"Me Plus One" is a song by Norwegian singer and songwriter Annie from her debut studio album, Anniemal (2004). It was written by Richard X and Hannah Robinson, and released as a promotional single. The song was written about former Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell. The lyrics refer to a "wannabe señorita" who needs to realise she has "got to let it go".[1] The song received acclaim from music critics.
| "Me Plus One" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Promotional single by Annie | |
| from the album Anniemal | |
| Released | 2004 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 3:39 |
| Label | Warner |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Richard X |
The song appears on Popjustice: 100% Solid Pop Music.
Background and writing
edit"Me Plus One" was written by Richard X and Hannah Robinson in response to former Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell. Richard X and Robinson had written another song called "Some Girls", later a hit single for Rachel Stevens. Warp Records and Simon Fuller contacted Richard X by email to ask that he give the song to Halliwell or Stevens, respectively, to record. He agreed to have Stevens record the song after Richard Curtis asked about using the song for Sport Relief 2004.[2] When Halliwell found out that the writers were having Stevens record the song, she expressed disappointment. The aftermath of the decision for Stevens to record the song became the subject of "Me Plus One" from Annie's 2004 album Anniemal.[3]
The lyrics of "Me Plus One" detail a girl who dreams of fame but cannot achieve it. She fails to be accepted into the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. The verse two says the "wannabe señorita met a group of likely girls [...] but it didn't make her happy", referencing the half-Spanish Halliwell's rise to stardom with the Spice Girls and her subsequent unhappiness with the group. The song's middle-eight references the "Some Girls" situation—"take a look at yourself, get out of the car, it's time to let go—it's gone."[3]
Critical reception
edit"Me Plus One" received acclaim from music critics. Scott Plagenhoef's review for Pitchfork Media named it "winking" and "seductive".[4] The Stranger compared the track to The Human League,[5] while Tiny Mix Tapes referred to the song as a "gorgeous day-glo dance party."[6] Stylus Magazine described the song as "a tale of sulky pop princesses trying to be like the Chewing Gum queen and getting smashed on the rocks".[7]
Track listings
edit- Norwegian promotional CD single[8]
- "Me Plus One" – 3:38
- US promotional 12-inch single[9]
- A1. "Me Plus One" (The Rapture/Hush Hush Remix) – 5:40
- A2. "Me Plus One" (James Iha Remix) – 3:27
- B1. "Heartbeat" (MSTRKRFT Edition) – 6:31
- B2. "Happy Without You" (Riton Vocal Mix) – 5:48
Personnel
editCredits adapted from the liner notes of Anniemal.[10]
- Annie – lead vocals
- Hannah Robinson – backing vocals, songwriting
- Richard X – production, songwriting
- Pete Hofmann – guitar
References
edit- ^ Savage, Mark (7 July 2008). "Annie's hopes of bubblegum hits". BBC News. Retrieved 7 August 2009.
- ^ "Rachel Stevens – Some Girls". Black Melody. Archived from the original on 29 May 2008. Retrieved 28 August 2008.
- ^ a b Ryan, Gary (27 June 2008). "Annie – pop with an edge". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
- ^ Plagenhoef, Scott (7 November 2004). "Anniemal". Pitchfork. Retrieved 7 August 2009.
- ^ Ware, Tony (2 December 2004). "CD Review Revue". The Stranger. Retrieved 7 August 2009.
- ^ G, Matty (14 December 2006). "Annie – Anniemal". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
- ^ Swygart, William B. (25 October 2004). "Annie – Anniemal". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on 1 February 2010. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
- ^ "Me Plus One" (Norwegian promotional CD single liner notes). Annie. Warner Music Norway. 2004. ANNIE PROMO 0105.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Me Plus One" (US promotional 12" single liner notes). Annie. Big Beat Records. 2005. PR 302084.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Anniemal (CD liner notes). Annie. 679 Recordings. 2004. 67472-3.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)