Heartless (Kanye West song)#The Fray version
{{short description|2008 single by Kanye West}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Heartless
| cover = Kanyewestheartless.png
| alt = Cover art displaying the artist name and song title over a blue background
| type = single
| artist = Kanye West
| album = 808s & Heartbreak
| released = {{start date|2008|10|28}}
| recorded = 2008
| studio = *Glenwood (Burbank, California)
- Avex Recording (Honolulu, Hawaii)
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=31}}
| label = Roc-A-Fella
| writer = *Kanye West
| producer = *Kanye West
- No I.D.
| prev_title = Love Lockdown
| prev_year = 2008
| next_title = Go Hard
| next_year = 2008
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|Co0tTeuUVhU|"Heartless"}}}}
}}
"Heartless" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his fourth studio album, 808s & Heartbreak (2008). Containing a sample of the 1984 song, "Ammonia Avenue" by The Alan Parsons Project, the song was written by West, No I.D., Kid Cudi and Malik Yusef, while being produced by the former two. It was passed on to West during recording sessions, after originally being intended for inclusion on Jay-Z's eleventh studio album, The Blueprint 3 (2009). Following the song's debut at the 2008 Democratic National Convention (DNC), West shared an unmastered version via his blog on October 15, 2008. The song was later serviced to U.S. rhythmic contemporary radio stations as the second single from 808s & Heartbreak on October 28, through Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam. A pop ballad with influences of hip hop and R&B, it features synthesizers.
In the lyrics of the song, West reflects on his break-up with Alexis Phifer. "Heartless" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who mostly complimented West's performance. Some placed emphasis on the song's subject matter, while other critics praised the composition. At the 2010 BMI Pop Awards, it stood among the Award Winning Songs. The song reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. It further attained top 10 positions in Canada, New Zealand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Eventually being certified septuple platinum in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the song became one of the highest certified digital singles in the US. It has also received a quadruple platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in Australia and double platinum certifications in both Denmark and the UK by IFPI Danmark and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), respectively.
The song's music video, released on November 7, 2008, is a tribute to Ralph Bakshi's 1981 film American Pop. The video is animated, with it showcasing West expressing sadness over breaking up with Phifer. Critics gave the video favorable reviews, generally praising the animation. At the 2009 BET Awards, it received a nomination for the Video of the Year award. West performed "Heartless" at the 36th Annual American Music Awards and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2008 and 2011, respectively.
"Heartless" has been subject to cover versions by various artists, including the Fray. The band debuted their cover on the Live Lounge for BBC Radio 1 in February 2009, before it was released as a single on April 17. A pop rock ballad, the cover reworks the original. The cover received mixed to positive responses from critics, some of whom praised the musical direction. It charted at number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100. An accompanying music video was released on August 18, 2009, which shows moving doodles that appear from a boy's notebook. Kris Allen also covered the song, premiering his version in May 2009 with a performance for season eight of American Idol, which he was the winner of. The performance gathered strong verdicts from the judges, including Simon Cowell. The cover was released as a single in May 2009, and it charted at number 16 on the Hot 100.
Background and recording
File:Kanye West in the Studio.jpg (pictured center and left, respectively) working on the song in Glenwood Studios, Burbank, California.]]
After Kanye's mother Donda West died, his mentor No I.D. was contacted by American rapper Malik Yusef, who asked him to spend time with the artist.{{cite magazine | last=Hyman | first=Dan | title=No I.D. Q&A: Talks Almost Giving Up on Hip-Hop, Working With Kanye & More at Red Bull Music Festival | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8486238/no-id-red-bull-music-festival-interview-kanye-west-jay-z | magazine=Billboard | date=November 21, 2018 | access-date=May 1, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108203452/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8486238/no-id-red-bull-music-festival-interview-kanye-west-jay-z | archive-date=November 8, 2020 | url-status=live }} No I.D. initially rejected the decision due to their differing personalities, though later began communicating with Kanye West more after persuasion from Malik Yusef. West and No I.D. then travelled to Hawaii to work with rapper Jay-Z on his eleventh studio album The Blueprint 3 (2009), before West decided on transferring to recording for 808s & Heartbreak in the state once "Heartless" had been made. The recording took place at Avex Recording Studio in Honolulu, Hawaii, and at Glenwood Studios in Burbank, California. The song was produced by West, with co-production from No I.D. The two of them co-wrote it with Malik Yusef and fellow rapper Kid Cudi, the latter of which was revealed to have penned the chorus in his documentary film A Man Named Scott (2021).{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Matthew |title=Kid Cudi documentary 'A Man Named Scott' explores burden of being a mental health beacon for fans |url=https://thegrio.com/2021/11/03/kid-cudi-documentary-a-man-named-scott-explores-burden-of-being-a-mental-health-beacon-for-fans/ |publisher=TheGrio |date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103235830/https://thegrio.com/2021/11/03/kid-cudi-documentary-a-man-named-scott-explores-burden-of-being-a-mental-health-beacon-for-fans/ |url-status=live }} In a November 2014 interview for the Juan Epstein show, No I.D. recalled that the song was intended for The Blueprint 3 until West stopped during its recording and said, "No." Replying to him, No I.D. asked, "No what?"; West insisted: "No way! This is my record!" No I.D. begged him to complete the song for the album, to which West expressed assurance about it being for 808s & Heartbreak instead.{{Cite news |last=Bobb |first=Maurice |title=Kanye West's 'Heartless' Was Almost A Track On The Blueprint 3 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2004848/kanye-heartless-blueprint-3-no-id-interview/ |publisher=MTV |date=November 20, 2014 |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501113118/http://www.mtv.com/news/2004848/kanye-heartless-blueprint-3-no-id-interview/ |url-status=dead }}
West premiered "Heartless" with a performance at the 2008 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August, before he confirmed its release as the album's second single at a concert of rapper T.I. on October 5. A snippet of the song experienced an internet leak on October 12, 2008.{{cite web | author=Confusion | title=New Kanye West Song- 'Heartless' snippet | url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2008/10/new-kanye-west-song-heartless-snippet | work=Complex | date=October 12, 2008 | access-date=May 1, 2021 | archive-date=May 1, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501102733/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2008/10/new-kanye-west-song-heartless-snippet | url-status=live }} Three days later, West posted a full unmastered version of the song on his blog for download and streaming, blogging that he had "no words".{{cite web | last1=Laptine | first1=Scott | title=New Kanye West – 'Heartless' | url=https://www.stereogum.com/28341/new_kanye_west_heartless/music/ | work=Stereogum | date=October 15, 2008 | access-date=May 1, 2021 | archive-date=May 1, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501102732/https://www.stereogum.com/28341/new_kanye_west_heartless/music/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=West |first=Kanye |url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=210275_-1__0_~0_-1_5_2008_0_0&em3161=&em3281 |title=Kanye's Official blog post with Heartless, link contains adult content |publisher=Kanye West Blog |date=October 15, 2008 |access-date=October 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021034529/http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=210275_-1__0_~0_-1_5_2008_0_0&em3161=&em3281 |archive-date=October 21, 2008 |url-status=dead }} Alongside the post, he shared photographs of fuzzy faced, nude models that had been displayed at a listening party for 808s & Heartbreak on October 14, 2008. "Heartless" was eventually released as a single on October 28, before West shared a newly mixed and mastered version to his blog on November 8, 2008, for download and streaming. West simultaneously called for the attention of DJs, requesting them to play the new version instead.{{Cite web |last=West |first=Kanye |url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=212775_-1__0_~0_-1_5_2008_0_0&em3161=&em3281= |title=Mastered Version |publisher=Kanye West Blog |date=November 8, 2008 |access-date=November 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231180204/http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=212775_-1__0_~0_-1_5_2008_0_0&em3161=&em3281= |archive-date=December 31, 2008 |url-status=dead }} Outside of the song, West does not rap at all on the album, though rap features are contributed to "Amazing" and "See You in My Nightmares" by Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne, respectively. In an interview with Kiss FM, West revealed that "Heartless" was one of the first two tracks that he created once he went "into album mode" after the success of his third studio album Graduation (2007).{{cite magazine|last1=Saponara|first1=Michael|title=Kanye West's '808s & Heartbreak' Turns 9: Ranking the Album's Tracks|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8046306/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak-turns-9-ranking-the-albums-tracks|magazine=Billboard|date=November 24, 2017|access-date=May 1, 2021|archive-date=November 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123105455/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8046306/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak-turns-9-ranking-the-albums-tracks|url-status=live}} The song was recorded during the three week period that West worked on the entirety of 808s & Heartbreak in 2008.{{cite web|last=Macia |first=Peter |title=Fader 58: Kanye West Cover Story and Interview |website=The Fader |url=http://www.thefader.com/features/2008/11/25/fader-58-kanye-west-cover-story-and-interview |date=November 25, 2008 |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202233800/http://www.thefader.com/features/2008/11/25/fader-58-kanye-west-cover-story-and-interview |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |url-status=dead }} Seeking out a minimalist direction sonically, West directed his team to bring unique drum machines to Avex Recording Studio. They were sampled and reprogrammed into West's Roland TR-808 drum machine at the studio.{{cite magazine|last1=Saponara|first1=Michael|title=Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak Turns 10: Engineer Anthony Kilhoffer Revisits the Influential Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8485555/kanye-west-808-and-heartbreak-10-year-anniversary|magazine=Billboard|date=November 24, 2018|access-date=May 4, 2021|archive-date=November 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124221043/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8485555/kanye-west-808-and-heartbreak-10-year-anniversary|url-status=live}}
Composition and lyrics
{{Listen
|filename= Heartlesskanyeogg.ogg
|pos= right
|title= "Heartless"
|description= A 19-second sample of the chorus to "Heartless", including the song's frequent percussion and synthesizers. The chorus also features Ken Lewis' stabs of piano, as well as organs and Auto-Tuned melodies. West showcases honesty and self-pity, closing out the chorus with an angry question.}}
