Baby I

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|quote = "I love that. It felt like '90s, Aaliyah, Destiny's Child. I like that it has that throwback feeling to it, and that's when I grew up and it was such a feel-good song to me. And I love what it says. I love it's about loving somebody so much that you just don't know what to say. I think that's really cute. I laughed the first time I heard the lyrics. I like that I get to sing a little more on it ... It's quirky."

|source = — Grande on the song during an interview with MTV{{cite web|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|title=Will Ariana Grande Time-Travel To The '90s For 'Baby I' Video?|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1711293/ariana-grande-baby-i-video-theme.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728104755/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1711293/ariana-grande-baby-i-video-theme.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 28, 2013|publisher=MTV|date=July 26, 2013|access-date=July 26, 2013}}

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"Baby I" was written by Kenneth Edmonds, commonly known as Babyface, Antonio Dixon and Patrick "J. Que" Smith, while the song's production was handled by the former two. The song was originally written by Babyface for Beyoncé, however, she rejected it.{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7492074/ariana-grande-complex-magazine-beyonce-baby-i|title= Ariana Grande Heats Up 'Complex' Magazine, Reveals "Baby I" Was Written For Beyonce|publisher= Idolator|first= Mike|last= Was|date= November 5, 2013|access-date= April 8, 2017}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/11/ariana-grande-interview-shadow-of-a-doubt-2013-cover-story|title= Ariana Grande: "Shadow of a Doubt" (2013 Cover Story)|magazine= Complex|first= Joe|last= La Puma|date= November 5, 2013|access-date= April 9, 2017}} During sessions at Brandon's Way Recording Studios in Los Angeles, Babyface played the song to Grande, she immediately agreed to record the song. Following its recording, the song was mixed by Jaycen Joshua at Larrabee Studios and mastered by Tom Coyne and Aya Marrill at Sterling Sound. "Baby I" was released in the United States in digital download format on July 22, 2013, by Republic Records and was sent to US contemporary hit radios on August 6, 2013, by the same label.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/baby-i-single/id675752389 |title=iTunes – Music – Baby I – Single by Ariana Grande |publisher=Apple Music |date=July 22, 2013 |access-date=September 1, 2013 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822154339/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/baby-i-single/id675752389 |archive-date=August 22, 2013 }} In an interview with Complex, Grande stated that it was actually Mac Miller who picked "Baby I" to be the second single from her album. Despite her disbelief in releasing it as the second single, she enjoys the recording, since it is reminiscent of Dreamgirls.{{cite magazine|last1=Nostro|first1=Lauren|title=Who Is Arian Grande? – Her Singles "Baby I" and "Right There"|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/08/who-is-ariana-grande/baby-i|magazine=Complex|date=August 27, 2013|access-date=June 18, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308042810/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/08/who-is-ariana-grande/baby-i|url-status=dead}}

Grande also opined that "Baby I" was more "sophisticated" and "mature" and showed off her musicality and vocals more than her previous hit single "The Way", which was part of what made her excited to release the song. It was released as a bonus track for the Japanese version of Grande's sophomore album My Everything, featuring Japanese musician Taro Hakase. The song features new arrangements in the background instrumental, with Hakase playing violin during the whole song.{{cite AV media notes|title=My Everything (Japanese edition)|type=CD liner notes|others=Ariana Grande|publisher=Republic Records|year=2014}} This version was the second credits theme for the 2014–2015 anime series GO-GO Tamagotchi!, making it the only song in that series not to be sung in Japanese.{{cite web|url=http://tokyo-direct-guide.com/blog/2014/11/tamagotchi-anniversary-event-in-odaiba-ariana-grandes-theme-song/|title=Tamagotchi Anniversary Event in Odaiba & Ariana Grande's Theme Song|publisher= Tokyo Direct Guide|date=November 25, 2013|access-date= July 8, 2017}}

{{listen|filename=Baby I.ogg|title="Baby I" (2013)

|description=A 19-second sample of the song's chorus, where Grande sings over an uptempo drumbeat, with backing vocals harmonizing her voice. Several critics noted the 90's influences.{{cite magazine|last=Anderson|first=Kyle|title=Ariana Grande's new single 'Baby I': Hear it here|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/07/22/ariana-grande-new-single-baby-i/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 22, 2013|access-date=July 22, 2013}}

