"Bittersweet" is a song performed by American singer Fantasia from her third studio album, Back to Me. The song was released on May 11, 2010[1] as the lead single from the album.[2]
"Bittersweet" | ||||
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Single by Fantasia | ||||
from the album Back to Me | ||||
Released | May 11, 2010 | |||
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Length | 4:02 | |||
Label | J | |||
Songwriter(s) | Claude Kelly, Charles Harmon | |||
Producer(s) | Chuck Harmony | |||
Fantasia singles chronology | ||||
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Audio sample | ||||
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Fantasia's work on "Bittersweet" won her the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 2011 Grammy Awards, the last song to win this category. "Bittersweet" was also nominated for Best R&B Song. The song also won the 2011 NAACP Image Award for Best Song.
"Bittersweet" is a down-tempo R&B song which also derives from soul music.[3] According to Margaret Wappler of the Los Angeles Times, its introduction is composed of "anguished" piano notes and "gut-socking" moans. The song lyrically sees its protagonist reminiscing on a past love.[3]
Margaret Wappler of the Los Angeles Times said Fantasia's best moment on Back to Me was "Bittersweet", stating that it was "smartly chosen as the album’s first single."[4] Mikael Wood of Entertainment Weekly recommended the song as a download from the album, calling it an "old-school slow jam."[5] On songs such as "Bittersweet", Mariel Concepcion of Billboard said "her distinct voice is most enjoyable when singing heartfelt ballads."[3] Jonathan Keefe of Slant Magazine was less enthusiastic of the song, commenting that it "barely has a melodic line" and that it "just lets Fantasia do what she can with its bathetic series of clichés."[6]
To promote the track, Fantasia has appeared on shows such as American Idol, Lopez Tonight and Good Morning America.[7]
The music video for Bittersweet has been shot and premiered Friday June 25 on Vevo.[8][9] The video was directed by Lenny Bass[10] and features professional football player Devin Thomas as Fantasia's love interest.[11]
"Bittersweet" has peaked at number 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and number 74 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has sold 90,000 copies in the U.S.[13]
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Fantasia Barrino songs | |
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Free Yourself |
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Fantasia |
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Back to Me | |
Side Effects of You |
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The Definition Of... | |
Featured singles |
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song | |
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