Musically, "Heartless" is an upbeat pop ballad,{{cite web| last1=Perkins| first1=Brandon| title=CD Reviews Kanye West :: 808s & Heartbreak| url=http://www.urb.com/reviews/cd/feature.php?ReviewId=906| work=Urb| date=November 20, 2008| access-date=May 4, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707092532/http://www.urb.com/reviews/cd/feature.php?ReviewId=906| archive-date=July 7, 2009| url-status=dead}}{{cite web| last1=Keylock| first1=Miles| title=Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak| url=https://www.news24.com/channel/Music/AlbumReviews/Kanye-West-808s-and-Heartbreak-20081205| publisher=Channel24| date=December 5, 2008| access-date=October 11, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809113909/https://www.news24.com/channel/Music/AlbumReviews/Kanye-West-808s-and-Heartbreak-20081205| archive-date=August 9, 2020| url-status=live}} with hip hop and R&B influences.{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/143350-kanye-west-2496004941.html|title=Hip-Hop's Heartbreak: Kanye West – 'Heartless'|first=Collin|last=McGuire|date=January 13, 2011|access-date=February 11, 2021|work=PopMatters|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116011130/https://www.popmatters.com/143350-kanye-west-2496004941.html|url-status=live}} According to the sheet music on Musicnotes.com, the song is set in the time signature of common time. It is composed in the key of B-flat minor with a moderate R&B tempo of 88 beats per minute and West's vocal range varies from a low of G (musical note) to a high of F (musical note).{{Cite web |title=Key & BPM for Heartless by Kanye West {{!}} Tunebat |url=https://tunebat.com/Info/Heartless-Kanye-West/4EWCNWgDS8707fNSZ1oaA5 |website=TuneBat}} The structure of the song is constructed around percussion, while synthesizers are prominently featured.{{cite news| last1=Hadadi| first1=Roxana| title=All Auto-Tune, No Tunes: Kanye West, '808s and Heartbreak'| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2008/11/24/all_autotune_no_tunes_kanye_west_808s_an/| newspaper=The Washington Post| url-access=subscription| date=November 24, 2008| access-date=May 4, 2021| archive-date=May 20, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520074050/https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2008/11/24/all_autotune_no_tunes_kanye_west_808s_an/| url-status=live}} The song includes the Roland TR-808 and piano stabs, the latter of which were contributed by Ken Lewis. Organs accompany the chorus, whereas keyboards appear in the background of the verses, played by West collaborator Jeff Bhasker. The song also contains a bassline, as well as Auto-Tuned melodies. West sings in Auto-Tune throughout, with him heavily utilizing the effect on the chorus. The song also includes rapping from West briefly.{{cite web|last1=Powers|first1=Ann|title=Kanye West examines real vs. fake, puppet vs. human on '808s and Heartbreak'|url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/kanye-west-exam.html|access-date=May 4, 2021|website=Los Angeles Times|date=November 21, 2008|archive-date=December 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213133453/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/kanye-west-exam.html|url-status=live}}
Lyrically, "Heartless" features West's forceful and direct reflection on breaking up with his ex-fiancé Alexis Phifer.{{cite magazine | last1=Concepcion | first1=Mariel | title=808s & Heartbreak | url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews-album/808s-heartbreak-1003895511.story | magazine=Billboard | date=November 29, 2008 | access-date=April 15, 2021 | archive-date=December 11, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211114557/https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews-album/808s-heartbreak-1003895511.story | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | last1=Conner-Simons | first1=Adam | title=Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak | url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/kanye-west-2_1108.htm | work=musicOMH | date=November 24, 2008 | access-date=May 5, 2021 | archive-date=May 29, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529060514/http://www.musicomh.com/albums/kanye-west-2_1108.htm | url-status=dead }} He expresses honesty and self-pity on the chorus: "The coldest story ever told / Somewhere far along this road / He lost his soul / To a woman so heartless".{{cite magazine |last1=Rosen |first1=Jody |author-link=Jody Rosen |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/808s-heartbreak-255317/ |title=808s & Heartbreak |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=May 5, 2021 |date=December 11, 2008 |archive-date=September 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908093130/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/808s-heartbreak-255317/ |url-status=live }} West also asks a question angrily twice before the chorus finishes: "How could you be so heartless?" Self-doubt is expressed on the song by West, who raps that despite having "homies", he is ultimately "still so lonely". West goes on to shed light on the post-breakup phase, assuming that Phifer will realize she is never going to find anybody better than him after two months.
Release and reception
On October 28, 2008, the song was released to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations as the album's second single by West's record labels Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam. That same year, the labels issued a two-track CD single for it. On November 24, 2008, "Heartless" was included as the third track on West's fourth studio album 808s & Heartbreak.{{cite web |last1=Kellman |first1=Andy |title=808s & Heartbreak – Kanye West |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/808s-heartbreak-mw0000802924 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=April 15, 2019 |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326172545/https://www.allmusic.com/album/808s-heartbreak-mw0000802924 |url-status=live }} The song was met with generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised West's performance. The staff of NBC4 Washington hailed the song as a perfect blend of "the cold, metallic 80s synth sound [West]'s been known for [as] of late" and "his older bouncing more straight forward Hip-Hop style", detailing that it is able to be upbeat alongside remaining melancholy as West sings in his Auto-Tuned "robotic croon" that T-Pain popularized.{{cite web|last1=Balls|first1=David|url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/local/on_the_download__kanye_west_s__heartless_/1880169/|title=On The Download: Kanye West's 'Heartless'|publisher=NBC4 Washington|date=November 24, 2008|access-date=April 29, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428142342/https://www.nbcwashington.com/local/on_the_download__kanye_west_s__heartless_/1880169/|url-status=live}} They continued, moderately comparing West's referencing of Phifer to rapper Eminem insulting his ex-girlfriend Kim Mathers, before assuring West's subject matter "makes good fodder for this super-slick space age, ragga-tinged gem" that you should download, then "pop it in your car and take a late night drive down Sunset Blvd". In a review of the song for Digital Spy, David Balls mildly asserted that it is not "exactly a warm and cosy affair"; he called the song a "dark, introspective slice of minor key pop".{{cite web|last1=Balls|first1=David|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/a143009/kanye-west-heartless/|title=Kanye West: 'Heartless'|publisher=Digital Spy|date=January 19, 2009|access-date=April 29, 2021|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429113657/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/a143009/kanye-west-heartless/|url-status=live}} Balls elaborated by writing that even though creating the album "seems to have served as an alternative form of therapy" for West, the "terrific" song demonstrates how "the soul-bearing has propelled him to new creative peaks". Alex Macpherson from The Guardian pointed out how the song includes a "solipsistic and clumsy" take on "the solitude of the superstar", noticing West provides a "testament to his talent" by ultimately executing it.{{cite web|last=Macpherson|first=Alex|date=November 21, 2008|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/21/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak|title=Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak|work=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=April 29, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228152322/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/21/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak | archive-date=February 28, 2014}} Reviewing the album for Entertainment Weekly, Leah Greenblatt commented that the "stuttering" song is among its understandably dominant "mournful tales of heartbreak", noting a confession from West.{{cite magazine|last=Greenblatt|first=Leah|date=November 29, 2008|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20242628,00.html|title=808s & Heartbreak|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=April 29, 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217154734/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20242628,00.html|archive-date=December 17, 2008}}
The staff of NME viewed the song as fulfilling the promise of West "leading the assault" on the planet undertaken by "scowling hip-hop androids", which he makes on the previous track "Welcome to Heartbreak". They explained, citing how the former is the only track to include rapping from him and saying the "cathedral organs and lava-lamp rhythmic thuds underscore a dancehall-style tormented chorus that impacts with flooring intensity".{{cite web | title=Kanye West – '808s And Heartbreak' review | url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-kanye-west-10009-341895 | work=NME | date=November 19, 2008 | access-date=April 29, 2021 | archive-date=October 28, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028110225/https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-kanye-west-10009-341895 | url-status=live }} Writing for Vibe, Jozen Cummings emphasised how the song's "clunky piano punches and throbbing bass line" lay "the sound bed" for the best break up track in rap since Jay-Z's "Song Cry" (2001).{{cite web | last1=Cummings | first1=Jozen | title=Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2008/11/kanye_west_808s_and_heartbreak/ | work=Vibe | date=November 24, 2008 | access-date=April 29, 2021 | archive-date=December 17, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217090645/https://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2008/11/kanye_west_808s_and_heartbreak/ | url-status=live }} Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania from RapReviews considered the song to be "ultra-catchy".{{cite web|last=Padania|first=Jesal 'Jay Soul'|url=http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2008_11F_808s.html|title=RapReviews.com Feature Of The Week – Kanye West's '808s & Heartbreak'|website=RapReviews|date=November 25, 2008|access-date=April 29, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415170548/http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2008_11F_808s.html|url-status=live}} USA Today{{'}}s Steve Jones picked the song as one of tracks from 808s & Heartbreak to download, an opinion that was shared by the staff of The Observer and Alfred H. Leonard, III of IGN.{{cite web | url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-11-23-kanye-west-808s-heartbreak_N.htm | work=USA Today | location=McLean | last=Jones | first=Steve | title=Kanye weighs what's lost, gained in '808s & Heartbreak' | date=November 28, 2008 | access-date=April 29, 2021 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304083719/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-11-23-kanye-west-808s-heartbreak_N.htm/ | archive-date=March 4, 2010 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak |title=CD: Urban review: Kanye West, 808s and Heartbreak |work=The Observer |access-date=April 29, 2021 |date=November 9, 2008 |archive-date=December 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201103614/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Leonard, III |first1=Alfred H. | title=Kanye West – 808{{'}}s & Heartbreak. | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/26/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak | website= IGN | date=November 26, 2008 | access-date=April 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225112337/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/26/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak |archive-date=February 25, 2021 }} For Spin, Charles Aaron felt the song possesses the potential to "end up on a greatest-hits comp one day and be accepted as Kanyeezy standards".{{cite web|last=Aaron|first=Charles|author-link=Charles Aaron|date=November 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106181529/http://www.spin.com/reviews/kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak-roc-fella|archive-date=January 6, 2010 |url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak-roc-fella|access-date=April 29, 2021|title=Kanye West, '808's and Heartbreak' (Roc-A-Fella)|magazine=Spin}} In a lukewarm review at Pitchfork, Scott Plagenhoef characterized "Heartless" as a "very good" song that is a surprisingly appropriate fit for "the car radio" while naming it merely a "second-tier" single from West.{{cite web|last=Plagenhoef|first=Scott|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12498-808s-and-heartbreak/|title=Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak|work=Pitchfork|date=December 2, 2008|access-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212004509/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12498-808s-and-heartbreak/|archive-date=February 12, 2015|url-status=live}} Wilson McBee from Slant Magazine described the song as having all the qualities "of a classic, minor-key club anthem, darkly swaggering and indulgent of love's travails", though wished that it was performed by Usher instead.{{cite web | last1= McBee |first1= Wilson| title= Music Review: Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak | url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1596 | work= Slant Magazine | date=November 24, 2008 | access-date=April 3, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203034534/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1596 | archive-date=December 3, 2008 }} AllMusic editor Andy Kellman held a negative opinion, being surprised that the song's "synthetic calliope" is "unnerved".
