3 Words

Cole's first foray into a solo music career occurred in 2007 when she featured on will.i.am's "Heartbreaker". After having street dancing lessons during the filming of the ITV2 series Passions of Girls Aloud, Cole was picked to appear in the song's video. She was later asked to sing the female vocals on the UK release of the track.{{cite web|url=http://www.myparkmag.co.uk/articles/entertainment/music/cheryl-cole-teams-up-with-william.html|title=Cheryl Cole teams up with Will.i.am|date=25 April 2008|work=myparkmag.co.uk|access-date=12 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501162957/http://www.myparkmag.co.uk/articles/entertainment/music/cheryl-cole-teams-up-with-william.html|archive-date=1 May 2008|url-status=dead}} Cole's version is featured on her album as it was not featured on will.i.am's album Songs About Girls.

It was confirmed on 27 April 2009 via MTV UK that Cole would be working on solo material. Cole reunited with will.i.am, and also worked with Syience, Taio Cruz, and Wayne Wilkins. Cruz was asked to write two songs for Cole, the first of which, "Break Your Heart", was written specially for Cole but Polydor label boss Ferdy Unger-Hamilton felt the song was too similar to "Heartbreaker", the track Cole did with will.i.am.{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Fraser_T_Smith_Interview.html |title=Interview With Fraser T Smith |publisher=HitQuarters |date=22 March 2010 |access-date=29 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314061713/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Fraser_T_Smith_Interview.html |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead }} Cruz reclaimed the song and released it as the lead single from his second album, Rokstarr. The song went on to reach number 1 on the UK Singles Chart and on the US Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a178318/cole-missed-out-on-cruz-chart-topper.html |title=Music – News – Cole 'missed out on' Cruz chart-topper |website=Digital Spy |date=21 September 2009 |access-date=22 September 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091026050624/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a178318/cole-missed-out-on-cruz-chart-topper.html| archive-date= 26 October 2009 | url-status= live}} The other song, "Stand Up", did make the album.

The album begins with its title track, a duet with will.i.am and Cole's favourite song on the album.{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44892665001 |title=3 Words |work=Brightcove |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678TNwWkv?url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001 |url-status=dead }} She said the song was "totally different from anything I've done [with Girls Aloud] or liked before" and took its inspiration from Cole's newly acquired love for dance music on the charts, especially David Guetta and Kelly Rowland's "When Love Takes Over". "Parachute", written by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and Marshall Altman with production from Syience, was described by Cole as "left-of-field" and "unique".{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905855001 |title=Parachute |work=Brightcove |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678TNwWkv?url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001 |url-status=dead }} She cited "you are your own worst enemy, you'll never win the fight" as her favourite lyric from the album. Cole also noted that it was a contender for the album's lead single. "Heaven", another will.i.am production, was the first song to be co-written and recorded by Cole for 3 Words and for that reason holds "a special meaning" to her.{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44910282001 |title=Heaven |work=Brightcove |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230631/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44910282001 |url-status=live }} It contains a sample of "Is You" by D.I.M., written by Andreas Meid.{{cite web | url=http://www.discogs.com/release/1978696 | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | date=26 October 2009 | publisher=discogs | access-date=26 October 2009 | archive-date=4 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604013045/http://www.discogs.com/release/1978696 | url-status=live }}

Cole revealed that the lead single, "Fight for This Love", came to her in demo form with a male vocalist. Cole said she "knew instantly it was a single", having "connected with the song so well".{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905853001 |title=Fight for This Love |work=Brightcove |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230555/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905853001 |url-status=live }} "Rain on Me", co-written by prolific American songwriters Sam Watters and Louis Biancaniello, was one of the last songs to be recorded for 3 Words.{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702111001 |title=Rain on Me |work=Brightcove |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230635/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702111001 |url-status=live }} Cole recorded the song in Los Angeles and said the process was "emotional" as the album's recording was coming to an end. "Make Me Cry" was the first song that Cole recorded with will.i.am in Los Angeles.{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702110001 |title=Make Me Cry |work=Brightcove |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230642/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702110001 |url-status=live }} Cole wrote verses around will.i.am's hook, which was inspired by his girlfriend. Cole said that she listened to the demo of "Happy Hour", initially titled "Sweet and Sour", on repeat because she enjoyed the song so much.{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45688130001 |title=Happy Hour |work=Brightcove |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230645/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45688130001 |url-status=live }} She further noted that the song, produced by Soulshock & Karlin, had a "60s sound" and was "one of those tracks that you either really love or you don't get it." It interpolates elements of Renaldo Domino's "Nevermore", written by Richard Pegue.

