My Love (Leigh-Anne song)
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox song
| name = My Love
| cover = Leigh-Anne - My Love.png
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Leigh-Anne featuring Ayra Starr
| released = 7 September 2023
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre =
- Afropop{{cite magazine|title=10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through The Week: Leigh-Anne and Ayra Starr, Romy, Blondshell & More|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/10-cool-new-pop-songs-leigh-anne-ayra-starr-romy-blondshell-1235410439/amp/|magazine=Billboard|date=9 September 2023|access-date=18 September 2023}}
- afrobeats
- R&B{{cite web|title=Leigh-Anne releases new single with Ayra Starr 'My Love'|url=http://www.womeninpop.com/news-home/leigh-anne-releases-new-single-with-ayra-starr-my-love|website=WomenInPop|date=25 September 2023|access-date=25 September 2023}}
- pop
| length = 2:56
| label = Warner
| lyricist =
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock
- Kareem Olasunkanmi Temitayo
- Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe
| composer =
- Alex Goldblatt
- Dayo Olatunji
- Kameron Glasper
- Khristopher Riddick-Tynes
- Ras Kassa Alexander
| producer =
- Goldblatt
- Riddick-Tynes
- PRGRSHN
| chronology = Leigh-Anne
| prev_title = Don't Say Love
| prev_year = 2023
| next_title = Stealin' Love
| next_year = 2024
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = Ayra Starr
| type = single
| prev_title = My Baby
| prev_version = Remix
| prev_year = 2023
| title = My Love
| year = 2023
| next_title = Rhythm & Blues
| next_year = 2023
}}
{{External music video|{{YouTube|KPGg9_HZzmY|"My Love"}}}}
}}
"My Love" is a song by English singer and songwriter Leigh-Anne, featuring Nigerian singer Ayra Starr. It was released on 7 September 2023, through Warner Records. The song and music video received acclaim from critics who praised Leigh-Anne's versatility as a solo artist, and the music video for paying homage to Nigeria's culture. It has been described as a afrobeats and afropop track, with elements of R&B and pop sounds. On 24 November 2023, a remixed version of the song featuring Swedish rapper Jireel was released.{{Cite web |title=Här är klädlistan från semifinalen i Idol 2023 |url=https://www.tv4.se/artikel/3L4ImbTQTMmk3xfbvdbxf3/haer-aer-klaedlistan-fran-semifinalen-i-idol-2023 |access-date=2023-11-27 |website=www.tv4.se |date=24 November 2023 |language=sv}}
"My Love" is Leigh-Anne's first collaboration as a solo artist. Commercially, it reached number three on the UK Singles Sales Chart, number fourteen on the UK Singles Downloads Chart, and number thirteen on the UK R&B Singles Chart. It became her first chart entry on the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart, where it reached number thirty-two. "My Love" reached number five in Suriname and charted in Nigeria and Latvia and debuted at number twenty-eight on the UK Singles Chart, becoming both Leigh-Anne's and Ayra Starr's second top forty entry.{{Cite web |last=Griffith |first=George |date=16 September 2023 |title=Doja Cat dominates for second week at Number 1 with Paint The Town Red |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/doja-cat-paint-the-town-red-number-1-second-week/ |access-date= |website=Official Charts}} However it only spent two weeks on the charts.
Background and release
Pinnock first teased "My Love" as a single during an interview with British Vogue, describing the track as a "a celebration of every type of love". A snippet of it was played during the end of the music video of her debut single "Don't Say Love" as a continuation.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-12 |title=Leigh-Anne On Motherhood, Finding Her Confidence And Her First Solo Album |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/leigh-anne-pinnock-solo-interview |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=British Vogue |language=en-GB}} In a letter to her fans, Leigh-Anne explained how the collaboration came about:
“When we wrote this song, I just knew it was something special, it perfectly captures the essence of who I want to be as a solo artist,” Leigh-Anne says. “That feel-good, powerful, and anthemic song - it's all about celebrating self-love and embracing its incredible power, and when there was a discussion on a feature I know Ayra was the only one who could embody and amplify this message.”{{Cite web |date=2023-09-08 |title=Leigh-Anne releases new single with Ayra Starr 'My Love' |url=http://www.womeninpop.com/news-home/leigh-anne-releases-new-single-with-ayra-starr-my-love |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=Women In Pop |language=en-AU}}Leigh-Anne teased the release date of "My Love" on her social media pages, posting snippets on TikTok, featuring first seen looks from the music video and her performing choreography.{{cite web |title=Leigh-Anne Pinnock Performs New Song 'My Love' In Epic Capital Up Close Setlist |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/news/music/leigh-anne-pinnock-up-close-setlist-my-love/ |date=22 August 2023 |access-date=26 August 2023 |website=Capital}}{{cite web |last=Magliola |first=Anna Sky |date=8 September 2023 |title=Leigh-Anne Pinnock releases new single 'My Love' with super cute video of her twins ❤️ |url=https://planetradio.co.uk/hits-radio/entertainment/music/leigh-anne-pinnock-my-love/ |access-date=8 September 2023 |website=Hits Radio}} In a photoshoot for Rolling Stone UK, she said that the new single pays homage for her love of afrobeats.{{cite magazine |last=Joshi |first=Tara |date=31 August 2023 |title=Leigh-Anne Pinnock: 'I haven't lived my destiny out yet' |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/leigh-anne-pinnock-i-havent-lived-my-destiny-out-yet-32390/ |access-date=4 September 2023 |website=Rolling Stone UK}} A remix of the song featuring Swedish rapper Jireel was released on 24 November 2023.