=Accolades=
On Pitchfork writer Ryan Dombal's list of the best tracks of 2008, he placed "Heartless" at number 23.{{cite web|last=Dombal|first=Ryan|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/7572-the-100-best-tracks-of-2008/?page=11|title=The 100 Best Tracks of 2008|work=Pitchfork|date=December 15, 2008 |access-date=April 30, 2021|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430094956/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/7572-the-100-best-tracks-of-2008/?page=11|url-status=live}} The track was voted in at number 55 on The Village Voice{{'}}s Pazz & Jop poll for 2008, garnering 10 mentions.{{cite web | url=http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/2008/ | access-date=April 30, 2021 | location=New York City | work=The Village Voice | title=Pazz+Jop Poll | date=January 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201112814/http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/2008/ | archive-date=February 1, 2009 | url-status=live }} In 2020, Highsnobiety named it as West's eighth best song.{{cite web|last=Indiana|first=Jake|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/best-kanye-west-songs/|title=The 40 Best Kanye West Songs, an Official Ranking|work=Highsnobiety|date=February 27, 2020|access-date=May 3, 2021}} That same year, the track was ranked by Teen Vogue as the 47th best breakup song for the newly single, with Kristi Kellogg estimating that it will be played repeatedly "when you're in the post-breakup anger phase".{{cite web|last=Kellogg|first=Kristi|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/saddest-breakup-songs-ever|title=73 Best Breakup Songs for the Newly Single|work=Teen Vogue|date=June 23, 2020|access-date=April 30, 2021|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430094955/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/saddest-breakup-songs-ever|url-status=live}} The track was nominated for seven industry awards and won six of them, including being one of the Award Winning Songs at the 2010 BMI Pop Awards. In the same year, it was awarded as one of the Most-Performed Urban Songs at the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.
Music video
=Background=
An accompanying music video was directed and produced by Hype Williams, being set as a homage to Ralph Bakshi's film American Pop (1981);{{cite magazine|last1=Perpetua|first1=Matthew|title=The Greatest Animated Music Videos|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/the-greatest-animated-music-videos-20120131/kanye-west-heartless-0610003|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=October 13, 2012|access-date=May 8, 2021|archive-date=April 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408233019/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/the-greatest-animated-music-videos-20120131/kanye-west-heartless-0610003|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Kaufman|first1=Gil|title=Kris Allen's 'Heartless': The Story Behind The Cover|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1611249/20090513/west_kanye.jhtml|date=May 13, 2009|publisher=MTV|access-date=May 15, 2009|archive-date=May 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515002806/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1611249/20090513/west_kanye.jhtml|url-status=dead}} West admitted that inspiration was taken from the film after Williams showed it to him.{{Cite web |last=West |first=Kanye |url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/2008/11/i-didnt-leak-this-but-at-least-heres-a-clear-version/ |title=I didn't leak this but at least here's a clear version! |publisher=Kanye West Blog |date=November 8, 2008 |access-date=October 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425050637/http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/2008/11/i-didnt-leak-this-but-at-least-heres-a-clear-version/ |archive-date=April 25, 2010 |url-status=dead }} For the video, Williams shot the footage of West prior to the technique of rotoscoped animation being utilized.{{cite web |last1=Cueva |first1=Cesar |title=Kanye West: Heartless (Music Video) |url=https://artofthecartoon.net/2009/01/22/kanye-west-heartless-music-video/ |website=Art of the Cartoon |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190203182316/https://artofthecartoon.net/2009/01/22/kanye-west-heartless-music-video/ |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |date=January 22, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} The technique included 65 animators in Hong Kong drawing over every cell, after real people were filmed. West and Williams developed the video concept, while editorial and post-production house Chomet and visual effects company handled post-production, Stephan Zlotescu served as Art Director/VFX Supervisor, and Vlad Caprini was the Project Coordinator.
Michael Chomet explained that Williams approached the post-production house "with an almost impossible challenge: after picture-lock we had 10 days to deliver the goods". He emphasized the challenge as "a daunting task" that over 3,000 frames of hand-drawn animation and backgrounds were utilized for, though said that they managed "to pull it off in a record of 10 days working around the clock" with assistance from "a very talented team". Williams expressed his position for the video, asserting that he and West desired "to do something ... that was unexpected" and said they "needed a visual effects team that would deliver in terms of style, quality, and timing". He finalized by recalling having "worked with Stephan and Michael before", believing "that we could depend on them to pull it off". During his appearance at the 2008 American Music Awards, West premiered footage from the visual.{{cite news|last1=Moody|first1=Anniemarie|title=Chomet, Hype Williams Rotoscope Heartless|url=https://www.awn.com/news/chomet-hype-williams-rotoscope-heartless|date=February 24, 2009|publisher=Animation World Network|access-date=May 8, 2021|archive-date=May 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509062000/https://www.awn.com/news/chomet-hype-williams-rotoscope-heartless|url-status=live}} The music video was released on November 7, 2008.{{cite web|last1=Cunningham|first1=Jonathan|title=Kanye West Releases 'Heartless' Video|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/kanye-west-releases-heartless-video-6454815|work=Miami New Times|date=November 7, 2008|access-date=May 8, 2021|archive-date=May 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510142453/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/kanye-west-releases-heartless-video-6454815|url-status=live}}
=Synopsis=
Throughout the animated music video, West expressing grief about his break-up with Phifer is interspersed with scenes of various women. The women are rotoscoped over West at times, with them having been drawn on top of the footage by hand. West wanders around a city while backed by the night sky at first, before he sits in a car's back seat. At one point, a portrait of Andy Warhol's artwork Campbell's Soup Cans is displayed. The locations that West appears in during the video are highly stylized, including a Miami street scene and a space-age version of Times Square. He briefly breaks his character, smoking a cigarette.{{cite web |title=Ranking All 43 of Kanye West's Music Videos |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/06/ranking-all-42-of-kanye-wests-music-videos/ |website=Complex |date=June 8, 2018 |access-date=May 10, 2021 |archive-date=April 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419080823/https://www.complex.com/music/2018/06/ranking-all-42-of-kanye-wests-music-videos/ |url-status=live }} At the end, West demonstrates frustration in an apartment while portraits of animated sitcom The Jetsons can be seen in the background.
=Reception=
The music video was well received by critics. Scratch from XXL said West hired "Hype 'Big Budget' Williams to draw upon ... Rotoscoping to keep our eyes glued to the screen", finalizing that the video is "an amazing work of art" and deservant of being "experienced on a big screen" while shining disappointment on West and Def Jam having "few outlets and opportunities for people to actually see [it]".{{cite web|author1=Scratch |title=Kanye West 'Heartless' Makes The Music Video Cool Again|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/bloggers/2008/11/kanye-west-heartless-makes-the-music-video-cool-again/|website=XXL|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190203181300/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/bloggers/2008/11/kanye-west-heartless-makes-the-music-video-cool-again/ |archive-date=February 3, 2019|date=November 11, 2008|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Cesar Cueva of Art of the Cartoon felt both surprised and pleasured about the music video being animated, revealing himself to have instantly found the rotoscope style impressive. Cueva further wrote that after sensing a homage "to something I had seen before" with the video and having this confirmed by West citing inspiration from American Pop, he appreciated it more, and praised the sitcom portraits. For the Miami New Times, Jonathan Cunningham affirmed that the video "isn't bad" and he "can't complain about [West and Williams'] choice to go with an animated look rather than the standard video route", concluding by suggesting it is "mind-numbing entertainment to get you through the last day of the week". Larry Fitzmaurice of Vice named the visual a "Great video", viewing it as "no exception" to West's "cool-ass-looking videos" from the 808s & Heartbreak period and "a trippy cel-shaded experience stuffed with pop art and pop culture references" that was released simultaneously with West becoming "inextricably enmeshed in pop culture's DNA".{{cite web |last= Fitzmaurice |first= Larry |title= Has Kanye West Ever Made a Good Music Video? We Investigate |work= Vice |url= https://www.vice.com/en/article/r3z3k9/has-kanye-west-ever-made-a-good-music-video-an-investigation |date= July 1, 2016 |access-date= May 10, 2021 |archive-date= November 5, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201105101502/https://www.vice.com/en/article/r3z3k9/has-kanye-west-ever-made-a-good-music-video-an-investigation |url-status= live }}
The visual was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2009 BET Awards, ultimately losing to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".{{cite web|title=2009 BET Awards Winners & Nominees|url=https://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2009/nominees.html|publisher=BET|access-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015151520/https://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2009/nominees.html|archive-date=15 October 2017|date=8 April 2016}} The former received a nomination for International Video Of The Year – Artist at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards, as well as being nominated for the awards of Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Male Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Japan.{{cite web|url=http://mmva.muchmusic.com/category/nominees|title=MuchMusic Video Awards 2009 Nominees|publisher=MuchMusic|access-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530064813/http://mmva.muchmusic.com/category/nominees|archive-date=30 May 2009}}{{cite news|title=MTV Japan Unveils Nominees For MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2009|url=http://www.mtvasia.com/News/200903/18017748.html|access-date=3 February 2019|publisher=MTV Asia|date=18 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402175534/http://www.mtvasia.com/News/200903/18017748.html|archive-date=2 April 2010}} In 2012, the clip was listed by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest animated music videos of all time. Complex named the music video as West's 16th best six years later, directing praise towards the rotoscoping for making the cartoons "surprisingly lifelike in their motions".
Commercial performance
File:Kanye West Shankbone 2009 Vanity Fair.jpg.|The song gave West his third top five entry of 2008 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in November, while it became his second highest-charting single overall on the Hot 100 two months later.]]