"Stand Up" was written and produced by Taio Cruz and Fraser T Smith. Smith claims that during one day he and Cruz wrote the rejected "Break Your Heart" in the morning and "Stand Up" in the afternoon.

Cruz described the song as an "absolute club banger".{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a169925/cruz-pens-club-banger-for-cheryl-cole.html | title=Cruz pens 'club banger' for Cheryl Cole | first=David | last=Balls | work=Digital Spy | date=7 August 2009 | access-date=3 September 2009 | archive-date=12 September 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912060529/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a169925/cruz-pens-club-banger-for-cheryl-cole.html | url-status=dead }} The song features an uncredited rap by Cruz, which was originally not present.{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702109001 |title=Stand Up |work=Brightcove |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=10 April 2010 |archive-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603145440/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702109001 |url-status=live }} Cole said it was "one of those instant tracks that make you feel good". "Stand Up" references the "bop bop" sung melody from Duran Duran's "Planet Earth". "Don't Talk About This Love" was written by songwriter/producer Chris Braide and Nikola Bedingfield, the younger sister of singers Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield. It was originally recorded by Nikola Bedingfield as the title track for her debut EP. Cole's A&R at Polydor had remembered the track and suggested she record it with Braide at his studio. Cole was attracted to the song for its lyrics and vibe, saying it "felt right".{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702107001 |title=Don't Talk About This Love |work=Brightcove |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=10 April 2010 |archive-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603145450/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702107001 |url-status=live }} In an interview with HitQuarters Braide said, "[It's a] very emotional song. She said to me, 'I really relate to this.' And I don't know if it had something to do with her personal situation at the time, but …"{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Chris_Braide02_Interview.html |title=Interview with Chris Braide |publisher=HitQuarters |date=30 August 2010 |access-date=31 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006064008/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_Chris_Braide02_Interview.html |archive-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=dead }} "Boy Like You", featuring and produced by will.i.am, samples Fleetwood Mac's 1987 single "Little Lies", which initially attracted Cole to the song.{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45699896001 |title=Boy Like You |work=Brightcove |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=10 April 2010 |archive-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603145503/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45699896001 |url-status=live }} Cheryl wanted to take the Fleetwood Mac sample and create something current and modern with it. The album also features the clean single version of will.i.am's "Heartbreaker", for which Cole provides the female vocals.

Thematically 3 Words revolves around the complexities of relationships and love, with Cole singing about finding, winning, embracing and losing love. The album's lyrics follow an autobiographical subtext in which most of the songs deal with her overcoming her tribulations. Andy Gill of The Independent described the album's lyrics as showing that the "path to romantic fulfillment is pock-marked with treachery, uncertainty and secrecy". Lyrics on some of the songs have a "deeper undertow of paranoia" such as "Parachute", "Make Me Cry" and "Don't Talk About This Love", which Gill described as being "a fear that others are bent on destroying her relationship, so 'the less they know, the less they judge'."

3 Words is a dance-pop and R&B album that explores a variety of genres including modern pop with elements of '90s throwback music.{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/album-review-cheryl-cole-1-781372|title=Album review: Cheryl Cole – The Scotsman|newspaper=The Scotsman|date=1 November 2009|access-date=14 January 2016|quote=a mediocre dance-pop album|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211054150/https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/album-review-cheryl-cole-1-781372|url-status=live}} The album's production is characterised as being "restrained" in its arrangements with heavy beats built over "light piano-style motifs and acoustic guitar elements", according to Mike Diver of the BBC.