Critical reception
Following its release, Jason Lipshutz from Billboard included "My Love" in his list of the 10 cool new pop songs to get you through the week and wrote: "My Love" is designed to be bellowed among groups of friends on the dance floor, and succeeds in pushing Leigh-Anne's sound into the future".{{cite magazine |author1=Lyndsey Havens |author2=Jason Lipshutz |author3=Joe Lynch |author4=Starr Bowenbank |title=10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through The Week: Leigh-Anne and Ayra Starr, Romy, Blondshell & More |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/10-cool-new-pop-songs-leigh-anne-ayra-starr-romy-blondshell-1235410439/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 September 2023 |date=9 September 2023}} In a review for Women in Pop, Ruby Okoro described it as an "Afropop sound mixed with R&B and classic pop", and gave praise towards Leigh-Anne's vocals. In The Honey Pop, Jazmin Williams described it "as full of Afrobeats and Afropop goodness that feels full of life as the rhythm flows through your body."{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Jazmin |date=2023-09-09 |title='My Love,' Your Love, Our Love: Here's Why We Love Leigh-Anne |url=https://thehoneypop.com/2023/09/09/my-love-your-love-our-love-heres-why-we-love-leigh-anne/ |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=The Honey POP |language=en-us}}
Martie Bowser from Blavity described it as an anthem that explores the complex truths about self-love and relationships.{{Cite news |last=Bowser |first=Martie |date=25 September 2023 |title=LEIGH-ANNE DROPS 'MY LOVE' SINGLE, DANCES THROUGH LAGOS IN MUSIC VIDEO WITH AYRA STARR |work=Blavity |url=https://blavity.com/leigh-anne-my-love-ayra-starr-video |access-date=25 September 2023}} DIY{{'}}s Daisy Carter wrote that the "afrobeat-influenced track serves as a celebration of Nigerian culture and creatives".{{Cite web |date=2023-09-11 |title=Leigh-Anne shares second solo single, 'My Love' |url=https://diymag.com/news/leigh-anne-solo-my-love |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=DIY |language=en}} Fault Magazine{{'}}s Miles Holder described it as a song "that shows off Leigh-Anne's versatility as an artist, as she ventures into new sonic territory, embracing the vibrant rhythms of afrobeat".{{Cite web | date=2023-09-15 |title=Leigh-Anne FAULTLess "Don't Say Love" & "My Love" Live Performances on Vevo |url=https://fault-magazine.com/2023/09/leigh-anne-faultless-dont-say-love-my-love-live-performances-on-vevo/ |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=FAULT Magazine |language=en-US}}
Euphoria{{'}}s Nmesoma Okechukwu wrote that "My Love" is "exciting, and makes you want to jump up and start dancing, while its accompanying music video has all the ingredients of great visuals and beautiful choreography".{{Cite web |title=Nmesoma Okechukwu |url=https://www.euphoriazine.com/blog/author/nmesoma-okechukwu/ |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=EUPHORIA. |language=en-US}} LBB wrote how the music video celebrates Nigeria's rich culture and masterfully weaves elements of local fashion, dance, and the country's landscapes". They further added how "My Love" stands as a testament to the magic that happens when exceptional talent, culture, and creativity unite".{{Cite web |title=Meji Alabi and Leigh-Anne Pinnock Deliver Electrifying Promo for 'My Love' Featuring Ayra Starr {{!}} LBBOnline |url=https://www.lbbonline.com/news/meji-alabi-and-leigh-anne-pinnock-deliver-electrifying-promo-for-my-love-featuring-ayra-starr |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=www.lbbonline.com |language=en}}
Music video
The music video was filmed in Lagos, Nigeria and was directed by Nigerian music video director Meji Alabi. Leigh-Anne worked with executive producer Martin Roker, director of photography Stefan Yap, producer Ghandi El-Chamma, while production was handled by Black Dog Films.
