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Vulgar (song)

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"Vulgar"
Two figures in tight dresses, with the pink text "S&M" and white text "Vulgar" juxtaposed on them
Single by Sam Smith and Madonna
Released9 June 2023 (2023-06-09)
Recorded6 February 2023
Length2:35
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Sam Smith singles chronology
"I'm Not Here to Make Friends"
(2023) 		"Vulgar"
(2023) 		"Desire"
(2023)
Madonna singles chronology
"Popular"
(2023) 		"Vulgar"
(2023)
Visualiser
"Sam Smith, Madonna - VULGAR (Visualiser)" on YouTube

"Vulgar" is a song recorded by English singer Sam Smith and American singer Madonna, released as a single on 9 June 2023. Both singers wrote the track alongside Ilya Salmanzadeh, Ryan Tedder, Omer Fedi, Henry Walter, and James Napier.[1]

Background and release

[edit]

Sam Smith released their fourth studio album, Gloria, in January 2023. The album was supported by several singles, including "Unholy" (2022), which reached number one on record charts.[2] Sam Smith performed the song with Kim Petras at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on 5 February 2023, which was introduced by Madonna. While introducing the performance, Madonna gave a speech about controversy, stating: "I'm here to give thanks to all the rebels out there forging a new path and taking the heat for all of it. You guys need to know — all you troublemakers out there — you need to know that your fearlessness doesn't go unnoticed. You are seen, you are heard; and most of all, you are appreciated." The song won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the ceremony.[3][4] One day later, Smith recorded "Vulgar" with Madonna, and called the experience "an amazing evening creating and writing and expressing".[5]

Smith began teasing a collaboration with Madonna on 24 May 2023, sharing a video clip that stated: "Manchester, we've got a surprise for you this evening. 'Unholy' won't be the last song…."[6][7][8] The show was cancelled and the song was not premiered there,[9] but it was teased for over a week.[10] In May 2023, Madonna shared the song's artwork, which depicts their bodies in "a pair of tightly cinched black-and-white corsets", underneath Smith and Madonna's initials shortened to just "S&M".[10][11][12] According to Sam Smith, both Madonna and the accompanying songwriters went to the studio the following day from the Grammy awards to record the music.[5] Sam Smith stated the song is "very special to me", and continued saying: "Me, the QUEEN, and a group of some of the most talented people I know ... created this piece of music. The creativity was pure and the energy was alive".[13] In a conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Smith called "Vulgar", "one of the most exciting songs I've been a part of".[5]

Regarded as a "highly" or "much-anticipated" track by publications such as Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, New York Daily News, The Music and Metro Weekly,[11][14][13][15][16] "Vulgar" was released on 9 June 2023.[14] Upon its release, it won a poll conducted by Billboard as reader's favorite new music release of the week.[17]

Composition

[edit]

Based on its snippet, iHeartRadio's Rebekah Gonzalez commented that it "sounds like it's taking heavy influence from ballroom music, which is music created especially for voguing".[18] Described as a dance-party anthem and a "club-ready" banger song,[19][14][13][11] it contains Middle Eastern-influenced strings,[20][21][22] with electronic elements.[15][16]

It contains spoken words,[15] while Exclaim!'s Sydney Brasil and Alexis Petridis from The Guardian noted the absence of a chorus.[23][24] Thematically, "Vulgar" explores the concept of embracing a provocative demeanor, and track about the beauty in being sexy and free, the power of self-expression, and "the importance of doing what you want while paying no attention to haters" according to Muri Assunção from the New York Daily News.[16][13] Some critics noted its features a cheeky nod to Madonna's "Into the Groove" in its lyrics,[25][26][27][19] while shows a self-referential Madonna in the style of "Bitch I'm Madonna".[27][22] Others labeled it as a continuation of Sam Smith and Kim Petras' "Unholy".[27][23]

Critical reception

[edit]

Writing for NME, Liberty Dunworth called it a "sultry" single,[12] while Mey Rude from Out referred to it as a "sexy and slinky" song, "with a heavy beat perfect for grinding in the gay club at 2am".[28] Sal Cinquemani, music critic of Slant magazine describes "it's messy, it's campy, and it's gloriously self-aware" and is a "very much a transgressive, capital-S statement" song but he felt "isn't spit-shined for mass consumption".[29] Joey Nolfi from Entertainment Weekly named it a "delicious" banger, and claimed "Madonna dominates the deliciously obscene manifesto with lyrics that offer a stern warning to the musical duo's detractors".[26] Jamie Tabberer from Attitude gave three out of five stars labelling it as "a jaw-dropping declaration of resistance".[22] American Songwriter's Tiffany Goldstein called it a "bold and fearless anthem".[14] Cervanté Pope from Consequence felt "'Vulgar' isn't unnecessarily filthy — rather, the artists are asserting a message of empowerment, and demanding respect".[20] Similar to Pope, The Music's Mary Varvaris commented "isn't sexually explicit like some would expect [...] but its language certainly is".[15]