When asked about the album's title Cole revealed she had already contemplated an album title which contained the phrase 3 Words before the title track was recorded.{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44831605001&bctid=45051709001 |title=Twitter Q&A No. 2 |work=Brightcove |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=3 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303134005/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44831605001&bctid=45051709001 |url-status=live }} The cover shows the singer bare-shouldered, looking over her shoulder in a veiled and be-flowered headpiece, the album's title tattooed on her skin.{{cite web|last=Barton|first=Laura|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/nov/19/cheryl-cole-new-album-cover|title=Twist and pout: Cheryl Cole's new album cover|date=19 November 2009|work=The Guardian|access-date=16 June 2017|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802171715/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/nov/19/cheryl-cole-new-album-cover|url-status=live}} Knight said, "although she is photographed all the time by the paparazzi, she is not in front of the camera for a shoot in the same way as professional models are – she is less used to the process." He continued, "Cheryl was great to work with, though [...] – it is just a different kind of shoot with a model who is experienced."{{cite web|url=http://www.myfashionlife.com/archives/2009/07/24/celebrities-arent-the-best-models/|title=Celebrities aren't the best models|publisher=MyFashionLife.com|date=24 July 2009|access-date=24 October 2009|archive-date=30 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930202628/http://www.myfashionlife.com/archives/2009/07/24/celebrities-arent-the-best-models/|url-status=live}}

Cole performed the lead single on the X Factor live results show for the first time.{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/10/19/cheryl-we-salute-you-115875-21757673/ |title=Cheryl, we salute you |first=Tom |last=Bryant |work=Daily Mirror |location=UK |date=19 October 2009 |access-date=25 October 2009 |archive-date=22 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022080831/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/10/19/cheryl-we-salute-you-115875-21757673/ |url-status=live }} The show, which also featured the first UK performance by Whitney Houston in six years, drew a record audience of 14.8 million, making it the most watched episode in the show's history at that time.{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/x-factor/6374916/X-Factor-Cheryl-Cole-and-Whitney-Houston-draw-record-ratings.html | title=X Factor: Cheryl Cole and Whitney Houston draw record ratings | first=Anita | last=Singh | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=UK | date=19 October 2009 | access-date=25 October 2009 | archive-date=22 October 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022052111/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/x-factor/6374916/X-Factor-Cheryl-Cole-and-Whitney-Houston-draw-record-ratings.html | url-status=live }} Cole also taped a performance for UK teen channel T4, which aired 15 November 2009.{{cite web | url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/cheryl-cole-t4-special/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1 | title=Series 1 / Episode 1 / T4: Cheryl Cole T4 Special | work=4oD | publisher=Channel 4 | date=15 November 2009 | access-date=29 May 2010 | archive-date=3 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303162345/http://www.channel4.com/programmes/cheryl-cole-t4-special/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1 | url-status=live }} Cole appeared at Children in Need Rocks the Royal Albert Hall on 12 November 2009 to perform "Fight for This Love" in a white version of her X Factor performance outfit{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8358263.stm |title=In pictures: Children In Need gig |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=13 November 2009 |access-date=29 May 2010 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232544/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8358263.stm |url-status=live }} and later returning to perform Snow Patrol's single "Set the Fire to the Third Bar" with Gary Lightbody.{{cite web | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/11/13/cheryl-cole-wears-sexy-military-style-outfit-for-children-in-need-concert-pic-115875-21819379/ | title=Cheryl Cole wears sexy military style outfit for Children In Need concert | first=Rachael | last=Wheeler | work=Daily Mirror | date=13 November 2009 | access-date=12 February 2010 | archive-date=23 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223070647/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/11/13/cheryl-cole-wears-sexy-military-style-outfit-for-children-in-need-concert-pic-115875-21819379/ | url-status=live }}

