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Tell Me You Love Me (song)

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"Tell Me You Love Me"
Remixes EP cover
Single by Demi Lovato
from the album Tell Me You Love Me
ReleasedNovember 14, 2017 (2017-11-14)
Recorded2017
Studio
Genre
Length3:57
Label
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s)Lauryen
Producer(s)
Demi Lovato singles chronology
"Sorry Not Sorry"
(2017) 		"Tell Me You Love Me"
(2017) 		"Échame la Culpa"
(2017)
Music video
"Tell Me You Love Me" on YouTube

"Tell Me You Love Me" is a song recorded by American singer Demi Lovato. It was written by Kirby Lauryen, Stint and John Hill, with production handled by the latter two. The track was initially released through Hollywood, Island and Safehouse Records on August 24, 2017, as the first promotional single from Lovato's sixth studio album of the same name (2017). It was released as the second and final single from the album on November 14, 2017.[1][2] Lyrically, the song uses relationship metaphors to reference theme of self-respect.

"Tell Me You Love Me" received acclaim from music critics, who praised its production and Lovato's vocals. The song impacted hot adult contemporary radios on January 22, 2018.[3] Commercially, the song reached the top 40 in Canada and the top 20 in Panama. In 2023, the song was re-recorded for her first remix album Revamped.[4]

Production

[edit]

"Tell Me You Love Me" was written by Kirby Lauryen, Stint and John Hill for Lovato's sixth studio album of the same name. It was produced by Stint and Hill. Both producers performed the instruments for the song, including bass, drums, guitar, horn, and piano. Mitch Allan also served as its vocal producer, with Scott Robinson contributing as the additional vocal producer. The song features backing vocals by Lauryen. It was recorded and edited with guidance by Rob Cohen at Rodeo Recordings, located in Santa Monica, California and Venice Way Studios in North Vancouver, Canada. Lovato recorded the vocals for the song with guidance by Zeke Mishanec at Jungle City Studios in New York City. The song was engineered for mix by John Hanes, and eventually mixed by Serban Ghenea. It was finally mastered by Chris Gehringer and Will Quinnell.[5]

During the album pop-up exhibition in New York City, Lovato revealed that the song was "really stuck" with her when she heard it for the first time. She explained, "At the time I was going through a breakup. It's about the vulnerability of coming out of a very serious relationship and having a tough time with it. It also at the same time calls out a big misconception with the line, 'You ain't nobody 'til you got somebody,' which again comes from that vulnerability with mixed emotions."[6] In an interview with the BBC, Lovato named "Tell Me You Love Me" as her favorite track on the album, later explaining that "It said exactly what I was wanting to tell that person. I wanted to hear them tell me that they loved me."[7]

Release

[edit]

Lovato published a black-and-white teaser on August 23, 2017, on social media, announcing the new album, with "Tell Me You Love Me" playing in the background.[8][9] The clip shows Lovato singing the song in a studio, as it fades into the album artwork.[10][11][12] It was released to radio as the album's second and final single from the album on November 14, 2017.[1][2] An official remix of the song by NOTD was released on December 15, 2017.[13] The second official remix of the song by American electronic musician Dave Audé was released on January 5, 2018.[14] On March 8, 2018, Lovato released a remix extended play, featuring the original version of the track, the two previous remixes, Spanglish and Spanish versions and a live acoustic performance.[15] On March 23, 2018, the EP was re-released, and one remix of the song by Matrix & Futurebound was released.[16]

Composition

[edit]

