When it comes to catchy tunes, “1 Thing” by Amerie is a hit that sticks in the memory. The song was released in 2005 and topped the charts in several countries. But what really makes “1 Thing” stand out is its infectious energy and its story, which captures the thrill of sudden attraction.
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Overview
“1 Thing” is a song about being smitten with someone, hard and fast. As the lyrics state, “I’ve got this thing for you, if you come closer, I can whisper in your ear and say.” From there, the song is all about the singer’s intense attraction to her object of desire. She can’t get enough of him, and she’s willing to do anything to be near him.
Amerie’s powerhouse vocals drive the song home, while the instrumentation is a mix of contemporary R&B with a sample from a classic hit single. One of the most memorable musical moments in the song is the organic drum break, which is taken from the song “Oh, Calcutta!” by The Meters.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “1 Thing” are relatively straightforward and direct, describing the passion and heat of new love. Some of the standout lines include:
– “Oh, been trying to let it go, trying to keep my eyes closed”
– “But damn, you’re so hypnotizing, you’ve got me laughing while I’m crying”
– “I didn’t know if I would but I took a chance, and I’m so glad I did”
The chorus of the song is particularly memorable, with Amerie belting out “Cause you’re the only one I notice, it’s really hard for me to focus, I’m not the type to crush, but I can’t get enough of you.” The lyrics and the melody work together to create a sense of urgency and infatuation.
Inspiration
According to Amerie herself, the inspiration for “1 Thing” came from a conversation she had with producer Rich Harrison. Harrison played her the sample from “Oh, Calcutta!” and said that he wanted to build a song around it. Amerie immediately started singing, “Oh, this is the one thing that got me trippin'” and from there, the song began to take shape.
One of the things that Amerie has mentioned in interviews is that she wanted to capture the feeling of being swept away by a new crush. In her own words, “I think when you have a really strong attraction to someone, not only is it overpowering, but it’s also intoxicating.” That feeling is certainly front and center in “1 Thing.”
Impact
“1 Thing” was a massive hit for Amerie, launching her into the mainstream in a big way. The song reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in several other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The song’s popularity was due in part to its catchy melody and hook, but it also helped that it was included in the soundtrack for the movie “Hitch,” starring Will Smith. The movie was a big hit itself, and the song became even more ubiquitous after its inclusion.
In addition to its commercial success, “1 Thing” also garnered critical acclaim. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and it has been included on numerous “Best of” lists for its particular moment in R&B and its influence on the genre.
FAQs
What is the sample used in “1 Thing”?
The sample used in “1 Thing” comes from the song “Oh, Calcutta!” by the funk group The Meters. The drum break from the song is particularly memorable and is used extensively in “1 Thing” to drive the beat forward.
What was Amerie’s inspiration for “1 Thing”?
Amerie has cited her strong attraction to someone as the inspiration for “1 Thing.” In interviews, she has expressed a desire to capture the feeling of being swept away by a new crush and the intoxicating power of that attraction.
How did “1 Thing” perform commercially?
“1 Thing” was a massive commercial success for Amerie. The song reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in several other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
What impact did “1 Thing” have on Amerie’s career?
“1 Thing” was a breakthrough hit for Amerie, launching her into the mainstream in a big way. In addition to its commercial success, the song also garnered critical acclaim and solidified Amerie’s place as a rising star in the R&B scene.
What is “1 Thing” about?
“1 Thing” is a song about being smitten with someone, hard and fast. The lyrics describe the passion and heat of new love, with the singer unable to get enough of her object of desire.
What genre does “1 Thing” belong to?
“1 Thing” is a contemporary R&B and pop song with elements of funk and soul. The song’s use of a sample from the 1970s funk group The Meters is a nod to its vintage influences.
What awards was “1 Thing” nominated for?
“1 Thing” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2006. While it didn’t win, its nomination was a significant accolade for Amerie and the song.
Who produced “1 Thing”?
“1 Thing” was produced by Rich Harrison, who has worked with a number of other prominent R&B artists, including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Mary J. Blige.
What movie was “1 Thing” included in?
“1 Thing” was included in the soundtrack for the 2005 movie “Hitch,” starring Will Smith. The inclusion helped to boost the song’s popularity and cement its place in pop culture.
What is the meaning behind the title “1 Thing”?
The title “1 Thing” is a reference to the singer’s singular focus on the person she is attracted to. They are the only thing that matters to her in that moment, and she is consumed with the intensity of that feeling.
What is the significance of the drum break in “1 Thing”?
The drum break used in “1 Thing” is taken from the song “Oh, Calcutta!” by The Meters. It is a particularly memorable section of the song and is used extensively in “1 Thing” to drive the beat forward and give the song its distinctive, funky sound.
What other songs has Amerie released?
Amerie has released several other popular songs over the course of her career, including “Why Don’t We Fall in Love,” “Touch,” and “Take Control.”
What is Amerie up to now?
While Amerie has not released any new music recently, she has remained active in the entertainment industry. She has hosted her own podcast and has made occasional appearances on television shows and in movies.