In December ITV1 aired a one-off television special titled Cheryl Cole's Night In, presented by Holly Willoughby. Then on 16 February, Cole appeared at the 2010 BRIT Awards for a performance which began with Cole being "catapulted" on stage with her dancers.{{cite web | url=http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/443133/cheryl-cole-comes-out-fighting-with-an-angry-brits-performance.html | title=Cheryl Cole comes out fighting with an angry Brits performance | work=Marie Claire | date=17 February 2010 | access-date=20 February 2010 | archive-date=19 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219200738/http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/443133/cheryl-cole-comes-out-fighting-with-an-angry-brits-performance.html | url-status=dead }}

Cole performed "3 Words" for the first time with will.i.am during her one-off special for ITV, Cheryl Cole's Night In. In January 2010, Cole flew to Germany to perform "3 Words" at the German award ceremony DLD Starnight, which took place at the Haus der Kunst in Munich.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} She also performed the song as part of a four-song set at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend{{cite web |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/827370-cheryl-cole-chooses-camouflage-for-big-weekend-performance |title=Cheryl Cole chooses camouflage for Big Weekend performance |work=The Metro |date=23 May 2010 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-date=26 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526123425/http://www.metro.co.uk/music/827370-cheryl-cole-chooses-camouflage-for-big-weekend-performance |url-status=live }} as well as performing at the De Grisogono jewellery dinner party at the Eden Rock Hotel in Cap d'Antibes during the Cannes Film Festival.{{cite web |url=http://www.shinystyle.tv/2010/05/cheryl_cole_performs_at_the_de.html |title=Cheryl Cole performs at the De Grisogono jewellery dinner in a Roberto Cavalli dress |work=Shiny Style TV |publisher=Shiny Digital |last=Petrou |first=Andrea |date=19 May 2010 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715214518/http://www.shinystyle.tv/2010/05/cheryl_cole_performs_at_the_de.html |archive-date=15 July 2010 |url-status=dead}}

Cole debuted "Parachute" during the television special Cheryl Cole's Night In, which was broadcast on 12 December 2009 on ITV1. Cole was due to perform the track on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on Friday 12 March 2010 and on the BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, however, she pulled out after contracting bronchitis. "Parachute" was performed live on Sport Relief on 19 March 2010. On 23 March 2010, Cole rescheduled her performance of the Live Lounge, where she performed "Parachute", as well as a cover of Owl City's "Fireflies".

The first single from the album, "Fight for This Love", was written by Andre Merritt, Steve Kipner and Wayne Wilkins, and produced by Steve Kipner and Wayne Wilkins. According to Cole, it was released as the lead single because she "connected with the song so well".{{cite web|url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905853001|title=Fight For This Love|work=Brightcove|date=15 October 2009|access-date=8 December 2009|archive-date=31 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230555/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905853001|url-status=live}} Following a performance on The X Factor live results show, "Fight for This Love" became the fourth best-selling single of 2009 in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/music/news/a193480/gagas-poker-face-is-top-single-of-2009.html#~oCUDjZj2ZI7sHE|title=2009 UK Year-End Charts|access-date=28 October 2014|archive-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502033325/http://www.digitalspy.com.au/music/news/a193480/gagas-poker-face-is-top-single-of-2009.html#~oCUDjZj2ZI7sHE|url-status=live}} It charted at number one on both the Irish and UK Singles Chart.{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a183376/cheryl-cole-tops-irish-singles-chart.html|title=Cheryl Cole tops Irish singles chart|work=Digital Spy|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|date=23 October 2009|access-date=28 October 2014|archive-date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018014915/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a183376/cheryl-cole-tops-irish-singles-chart.html|url-status=dead}} In 2010, "Fight for This Love" went to number one in Denmark, Norway and Hungary.{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/song/51174|title=Cheryl Cole – Fight For This Love|work=US Charts|access-date=11 June 2010|archive-date=13 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113085610/http://acharts.us/song/51174|url-status=live}}