The Economic Times labeled it as a "sizzling" and "scintillating" collaboration "which showcases their sensual prowess".[30] Similarly, Hugh McIntyre from Metro Weekly said it "showcases the audacity that these two icons are renowned for", and while he called it an "undeniably a solid offering", editor continued saying "it fails to rank among the most remarkable compositions from either artist's repertoire", considering "the megawatt talent involved, it's a bit disappointing".[16] Giving only two out of five stars, Alexis Petridis from The Guardian reacted critical calling it "a tame attempt at manufacturing outrage".[24]

Variety named one of the worst songs of 2023.[31] The song achieved a nomination at the 2024 Queerty Awards in the category Best Anthem.[32]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"Vulgar" debuted at number 11 on the Billboard multi-metric chart Hot Dance/Electronic Songs with 3,000 downloads and 1.8 million official streams according to Luminate.[33] In the United Kingdom, "Vulgar" debuted at number 69 with 8,154 sales in its first week according to the Official Charts Company.[34] Elsewhere, it charted in a number of countries including Greece, Hungary, Ireland and New Zealand.

Track listing

[edit]
  • Digital download / streaming single[35]
  1. "Vulgar" – 2:35
  • Digital download / streaming single – remix[36]
  1. "Vulgar" (Marlon Hoffstadt remix) – 2:56

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for "Vulgar"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Canadian Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[37] 20
Chile Anglo (Monitor Latino)[38] 9
Costa Rica Anglo (Monitor Latino)[39] 7
Ecuador Anglo (Monitor Latino)[40] 16
Germany Download Singles (Official German Charts)[41] 15
Greece International (IFPI)[42] 65
Guatemala Anglo (Monitor Latino)[43] 3
Honduras Anglo (Monitor Latino)[44] 9
Hungary (Single Top 40)[45] 25
Ireland (IRMA)[46] 77
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)[47] 11
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[48] 26
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[49] 21
Panama Anglo (Monitor Latino)[50] 3
South Korea BGM (Circle)[51] 120
South Korea Download (Circle)[52] 169
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan)[53] 9
UK Singles (OCC)[54] 69
US Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[55] 16
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[56] 11

