel

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  • Mattias "Mattman" Larsson – songwriter, backing vocals, producer
  • Robin Fredriksson – songwriter, backing vocals, producer
  • Oscar Holter – songwriter, engineer, producer
  • Hailee Steinfeld – lead vocals
  • Julia Michaels – songwriter, backing vocals
  • Justin Tranter – songwriter, backing vocals
  • Max Martin – percussion
  • John Hanes – assistant recording engineer
  • John Cranfield – assistant recording engineer
  • Serban Ghenea – mixer
  • Tom Coyne – mastering engineer
  • Randy Merrill – mastering engineer

Credits adapted from Qobuz.[25]

Charts

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Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[57] 2× Platinum 120,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[58] 2× Platinum 160,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[59] Platinum 90,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[60] Platinum 50,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[61] Gold 7,500*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[62] Gold 30,000‡
Sweden (GLF)[63] Platinum 40,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[64] Gold 400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[65] 2× Platinum 2,000,000‡

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

References

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  1. ^ a b "Love Myself - Single by Hailee Steinfeld on iTunes". iTunes Store (US). Archived from the original on October 1, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  2. ^ "Love Myself - Hailee Steinfeld - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  3. ^ Hampp, Andrew (June 6, 2015). "'Pitch Perfect' Star Hailee Steinfeld on Her Debut Album and Starring in 'Bad Blood' - Billboard". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  4. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Debuts 'Love Myself,' Self-Empowering First Single". Billboard. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c "Listen to Hailee Steinfeld's Super-Catchy First Single, 'Love Myself'". People. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  6. ^ Weatherby, Taylor (August 7, 2015). "Hailee Steinfeld Debuts "Love Myself", Self-Empowering First Single". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
       Russell, Erica (August 15, 2015). "Hailee Steinfeld Spreads the Love In New Video for "Love Myself"". POPCRUSH. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
  7. ^ Hardeep Phull (August 13, 2015). "Hailee Steinfeld sings an ode to masturbation". New York Daily News. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
  8. ^ Alyssa Norwin (August 14, 2015). "Hailee Steinfeld's 'Love Myself' About Masturbating? — Fans Freak Out On Twitter". Hollywood Life. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
  9. ^ Steve Huff (August 23, 2015). "Actress Hailee Steinfeld's Masturbation Anthem Tickles Our Ears". Maxim. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
  10. ^ Hailee Steinfeld "Love Myself" Sheet Music musicnotes.com
  11. ^ a b c d e "Hailee Steinfeld Releases 'Love Myself'; It Means Just What You Think It Means". Vulture. 7 August 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  12. ^ Robinson, Peter (August 25, 2015). "Hailee Steinfeld interview: "I wasn't prepared for it to happen this quickly"". Popjustice. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  13. ^ a b c d "HAILEE STEINFELD IS THE FEARLESS POP STAR WE NEED IN 2016". MTV. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Hailee Steinfeld Releases Debut Track, "Love Myself"". The Young Folks. 11 August 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  15. ^ a b c "Track Review: Love Myself // Hailee Steinfeld". The Independent. 31 August 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  16. ^ Anderson, Trevor (August 20, 2015). "Hailee Steinfeld Finds 'Love' on Billboard + Twitter Top Tracks". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
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  18. ^ Russell, Erica (October 17, 2015). "Hilary Duff Joins Jem And The Holograms On Film Soundtrack". PopCrush. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  19. ^ "The Best Uses of Hailee Steinfeld Songs in Movies or TV". TV Over Mind. 21 December 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  20. ^ Renfro, Kim (April 4, 2018). "REVIEW: 'Blockers' is a raunchy, must-see comedy with a rare feminist message". Insider. Archived from the original on April 8, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  21. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld music featured in movies, TV shows and video games". TuneFind. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  22. ^ Jessica Goodman. "Hailee Steinfeld is totally empowered in new 'Love Myself' music video". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 1, 2015.
  23. ^ Morris, Jessie (August 14, 2015). "Here's Hailee Steinfeld's New Video For "Love Myself"". Complex.com. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  24. ^ "Love Myself (Remixes) - EP by Hailee Steinfeld". iTunes. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  25. ^ "Love Myself". Qobuz. Archived from the original on 23 January 2017. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  26. ^ Ryan, Gavin (October 17, 2015). "ARIA Singles: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 'Downtown' Spends Another Week at No 1". Noise11. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
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  28. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  29. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  30. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  31. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  32. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  33. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 49. týden 2015 in the date selector. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  34. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 41. týden 2015 in the date selector. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
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  36. ^ "Chart Track: Week 4, 2016". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  37. ^ "מדיה פורסט - לדעת שאתה באוויר". Mediaforest.biz. Archived from the original on November 4, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
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  39. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  40. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Hailee Steinfeld" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  41. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  42. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  43. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". VG-lista. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  44. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201544 into search. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  45. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201541 into search. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  46. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". Singles Top 100. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  47. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  48. ^ "Chart Log UK: New Entries Update" (19.09.2015 / week 38). zobbel.de.
  49. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  50. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  51. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  52. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  53. ^ "Hailee Steinfeld Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  54. ^ "Canadian Hot 100 – Year End 2015". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  55. ^ "Jaaroverzichten - 3FM 2015". Dutch Charts (in Dutch). Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  56. ^ "Dance Club Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  57. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  58. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". Music Canada. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
  59. ^ "Danish single certifications – Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  60. ^ "Italian single certifications – Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  61. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved September 8, 2016.[dead link‍]
  62. ^ "Spanish single certifications – Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  63. ^ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 50, 2015 | Sverigetopplistan" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved September 8, 2016. Scroll to position 48 to view certification.
  64. ^ "British single certifications – Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  65. ^ "American single certifications – Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
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