The single was later certified platinum in the UK. Cole's second single "3 Words", which features will.i.am, was certified silver and went to number four in the UK and seven in Ireland.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a192827/joe-mcelderry-climbs-up-to-number-one.html|title=Joe McElderry climbs up to number one|first=Catriona|last=Wightman|work=Digital Spy|date=27 December 2009|access-date=28 October 2014|archive-date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018081113/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a192827/joe-mcelderry-climbs-up-to-number-one.html|url-status=dead}} In 2010, the single was released in Australia, peaking at number five and being certified platinum.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.auaccreds2010.htm|title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2010 Singles|work=ARIA Charts|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|access-date=5 August 2010|archive-date=12 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112143717/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.auaccreds2010.htm|url-status=live}} The third single, "Parachute", charted in the top five in both the UK and Ireland. The single was certified gold in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/Search.aspx |title=Certified Awards Search |publisher=BPI – The British Recorded Music Industry |access-date=9 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511120001/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/Search.aspx |archive-date=11 May 2011}}

A number of songs appeared in the lower regions of the chart following the album's release.{{cite web | url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/091107cluk.txt | title=Chart Log UK: New Entries Update | work=Chart Log UK | publisher=Zobbel.de | date=7 November 2009 | access-date=11 April 2010 | archive-date=1 June 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601133740/http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/091107cluk.txt | url-status=live }}

{{Album ratings

| MC = 62/100

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1score = {{rating|2.5|5}}{{cite web|first=Matthew|last=Chisling|title=Review: 3 Words|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1672385|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=28 January 2010|archive-date=9 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709035806/https://www.allmusic.com/album/3-words-mw0001780455|url-status=live}}

| rev2 = Attitude

| rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}

| rev3 = Daily Telegraph

| rev3score = {{Rating|2|5}}

| rev4 = Digital Spy

| rev4score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev5 = The Guardian

| rev5score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev6 = The Independent

| rev6score = {{Rating|2|5}}

| rev7 = musicOMH

| rev7score = {{Rating|2|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/cheryl-cole_1009.htm |title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | album reviews |work=musicOMH |access-date=30 October 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091027032243/http://www.musicomh.com/albums/cheryl-cole_1009.htm| archive-date= 27 October 2009 | url-status= live}}

| rev8 = Nu.nl

| rev8score = {{rating|8|10}}{{cite web | first=Pierre | last=Oitmann | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | url=http://www.nu.nl/cd-recensies/2188494/cheryl-cole---3-words-.html | work=Nu.nl | language=nl | date=19 February 2010 | access-date=3 August 2010 | archive-date=22 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222043501/http://www.nu.nl/cd-recensies/2188494/cheryl-cole---3-words-.html | url-status=live }}

| rev9 = The Times

| rev9score = {{Rating|2|5}}

}}

3 Words received generally favourable reviews from contemporary pop music critics, earning a rating of 62 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 6 reviews.{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/cheryl/3words | title=3 Words | publisher=Metacritic | access-date=3 August 2010 | archive-date=31 October 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031104333/http://www.metacritic.com/music/3-words | url-status=live }} The Guardian gave the album three stars out of five but felt it was "ultimately too tentative and slight to be more than a footnote in Cheryl's unstoppable celebrity story".{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/oct/22/cheryl-cole-3-words-review | title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words | first=Tom |last=Ewing |work=The Guardian |location=UK | date=22 October 2009 | access-date=23 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091024055141/http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/oct/22/cheryl-cole-3-words-review| archive-date= 24 October 2009 | url-status= live}} Tom Ewing argues, "Parts of this album never pass beyond conservative pleasantries. But the shift in sound was still necessary." The review further described 3 Words as "a low-key, shadowy kind of pop record, whose best songs rarely take immediate hold." Gay magazine Attitude agreed, stating that although guarded "introduces us to Cheryl as an individual – the girl behind the gloss. Very hip, very now, and ultimately very Cheryl."{{cite web | url=http://www.imagebam.com/image/12852453183615 | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | first=Talia |last=Kraines | work=Attitude | publisher=Trojan Publishing Ltd | access-date=24 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091024055840/http://www.imagebam.com/image/12852453183615| archive-date= 24 October 2009 | url-status= live}} Irish fortnightly Hot Press said "the People's Princess pleases with Her catchy generic pop".{{cite web | url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/albums/6025020.html | title=3 Words (Universal) | work=Hot Press | date=12 November 2009 | access-date=3 August 2010 | archive-date=15 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115090359/http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/albums/6025020.html | url-status=live }} BBC Music gave the album a mixed review, but noted it "does exceed pessimistic predictions".{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/h6pn | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | first=Mike |last=Diver | work=BBC Music |publisher=BBC | date=22 October 2009 | access-date=23 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091025232807/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/h6pn| archive-date= 25 October 2009 | url-status= live}}