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and format(s) for "Vulgar"
Region Date Format(s) Version Label Ref.
Various 9 June 2023
Original Capitol [35]
Italy Radio airplay Universal [57]
Various 30 June 2023
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 Marlon Hoffstadt remix Capitol [36]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "VULGAR (It's Sam and Madonna)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 1 June 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  2. ^ Brandle, Lars (6 February 2023). "Sam Smith Scores U.K. No. 1 With 'Gloria'". Billboard. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  3. ^ Daly, Rhian (6 February 2023). "Watch Madonna introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith at 2023 Grammys". NME. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  4. ^ Garner, Glenn; Irvin, Jack (5 February 2023). "Madonna Says Artists Labeled 'Scandalous' or 'Problematic' Are 'Definitely on to Something' at 2023 Grammys". People. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Valdez, Jonah (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith, Madonna recorded new song 'Vulgar' a day after historic Grammys win". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  6. ^ Rowley, Glenn (24 May 2023). "Sam Smith Teases Mystery Collab With Madonna". Billboard. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  7. ^ Geraghty, Hollie (25 May 2023). "Sam Smith teases mystery Madonna collaboration". NME. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  8. ^ Wratten, Marcus (26 May 2023). "Madonna proves she's the ultimate LGBTQ+ ally as she teases Sam Smith collab: 'Gay scream!". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  9. ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (31 May 2023). "Madonna confirms Sam Smith collaboration 'Vulgar'". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  10. ^ a b Daw, Stephen (31 May 2023). "Sam Smith & Madonna Are Getting 'Vulgar' With Their New Single". Billboard. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  11. ^ a b c Mier, Tomás (9 June 2023). "If You F-ck With Sam Smith, You F-ck With Madonna: Duo Drops Sexy Collab 'Vulgar'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  12. ^ a b Dunworth, Liberty (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith and Madonna join forces for sultry new single 'Vulgar'". NME. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  13. ^ a b c d Assunção, Muri (9 June 2023). "LISTEN! Madonna and Sam Smith get 'Vulgar' in much-awaited collaboration". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d Goldstein, Tiffany (June 2023). "Sam Smith and Madonna Join Forces on Dance-Party Anthem 'Vulgar'". American Songwriter. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  15. ^ a b c d Varvaris, Mary (10 June 2023). "Sam Smith & Madonna Share 'Vulgar' Collaboration". The Music. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  16. ^ a b c d McIntyre, Hugh (9 June 2023). "Madonna and Smith Praise Being 'Vulgar' On New Single". Metro Weekly. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  17. ^ Iasimone, Ashley (11 June 2023). "Fans Choose Sam Smith and Madonna's 'Vulgar' as This Week's Favorite New Music". Billboard. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  18. ^ Gonzalez, Rebekah (31 May 2023). "Sam Smith & Madonna Are Teaming Up For Something 'Vulgar'". iHeartRadio. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  19. ^ a b Bowenbank, Starr (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith & Madonna, Rosalía, Niall Horan & BTS: What's Your Favorite Music Release of the Week? Vote!". Billboard. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  20. ^ a b Cervanté, Pope (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith and Madonna Get 'Vulgar' on New Single". Consequence. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  21. ^ Aswad, Jem (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith and Madonna Drop Fiery New Single, 'Vulgar'". Variety. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  22. ^ a b c Tabberer, Jamie (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith and Madonna's 'Vulgar' review: 'A jaw-dropping declaration of resistance'". Attitude. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  23. ^ a b Sydney, Brasil (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith and Madonna's 'Vulgar' Turned Us into Prudes". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  24. ^ a b Petridis, Alexis (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith & Madonna: 'Vulgar' review – a tame attempt at manufacturing outrage". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  25. ^ Haffenden, Dayna; Irvin, Jack (9 June 2023). "Madonna and Sam Smith Reference 'Into the Groove' on Steamy New Dance Track 'Vulgar' — Listen!". People. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  26. ^ a b Nolfi, Joey (9 June 2023). "Madonna threatens to 'split your banana' if you 'f--- with' Sam Smith on NSFW new song 'Vulgar'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  27. ^ a b c Alonso, Sebas E. (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith y Madonna, felices cual gorrinos en una charca en 'Vulgar'". Jenesaispop (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  28. ^ Rude, Mey (9 June 2023). "Sam Smith & Madonna's Epic, Sexy, Collaboration Is Finally Here". Out. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  29. ^ Cinquemani, Sal (10 June 2023). "Sam Smith and Madonna's 'Vulgar' Is a Glorious, No-Fucks-Given Bitch Track". Slant. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  30. ^ "Madonna and Sam Smith heat up the charts with duet 'Vulgar'". The Economic Times. 9 June 2023. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  31. ^ Willman, Chris; Horowitz, Steven J. (22 December 2023). "The Worst Songs of 2023". Variety. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  32. ^ "The Queerties: Best Anthem". Queerty. 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  33. ^ Murray, Gordon (22 June 2023). "Charts Beat: Sam Smith & Madonna Vault Onto Hot Dance/Electronic Songs Chart With 'Vulgar'". Billboard. Archived from the original on 23 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  34. ^ Jones, Alan (16 June 2023). "Charts analysis: Dave & Central Cee keep on running at singles summit". Music Week. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  35. ^ a b "'Vulgar' - Single by Sam Smith & Madonna". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  36. ^ a b "Vulgar (Marlon Hoffstadt remix) - Single by Sam Smith & Madonna". 30 June 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2024 – via Apple Music.
  37. ^ "Canadian Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  38. ^ "Top 20 Chile – Anglo – Del 19 al 25 de Junio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  39. ^ "Top 20 Costa Rica – Anglo – Del 18 al 24 de Junio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  40. ^ "Top 20 Ecuador – Anglo – Del 18 al 24 de Junio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  41. ^ "Offizielle Download Charts Single (19.06.2023)" (in German). MTV Germany. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  42. ^ "IFPI Charts". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  43. ^ "Top 20 Guatemala – Anglo – Del 19 al 25 de Junio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  44. ^ "Top 20 Honduras – Anglo – Del 18 al 24 de Junio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  45. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  46. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Sam Smith". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
  47. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of June 21, 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  48. ^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 25, 2023" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  49. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
  50. ^ "Top 20 Panama – Anglo – Del 18 al 24 de Junio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  51. ^ "BGM Chart – Week 23 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  52. ^ "Download Chart – Week 23 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  53. ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 24". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  54. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  55. ^ "Sam Smith Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  56. ^ "Sam Smith Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  57. ^ Seminara, Emanuela Ali. "Sam Smith 'Vulgar'" (Press release) (in Italian). Radio Airplay SRL. Archived from the original on 12 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
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