For the chart issue dated November 13, 2008, "Heartless" entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number four, selling 201,000 downloads.{{cite magazine | last1=Cohen | first1=Jonathan | title=T.I. Leads Hot Singles 100; Kanye, Taylor Debut High | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043511/ti-leads-hot-100-kanye-taylor-debut-high | magazine=Billboard | date=November 13, 2008 | access-date=November 13, 2008 | archive-date=July 1, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701215330/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043511/ti-leads-hot-100-kanye-taylor-debut-high | url-status=live }} It became West's 3rd top 5 entry of the year, as well as the 12th song overall to debut in the top 4 of the Hot 100 in the 21st century.{{cite magazine |title=Into The Fray |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OBQEAAAAMBAJ&q=Kanye+west+already+had+the+second-highest+hot+100&pg=PA81 |magazine=Billboard |page=81 |access-date=February 22, 2020 |via=Google Books |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222162635/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=OBQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA81&dq=Kanye+west+already+had+the+second-highest+hot+100&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjFvvGKyeXnAhUwQEEAHbsiDYwQ6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=Kanye%20west%20already%20had%20the%20second-highest%20hot%20100&f=false |archive-date=February 22, 2020 |date=November 22, 2008 |url-status=live}} After having fallen down the chart, the song reached number three on the Hot 100 for the issue date of January 15, 2009, simultaneously standing as the fastest growing track at radio.{{cite magazine | last1=Cohen | first1=Jonathan | title=Lady GaGa Dances Again Atop Hot 100 | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269608/lady-gaga-dances-again-atop-hot-100 | magazine=Billboard | date=January 15, 2009 | access-date=January 15, 2009 | archive-date=August 9, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809163543/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269608/lady-gaga-dances-again-atop-hot-100 | url-status=live }} The song peaked at number two on the Hot 100 the following week, being blocked from the top position by Eminem's Dr. Dre and 50 Cent−featuring single "Crack a Bottle" and becoming West's second highest-charting single in the United States.{{cite magazine | last1=Cohen | first1=Jonathan | title=Eminem's 'Bottle' Breaks Digital Record | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269427/eminems-bottle-breaks-digital-record | magazine=Billboard | date=January 22, 2009 | access-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423124928/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269427/eminems-bottle-breaks-digital-record | url-status=live }} In total, the song spent 30 weeks on the chart.{{cite magazine | title=Kanye West – Heartless – Chart History | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/hsi/ | magazine=Billboard | access-date=April 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215215602/https://www.billboard.com/music/kanye-west/chart-history/HSI/song/595109 | archive-date=December 15, 2019 | url-status=live }} As of May 31, 2018, the song ranks as West's fourth biggest hit of all time on the Hot 100.{{Cite magazine |last=Zellner |first=Xander |title=Kanye West's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7825442/kanye-west-biggest-billboard-hot-100-hits |magazine=Billboard |date=May 31, 2018 |access-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015134902/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7825442/kanye-west-biggest-billboard-hot-100-hits |url-status=live }}
The track debuted at number 13 on the US Billboard Pop 100 chart issue dated November 22, 2008, standing as the highest entry of the week.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?f=Pop+100&pageNumber=Top+11-50&g=Singles |title=Pop 100 Singles – November 22, 2008 – Page 2 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081117200104/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?f=Pop+100&pageNumber=Top+11-50&g=Singles |archive-date=November 17, 2008}} In its eighth week on the chart, the track entered the top 10 at number seven, before peaking at number four on March 7, 2009.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Pop+100 |title=Pop 100 Singles – January 17, 2009 – Page 1 |magazine=Billboard | access-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114195042/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Pop+100 |archive-date=January 14, 2009}} The track topped both the US Billboard Hot Rap Songs and Rhythmic charts, giving West his first number one on the latter chart since "Gold Digger" in 2005.{{cite magazine |title=Sports & Music Special |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_vawoOB1mBoC&q=kanye+west+heartless+rhythmic |magazine=Billboard |pages=46–47 |access-date=May 25, 2021 |via=Google Books |date=January 31, 2009 |archive-date=May 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525144758/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=_vawoOB1mBoC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=kanye%20west%20heartless%20rhythmic&f=false |url-status=live }} The former further reached number three on both the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Mainstream Top 40 charts. By September 2012, the track had surpassed 4,000,000 digital sales in the US, becoming West's third track to achieve this milestone and his second to do so as a lead artist.{{cite news |title=Week Ending Sept. 16, 2012. Songs: Novelty Hit Of The Year |last1=Grein |first1=Paul |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-sept-16-2012-songs-mindless-fun-022236621.html |publisher=Yahoo! |date=September 19, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2012 |archive-date=September 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925082321/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-sept-16-2012-songs-mindless-fun-022236621.html |url-status=live }} On September 23, 2020, "Heartless" was certified septuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for amassing 7,000,000 certified units in the US, becoming one of the best-selling digital singles in the country by certification.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?advance_search=1&tab_active=awards_by_album&awardal=&formatal=Single&typeal=DI&type_optional=ST#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum – Digital singles|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)|access-date=April 23, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017195852/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?advance_search=1&tab_active=awards_by_album&awardal=&formatal=Single&typeal=DI&type_optional=ST#search_section|url-status=live}}
In Canada, the song opened at number eight on the Canadian Hot 100 for the issue dated November 22, 2008, becoming the week's highest entry.{{cite magazine | last1=Cohen | first1=Jonathan | title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs – November 22, 2008 | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2008-11-22 | magazine=Billboard | access-date=April 27, 2021 | archive-date=April 27, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427163756/https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2008-11-22 | url-status=live }} "Heartless" spent 22 weeks on the Hot 100. Elsewhere, the song debuted at number 36 on the New Zealand Singles Chart for the issue date of December 1, 2008. The song steadily rose up the chart during the succeeding nine weeks, which finished with it peaking at number six on the chart issue dated February 2, 2009. On July 12, 2009, the song was certified gold by Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ) for selling over 7,500 units in New Zealand. "Heartless" peaked at number 40 on the ARIA Singles Chart, and it had been certified quadruple-platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of over 280,000 copies in Australia in 2022. In Turkey, the song entered the Türkiye Top 20 at number 14 on the issue date of January 19, 2009, before peaking at number 2 in its 7th week on the chart.{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com.tr/pages/Turkiye_top20.aspx |title=Billboard Türkiye Top 20 (Liste Tarihi: 26-01-09) |work=Billboard Türkiye |access-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201021758/http://www.billboard.com.tr/pages/Turkiye_top20.aspx/ |archive-date=February 1, 2009}} The song peaked at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, and lasted for 20 weeks on it.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14958/kanye-west/|title=Kanye West {{!}} full Official Chart History|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220235353/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14958/kanye-west/|archive-date=December 20, 2019|url-status=live}} As of October 24, 2019, the song ranks as West's 17th most successful track of all time on the chart.{{cite news|last1=White|first1=Jack|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kanye-wests-official-top-40-biggest-songs-in-the-uk__27335/|title=Kanye West's Official Top 40 biggest songs in the UK|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=October 24, 2019|access-date=September 14, 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024092356/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kanye-wests-official-top-40-biggest-songs-in-the-uk__27335/|url-status=live}} On March 15, 2024, "Heartless" was certified double platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for selling 1,200,000 units in the United Kingdom. The song further reached the top 40 in Ireland,{{cite web|url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2009&year=2009&week=4|title=Chart Track: Week 4, 2009|publisher=GfK Chart-Track|access-date=December 28, 2014|archive-date=December 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230114630/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2009&year=2009&week=4|url-status=live}} Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany, with it receiving a double platinum certification by IFPI Danmark for 180,000 shipments in the third of the five countries on April 3, 2024. The song peaked at number 36 on the European Hot 100 Singles chart, while it ranked as the ninth biggest digital song of 2009 worldwide, with sales of 5,500,000.{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/dmr2010.pdf|title=Top 10 Digital Songs 2009|publisher=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI)|page=7|access-date=January 15, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122170638/http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/dmr2010.pdf|archive-date=January 22, 2012}}
Live performances
File:Obama portrait crop.jpg portrait for the 2008 United States presidential election|West performed the song during the Be the Change Youth Ball for Barack Obama's first inauguration in January 2009, changing lyrics of the chorus to reference him.]]
West first performed a portion of the song live in August 2008 for the ONE Campaign concert at the DNC in Denver, Colorado. Before his performance of "Heartless" for T.I.'s Myspace sponsored concert at the Key Club, Los Angeles, in October 2008, West announced that 808s & Heartbreak had been finished in Hawaii and the song would be released as a single.{{Cite news |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |title=Kanye West Reveals 808s And Heartbreak Release Date During Surprise Appearance At T.I. Concert |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596368/20081006/west_kanye.jhtml |publisher=MTV |date=October 6, 2008 |access-date=November 16, 2008 |archive-date=December 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210023427/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596368/20081006/west_kanye.jhtml |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine |last=Concepcion |first=Mariel |title=Kanye: New Album Coming Nov. 25 |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043860/kanye-new-album-coming-nov-25 |magazine=Billboard |date=October 6, 2008 |access-date=November 16, 2008 |archive-date=September 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910113319/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043860/kanye-new-album-coming-nov-25 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Smith |first=Camilo |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/soundboard/2008/10/ti-myspace-show.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 5, 2008 |access-date=November 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |title=Kanye West, Rihanna appear at T.I.'s Myspace show at Key Club |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007063724/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/soundboard/2008/10/ti-myspace-show.html |archive-date=October 7, 2008 }} He abruptly ended the performance, complaining about not wanting it to end up on YouTube. West finished his appearance at the 2008 American Music Awards by performing the song.{{cite magazine | last1=Kreps | first1=Daniel | title=Kanye West, Chris Brown Win Big At American Music Awards | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-chris-brown-win-big-at-american-music-awards-70004/ | magazine=Rolling Stone | url-access=limited | date=November 24, 2008 | access-date=April 28, 2021 | archive-date=January 5, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105094332/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-chris-brown-win-big-at-american-music-awards-70004/ | url-status=live }} He wore a blue and red two-tone Pastelle varsity jacket for the performance, being accompanied by a neon back-drop.{{cite web | last1=Ruano | first1=Luis | title=Kanye West – Pastelle Jacket Preview at the American Music Awards | url=https://hypebeast.com/2008/11/kanye-west-pastelle-jacket-preview-at-the-american-music-awards | work=Hypebeast | date=November 24, 2008 | access-date=April 28, 2021 | archive-date=April 28, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428111429/https://hypebeast.com/2008/11/kanye-west-pastelle-jacket-preview-at-the-american-music-awards | url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Martens |first=Todd |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/american-musi-2.