The album was criticised in comparison to Cole's work with Girls Aloud. Digital Spy said the album was "not a bad record, but nor is it a modern pop classic to rival the best Girls Aloud albums [...] it's a collection of cool, contemporary pop-R&B tunes that takes a few plays to reveal its charms."{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/albumreviews/a183519/cheryl-cole-3-words.html | title=Cheryl Cole: '3 Words' | first=Nick |last=Levine | work=Digital Spy | date=25 October 2009 | access-date=26 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091102100059/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/albumreviews/a183519/cheryl-cole-3-words.html| archive-date= 2 November 2009 | url-status= live}} The Daily Telegraph described the album as a "selection of sexy but underwhelming R'n'B pop", noting that there was "not a hint of the bubbly personality that has won over X Factor viewers" or "the electro-guitar fusion that put Girls Aloud on top".{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/6399309/Cheryl-Cole-3-Words-CD-review.html | title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words, CD review | first=Neil |last=McCormick |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK | date=23 October 2009 | access-date=23 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091027075738/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/6399309/Cheryl-Cole-3-Words-CD-review.html| archive-date= 27 October 2009 | url-status= live}} Financial Times also called it a "dismayingly boring solo album, [...] swapping Girls Aloud's sparkly pop for thin R&B-flavoured songs with dreary beats and characterless singing."{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/c1c1f270-be1b-11de-9195-00144feab49a.html |title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words |first=Ludovic |last=Hunter-Tilney |work=Financial Times |publisher=Pearson PLC |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=24 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027024357/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/c1c1f270-be1b-11de-9195-00144feab49a.html |archive-date=27 October 2009 |url-status=live }} Pete Paphides of The Times agreed that Cheryl's personality is "absent from mid-paced fillers" and exclaimed that "even when 3 Words gives you something to admire, the emotional temperature rarely nudges above frosty."{{cite web | url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article6882653.ece | title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words | first=Pete | last=Paphides | work=The Times | location=UK | publisher=News Corporation | date=24 October 2009 | access-date=24 October 2009 | archive-date=24 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232222/https://www.the-tls.co.uk/ | url-status=dead }} The Independent further stated the album was "utterly bereft of imagination and risk, with tried and tested R&B producers [...] doing what they do as dispassionately as possible."{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-cheryl-cole-3-words-fascination-1807210.html | title=Album: Cheryl Cole, 3 Words (Fascination) | first=Andy |last=Gill |work=The Independent |location=UK | date=23 October 2009 | access-date=23 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091025173012/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-cheryl-cole-3-words-fascination-1807210.html| archive-date= 25 October 2009 | url-status= live}} Pierre Oitmann of Dutch news site Nu.nl pointed out "the album is mostly being characterised by strong A&R management; i.e. thoroughly sought together songs and consistent production values", before concluding "Cheryl's role is reduced almost entirely to 'hot chick' on the cover."{{cite web | url=http://www.nu.nl/cd-recensies/2188494/cheryl-cole---3-words-.html | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | first=Pierre |last=Oitmann | work=Nu.nl | publisher=Nu.nl | date=19 February 2010 | access-date=19 February 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100222043501/http://www.nu.nl/cd-recensies/2188494/cheryl-cole---3-words-.html| archive-date= 22 February 2010 | url-status= live}}

