DNA (Little Mix song)
"DNA" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Little Mix | ||||
from the album DNA | ||||
Released | 9 November 2012 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:56 | |||
Label | Syco | |||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) | TMS | |||
Little Mix singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"DNA" on YouTube |
"DNA" is a song by British girl group Little Mix. It was released on 9 November 2012, through Syco Music, as the second single from their debut studio album of the same name (2012). It was written by the group members, along with production team TMS and songwriter Iain James.
"DNA" was met with mixed reviews from critics; some likened its style to music by
The music video was directed by Sarah Chatfield and features the group portraying assassins who stalk and kidnap a man. It was inspired by the comic books Sin City and Watchmen. The group promoted the song with televised performances on Loose Women, and The X Factor UK. The song was performed as part of four of the group's concert tours, including The Glory Days Tour in 2017. As of 2022, it has been certified gold in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Brazil.
Background
Little Mix co-wrote "DNA" with production team
Composition
"DNA" is composed in the
According to Pinnock, "DNA" is "not just a love song, it's about being obsessed with someone to the extreme. And sometimes when things go bad you do go like that, you stalk them on Facebook ..."[5] Nelson said the group play a character in the song and portray themselves to be darker than they are.[4] Edwards said that when stripped of its scientific words, "DNA" is just a love song[5] about "when a girl first gets with a boy, that kind of romance makes you feel really giddy and happy".[2]
Release
Details about "DNA" emerged after music industry insiders previewed it at a conference held by
To promote the release, Little Mix held a
Critical reception
Critical response to "DNA" was mixed. In his review for Digital Spy, Robert Copsey gave the track four stars out of five and said, "the epic, operatic middle eight is a pop moment this time they can claim entirely as their own".[28] Laurence Green of DIY regarded it as a "great pop tune by any mark" that "sounds quite a bit like a Girls Aloud song" and "a sign of just how embedded Girls Aloud have become in the fabric of contemporary British pop".[29] Mark Davison of No Ripcord rated the track eight out of ten, describing it as "giddy, glitzy pop which would do Girls Aloud, or at least The Saturdays, proud", adding; "You'll know exactly what 'DNA' sounds like before you hear it, and that's no bad thing".[30] AllMusic's Matt Collar viewed it as one of the album's "truly catchy, infectious cuts".[31]
NME's Eve Barlow was less enthusiastic, writing that the track sounded too much like "E.T." and from "Tulisa's school of 'ballid'".[32] John Murphy of musicOMH derided it as "woeful", "dated, dull and auto-tuned to death."[33] Eoin Butler of The Irish Times gave the song two stars out of five, finding the lyrics melodramatic.[34] Stuart Heritage wrote in The Guardian that it is "not a good song by anyone's standards" and called Pinnock's spoken-word middle-eight "weird".[35] Digital Spy included "DNA" at number 19 in its 2012 year-end list.[36] In 2013, "DNA" was shortlisted for the Popjustice £20 Music Prize.[37]
Attitude named the song #5 on their list of 32 greatest Little Mix singles of all time writing "DNA is an addictive, moody and rarer example of Little Mix showing us their darker side, as well as being the estranged sister to Katy Perry's 'E.T. Vocally, it really showed off their early potential, where Perrie really shines with those big notes and Leigh-Anne gives us a unique and spooky talky-rapped middle-eight."[38]
Chart performance
In November 2012, "DNA" debuted at number three on the
Elsewhere, "DNA" entered the Irish Singles Chart at number eight, making it the group's third consecutive top-ten single in Ireland.[44] It also reached number 10 on Hungary's Single Top 40 chart published by Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége (MAHASZ).[45] In Australia, the song peaked at number 48 and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for sales of 35,000 copies.[46][47] Following the album's Columbia Records release in the US in June 2013, "DNA" charted at number 14 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100.[48]
Music video
Development and release
The music video for "DNA" was directed by Sarah Chatfield and produced by Tiernan Hanby.[50] It was filmed on 12 September 2012 at British production company Blink's Colonel Blimp location in London and uses chroma keying and post-production.[17][49] The video was inspired by the comic books Sin City and Watchmen; Chatfield viewed the video as "an unrelenting torrent of bold imagery and epic performances".[49] She worked with visual effects artist Pete Young, her frequent collaborator, to develop the look she wanted for "DNA".[49]
Little Mix's driving scenes were filmed in front of a green screen. The video's rooftop scene was developed using a
Synopsis and reception
The music video is in
Digital Spy's Lewis Corner named it the eighth-best pop music video of 2012 and "one of the most diva-worthy videos from a girl group in years".[57] Eve Barlow of NME said it "looks a little (exactly) like Sin City."[32]
Live performances
Little Mix performed "DNA" live for the first time at
Little Mix performed the track on British daytime television programme T4 on 18 November 2012,[61] and sang the acoustic version on British television panel show Loose Women on 23 November 2012.[62] In Ireland, they performed the song at the ChildLine Concert that aired on TV3 on 1 December 2012.[63] On 8 December 2012, the track was included in their set list for Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball. Backed by a flashing heart rate monitor and sporting star-themed black-and-pink outfits, the group performed without Edwards, who was recovering from a tonsillectomy.[64]
During their 2013 DNA Tour, Little Mix performed the song before the
Personnel
Credits adapted from the album liner notes of DNA.[1]