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 23, 2008 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |title=American Music Awards: Performances as they happen |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428111428/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/american-musi-2.html |url-status=live }} West transitioned from a performance of the song into one of fellow album track "Pinocchio Story" for Saturday Night Live (SNL) on December 13, 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.thefader.com/2008/12/15/video-kanye-west-heartless-pinnochio-story-live/ |title=Video: Kanye West, 'Heartless/Pinocchio Story' (Live on SNL) |website=The Fader |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=December 15, 2008 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428111432/http://www.thefader.com/2008/12/15/video-kanye-west-heartless-pinnochio-story-live/ |url-status=live }} On January 20, 2009, West performed the former at the Be the Change Youth Ball for the first inauguration of 2009–2017 US president Barack Obama. During an instrumental break in the song, Kanye West proclaimed that he "feels so good to be standing here" and Donda "would be so proud right now" in seeing "her baby boy performing the #1 song in the country for our new African-American president". West also said that his grandfather "drove the first car in the marches out of Oklahoma" to see the ball, before he sang an altered version of the song's chorus in tribute to both the civil rights struggle and Obama: "In the night I hear them talk/ The greatest story ever told, [...] Somewhere far along this road, a new soul: Obama ..."{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=James |title=Kanye West Felt 'So Good' To Perform For President Obama |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1603166/kanye-west-felt-so-good-to-perform-for-president-obama/ |publisher=MTV |date=January 21, 2009 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-date=February 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210201807/http://www.mtv.com/news/1603166/kanye-west-felt-so-good-to-perform-for-president-obama/ |url-status=dead }}
West performed a medley of "Heartless" and "Pinocchio Story" as the eighth number of his February 2009 VH1 show, which was later issued as his second live album VH1 Storytellers in January 2010.{{cite news |last1=Montgomery |first1=James |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1628248/kanye-west-vh1-storytellers-cddvd-hits-stores-in-january/ |title=Kanye West VH1 'Storytellers' CD/DVD Hits Stores In January |publisher=MTV |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=December 14, 2009 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402085658/http://www.mtv.com/news/1628248/kanye-west-vh1-storytellers-cddvd-hits-stores-in-january/ |url-status=dead }} He responded to rapper 50 Cent's comments about him being dressed differently in a Paris picture and addressed people who disputed his sexuality during the performance, remarking "look at me now, singing on the ground with my pink shirt on" and questioning, "Does this look gay to you?"{{cite news |last1=Reid |first1=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1606123/kanye-west-calls-out-50-cent-during-storytellers-show/ |title=Kanye West Calls Out 50 Cent During 'Storytellers' Show |publisher=MTV |access-date=July 19, 2021 |date=March 2, 2009 |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224143951/http://www.mtv.com/news/1606123/kanye-west-calls-out-50-cent-during-storytellers-show/ |url-status=dead }} On March 11, 2009, West delivered a performance of the song for his first appearance on American Idol, which included him jumping on a table in front of excited fans.{{cite web | title=Video: Kanye West Performs on 'American Idol' | url=https://www.rap-up.com/2009/03/11/video-kanye-west-performs-on-american-idol/ | work=Rap-Up | date=March 11, 2009 | access-date=June 7, 2021 | archive-date=September 29, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929203213/https://www.rap-up.com/2009/03/11/video-kanye-west-performs-on-american-idol/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last1=Jackson | first1=Sharyn | title=American Idol Results: Kanye West Performs 'Heartless,' Adam Lambert Safe, Paula's Boobs Look Incredible! | url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2009/03/12/american-idol-results-kanye-west-performs-heartless-adam-lambert-safe-paulas-boobs-look-incredible/ | work=The Village Voice | date=March 12, 2009 | access-date=June 7, 2021 | archive-date=October 6, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006192700/https://www.villagevoice.com/2009/03/12/american-idol-results-kanye-west-performs-heartless-adam-lambert-safe-paulas-boobs-look-incredible/ | url-status=live }} At the 2009 iTunes Festival, Mr Hudson brought out West to perform the song, with West hugging the former's mainman Ben Hudson at the performance's ending.{{cite news | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/mr-hudson-and-the-library-1316970 | title=Kanye West joins Mr Hudson onstage at London iTunes gig | work=NME | date=July 8, 2009 | access-date=April 28, 2021 | archive-date=July 11, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711193752/http://www.nme.com/news/music/mr-hudson-and-the-library-1316970 | url-status=live }} West performed the song during his headlining set at the 2011 Coachella Festival, during which the pitch shifting was handled by the concert's programmer Laura Escudé for enabling him to be heard as the Auto-Tune was turned on and off.{{cite web | last1=Blanchet | first1=Brenton | title=How Kanye West Pulled Off His Iconic Headlining Set at Coachella 2011 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/kanye-west-2011-coachella-performance-anniversary/part-4 | work=Complex | date=April 17, 2021 | access-date=April 27, 2021 | archive-date=April 27, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427174641/https://www.complex.com/music/kanye-west-2011-coachella-performance-anniversary/part-4 | url-status=live }} He performed a remixed version at the 2013 Governors Ball that added feral growls.{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Stacey |title=Kanye West Performs 'Yeezus' Songs at Governors Ball |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-performs-yeezus-songs-at-governors-ball-114131/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=June 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428093802/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-performs-yeezus-songs-at-governors-ball-114131/ |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |url-status=dead }} On February 25, 2014, West performed a five-minute medley of his greatest hits in chronological order by album on Late Night with Seth Meyers, which included "Heartless".{{cite web | last1=Moorhouse | first1=Drusilla | title=Kanye West electrifies 'Late Night' with greatest hits medley | url=https://www.today.com/popculture/kanye-west-electrifies-late-night-greatest-hits-medley-2D12172324 | work=Today | date=February 26, 2014 | access-date=April 27, 2021 | archive-date=April 27, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427174641/https://www.today.com/popculture/kanye-west-electrifies-late-night-greatest-hits-medley-2D12172324 | url-status=live }} West delivered a performance of the song in a low tempo for his headlining set at the 2015 Glastonbury Festival, beginning from the set's 38:04 mark.{{cite web|last1=Goodacre|first1=Kate|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/glastonbury-festival/a655359/kanye-west-brings-drama-to-glastonburys-pyramid-stage-you-are-watching-the-greatest-living-rock-star-on-the-planet/|title=Kanye West brings drama to Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage: 'You are watching the greatest living rock star on the planet'|publisher=Digital Spy|date=June 27, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427174641/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/glastonbury-festival/a655359/kanye-west-brings-drama-to-glastonburys-pyramid-stage-you-are-watching-the-greatest-living-rock-star-on-the-planet/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|author=Zo|url=https://www.okayplayer.com/news/kanye-west-full-glastonbury-festival-performance-live-video.html|title=Watch Kanye West's Contentious Glastonbury Performance In Full|publisher=Okayplayer|date=June 27, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427174642/https://www.okayplayer.com/news/kanye-west-full-glastonbury-festival-performance-live-video.html|url-status=live}} For West's two night concert of 808s & Heartbreak in full at the Hollywood Bowl in September 2015, him and Kid Cudi performed the song as the set's third track.{{cite web|last1=Young|first1=Alex|url=https://consequence.net/2015/09/kanye-west-performs-808s-heartbreak-in-full-watch/|title=Kanye West performs 808s & Heartbreak in full — watch|website=Consequence of Sound|date=September 26, 2015|access-date=April 28, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428111428/https://consequence.net/2015/09/kanye-west-performs-808s-heartbreak-in-full-watch/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Sundermann|first1=Eric|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/rzeqv3/808s-heartbreak-hollywood-bowl-los-angeles-review-essay|title=Will We Ever Love Again: The Cold Magic of Kanye West's '808s & Heartbreak' Live in Hollywood|website=Vice|date=September 28, 2015|access-date=April 28, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428111428/https://www.vice.com/en/article/rzeqv3/808s-heartbreak-hollywood-bowl-los-angeles-review-essay|url-status=live}} West wore loose garments in white and off-white shades while performing, with backing from a small band and a medium-sized orchestra.{{cite web | last1=Caramanica | first1=Jon | author-link=Jon Caramanica | title=Review: Kanye West Shines Light on His Darkest Hour | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/28/arts/music/review-kanye-west-shines-light-on-his-darkest-hour.html | work=The New York Times | url-access=limited | date=September 28, 2015 | access-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108131140/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/28/arts/music/review-kanye-west-shines-light-on-his-darkest-hour.html |archive-date=November 8, 2020 }} Kid Cudi strengthened West's vocal runs when singing them, and the pair moved around the stage during the performance.{{cite web |last1=Trammell |first1=Matthew |last2=Nocito |first2=Jason |url=https://www.thefader.com/2015/09/26/kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak-hollywood-bowl-live-review |title=Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak Live Show Is Proof Fam' Can't Kill Him |website=The Fader |access-date=April 28, 2021 |date=September 26, 2015 |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723230752/https://www.thefader.com/2015/09/26/kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak-hollywood-bowl-live-review |url-status=live }}
Appearances in media
The fifth episode of the thirteenth season of the American television series South Park, titled "Fishsticks", aired on April 8, 2009.{{cite web|last=O'Neal|first=Sean|url=https://www.avclub.com/south-park-fishsticks-1798206006|title=South Park: 'Fishsticks'|work=The A.V. Club|date=April 8, 2009|access-date=June 10, 2021|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006192627/https://sourcepoint.avclub.com/mms/get_site_data?requestUUID=19cde2c7-8039-4211-bec5-e869b8ebd3a4&account_id=1195&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.avclub.com%2Fsouth-park-fishsticks-1798206006|url-status=live}} In the episode, the character Jimmy comes to realize that "fish sticks" sounds very similar to "fish dicks", birthing a joke involving telling other characters they are a "gay fish". Though main character Cartman attempts to take credit for the joke, a computer generated version of West fails to understand it at first. He eventually accepts himself to be a "gay fish", diving underwater and singing an Auto-Tuned parody of "Heartless" titled after the joke's main line.{{cite web| last1=Jensen| first1=Lucas| title=Kanye West Likes Fish Sticks| url=https://www.idolator.com/5205379/kanye-west-likes-fish-sticks| website=Idolator| date=April 9, 2009| access-date=June 10, 2021| archive-date=June 10, 2021| archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610075754/https://www.idolator.com/5205379/kanye-west-likes-fish-sticks?edg-c=1| url-status=live}} The day after its premiere, West responded to the episode via his blog, admitting South Park "murdered me last night" and it is "pretty funny". West blogged about his feelings being hurt but expected this from the show, also expressing thankfulness and confessing that if he continues to act as he has done, he will be subject to more of this type of content.{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=James |title=Kanye West Responds – Humbly! – To 'South Park' 'Fish Sticks' Slam |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1608939/kanye-west-responds-humbly-to-south-park-fish-sticks-slam/ |publisher=MTV |date=April 9, 2009 |access-date=June 10, 2021 |archive-date=December 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206114217/http://www.mtv.com/news/1608939/kanye-west-responds-humbly-to-south-park-fish-sticks-slam/ |url-status=dead }} The song was featured in video games Lips: Number One Hits,{{cite web |title=Lips: Number One Hits Gets Complete Tracklist |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/Lips-Number-One-Hits-Gets-Complete-Tracklist-117904.shtml |website=Softpedia |date=30 July 2009}} and DJ Hero 2.{{cite news |title=DJ Hero 2 song list revealed |newspaper=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/dj-hero-2-song-list-revealed |date=26 August 2010}}