The opening shot showcases Leigh-Anne emerging from the ocean, cementing her rebirth as a solo artist. The music video features choreography from local dancers and cameos from local actors which pays homages and celebrates Nigerian culture.{{Cite web |last=Joshi |first=Tara |date=2023-08-31 |title=Leigh-Anne Pinnock: 'I haven't lived my destiny out yet' |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/leigh-anne-pinnock-i-havent-lived-my-destiny-out-yet-32390/ |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Rolling Stone UK |language=en-GB}}
Awards and nominations
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Award ceremony ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Nominee(s)/work(s) ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
---|
2024
| Best R&B / Soul Video UK | "My Love" | {{nom}} |
Promotion
Prior to its release, Leigh-Anne performed the song for the first time at Capital Up Close in partnership with Lucozade, which marked her first gig as a solo artist.{{cite web |date=22 August 2023 |title=Leigh-Anne Pinnock Performs New Song 'My Love' In Epic Capital Up Close Setlist |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/news/music/leigh-anne-pinnock-up-close-setlist-my-love/ |access-date=26 August 2023 |website=Capital}} It was later performed at Vevo's London Studios.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=Leigh-Anne FAULTLess "Don't Say Love" & "My Love" Live Performances on Vevo |url=https://fault-magazine.com/2023/09/leigh-anne-faultless-dont-say-love-my-love-live-performances-on-vevo/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=FAULT Magazine |language=en-US}} It has since been performed at BBC's Live Lounge, KISS-FM Haunted House Party and at S&C presents Hugo Nights. Leigh-Anne later performed the single at Children in Need and performed it alongside Iza at the Afropunk Festival in Brazil.{{Cite web |last=Calazans |first=Bruna |date=2023-11-20 |title=Leigh-Anne canta ao lado de Iza no festival Afropunk |url=https://billboard.com.br/leigh-anne-ex-little-mix-faz-aparicao-surpresa-em-show-de-iza/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=Billboard Brasil |language=pt-BR}}
Track listings and formats
{{Track listing
| headline = "My Love"{{nobold| – Streaming/digital download}}
| title1 = My Love
| note1 = featuring Ayra Starr
| length1 = {{duration|m=2|s=56}}
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = "My Love"{{nobold| – CD edition}}
| total_length = {{duration|m=5|s=08}}
| title1 = My Love
| note1 = featuring Ayra Starr
| length1 = {{duration|m=2|s=56}}
| title2 = My Love (Stripped version)
| note2 =
| length2 = {{duration|m=2|s=12}}
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = "My Love"{{nobold| – Alternative Cover #1 CD edition}}
| title1 = My Love (Plus Personal Message #1)
| note1 = featuring Ayra Starr
| length1 = {{duration|m=3|s=47}}
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = "My Love"{{nobold| – Alternative Cover #2 CD edition}}
| title1 = My Love (Plus Personal Message #2)
| note1 = featuring Ayra Starr
| length1 = {{duration|m=3|s=14}}
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = "My Love"{{nobold| – Streaming/digital download – Remixes}}
| total_length = {{duration|m=09|s=22}}
| title1 = My Love (DJ Maphorisa remix)
| note1 = featuring Ayra Starr
| length1 = {{duration|m=3|s=30}}
| title2 = My Love (Bunt. remix)
| note2 = featuring Ayra Starr
| length2 = {{duration|m=2|s=50}}
| title3 = My Love (Crate Classics remix)
| note3 = featuring Ayra Starr and Beam
| length3 = {{duration|m=3|s=02}}
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = "My Love"{{nobold| – Streaming/digital download}}
| title1 = My Love
| note1 = featuring Ayra Starr and Jireel
| length1 = {{duration|m=2|s=54}}
}}
Charts
Release history
class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for "My Love" ! scope="col" | Region ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Format ! scope="col" | Label ! scope="col" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
scope="row" | Various
| rowspan="3" | 7 September 2023 | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | rowspan="3" | Warner | style="text-align:center" | {{cite web |author1=Leigh-Anne |title=My Love (feat. Ayra Starr) - Single |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/my-love-feat-ayra-starr-single/1703219048 |website=Apple Music (GB) |access-date=8 September 2023 |date=8 September 2023}} |
---|
scope="row" | United Kingdom |
scope="row" | Italy |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Leigh-Anne Pinnock|state=expanded}}
Category:Leigh-Anne Pinnock songs