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"Baby I" is an uptempo pop and R&B song{{cite web|last=Rubenstein|first=Jenna Hally|title=New Song: Ariana Grande, 'Baby I'|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2013/07/22/ariana-grande-baby-i/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724203557/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2013/07/22/ariana-grande-baby-i/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 24, 2013|publisher=MTV|date=July 22, 2013|access-date=July 22, 2013}}{{cite magazine|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|title=Ariana Grande Previews 'Baby I' Single, Announces Tour Dates|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/1902870/ariana-grande-previews-baby-i-single-announces-tour-dates|magazine=Billboard|access-date= July 22, 2013|date= July 16, 2013}} that runs for three minutes and seventeen seconds. According to the music sheet published by Sony Music Publishing, "Baby I" is written in the key of D-flat major and set in a time signature at a moderate tempo of 100 beats per minute. Grande's vocal range spans from the low note D{{music|flat}}₄ to the high note G{{music|flat}}₆.{{cite web|title=Ariana Grande "Baby I" Sheet Music – Download & Print|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0122121|work=Sony Music Publishing|date = August 5, 2013|access-date=April 9, 2017}} The elements demonstrated on the track are further illustrated by its use of horns, such as trumpet, saxophone and trombone.{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18591-ariana-grande-yours-truly/|title=Ariana Grande – Yours Truly|work=Pitchfork|date= September 23, 2013|access-date=April 9, 2017}} a syncopated beat. A writer from Rap-Up described the track as a "summertime record" which features Grande's "big vocals" over a "breezy beat".{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/07/21/new-music-ariana-grande-baby-i/ |title=New Music: Ariana Grande – 'Baby I' |work=Rap-Up |date=July 22, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013}} Similarly, MTV's Jenna Rubenstein agreed noting that the track is "set to a syncopated, breezy, summery, R&B-tinged beat." Several critics noted the 90's influences not only in this track, but also in the album.

Lyrically, the song is "a confession on Grande's behalf admitting a special love for someone and how she can't formulate her strong feelings into words."{{cite web|url=http://globalgrind.com/music/ariana-grande-baby-i-new-music#ixzz2ZnhFNs2f |title=Ariana Grande "Baby I" (New Music) |publisher=Global Grind |date=July 22, 2013 |access-date=August 4, 2013}} Regarding this matter, Grande said that she could relate to the song's lyrics because she is "so awkward and so flustered." Also, the song's composition has a remix of Deep Note from THX.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/THX/status/1009860739333480448|title=Thursday Thoughts: Who knew?|date=June 21, 2018 |access-date=June 21, 2018}}

"Baby I" received generally positive reviews from most music critics. Sam Lansky of the website Idolator opined that Grande succeeded in "meeting the bar where she set it with her debut," while praising her "extraordinary vocal performance" and describing her vocal runs as "nothing short of everything." He also stated, "Comparisons to Mariah Carey are starting to grow tiresome, but truly — who else has a range like that?"{{cite web|last=Lansky|first=Sam|title=Ariana Grande's "Baby I": Hear The Breezy Single|url=http://idolator.com/7472424/ariana-grande-baby-i-listen|work=Idolator|date=July 22, 2013|access-date=July 22, 2013}} Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly praised the production of "Baby I" dubbing it as a throwback and felt that the song argued Grande as "the new Mariah". Pitchfork's Andrew Ryce gave a positive review to the song and believed that "Baby I" is "most representative of where Grande is at this stage in her career." Ryce also noted a diversity of characteristics presents in the track, "from its Britney-esque "yeah yeah yeahs" to the punchy horn riffs that somehow melt into a staggered hip-hop verse," and further opined that "Grande's boundless energy means she can power through like no one else", by using her voice as if it was nothing.