- TMS – production
- Daniel Aslet – additional vocal engineering
- Ben Collier – additional vocal engineering
- Thomas Barnes – drums
- Ben Kohn – guitar
- Peter Kelleher – synths
- Serban Ghenea – mixing
- John Hanes – mix engineering
- Phil Seaford – mixing assistance
- Tom Coyne – mastering
Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "DNA" | 3:56 |
2. | "DNA" (Kat Krazy Club Mix) | 5:33 |
3. | "DNA" (Eyes Remix) | 4:57 |
4. | "DNA" (Instrumental) | 3:57 |
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[47] | Gold | 35,000^ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[81] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI)[42] | Gold | 400,000[43] |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
Country | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ireland | 9 November 2012 | Digital download (EP) | Syco | [22] |
United Kingdom | 11 November 2012 | [23] | ||
19 November 2012 | CD single | [25] |
References
- ^ a b c DNA (Media notes). Little Mix. Syco Music. 2012. p. 8. 602547569646.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ a b Laurence, Emily (14 January 2013). "17 Minutes With Little Mix". Seventeen. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ^ Dean, Sarah (26 November 2012). "Little Mix Talk 'DNA', Gaining Respect And Why 'Being A Girl Is Hard' (Interview)". HuffPost. Archived from the original on 29 October 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2013.
- ^ a b O'Mance, Brad (23 November 2012). "An interview with Jesy from Little Mix". Popjustice. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ^ a b c Jonze, Tim (22 November 2012). "Little Mix: 'We all look like dirty mingers underneath!'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ^ Selby, Jenn (31 August 2012). "Little Mix Wings Interview". Glamour. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ^ "Little Mix "DNA" Sheet Music in Eb Minor". Musicnotes.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
- ^ a b c d "'DNA' – wails of princesses". Popjustice. 28 September 2012. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
- ^ "7 Tunes; This Week's Essential Download Tracks". Sunday Mail. Glasgow. 11 November 2012. p. 7.
- ^ Shepherd, Fiona (26 November 2012). "CD Reviews: Little Mix". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 6 November 2018. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- ^ a b c Kheraj, Alim (27 November 2016). "Little Mix's 14 hit singles ranked: Which is our No.1?". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
- ^ "Little Mix – DNA". The Singles Jukebox. 17 October 2012. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ^ Veevers, Brendon (15 November 2012). "Album Review: Little Mix – DNA". Renowned for Sound. Retrieved 6 November 2018.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Corner, Lewis (1 October 2012). "Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
- ^ Newman, Vicki (16 November 2012). "Album review: Little Mix's DNA, track-by-track". Shields Gazette. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
- ^ Passmore, Joe (31 October 2018). "Little Mix's singles ranked in order of greatness". Attitude. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ^ a b Corner, Lewis (12 September 2012). "Little Mix to release 'DNA' as new single". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ^ @LittleMix (30 September 2012). "Mixers! We are soooooo excited to show you the single cover for #DNA!! XxLittle Mix xX" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Little Mix Unveil New Single 'DNA' Lyric Video And Debut Album Tracklisting". Capital. 1 October 2012. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (26 September 2012). "Little Mix to debut new single next week". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ^ "Listen to DNA!". Little-Mix.com. 1 October 2012. Archived from the original on 18 November 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
- ^ a b c "DNA - EP". iTunes Store (IE). Archived from the original on 27 October 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
- ^ a b "DNA by Little Mix". Amazon Music. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ^ Lucey, Kate (8 October 2012). "Little Mix announce fan dance competition". sugarscape.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ a b "Little Mix: Dna: Bonus Cd". HMV. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ^ "DNA Album". Little-mix.com. 24 October 2012. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ^ "DNA: The Deluxe Edition by Little Mix". Amazon Music. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
- ^ Copsey, Robert (6 November 2012). "Little Mix: 'DNA' - Single review". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ Green, Laurence (9 October 2012). "Untouchable: Why The Return Of Girls Aloud Is So Exciting". DIY. Archived from the original on 4 July 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ Davison, Mark (13 November 2012). "The Singles Bar: 12th November 2012". No Ripcord. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
- ^ Collar, Matt (14 December 2012). "DNA - Little Mix". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
- ^ a b Barlow, Eve (9 November 2012). "Little Mix - 'DNA'". NME. Archived from the original on 21 January 2013. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
- ^ Murphy, John (8 October 2012). "Track Reviews: 8-14 October 2012". musicOMH. Archived from the original on 28 January 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
- ^ Butler, Eoin (16 November 2012). "Shuffle". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ Heritage, Stuart (11 November 2012). "The X Factor live blog: sixth results show". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ Copsey, Robert; Corner, Lewis (20 November 2012). "20 best singles of 2012 (20 - 11)". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ^ "The Popjustice Twenty Quid Music Prize". Popjustice. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ^ "All 32 of Little Mix's singles ranked in order of greatness". Attitude.co.uk. 12 November 2021. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
- ISSN 0265-1548.