"Tell Me You Love Me" is written in the key of E♭ minor with a tempo of 72 beats per minute in common time. The song follows a chord progression of E♭m–D♭–C♭, and Lovato's vocal range spans from the low note of A♭3 to the high note of G♯5.[17][18]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Tell Me You Love Me" received acclaim from music critics, who mostly complimented its production and Lovato's vocals. Elias Leight of Rolling Stone called the song "a swelling ballad full of horns and handclaps".[19] Mike Wass of Idolator described the song as "a fiery mid-tempo anthem".[20] Jeff Benjamin of Fuse called the song a "booming ballad".[21] Deepa Lakshmin of MTV News described Lovato's vocals as "sweeping".[22] Raisa Bruner of Time described the song as a "lush and dramatic love song" that had "powerful hand-clap chorus and big horns".[23] While reviewing the album, Jamieson Cox of Pitchfork described the song as "a desperate plea for affection that gradually morphs into a declaration of self-love".[24]

Music video

[edit]

Background and synopsis

[edit]
Actor Jesse Williams starred as Lovato's love interest.

The music video for "Tell Me You Love Me" was directed by Mark Pellington, who had previously worked with Lovato on the video for her 2011 single "Skyscraper". The video co-starred actor Jesse Williams. About filming the music video, Lovato commented, "[Shooting the music video] was really fun too! We had a full on wedding and my best friends were even my bridesmaids and groomsmen."[25]

The music video is six minutes and forty-seven seconds long. The first two minutes of the video are dedicated to the couple's engagement as well as the jealousies that strain their relationship before their wedding. The track eventually begins during the wedding sequence where, after a few suspenseful moments, Williams' groom tells Lovato's bride he is not ready and leaves her at the altar to the shock of their family and friends. The video ends with Lovato singing "Everything I need, is standing right in front of me, I know that we will be alright, alright" as she stands in front of a mirror.[25]

Release and reception

[edit]

On November 22, 2017, Lovato posted a photo of herself in a wedding dress on her social media with no description.[26] Rumors of the possibility of the photo being a sneak peek from the music video were made on social media. On November 27, 2017, Lovato announced that the official music video for the song would be released on December 1, 2017, by posting a wedding invitation from Lovato and Williams.[27] According to Island Records' president David Massey, the music video reached 10 million views on its first day.[28]

Megan Armstrong of Billboard praised Lovato and Williams' acting performances, saying they "make it hard to believe they aren't actually a couple in real life."[29] Markos Papadatos of Digital Journal said the music video was "superb from start to finish" and called it one of Lovato's "most compelling videos".[30] Sara M Moniuszko of USA Today praised the music video as one that "perfectly matches the emotional and longing lyrics of the track."[31] Kaitlyn Tiffany of The Verge described the video as "a Lifetime movie you can watch at your desk".[32] Idolator listed the video 11th among the best music videos of the year.[33]

Live performances

[edit]

On October 5, 2017, the singer performed the song for the first time on television on The Today Show, where she also performed "Sorry Not Sorry".[34] On November 10, 2017, Lovato performed the song at BBC's Sounds Like Friday Night.[35] On November 12, 2017, Lovato performed a medley of "Sorry Not Sorry" and "Tell Me You Love Me" at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards.[36] The song was on Lovato's set list for the 2017 Jingle Ball Tour.[37] On December 19, 2017, Lovato performed the song on the live finale of The Voice.[38] Lovato performed the track on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on January 15, 2018.[39] The song serves as the encore to the Tell Me You Love Me World Tour, where Lovato sings accompanied by a guest choir while confetti is raining down.[40]

Track listings

[edit]
  • Digital download[41]
  2. "Tell Me You Love Me" – 3:56
  • Digital download – NOTD Remix[13]
  1. "Tell Me You Love Me" (NOTD Remix) – 3:00
  • Digital download – Dave Audé Remix[14]
  1. "Tell Me You Love Me" (Dave Audé Remix) – 3:45
  1. "Tell Me You Love Me" – 3:56
  2. "Tell Me You Love Me" (Dave Audé Remix) – 3:46
  3. "Tell Me You Love Me" (NOTD Remix) – 3:01
  4. "Tell Me You Love Me" (Spanglish Version) – 3:57
  5. "Tell Me You Love Me" (Spanish Version) – 3:58
  6. "Tell Me You Love Me" (Live Acoustic) – 2:37
  7. "Tell Me You Love Me" (Recorded at Spotify Studios NYC) – 4:07
  8. "Ain't No Way" (Recorded at Spotify Studios NYC) – 4:10
  9. "Tell Me You Love Me" (Matrix & Futurebound Remix) – 3:28