Reviewing the album Yours Truly, an editor from Sputnikmusic felt that "Baby I" as well as "The Way" "are the only sections he genuinely enjoyed and revisited countless times."{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/58791/Ariana-Grande-Yours-Truly/|title= Ariana Grande – 'Yours Truly'|work= Sputnikmusic|date= September 6, 2013|access-date= April 9, 2017}} Digital Spy's Lewis Corner commented that "is an infectiously bouncy jam of love-struck jitters."{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/review/a511823/ariana-grande-yours-truly-album-review.html|title=Ariana Grande: 'Yours Truly' – album review |work=Digital Spy|date=September 2, 2013|access-date=April 9, 2017}} Analysing the album, Gregory Rich of The Michigan Daily thought that "most tracks are of quality composition, lyrically and melodically, but beat usage becomes excessive at times." He also said that "Baby I exploits nearly every beat in existence, resulting in messiness."{{cite web|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/arts/09ariana-grande-yours-truly-review02 |title=Ariana Grande strives for diva stardom on unexceptional 'Yours Truly' |work=The Michigan Daily |date=September 3, 2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014}} Writing for MTV, Jenna Hally Rubenstein praised the vocal performance explored in the song comparing to Grande's previous single, according to her, while "The Way" "set the bar pretty high for Ariana", "Baby I," "sets the bar even higher" and referred to the song as "a more than worthy followup."

In the United States, "Baby I" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 21, for the week ending August 10, 2013, making it her second top 40 single after "The Way".{{cite magazine|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|title=Ariana Grande Unveils 'Yours Truly' Artwork, Confirms Release Date|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5380950/ariana-grande-unveils-yours-truly-artwork-confirms-release-date|magazine=Billboard|date=July 31, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2013}} "Baby I" sold 141,000 digital downloads during its first week of availability,{{cite magazine|last=Caulfied|first=Keith|title=Selena Gomez Earns First No. 1 on Billboard 200|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5315966/selena-gomez-earns-first-no-1-on-billboard-200|magazine=Billboard|date=July 31, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2013}} allowing the song to debut at number six on the US Billboard Hot Digital Songs chart, making Grande the only female artist to have multiple top-ten debuts on said chart in 2013. Following the release of its music video, "Baby I" re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 94, rising to number 60 the following week.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2013-09-21|title=Music: Top 100 Songs – 2013-09-21|magazine=Billboard|access-date= April 23, 2017}} On the US Dance Club Songs chart, the song peaked at number 18 after charting for ten weeks. It also reached number 28 on Rhythmic chart. Almost five years after its release, "Baby I" was certified Platinum by the RIAA in March 2018.

In Canada, "Baby I" debuted on the Canadian Hot 100 at its peak position of number 57 for the week marked at August 10, 2013 following its release. In the United Kingdom, "Baby I" entered the UK R&B Chart at number 26 following the album release.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-singles-chart/20130908/114/|title= Official R&B Singles Chart|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date= April 23, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/yours-truly-mw0002565183 |title=Yours Truly – Ariana Grande | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards|last=Collar|first=Matt|work=AllMusic|date=August 30, 2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014}} In Australia, "Baby I" debuted at number 67 on August 3, 2013, on the ARIA Charts.

In Japan, "Baby I" also saw commercial success, reaching a peak of number six on the Japan Hot 100 for the issue dated February 22, 2014, while topping the Japan Hot Overseas chart, making it her first top-ten hit in the former. On the Japanese year-end charts of 2014, the song was placed at number 38. It was also certified gold by the RIAJ.

File:Ariana Grande - Baby I (Video Screenshot).png and Will Smith.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5687171/ariana-grande-evokes-90s-music-videos-in-baby-i-clip-watch|title= Ariana Grande Evokes 90s Music Videos in 'Baby I' Clip: Watch|magazine= Billboard|date= September 6, 2013|access-date= April 9, 2017}}]]