- ISSN 0265-1548.
- ^ "Little Mix". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 11 January 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ a b "British single certifications – Little Mix – DNA". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- ^ a b Copsey, Rob (4 January 2021). "Little Mix's Top 20 biggest singles on the Official Chart". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 17 November 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ a b "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Little Mix". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
- ^ a b "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
- ^ a b "Little Mix – DNA". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
- ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2013 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ a b "Little Mix Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Little Mix". Nicebiscuits.co.uk. Archived from the original on 7 March 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ Knight, David (24 October 2012). "Little Mix 'DNA' by Sarah Chatfield". Promonews. Archived from the original on 4 November 2018. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ "Little Mix Promise To Show Off A New Side In 'Dark' Music Video For 'DNA' - Video". Capital. 18 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 March 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (15 October 2012). "Little Mix confirm new music video debut". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 7 March 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ Bayley, Leanne (29 October 2012). "Go behind the scenes with Little Mix on their video for DNA". Cosmopolitan. Archived from the original on 8 March 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- ^ "Little Mix Premiere The Amazing 'DNA' Video!". Cool FM. 20 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 July 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (17 October 2012). "Little Mix preview new music video". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
- ^ "Little Mix Get Obsessive in Their Newly Unveiled Music Video For 'DNA' - Video". Capital. 19 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 July 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (27 December 2012). "10 top pop music videos of 2012: David Guetta, Gangnam Style and more". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
- ^ Lucey, Kate (7 October 2012). "Little Mix perform at BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards". sugarscape.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
- ^ "Little Mix 'So Nervous' As They Perform New Single 'DNA' On The X Factor". Capital. 12 November 2012. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (13 November 2012). "Little Mix cover Mumford & Sons". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
- ^ "Schedule". Channel 4. Archived from the original on 17 November 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ "Busy times". Little-mix.com. 23 November 2012. Archived from the original on 19 March 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
- ^ ChildLine Concert. 1 December 2012. TV3.
- ^ "Little Mix Cover Nicki Minaj and Fun. During Jingle Bell Ball 2012 Performance". Capital. 8 December 2012. Archived from the original on 29 April 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (14 February 2013). "Little Mix live in London - review". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
- ^ "Little Mix - Acts - Radio 1's Big Weekend Derry~Londonderry". BBC. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ "Little Mix - DNA: Girl Group Rocks Times Square With Track Off Album". ABC News. 7 June 2013. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
- Idolator. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
- ^ "Little Mix Sing New Song 'Little Me' During Jingle Bell Ball 2013 Performance - Setlist". Capital. 8 December 2013. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ Evans, Denise (28 May 2014). "Review: Little Mix @ Phones 4u Arena". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 25 October 2015.
- ^ "Gig Review: Little Mix's Salute tour hits the O2 Arena in London". sugarscape.com. 27 May 2014. Archived from the original on 20 September 2015.
- ^ Britt, Hannah (28 March 2016). "Live review - Little Mix - The O2, London". Daily Express. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
- ^ Duke, Simon (11 October 2017). "Little Mix leave Newcastle in blaze of Glory after a show full of fierceness and finesse". Evening Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2 February 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
- ^ DNA (Media notes). Little Mix. Syco Music. 2012. Backcover. 88765413532.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Little Mix Chart History (Euro Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
- Les classement single. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201302 into search. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
- ^ "Top Radio Hits Ukraine Annual Chart 2013" (in Russian). TopHit. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
- ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Little Mix – DNA" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
External links
- Lyric video on YouTube
- Music video behind the scenes on YouTube