{{Track listing

| headline = 3 Words track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 43:49

| title1 = 3 Words

| note1 = featuring will.i.am

| writer1 = {{flat list|

• William Adams
• Cheryl Cole
• George Pajon

}}

| extra1 = will.i.am

| length1 = 4:33

| title2 = Parachute

| writer2 = {{flat list|

• Ingrid Michaelson
• Marshall Altman

}}

| extra2 = Syience

| length2 = 3:40

| title3 = Heaven

| note3 = featuring will.i.am

| writer3 = {{flat list|

• Adams
• Cole
• Stacy Barthe

}}

| extra3 = will.i.am

| length3 = 4:37

| title4 = Fight for This Love

| writer4 = {{flat list|

• Steve Kipner
• Wayne Wilkins
• Andre Merrit

}}

| extra4 = {{flat list|

• Wilkins
• Kipner

}}

| length4 = 3:43

| title5 = Rain on Me

| writer5 = {{flat list|

• Kipner
• Sam Watters
• Wilkins
• Olivia Waithe
• Louis Biancaniello

}}

| extra5 = {{flat list|

• Wilkins
• Watters

}}

| length5 = 3:50

| title6 = Make Me Cry

| writer6 = {{flat list|

• Adams
• Cole
• Caleb Speir

}}

| extra6 = will.i.am

| length6 = 4:35

| title7 = Happy Hour

| writer7 = {{flat list|

• C. Schack
• K. Karlin
• Priscilla Renea

}}

| extra7 = Soulshock and Karlin

| length7 = 4:06

| title8 = Stand Up

| writer8 = {{flat list|

• Fraser T. Smith
• Taio Cruz

}}

| extra8 = {{flat list|

• Smith
• Cruz

}}

| length8 = 3:24

| title9 = Don't Talk About This Love

| writer9 = {{flat list|

• Chris Braide
• Nikola Rachelle

}}

| extra9 = Syience

| length9 = 3:45

| title10 = Boy Like You

| note10 = featuring will.i.am

| writer10 = {{flat list|

• Adams
• Cole

}}

| extra10 = will.i.am

| length10 = 4:27

| title11 = Heartbreaker

| note11 = will.i.am featuring Cheryl Cole

| writer11 = Adams

| extra11 = will.i.am

| length11 = 3:15

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = iTunes Store bonus video{{cite web | url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/3-words/1445753823 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206225959/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/3-words/1445753823 | archive-date=6 December 2022 | title=3 Words by Cheryl on Apple Music }}

| title12 = Fight for This Love

| note12 = music video

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = International iTunes Store edition{{cite web | url=https://music.apple.com/br/album/3-words/1443121574 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514124537/https://music.apple.com/br/album/3-words/1443121574 | archive-date=14 May 2022 | title=3 Words de Cheryl no Apple Music }}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 61:27

| title12 = 3 Words

| note12 = album track-by-track

| length12 = 10:10

| title13 = Fight for This Love

| note13 = Moto Blanco Club Mix

| writer13 = {{flat list|

• Kipner
• Wilkins
• Merrit

}}

| extra13 = {{flat list|

• Wilkins
• Kipner
• Sunship

}}

| length13 = 7:28

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = North American digital bonus track{{cite web |url=https://music.amazon.com/albums/B010Q193QO

|title=Cheryl Cole Album "3 Words" Tack List

|date=Oct 23, 2009

|access-date=August 20, 2024}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 48:50

| title12 = Fight for This Love

| note12 = Sunship Old Skool UK Garage Remix

| writer12 = {{flat list|

• Kipner
• Wilkins
• Merrit

}}

| extra12 = {{flat list|

• Wilkins
• Kipner
• Sunship

}}

| length12 = 5:01

}}

Sample credits

• "Heaven" contains samples from "Is You" by D.I.M., written by Andreas Meid.
• "Happy Hour" contains samples from "Nevermore" by Renaldo Domino, written by Richard Pegue.
• "Boy like You" contains samples from "Little Lies" by Fleetwood Mac, written by Christine McVie and Eddy Quintela.