Filming for the song's music video took place July 28–29, 2013. Grande hinted that the video would "travel" back to the 1990s and that there would be "lots of color" and "lots of baggy clothes." A teaser video was posted onto Grande's personal YouTube channel on September 5, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1713544/ariana-grande-baby-i-video-teaser/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211131150/http://www.mtv.com/news/1713544/ariana-grande-baby-i-video-teaser/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 11, 2018|title=Ariana Grande's Sunny 'Baby I' Video: Get A Sneak Peek!|work= MTV|date= September 5, 2013|access-date= July 11, 2017}} The official music video was released on September 6 on her Vevo account.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/06/ariana-grande-baby-i-video_n_3881120.html|title=Ariana Grande's 'Baby I' Video Takes You Back To The '90s (Watch) |work=The Huffington Post|date= September 6, 2017|access-date= July 11, 2017}} The video surpassed 100 million views on July 13, 2015, making it Grande's seventh Vevo-certified music video.{{cite tweet|number=620382233241718784|title=VEVO on Twitter: "Oh, baby! @ArianaGrande's "Baby I" is now #VevoCertified with 100M views"|user=VEVO|date=July 13, 2015|access-date=November 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305151426/https://twitter.com/vevo/status/620382233241718784|archive-date=March 5, 2016 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.universal-music.de/ariana-grande/news/detail/article:234058/ueber-100-millionen-views-one-last-time-von-ariana-grande-ist-vevo-certified|title=More than 100 million views: "One Last Time" by Ariana Grande is "VEVO Certified"|language=de|date=November 5, 2015|access-date=July 11, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117025216/http://www.universal-music.de/ariana-grande/news/detail/article:234058/ueber-100-millionen-views-one-last-time-von-ariana-grande-ist-vevo-certified|url-status=dead}} As of July 2018, the music video has been viewed over 155 million times on Vevo.

According to Christina Garibaldi from MTV, the video "takes a page straight out of the '90s, from the overalls to the graphic T's and mismatched prints. All they missed were the snap bracelets." Speaking about the video concept to Billboard, Grande said:

It's like a 90's, throwback-type vibe, when I said 'I want it to look like this,' I said like a TLC, Fresh Prince type vibe. I was like, 'Let's just get really silly, 90's amazing outfits, and just go out and dance around and have fun.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5695370/ariana-grande-video-interview-pop-star-talks-baby-i-video-touring|title=Ariana Grande Video Interview: Pop Star Talks 'Baby I' Video & Touring Future|magazine= Billboard|date= September 13, 2013|access-date= April 9, 2017}}

The video begins with Grande arriving at a party. For the first verse, the singer appears accompanied by her friends shutting down the block as she rocks a pair of short shorts and a midriff-baring top which according to Garibaldi, is reminiscent of Mariah Carey's ensemble in the 1995 "Fantasy" video. Halfway through the video, another scene is introduced, with Grande dancing and singing in the streets with a "frilly top and high-waist shorts on." Lucas Villa from AXS noted that Grande dances in a New York City street.{{cite web|url=https://www.axs.com/news/ariana-grande-releases-preview-of-90s-inspired-baby-i-music-video-25830|title= Ariana Grande releases preview of '90s-inspired 'Baby I' music video|work= AXS|date= September 5, 2013|access-date= April 9, 2017}} She also appears with her dancers singing in a bus. Eventually Grande makes her way back to the house party, which is complete with "inflatable microphones and boom boxes."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1713620/ariana-grande-baby-i-music-video/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409201226/http://www.mtv.com/news/1713620/ariana-grande-baby-i-music-video/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 9, 2017|title= Ariana Grande Invites You Back To The '90s In 'Baby I' Video|work= MTV|date= September 9, 2013|access-date= April 9, 2017}}

File:Ariana Grande performs in the World Wide Day of Play 2013 PETER DZUBAY.jpg

Ariana Grande performed the song at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show in medley with "The Way". She sang only the first verse, chorus, and bridge before moving into "The Way".{{cite web|title=Austin Mahone & Ariana Grande At VMAs Pre-Show: Who Was Better?|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2013/08/25/ariana-grande-austin-mahone-performance-mtv-vmas-2013-baby-i-what-about-love/|website=Hollywood Life|date=August 25, 2013 |author1=Internhl }} Caitlin White from MTV praised Grande's performance while commented that her "stunning, unstoppable belt proved she could handle the spotlight all on her own."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1859751/ariana-grande-vma-2013-performance-achievements/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707034105/http://www.mtv.com/news/1859751/ariana-grande-vma-2013-performance-achievements/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2014|title= Look At How Far Ariana Grande's Come Since Her 2013 Vma Performance! |work=MTV |date= February 7, 2014|access-date= July 8, 2017}} Grande also performed "Baby I" at the 2013 Worldwide Day of Play.{{cite web|title=Ariana Grande and BTR'S Concert Special!