Christine and the Queens released a cover version of Christophe's "Les Paradis perdus" (1973) in October 2015 under the title of "Paradis perdus", which interpolates the chorus of "Heartless".{{cite news|last=Monroe|first=Jazz|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/61633-christine-and-the-queens-sort-of-covers-kanyes-heartless-in-paradis-perdus-video/|title=Christine and the Queens (Sort of) Covers Kanye's 'Heartless' in 'Paradis Perdus' Video|work=Pitchfork|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=June 4, 2021|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006192635/https://pitchfork.com/news/61633-christine-and-the-queens-sort-of-covers-kanyes-heartless-in-paradis-perdus-video/|url-status=live}} In August 2016, West's wife Kim Kardashian included "Heartless" on a playlist of her 28 favorite songs from him.{{cite news |last1=Britton |first1=Luke Morgan |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-18-1189325 |title=Stream Kim Kardashian's playlist of her favourite Kanye West tracks |website=NME |access-date=June 10, 2021 |date=August 30, 2016 |archive-date=August 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822113712/https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-18-1189325 |url-status=live }} Lil Durk released a music video for his track "Kanye Krazy" on January 29, 2021, which includes him recreating the song's visual.{{cite magazine |last1=Mamo |first1=Heran |title=Lil Durk Rewinds Through Kanye West's Most Notorious Moments in 'Kanye Krazy' Video
|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9518481/lil-durk-kanye-krazy-music-video |magazine=Billboard |date=January 29, 2021 |access-date=June 13, 2021 |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129214823/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9518481/lil-durk-kanye-krazy-music-video |url-status=live }} In early 2022, Romanian singer and songwriter Sorana and French disc jockey David Guetta released "Redrum", which interpolated "Heartless".{{cite news|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/VIDEO-Sorana-David-Guetta-Share-New-Single-redruM-20220120|title=Sorana & David Guetta Share New Single 'redruM'|publisher=BroadwayWorld|date=20 January 2022|accessdate=15 February 2022|author=Major, Michael|archive-date=11 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211175616/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/VIDEO-Sorana-David-Guetta-Share-New-Single-redruM-20220120|url-status=live}}
Cover versions
In early August 2009, American singer-songwriter William Fitzsimmons released an indie cover of "Heartless".{{Cite web |last1=Whittaker |first1=Montry |title=William Fitzsimmons – 'Heartless' [Kanye West Cover] |url=https://earmilk.com/2009/08/17/3930/ |website=Earmilk |date=August 17, 2009 |access-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603185551/https://earmilk.com/2009/08/17/3930/ |url-status=live }} During a Billboard exclusive one month prior to release, Fitzsimmons said when asked what gave him the desire to cover the song that he had always wanted "to get into top-40 hip-hop" and it was "the natural next step". Fitzsimmons specified how he was drawn in by a melancholic chord in the song that he found fun in discovering, highlighting the song not being taken too seriously and its poppy, heartbreaking, sweet, and poignant style. He asserted that the style may have been "lost on some people" due to the song being by West "and everything and the way it was produced", while thinking he achieved his goal of making the cover "far less compelling" than the original; he called this trying to "take something exciting and really make it boring". Fitzsimmons also felt it would be great if he "quoted a lot of these sarcastic things [from the song] as straightforward and serious", seeing some of the lyrics as "goofy" and "ridiculous". He finalized by opining that West "almost mak[es] light of the fact that there was real heartbreak there", considering it like "the teacher that whispers instead of yelling" due to converying a point "with more reservedness than straightforwardness".{{Cite news |last1=Nagy |first1=Evie |title=Song Debut: William Fitzsimmons Covers Kanye West |url=https://assets.billboard.com/articles/news/267877/song-debut-william-fitzsimmons-covers-kanye-west |magazine=Billboard |date=July 31, 2009 |access-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603185552/https://assets.billboard.com/articles/news/267877/song-debut-william-fitzsimmons-covers-kanye-west |url-status=live }} On the cover, Williams sings softly over a guitar and piano.{{cite web | author=Confusion | title=New! William Fitzsimmons – 'Heartless' (Kanye West Cover) | url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2009/08/new-william-fitzsimmons-heartless-kanye-west-cover | work=Complex | date=August 9, 2009 | access-date=June 3, 2021 | archive-date=June 3, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603185550/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2009/08/new-william-fitzsimmons-heartless-kanye-west-cover | url-status=live }} He later performed "Heartless" on acoustic guitar for 1LIVE in February 2011.{{Cite web |title=William Fitzsimmons performs Kanye West's 'Heartless' live at 1Live |url=https://www.groenland.com/en/2011/02/william-fitzsimmons-live-on-1live-plan-b/ |publisher=Groenland Records |date=February 2011 |access-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603185552/https://www.groenland.com/en/2011/02/william-fitzsimmons-live-on-1live-plan-b/ |url-status=live }} On May 17, 2010, singer Jason Derulo performed a cover of the song for an episode of web series Billboard Mashup Mondays. Explaining the reasoning behind his cover, Derulo additionally affirmed that he loves West's music and "Heartless" is one of his favorite songs from him.{{Cite magazine |title=Jason Derulo Revamps Kanye's 'Heartless' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/mashup-mondays/958217/jason-derulo-revamps-kanyes-heartless/ |magazine=Billboard |date=May 17, 2010 |access-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524165422/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/mashup-mondays/958217/jason-derulo-revamps-kanyes-heartless/ |url-status=live }} He went on to open up about its personal connection to him: "I can remember the time where I was on the brink of getting out of a bad relationship, and that's where this song stands." Derulo sang the cover with no vocal effects, in contrast to West's style for the original, as he had backing from keys and acoustic guitar.
File:Samantha Jade 2013.jpg 2012 sensation warms up Bondi Beach, Sydney crowd.|Samantha Jade performed the song in the semi-final for the fourth season of the Australian version of The X Factor, ultimately qualifying her for the final.]]
Singer Dia Frampton covered the song for the first live show of American competition The Voice on June 7, 2011, and played piano lightly alongside rephrasing the lyrics.{{cite web |title=Dia Frampton Sings Kanye West's 'Heartless' on 'The Voice' |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/06/08/dia-frampton-sings-kanye-wests-heartless-on-the-voice/ |website=The Wall Street Journal |url-access=subscription |date=June 8, 2011 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324042006/http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/06/08/dia-frampton-sings-kanye-wests-heartless-on-the-voice/ |archive-date=March 24, 2017 |url-status=live}} The cover peaked at numbers 57 and 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100, respectively. In November 2012, Australian singer Samantha Jade performed a cover of "Heartless" as her first song in the semi-final of the fourth season for The X Factor of her native country; she received a standing ovation for the performance.{{cite news|url=http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/15359856/song-list-power-passion/|title=Song List: Power and Passion!|publisher=Yahoo!7|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027101017/http://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/news/article/-/15359856/song-list-power-passion/|archive-date=October 27, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Cronin|first=Seanna|url=https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/samantha-jade-still-shocked-x-factor-win/1631326/#/0|title=Samantha Jade still shocked by X Factor win|work=Sunshine Coast Daily|date=November 21, 2012|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525144808/https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/samantha-jade-still-shocked-x-factor-win/1631326/#/0|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Vincent|first=Peter|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/why-samantha-jade-needs-to-win-x-factor-20121120-29n6z.html|title=Why Samantha Jade needs to win X Factor|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=November 20, 2012|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525144758/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/why-samantha-jade-needs-to-win-x-factor-20121120-29n6z.html|url-status=live}} The cover debuted at number 12 on the ARIA Singles Chart that same month, standing as the highest entry from the semi-final in Australia.{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|url=http://www.noise11.com/news/swedish-house-mafia-maintains-top-of-aria-chart-20121118|title=Swedish House Mafia Maintains Top Of ARIA Chart|publisher=Noise11|date=November 18, 2012|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125024927/http://www.noise11.com/news/swedish-house-mafia-maintains-top-of-aria-chart-20121118|url-status=live|archive-date=November 25, 2012}} Jade subsequently qualified for the season's final and won it, becoming the first solo female singer to do so.
On November 19, 2015, rapper Post Malone performed a cover of "Heartless" on acoustic guitar for Trevor Nelson in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.{{cite web | last1=Gardner | first1=Constant | title=Watch Post Malone's Emotional Acoustic Cover of Kanye West's 'Heartless' | url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2015/11/post-malone-heartless-kanye-cover | work=Complex | date=November 19, 2015 | access-date=June 7, 2021 | archive-date=June 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607090047/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2015/11/post-malone-heartless-kanye-cover | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last1=Simmons | first1=Ted | title=Post Malone Does An Acoustic 'Heartless' Cover | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/post-malone-performs-an-acoustic-cover-of-kanyes-heartless/ | work=XXL | date=November 20, 2015 | access-date=June 7, 2021 | archive-date=June 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610081916/https://www.xxlmag.com/post-malone-performs-an-acoustic-cover-of-kanyes-heartless/ | url-status=live }} Post Malone combined indie and folk music, delivering a soulful cover.{{cite magazine | last1=McCall | first1=Malorie | title=Watch Post Malone Bring Heart to 'Heartless' With Kanye West Cover | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/6770047/post-malone-heartless-kanye-west-cover | magazine=Billboard | date=November 19, 2015 | access-date=June 7, 2021 | archive-date=June 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610081946/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/6770047/post-malone-heartless-kanye-west-cover | url-status=live }} The rapper sang in a shaking tone and wore Stone Island clothing throughout, while he closed his eyes for the majority of the performance. On April 20, 2016, the first trailer for that year's psychological thriller film The Girl on the Train was released, which is set to a slowed version of the song.{{cite news |title='The Girl on the Train' First Trailer Set to Kanye West's 'Heartless' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7340772/the-girl-on-the-train-first-trailer-kanye-west-heartless |magazine=Billboard |date=April 20, 2016 |access-date=October 16, 2020 |archive-date=December 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209013135/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7340772/the-girl-on-the-train-first-trailer-kanye-west-heartless/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Heritage |first1=Stuart |title=Harder? Better? Faster? Stronger? Why is every trailer soundtracked by Kanye? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/may/26/kanye-west-trailer-soundtracks-netflix-ozark |website=The Guardian |date=May 26, 2017 |access-date=June 10, 2021 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031818/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/may/26/kanye-west-trailer-soundtracks-netflix-ozark |url-status=live }} The version adds donk piano and new drums, accompanying Emily Blunt portraying Rachel Watson in the trailer. On September 18, 2018, violinist Brian King Joseph performed a cover of the song for the finale of America's Got Talent{{'}}s 13th season, utilizing different methods of playing his violin.{{cite web | last1=Price | first1=Joe | title='America's Got Talent' Contestant Performs Violin Cover of Kanye's 'Heartless' | url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/09/americas-got-talent-brian-king-joseph-performs-violin-cover-of-heartless | work=Complex | date=September 19, 2018 | access-date=June 6, 2021 | archive-date=September 20, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920113107/https://www.complex.com/music/2018/09/americas-got-talent-brian-king-joseph-performs-violin-cover-of-heartless | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | title=Brian King Joseph Electrifies With Violin Cover of Kanye's 'Heartless' on 'America's Got Talent': Watch | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8475904/violinist-brian-king-joseph-electrifies-with-cover-of-kanyes-heartless-on/ | magazine=Billboard | date=September 19, 2018 | access-date=June 6, 2021 | archive-date=June 6, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606091936/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8475904/violinist-brian-king-joseph-electrifies-with-cover-of-kanyes-heartless-on/ | url-status=live }} The violinist moved all around the stage during the performance, being backed by red-hot flames.