"Hold It Against Me" (stylized as "hold it against me") is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears. It served as the first single from her seventh full length studio album, Femme Fatale. It was released on January 10, 2011, by Jive Records.
Background[]
It was written and produced by Max Martin, Dr. Luke and Billboard, with additional writing by American singer / songwriter Bonnie McKee and Mathieu Jomphe. Luke explained that he wanted "Hold It Against Me" to sound unlike his previous productions. The song was going to be offered to Katy Perry, but Luke and Martin felt that it did not suit her. A demo version of the track by McKee was leaked on January 6, 2011, and the single became available for streaming on January 10, 2011. It was released the following day. This is also known as her "come-back" track.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
Hey, over there
Please forgive me if I'm coming on too strong
Hate to stare, but you're winning
And they're playing my favorite song
So come here, a little closer
Wanna whisper in your ear
Make it clear, a little question
Wanna know just how you feel
[Chorus]
If I said my heart was beating loud
If we could escape the crowd somehow
If I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me?
'Cause you feel like paradise, and I need a vacation tonight
So, if I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me?
[Verse 2]
Hey, you might think that I'm crazy
But you know I'm just your type
I might be a little hazy
But you just cannot deny
There's a spark in-between us
When we're dancing on the floor
I want more, wanna see it
So, I'm asking you tonight
[Chorus]
If I said my heart was beating loud
If we could escape the crowd somehow
If I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me?
'Cause you feel like paradise, and I need a vacation tonight
So, if I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me?
[Spoken Interlude]
If I said I want your body, would you hold it against me?
[Bridge]
Give me something good
Don't wanna wait, I want it now
Drop it, like a hood
And show me how you work it out
Alright
[Breakdown]
If I said my heart was beating loud
If I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me?
[Chorus]
If I said my heart was beating loud
If we could escape the crowd somehow
If I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me?
'Cause you feel like paradise, and I need a vacation tonight
So, if I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me?
Composition[]
Musically, "Hold It Against Me" blends pulsating industrial and trance beats with elements of grime. The chorus has lilting synths that lift her vocals and contrast them with the hard beats. The song features a dubstep-influenced breakdown, in which Spears moans and blows kisses, and the song ends with a final chorus with elements of rave. The lyrics portray the singer seducing someone on the dancefloor, and the chorus revolves around pickup lines. After the song was released, The Bellamy Brothers criticized it for being similar to their 1979 hit "If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me". They were sued by Martin, Luke, McKee and Billboard for defamation and libel, but the case was dismissed after The Bellamy Brothers apologized.
Critical Reception[]
Most reviewers praised "Hold It Against Me", although some criticized its lyrical content. The song debuted at number one in Belgium Wallonia, Canada, Denmark, Finland and New Zealand, as well as on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it became her fourth chart topper.
Chart Performance[]
In the United States, "Hold It Against Me" made Spears the second artist in Billboard's history to debut at number one more than once, behind Mariah Carey. The feat also made her the third female artist to score number one singles in three consecutive decades, and the seventh artist overall. The single has also charted in the top five in countries such as Australia, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Finland and Norway.
Music Video[]
The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Jonas Akerlund. It premiered on February 17, 2011, following a two-week promotional campaign of teasers. The video features Spears as a pop star who fell from space to find fame on Earth. There, she becomes overwhelmed by the pressures of being a celebrity and breaks down. The video received mixed to positive reviews; critics complimented its artistic concept and visuals, but dismissed the use of product placement.
Live Performances[]
Spears performed "Hold It Against Me" at Rain Nightclub, Good Morning America and Jimmy Kimmel Live!. She has also performed it as the opening number of the Femme Fatale Tour (2011).