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Recording and management

Personnel

  • Demi Lovato – lead vocals
  • John Hill – production, bass, drums, guitar, horn, piano, programming
  • Stint – production, bass, drums, guitar, horn, piano, programming
  • Mitch Allan – vocal production
  • Scott Robinson – additional vocal production
  • Rob Cohen – recording, editing
  • Zeke Mishanec – vocals recording
  • Serban Ghenea – mixing
  • John Hanes – mixing engineering
  • Dave Palmer – keyboards
  • Kirby Lauryen – background vocals
  • Chris Gehringer – mastering
  • Will Quinnell – mastering

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Tell Me You Love Me.[5]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[68] Platinum 70,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[69] 3× Platinum 120,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[70] Gold 40,000‡
Norway (IFPI Norway)[71] Gold 30,000‡
Portugal — 4,557[72]
United Kingdom (BPI)[73] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[74] 2× Platinum 2,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Version Label(s) Ref.
Various August 24, 2017[a] Digital download Original
[75]
United States November 14, 2017 Contemporary hit radio
  • Island
  • Hollywood
 [1]
Various December 15, 2017 Digital download NOTD Remix
  • Island
  • Hollywood
  • Safehouse
 [13]
Italy December 29, 2017 Contemporary hit radio Original Universal [76]
Various January 5, 2018 Digital download Dave Audé Remix
  • Island
  • Hollywood
  • Safehouse
 [14]
United States January 22, 2018 Hot adult contemporary Original
  • Island
  • Hollywood
 [77]
Various March 8, 2018 Digital download Remixes EP
  • Island
  • Hollywood
  • Safehouse
 [15]
March 23, 2018 Digital download Remixes EP (re-release) [16]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Release as a promotional single.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Media Group. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  2. ^ a b "@ddlovato on Twitter". Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  3. ^ "Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases". Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  4. ^ Mier, Tomás (July 14, 2023). "Demi Lovato Will 'Reenvision' Their Pop Hits as Rock Bangers on Upcoming Album 'Revamped'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Tell Me You Love Me (Media notes). Demi Lovato. Island Records / Hollywood Records / Safehouse Records. 2017.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ Armstrong, Megan (September 29, 2017). "Demi Lovato Tells Stories Behind 'Tell Me You Love Me' Tracks at New York Pop-Up". Billboard. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  7. ^ Savage, Mark (October 2, 2017). "Demi Lovato on dating and disappointment". BBC News. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  8. ^ Liz, Calvario (August 23, 2017). "Demi Lovato Reveals the Highly Anticipated Title of Her Sixth Album! -- Plus, Find Out the Release Date". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  9. ^ Colin, Stutz (August 23, 2017). "Demi Lovato Announces New Album 'Tell Me You Love Me,' Teases Title Track". Billboard. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  10. ^ Althea, Legaspi (August 24, 2017). "Demi Lovato Announces New Album 'Tell Me You Love Me'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  11. ^ Sunday, World (August 23, 2017). "Demi Lovato announces new LP Tell Me You Love Me". Sunday World. Archived from the original on August 26, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  12. ^ Derek, Lawrence (August 23, 2017). "Demi Lovato also announces plans for new album". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  13. ^ a b c "Tell Me You Love Me (NOTD Remix) – Single by Demi Lovato on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  14. ^ a b c "Tell Me You Love Me (Dave Audé Remix) – Single by Demi Lovato on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  15. ^ a b c "Tell Me You Love Me (Remixes) – EP by Demi Lovato on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  16. ^ a b c "Tell Me You Love Me (Remixes) – EP by Demi Lovato on Apple Music". Apple Music. March 8, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
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  21. ^ Jeff, Benjamin (August 23, 2017). "Demi Lovato Announces New 'Tell Me You Love Me' Album, Teases Title Track". Fuse. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
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  23. ^ Bruner, Raisa (August 25, 2017). "5 Songs You Need to Listen to This Week". Time. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