{{cite news | last1=Chantilly | first1=Joe | title=Brian King Joseph Shocks Crowd With Violin Rendition Of Kanye West's 'Heartless' | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/brian-king-joseph-shocks-crowd-with-violin-rendition-of-kanye-wests-heartless-news.60182.html | work=HotNewHipHop | date=September 19, 2018 | access-date=June 6, 2021 | archive-date=June 6, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606205023/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/brian-king-joseph-shocks-crowd-with-violin-rendition-of-kanye-wests-heartless-news.60182.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last1=Dixon | first1=Marcus James | title=Electric violinist Brian King Joseph takes on 'Heartless' during 'America's Got Talent' Finals: 'Take me on tour, Kanye!' [Watch] | url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2018/violinist-brian-king-joseph-heartless-kanye-americas-got-talent-finals-agt-news/ | publisher=Gold Derby | date=September 18, 2018 | access-date=June 6, 2021 | archive-date=June 6, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606205032/https://www.goldderby.com/article/2018/violinist-brian-king-joseph-heartless-kanye-americas-got-talent-finals-agt-news/ | url-status=live }} The performance was received enthusiastically by the crowd and judges, and Brian King Joseph shouted afterwards: "Take me on tour, Kanye! Let's go!" On July 2, 2020, mysterious duo ilo ilo shared their cover of the song as a free download only. The cover features various stylistic elements, including lush synths, unique rhythms, and loud 808s and percussion.{{cite web | last1=Currey | first1=Greer | title=ilo ilo Share a Cover of 'Heartless' But There's a Catch | url=https://www.youredm.com/2020/07/02/ilo-ilo-share-a-cover-of-heartless-but-theres-a-catch/ | publisher=Your EDM | date=July 2, 2020 | access-date=June 8, 2021 | archive-date=December 4, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204081258/https://www.youredm.com/2020/07/02/ilo-ilo-share-a-cover-of-heartless-but-theres-a-catch/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last1=Thompson | first1=Hunter | title=ilo ilo Share Their Amazing Cover of Kanye West's 'Heartless' | url=https://runthetrap.com/2020/07/02/ilo-ilo-share-their-amazing-cover-of-kanye-wests-heartless/ | work=Run the Trap | date=July 2, 2020 | access-date=June 8, 2021 | archive-date=November 21, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121003039/https://runthetrap.com/2020/07/02/ilo-ilo-share-their-amazing-cover-of-kanye-wests-heartless/ | url-status=live }}
Track listing
Credits and personnel
Information taken from 808s & Heartbreak liner notes.{{cite AV media notes |others=Kanye West |title=808s & Heartbreak |year=2008 |publisher=Roc-A-Fella Records |id=0-06025-1791919-8}}
Recording
- Recorded at Glenwood Studios (Burbank, California) and Avex Recording Studio (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Personnel
{{Div col}}
- Kanye West{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, producer
- No I.D.{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, co-producer
- Scott Mescudi{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
- Malik Jones{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
- Andrew Dawson{{spaced en dash}} recorder
- Anthony Kilhoffer{{spaced en dash}} recorder
- Chad Carlisle{{spaced en dash}} assistant recorder
- Isha Erskine{{spaced en dash}} assistant recorder
- Gaylord Holomalia{{spaced en dash}} assistant recorder
- Christian Mochizuki{{spaced en dash}} assistant recorder
- Manny Marroquin{{spaced en dash}} mix engineer
- Christian Plata{{spaced en dash}} assistant engineer
- Erik Madrid{{spaced en dash}} assistant engineer
- Jeff Bhasker{{spaced en dash}} keyboards
- Ken Lewis{{spaced en dash}} piano
{{Div col end}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for "Heartless" ! scope="col"| Chart (2008–2009) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{single chart|Australia|40|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|refname="aria"|access-date=December 28, 2014|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Austria|57|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|access-date=December 28, 2014|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Flanders|40|artist=Kanye West |song=Heartless|access-date=December 28, 2014|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Wallonia Tip|9|artist=Kanye West |song=Heartless|access-date=December 28, 2014|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadianhot100|8|artist=Kanye West|access-date=December 28, 2014|refname="can"|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadachrtop40|2|artist=Kanye West|access-date=August 9, 2020|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadahotac|32|artist=Kanye West|access-date=August 9, 2020|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Denmark|18|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|access-date=December 28, 2014|refname="den"|rowheader=true}} |
| scope="row"| European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?f=European+Hot+100+Singles&pageNumber=Top+11-50&g=Singles |title=European Hot 100 Singles – February 7, 2009 – Page 2 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205065008/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?f=European+Hot+100+Singles&pageNumber=Top+11-50&g=Singles |archive-date=February 5, 2009}}
|style="text-align:center;"| 36 |
|---|
| {{single chart|Germany|37|songid=531647|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|access-date=January 1, 2019|rowheader=true|refname="german"}} |
|
{{single chart|Hungary|21|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|year=2009|week=21|access-date=April 22, 2021|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Ireland3|11|artist=Kanye West|rowheader=true|access-date=April 27, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Dutch40|20|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|access-date=December 28, 2014|refname="netherlands"|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Dutch100|31|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|access-date=December 28, 2014|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|New Zealand|6|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|refname="nz"|access-date=December 28, 2014|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Sweden|17|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|access-date=December 28, 2014|refname="sweden"|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Switzerland|46|artist=Kanye West|song=Heartless|access-date=December 28, 2014|rowheader=true}} |
| scope="row"| Türkiye Top 20 (Billboard Türkiye){{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com.tr/pages/Turkiye_top20.aspx |title=Billboard Türkiye Top 20 (Liste Tarihi: 02-03-09) |work=Billboard Türkiye |access-date=December 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305044916/http://www.billboard.com.tr/pages/Turkiye_top20.aspx/ |archive-date=March 5, 2009}}
|style="text-align:center;"| 2 |
| {{single chart|UK|10|date=20090125|access-date=April 22, 2021|refname="uk"|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|UKrandb|2|date=20090125|access-date=April 22, 2021|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardhot100|2|artist=Kanye West|access-date=December 26, 2014|refname="hot-100"|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|4|artist=Kanye West|access-date=December 26, 2014|refname="rbhh"|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardrapsongs|1|artist=Kanye West|access-date=December 26, 2014|refname="rap"|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|4|artist=Kanye West|access-date=December 26, 2014|refname="mainstream"|rowheader=true}} |
| scope="row"| US Pop 100 (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Pop+100 |title=Pop 100 Singles – March 7, 2009 – Page 1 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227005147/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Pop+100 |archive-date=February 27, 2009}}
|style="text-align:center;"| 4 |
| {{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|1|artist=Kanye West|access-date=December 26, 2014|rowheader=true}} |
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+2022–2024 chart performance for "Heartless" ! scope="col"| Chart (2022–2024) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{single chart|Billboardglobal200|143|artist=Kanye West|access-date=March 5, 2024|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Slovakdigital2|46|year=2024|week=1|rowheader=true|access-date=January 9, 2024}} |
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for Dia Frampton version ! scope="col"| Chart (2011) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadianhot100|64|artist=Dia Frampton|access-date=May 24, 2021|refname="Dia-Can"|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardhot100|57|artist=Dia Frampton|access-date=May 24, 2021|refname="Dia-Hot"|rowheader=true}} |
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Heartless"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|number=4|type=single|certyear=2022|artist=Kanye West|relyear=2008|refname="platinum"|access-date=October 4, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Kanye West|title=Heartless|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|access-date=March 10, 2025}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Kanye West|title=Heartless|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2008|id=13672|refname="ifpi"|certyear=2024|access-date=May 2, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Kanye West|title=Heartless|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2008|certyear=2023|access-date=June 4, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Kanye West|title=Heartless|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2008|certyear=2024|access-date=July 8, 2024|id=10762}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Kanye West|title=Heartless|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|refname=scope|type=single|source=archive|access-date=August 24, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Kanye West|title=Heartless|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2008|certyear=2024|access-date=September 9, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|relyear=2008|certyear=2024|id=10045-997-1|artist=Kanye West|title=Heartless|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|refname="bpi"|access-date=March 15, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|artist=Kanye West|title=Heartless|award=Platinum|number=7|digital=true|refname=riaa|certyear=2020|relyear=2008|access-date=August 14, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Separator|title=Ringtone}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=ringtone|note=Mastertone|artist=Kanye West|title=Heartless|award=Platinum|certyear=2009|relyear=2008|access-date=September 27, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Greece|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|certweek=14|id=20240410085826|access-date=April 11, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|noshipments=true|streamsonly=true}}
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Release dates and formats for "Heartless" ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format ! scope="col"| Label(s) ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" | United States
| October 28, 2008 | Rhythmic contemporary radio | rowspan="2"| {{hlist|Roc-A-Fella|Def Jam}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{cite web | title=Available For Rhythmic Airplay | url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=74389| publisher=FMQB| access-date=April 30, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125091437/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=74389| archive-date=January 25, 2009}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | Various
| 2008 | style="text-align:center;"| Citations regarding the CD release of "Heartless":
|
The Fray version
{{Infobox song
| name = Heartless
| cover = The Fray Heartless.jpg
| alt = Cover art resembling the original version's but adding a heart
| type = single
| artist = the Fray
| album = The Fray (Deluxe)
| released = {{start date|2009|4|17}}
| recorded = 2009
| genre = Pop rock
| length = {{duration|m=4|s=14}}
| label = Epic
| writer =
| producer =
| prev_title = Never Say Never
| prev_year = 2009
| next_title = Syndicate
| next_year = 2010
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|LBTdJHkAr5A|"Heartless"}}}}
}}
{{Listen
|filename= Fray Heartless.ogg
|pos= left
|title= "Heartless"
|description= A 25-second sample of the Fray's cover of "Heartless", showcasing Isaac Slade's breathy vocal delivery that lacks Auto-Tune. He delivers pleas in a desperate manner, resembling the emotion of West on the original version.}}
During their appearance for the Live Lounge on February 16, 2009, American rock band the Fray performed their 2008 single "You Found Me" and a cover of "Heartless", marking the latter's debut.{{cite web| title=Live Lounge The Fray| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ed36v2| publisher=BBC Radio 1| date=February 16, 2009| access-date=May 12, 2021| archive-date=May 12, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512150231/https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ed36v2| url-status=live}}{{cite web| title=The Fray release Kanye West's 'Heartless'| url=https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/28883/news| publisher=Music News| date=August 30, 2009| access-date=May 12, 2021| archive-date=May 12, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512150311/https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/28883/news| url-status=live}} The following day, West shared a link to the cover over his blog.{{cite web| author=noah| title=Kanye West Endorses The Fray's 'Heartless' Cover| url=https://www.idolator.com/5155336/5155336| website=Idolator| date=February 17, 2009| access-date=May 12, 2021| archive-date=June 10, 2021| archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610080028/https://www.idolator.com/5155336/5155336?edg-c=1| url-status=live}} After its premiere, "Heartless" received a large amount of airplay the on radio. There was also an overwhelming public demand for a release, leading the Fray to record a studio version of the cover during 2009. The cover eventually experienced a single release in April of that year. Musically, "Heartless" is a pop rock ballad. The cover reworks the original, with no Auto-Tune being applied to the vocals. Lead vocalist Isaac Slade desperately makes breathy pleas, echoing West's emotion on the original.{{cite magazine|last=Greenblatt|first=Leah|date=April 21, 2009|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/04/21/kanye-west-the/|title=Today in covers: The Fray takes on Kanye's 'Heartless'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 12, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512140846/https://ew.com/article/2009/04/21/kanye-west-the/|url-status=live}}