|url=http://www.nick.com/videos/playlist/play/worldwide-day-of-play-2013-ariana-grande-btr-concert-special.html|work=Nickelodeon (Official Website)|access-date= July 10, 2017}} In a video published in her YouTube channel, the singer performed an acoustic version of the song accompanied by musician Dan Kanter.{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zF6__myqK2E| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211115/zF6__myqK2E| archive-date=2021-11-15 | url-status=live|title= Ariana Grande – The Way & Baby I acoustic with Dan Kanter|publisher= YouTube|date= August 9, 2013|access-date= July 8, 2017}}{{cbignore}} The song was also included as part of her headlining tour The Listening Sessions,{{cite magazine|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|title=Ariana Grande Previews 'Baby I' Single, Announces Tour Dates|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/1902870/ariana-grande-previews-baby-i-single-announces-tour-dates|magazine=Billboard|date=July 16, 2013|access-date=July 8, 2017}} and during her opening concerts for Justin Bieber's Believe Tour.{{cite tweet|number=362730643546861568|user=ArianaGrande|title= Ariana Grande on Twitter: Opening for Justin Bieber in a week! #BelieveTour|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170712232320/https://mobile.twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/362730643546861568|archive-date=July 12, 2017|date=July 31, 2013|access-date=July 8, 2017}} it also appeared during some shows of her 2015 concert tour The Honeymoon Tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2015/08/24/1491661/ariana-grande-breaks-free-shows-manila-love-concert|title= Ariana Grande breaks free, shows Manila love in concert|work= The Philippine Star|date= August 24, 2015|access-date= July 8, 2017}}

The song was also included as part of Grande's set list on the Summer Sonic Festival in Chiba, Japan on August 16, 2015.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/6664080/pharrell-chemical-brothers-japan-summer-sonic-festival|title= Pharrell, Chemical Brothers & More Shine at Japan's Summer Sonic Festival

|magazine=Billboard|date=August 17, 2015|access-date= July 10, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DcZoo9NALk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404181444/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DcZoo9NALk&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2023|title= Ariana Grande – Baby I (Live at Summer Sonic 2015)|publisher= YouTube|date=August 17, 2015|access-date= July 11, 2017}}

Credits adapted from Yours Truly{{'}}s liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Yours Truly|type=booklet|others=Ariana Grande|publisher=Republic Records|year=2016|id=47871096|pages=2}}

;Recording and management

• Recorded at Brandon's Way Recording Studios (Los Angeles, California)
• Mixed at Larrabee Studios (Los Angeles, California)
• Mastered at Sterling Sound (New York City, New York)
• Published by Faze 2 Music — administered by Songs of Universal, Inc. — (BMI), Rafael's Son Music. (ASCAP), Christopher Matthew Music Publishing/BMG. (BMI)

;Personnel

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• Ariana Grande – lead vocals
• Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds – songwriting, production
• Antonio Dixon – songwriting, horns arrangement
• Patrick "J. Que" Smith – songwriting
• Paul Boutin – recording
• Jaycen Joshua – mixing
• Kristopher Riddick-Tynes – recording, programming
• Peter Karlsson – vocal editing

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• Sam Holland – engineering
• Ryan Kaul – mixing engineering
• Tom Coyne – mastering
• Aya Merrill – mastering
• Randy Ellis – tenor saxophone
• Andrew Carney – trumpet
• Fabio Spinella – trumpet
• Ben Devitt – trombone

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=Australia|certyear=2023|award=Gold|access-date=July 7, 2023}}

{{certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Ariana Grande|title=Baby I|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2013|certyear=2023|access-date=15 December 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=single|award=Gold|artist= アリアナ・グランデ|title=ベイビー・アイ|relyear=2013|certyear=2014|certmonth=12|digital=true|note=Digital|access-date=July 8, 2017|refname="RIAJ"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Ariana Grande|title=Baby I|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2013|certyear=2018|access-date=March 15, 2018}}

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• {{YouTube|bJuWlMFToNo|"Baby I"}}

{{Ariana Grande songs}}

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Category:2013 singles

Category:2013 songs

Category:Ariana Grande songs

Category:Republic Records singles

Category:Song recordings produced by Babyface (musician)

Category:Songs written by Babyface (musician)

Category:Songs written by Antonio Dixon (songwriter)