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  28. ^ "ten million views in 24 hours. an incredible video and song @ddlovato #tmylm". Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  29. ^ Armstrong, Megan (December 1, 2017). "Demi Lovato & Actor Jesse Williams Share a Volatile Love Story in 'Tell Me You Love Me' Video". Billboard. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  30. ^ Papadatos, Markos (December 17, 2017). "Review: Demi Lovato superb on 'Tell Me You Love Me'". Digital Journal. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  31. ^ Moniuszko, Sara (December 2, 2017). "Demi Lovato marries Jesse Williams in heartbreaking 'Tell Me You Love Me' music video". USA Today. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  32. ^ Tiffany, Kaitlyn (December 1, 2017). "One Video: Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato". The Verge. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  33. ^ Nied, Mike (December 25, 2017). "From "New Rules" To "Humble," The 30 Best Music Videos Of 2017". Idolator. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
  34. ^ "Watch Demi Lovato perform 'Sorry Not Sorry' live on TODAY". Today. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  35. ^ "Demi Lovato Performs 'Tell Me You Love Me' at BBC's Sounds Like Friday Night Show". Demi Lovato. November 11, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  36. ^ "Demi Lovato 'Sorry Not Sorry' & 'Tell Me You Love Me' - 2017 MTV EMA". MTV. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  37. ^ Calvario, Liz (December 2, 2017). "Demi Lovato Gives Off Cher Vibes at Jingle Ball". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  38. ^ Frederick, Brittany (December 18, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato among performers for 'The Voice' season 13 finale". AXS. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  39. ^ Cantor, Brian (January 11, 2018). "Demi Lovato Performing "Tell Me You Love Me" On January 15 "Ellen DeGeneres Show"". Headline Planet. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  40. ^ Harris, Keith (March 12, 2018). "Demi Lovato's excess doesn't always succeed at Target Center". City Pages. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  41. ^ "Tell Me You Love Me (Deluxe) by Demi Lovato on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
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  43. ^ "Demi Lovato Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  44. ^ "Demi Lovato Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  45. ^ Demi Lovato — Tell Me You Love Me. TopHit. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  46. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 2. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  47. ^ "Le Top de la semaine : Top Singles Téléchargés – SNEP (Week 35, 2017)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  48. ^ "Demi Lovato – Tell Me You Love Me" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  49. ^ "Greece Official IFPI Charts Digital Singles Chart – Week 4/2018". IFPI Charts. Archived from the original on February 10, 2018. Retrieved March 4, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  50. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
  51. ^ "מדיה פורסט – לדעת שאתה באוויר". Mediaforest.biz. Archived from the original on September 10, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  52. ^ "NZ Heatseekers Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. September 4, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  53. ^ "Panamá Top 20 - Del 05 al 11 de Marzo, 2018". Monitor Latino. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
  54. ^ "BillboardPH Hot 100". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
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  57. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 1. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  58. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 2. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  59. ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker - Vecka 35, 1 september 2017". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
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  63. ^ "Demi Lovato Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
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  66. ^ "Top AFP - Audiogest - Top 200 Singles 2018" (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  67. ^ "Dance Club Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
  68. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  69. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Demi Lovato – Tell Me You Love Me" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  70. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Demi Lovato – Tell Me You Love Me". Music Canada. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  71. ^ "Norwegian single certifications – Demi Lovato – Tell Me You Love Me" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  72. ^ "Top Anual 2018 - Top 200 Singles" (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
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  75. ^ References for worldwide releases:
  76. ^ "Demi Lovato – Tell Me You Love Me (Radio Date: 29-12-2017)". Earone. December 19, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  77. ^ "Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases". Retrieved January 22, 2018.
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