The cover was released for digital download as a single on April 17, 2009.{{Cite web |url=http://blog.thefray.net/us/news/fray-heartless |title=The Fray- Heartless |publisher=The Fray Site |date=April 17, 2009 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302152130/http://blog.thefray.net/us/news/fray-heartless |archive-date=March 2, 2010 |url-status=usurped }} In August 2009, it was revealed that the band was set to release an accompanying digital extended play (EP). The EP was subsequently released digitally on September 27, consisting of three tracks.{{cite web| title=Heartless – EP by the Fray| url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/heartless-ep/329316206| publisher=Apple Music (US)| access-date=May 12, 2021| archive-date=May 12, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512140848/https://music.apple.com/us/album/heartless-ep/329316206| url-status=live}} On November 10, 2009, "Heartless" was included on the second disc of the deluxe edition of the Fray's eponymous second studio album.{{cite web |last1=Leahey |first1=Andrew |title=The Fray [Deluxe Edition] – The Fray |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/the-fray-deluxe-edition-mr0001053222 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512140850/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/the-fray-deluxe-edition-mr0001053222 |url-status=live }} During 2009, the cover was a frequent part of the Fray's live shows.{{cite web |last=Simpson |first=Oli |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a173745/the-fray-to-release-kanye-west-cover.html |title=The Fray 'to release Kanye West cover' |publisher=Digital Spy |date=August 26, 2009 |access-date=March 26, 2010 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012204608/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a173745/the-fray-to-release-kanye-west-cover.html |url-status=live }}
=Reception=
A writer for BBC Radio 1 saw "Heartless" as great, while MTV's Colin Schoenberger chronicled how the "aching, earnest pop-rock ballad" adopts "a sold life of its own" and believed the Live Lounge performance "begat other fantastic covers".{{Cite news |last=Schoenberger |first=Colin |title=The Fray Covers Kanye West's 'Heartless'! Watch The New Video |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2294241/the-fray-covers-kanye-wests-heartless-watch-the-new-video/ |publisher=MTV |date=August 20, 2009 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512140845/http://www.mtv.com/news/2294241/the-fray-covers-kanye-wests-heartless-watch-the-new-video/ |url-status=dead }} Greenblatt affirmed that the Fray are equivalent to West in terms of vulnerability and angst; she called the cover "Vulnerable Angst Squared" and said "Slade's desperate, breathy pleas sound like the last gasp of someone with fatal emotional angina". In a negative review for MusicRadar, Ben Rogerson pinpointed the strangeness of the cover lacking the original's "Auto-Tuned vocal" and sounding "more human" as a whole, yet "com[ing] off significantly less powerful and soulful".{{Cite news |last=Rogerson |first=Ben |title=Kanye West's Heartless covered by The Fray |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/kanye-wests-heartless-covered-by-the-fray-196891 |publisher=MusicRadar |date=February 18, 2009 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512140847/https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/kanye-wests-heartless-covered-by-the-fray-196891 |url-status=live }} Idolator critic noah derided the cover for being somewhat messy, complaining about Slade "blaaating all over an instrumental accompaniment that seems to be beamed in from a different galaxy". The cover entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 79 for the issue dated May 30, 2009, based solely on downloads.{{cite magazine |last1=Trust |first1=Gary |title=Chart Beat |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/268564/chart-beat-kris-allen-swv-green-day-al-b-sure |magazine=Billboard |date=May 21, 2009 |access-date=May 23, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219175153/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/268564/chart-beat-kris-allen-swv-green-day-al-b-sure |archive-date=February 19, 2013 }} It later peaked at number 26 on both the US Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs and Rock Airplay charts, and had sold over 125,000 downloads in the US by August 2009.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-songs/2009-06-27 |title=Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – June 27, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513032633/https://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-songs/2009-06-27 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-airplay/2009-06-27 |title=Rock & Alternative Airplay – June 27, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513013144/https://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-airplay/2009-06-27 |url-status=live }}
=Music video=
On August 18, 2009, a music video for "Heartless" was released, which Hiro Murai directed. The video shows a classroom of elementary school students, focusing on a boy staring at his notebook. As he looks at a sheet of paper on it, moving doodles appear. These include creatures and the Fray, with the former being depicted as performing the song. The boy stares at a girl during various points and goes on to throw the sheet onto the floor, before the drawings transport themselves across the classroom to the blackboard. A tale of a heart being broken is told, with a bleeding heart being present to imply that the girl hurt her classmate.
==Credits and personnel==
Filming
- Produced by Partizan
- Animated by Titmouse
Personnel
- Hiro Murai{{spaced ndash}} director
- Ross Girard{{spaced ndash}} production
- Clay Jeter{{spaced ndash}} display picture
- Will Basanta{{spaced ndash}} display picture
- Isaac Hagy{{spaced ndash}} editing
- Emilio Ramirez{{spaced ndash}} art director
- Cal Aurand{{spaced ndash}} commissioner
=Charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for the Fray version ! scope="col"| Chart (2009) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{single chart|Billboardhot100|79|artist=The Fray|access-date=May 11, 2021|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardrocksongs|26|artist=The Fray|rowheader=true|access-date=May 11, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardrockairplay|26|artist=The Fray|rowheader=true|access-date=May 11, 2021}} |
Kris Allen version
{{Infobox song
| name = Heartless
| type = single
| artist = Kris Allen
| album = Kris Allen
| released = {{start date|2009|5}}
| recorded =
| genre =
| length = {{duration|m=3|s=42}}
| label =
| writer =
| producer = Salaam Remi
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title = No Boundaries
| next_year = 2009
}}
On May 12, 2009, American musician Kris Allen performed a sparse solo acoustic cover of the song as his personal pick for the Top 3 night of the eighth season of American Idol.{{cite news |last=Montgomery |first=James |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1611248/kris-allen-covers-kanye-simon-feuds-with-kara-on-american-idol/ |title=Kris Allen Covers Kanye, Simon Feuds With Kara On American Idol |date=May 12, 2009 |publisher=MTV |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516162242/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1611248/20090512/index.jhtml |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://people.com/tv/idol-kris-allens-heartless-gamble-pays-off/ |title=Idol: Kris Allen's 'Heartless' Gamble Pays Off |date=May 13, 2009 |work=People |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520074104/https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/widget_iframe.06c6ee58c3810956b7509218508c7b56.html?origin=https%3A%2F%2Fpeople.com |url-status=live }} Allen played a flamenco–style beat, while he rocked a shirt covered with glitter.{{cite magazine|last=Slezak|first=Michael|date=May 12, 2009|url=https://ew.com/recap/american-idol-recap-its-reigning-men/|title='American Idol' recap: It's Reigning Men!|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 18, 2021|archive-date=May 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518204351/https://ew.com/recap/american-idol-recap-its-reigning-men/|url-status=live}} As Allen began to perform the final chorus, he made a grin that indicated self-satisfaction with his cover. The performance was reacted to with cries of applause from the female crowd members, as well as heavy praise from the show's judges. Simon Cowell admitted that after he had previously written Allen out of the competition, his verdict "changed with that performance". Randy Jackson declared the cover "better than the original", while Kara DioGuardi saw it as "bold, brave, [and] fearless". Allen's performance also qualified him for the finale of the eighth season, which he ultimately won.{{cite news |last=Montgomery |first=James |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1626446/kris-allen-not-happy-with-debut-albums-version-of-heartless/ |title=Kris Allen Not Happy With Debut Album's Version Of 'Heartless' |date=November 17, 2009 |publisher=MTV |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518204346/http://www.mtv.com/news/1626446/kris-allen-not-happy-with-debut-albums-version-of-heartless/ |url-status=dead }}
{{Listen
|filename= Allen Heartless.ogg
|pos= right
|title= "Heartless"
|description= A 26-second sample of the chorus and beginning of the second verse to Kris Allen's cover of "Heartless" for the album, demonstrating the extremely delicate and light soundscapes that recall "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins.}}
In May 2009, shortly after Allen's performance for American Idol, a studio version of the cover was released for digital download as a single. The version is a largely sentimental number, with a smooth jazz style. Following the lack of positive reactions towards the cover, Allen decided on re-recording it for his self-titled debut studio album. Allen sought out record producer Salaam Remi for the new version's production, creating a sleeker version that recalls the heavily delicate and light soundscapes of Phil Collins' 1981 hit "In the Air Tonight". When asked by MTV about his biggest defeat throughout the process of debuting after the performance, Allen hesitantly answered that it was "Heartless". Allen explained this was due to the version being "a little bit different" for him, rather than not wanting to include the cover on the album. He also cited Remi as the one responsible for recalling "In the Air Tonight", while announcing the version as very different from his first one.
On November 17, 2009, "Heartless" was included as the 13th track on Kris Allen, being added as a bonus track.{{cite magazine|last=Slezak|first=Michael|date=October 23, 2009|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/10/23/kris-allen-track-listing-debut-c/|title=Kris Allen: We exclusively reveal the track listing for his self-titled debut!|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 19, 2021|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519080420/https://ew.com/article/2009/10/23/kris-allen-track-listing-debut-c/|url-status=live}} In a phone call with Vulture, Allen cast light on a "small discussion" he had about the cover being removed from the album following West's incident at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Lane |url=https://www.vulture.com/2009/11/kris_allen_on_his_new_album.html |title=American Idol Kris Allen on Why 'Heartless' Is on His New Album and 'No Boundaries' Isn't |date=November 10, 2009 |work=Vulture |url-access=limited |access-date=May 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225202118/https://www.vulture.com/2009/11/kris_allen_on_his_new_album.html |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |url-status=live }} Allen assured not everything should be based on West's actions, recalling that the discussion quickly ended. Even though he lacked enthusiasm about the cover, Allen acknowledged his fans' positive opinions and smiled as he praised how his brother likes it. The cover peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, on which it spent three weeks. On the Canadian Hot 100, the cover reached number 39 and lasted for two weeks.
=Charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for Kris Allen version ! scope="col"| Chart (2009) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadianhot100|39|artist=Kris Allen|access-date=May 14, 2021|refname="Allen-Can"|rowheader=true}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardhot100|16|artist=Kris Allen|access-date=May 14, 2021|refname="Allen-Hot"|rowheader=true}} |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20090418021722/http://www.mtv.com/lyrics/west_kanye/heartless/21556973/lyrics.jhtml "Heartless" Lyrics] at MTV (archived from 2009)
{{Kanye West songs}}
{{The Fray}}
{{Kris Allen}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Animated music videos
Category:Music videos directed by Hype Williams
Category:Roc-A-Fella Records singles
Category:Song recordings produced by Kanye West
Category:Song recordings produced by No I.D.
Category:Songs written by Kanye West
Category:Songs written by Kid Cudi
Category:Songs written by Malik Yusef