A digital EP featuring the three B-sides to the three singles from the 3 Words album, titled 3 Words – The B-Sides EP, was released online on 18 April 2010 from Fascination Records.{{cite web|url=http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/Exclusives/Cheryl-Cole-3-Words-The-B-Sides/invt/0602527401164d |title=3 Words- The B-Sides EP |publisher=Store.universal-music.co.uk |access-date=17 August 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110716023546/http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/Exclusives/Cheryl-Cole-3-Words-The-B-Sides/invt/0602527401164d| archive-date= 16 July 2011 | url-status= live}}

{{Track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Didn't I

| writer1 = {{Flat list|

• Andrea Remanda
• Cole
• Klaus Derendorf}}

| extra1 = Klaus D

| length1 = 3:47

| title2 = Boys

| writer2 = {{Flat list|

• Emeli Sandé
• James Murray
• Mustafa Omer
• Shahid Khan}}

| extra2 = Smith

| length2 = 3:41

| title3 = Just Let Me Go

| writer3 = {{Flat list|

• Claude Kelly
• Reggie Perry}}

| extra3 = Syience

| length3 = 3:04

}}

• Cheryl Cole – lead vocals, co-writer
• William "will.i.am" Adams – executive producer, featured vocals, background vocals, producer, arrange, mixing, Instrumentation, co-writer
• Taio Cruz – producer, featured vocals, instrumentation, co-writer
• Priscilla Renea – co-writer, background vocals
• Louis Biancaniello – instrumentation
• Carsten Schack, Kenneth Karlin (Soulshock & Karlin) – producers, arrangement, instrumentation, mixing
• Steve Kipner – producer, arrangement
• Nick Knight – photographer
• Reggie "Syience" Perry – producer, arrangement
• Fraser T Smith – producer, instrumentation
• Samual "Sam" Watters – producer
• Wayne Wilkins – producer, arrangement, mixing
• Tom Coyne – mastering
• Mikaelin 'Blue' Bluespruce – recording engineer

The album debuted at number one in the UK with sales of 125,271.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a184685/cheryl-cole-scores-uk-chart-double.html|title=Cheryl Cole scores UK chart double|first=Nick |last=Levine|work=Digital Spy|date=1 November 2009 |access-date=16 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091104012137/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a184685/cheryl-cole-scores-uk-chart-double.html| archive-date= 4 November 2009 | url-status= live}} It then retained the number 1 position for another week.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/archive/official-albums-chart/ |title=Album chart for 14/11/2009 |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=16 November 2009 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403020724/https://www.officialcharts.com/archive/official-albums-chart/ |url-status=live }} On 6 November 2009 the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified the album platinum.{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/Search.aspx |title=Certified Awards Search |publisher=British Phonographic Industry |access-date=23 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511120001/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/Search.aspx |archive-date=11 May 2011}} It has since gone 3× Platinum, with sales of over 1,000,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://music.tellymix.co.uk/2010/sales/5700-boyzone-keep-album-number-one-spot-with-brother.html#more-5700|title=Boyzone keep UK album number one with 'Brother'|date=28 March 2010|access-date=29 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408234734/http://music.tellymix.co.uk/2010/sales/5700-boyzone-keep-album-number-one-spot-with-brother.html#more-5700|archive-date=8 April 2010|url-status=dead}}

{{col-begin}}

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for 3 Words}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Ireland|type=album|title=3 Words|artist=Cheryl Cole|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2009|certyear=2010|access-date=28 December 2015}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|title=3 Words|artist=Cheryl Cole|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2009|certyear=2010|id=8521-2305-2|access-date=25 April 2021}}

{{Certification Table Summary}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|title=3 Words|artist=Cheryl Cole|relyear=2010|region=Europe|award=Platinum|certyear=2010|access-date=28 December 2015}}

{{Certification Table Bottom}}

• List of UK Albums Chart number ones of the 2000s

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.cherylcole.com}}
• {{IMDb name|1284632}}

{{Cheryl Cole}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2009 debut albums

Category:Albums produced by Sam Watters

Category:Albums produced by Soulshock and Karlin

Category:Albums produced by will.i.am

Category:Cheryl (singer) albums

Category:Fascination Records albums