Pray (Justin Bieber song)
"Pray" | ||||
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Single by Justin Bieber | ||||
from the album My Worlds Acoustic and Under the Mistletoe (deluxe edition) | ||||
Released | December 9, 2010 | |||
Recorded | 2010 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:32 | |||
Label |
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Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | The Messengers | |||
Justin Bieber singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Pray" on YouTube |
"Pray" is a song performed by Canadian singer
"Pray" received generally positive reviews, with critics appreciating the message portrayed in the song. It reached the lower half on the singles charts in Germany and Austria, and charted in several regions where it was not released as a single such as the United States and Australia. The song's music video premiered on Facebook on December 11, 2010. The video, which also has religious undertones, features clips of places affected by natural disasters, sick children, possessed homes, and more, which are intercut with Bieber performing. Bieber debuted and performed the song on the American Music Awards, accompanied by a full choir.
Background and composition
"PRAY" was written by Justin Bieber, Omar Martinez and
Present throughout the song's background is the use of violins and a choir,[3][5] as well as guitar, string instruments, congas and a cajon.[6] However it does make subtle use of synths and electronic sounds.[7] Musically and lyrically, it is influenced by Contemporary Christian music,[8] and has a gospel feel.[9][10] The song opens with Bieber singing, "And I pray" over a keyboard, while the song's chorus repeats one simple refrain, "I close my eyes and I can see a better day/ I close my eyes and pray."[3] In the lyrics, Bieber "recognizes the pain and suffering in the world" and then offers "a passive solution" through lines such as "Children are crying / soldiers are dying / Some people don't have a home," before compromising, "I know there's sunshine beyond that rain / good times beyond that pain."[11] Vocally, Bieber's vocals are sung in a lower key compared to previous singles.[3][12]
Critical reception
The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its message and composition. Referring to the song as a "junior varsity" take on "Man in the Mirror", Allison Stewart of
Chart performance
"Pray" was only released as a single in select European countries and had moderate success. On the
Music video
In the music video, Bieber highlights several social injustices around the world.
Live performance
"Pray" debuted and was performed for the first time at the 2010
Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Pray" | |
2. | "U Smile" (acoustic version) |
Charts
Chart (2011) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[22] | 94 |
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[20] | 63 |
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[18] | 5 |
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[19] | 15 |
Germany (Official German Charts)[21] | 51 |
UK Singles ( The Official Charts Company)[23]
|
112 |
US Billboard Hot 100[24] | 61 |
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Norway (IFPI Norway)[30] | Gold | 5,000* |
United States (RIAA)[31] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
References
- Viacom). Archived from the originalon 2012-06-16. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
- Amazon.de. Amazon Inc. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
- ^ Viacom). Retrieved 2010-11-24.
- ^ Justin Bieber, Adam Messinger, Nasri Atweh, Omar Martinez (Composers and Lyricists) (2010). Pray: Justin Bieber Digital Sheet Music. Musicnotes.com (Musicnotes). Universal Music Group. MN0089862 (Product Number).
{{cite AV media}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Hoby, Hermione (2010-11-21). "Justin Bieber: My Worlds – The Collection – review". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
- ^ "Justin Bieber's My Worlds Acoustic Album Set For November 26th Release". PR Newswire (Press release). Retrieved 2011-05-01.
- ^ "OMB! Check Out Justin Bieber's New Single "Pray"". WNOW-FM. CBS Interactive Music Group. Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
- ^ Lipshultz, Jason. "Justin Bieber's New Song, 'Pray,' Debuts Online". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2010-11-26.
- ^ a b c "CD Review: Justin Bieber - My Worlds Acoustic (4 Stars)". The Rockstar Group (Canada). Archived from the original on 2010-12-15. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
- Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ a b Conner, Thomas (2010-11-25). "CD review: Justin Bieber, 'My Worlds Acoustic'". Chicago Sun-Times. Sun-Times Media Group. Archived from the original on 2010-11-29. Retrieved 2010-11-26.
- ^ Vena, Jocelyn (2010-11-12). "Justin Bieber's 'Pray' Hits Internet Singer pleads for 'better day' on inspirational track, which will be on upcoming My Worlds Acoustic". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Retrieved 2010-11-24.
- Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
- ^ a b Newman, Melinda. "Watch: Justin Bieber wants a better world in 'Pray'". HitFix. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
- ^ Jones, Lucy (2010-11-24). "Justin Bieber: My Worlds Acoustic, CD review". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2011-03-08.
- ^ "Justin Bieber, "My Worlds Acoustic"". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2010-12-03. Retrieved 2011-02-24.
- ^ "Pray by Justin Bieber ReviewStream.com".
- ^ Ultratip. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
- ^ Ultratip. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
- ^ a b "Justin Bieber – Pray" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ a b "Justin Bieber – Pray" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
- ^ a b "Chartifacts - Week Commencing: 6th December 2010". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on November 19, 2010. Retrieved December 20, 2010.
- ^ The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
- ^ a b "Justin Bieber Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2011-03-09.
- ^ a b c d Vick, Megan (2010-11-29). "Justin Bieber Turns Humanitarian for 'Pray' Video". Billboard. New York, United States: Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
- ^ About.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the originalon 2011-06-29. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
- ^ Roberts, Soraya (9 February 2011). "Justin Bieber voice drop OK with record label, IDJ, thanks to Usher puberty crisis in 1994". New York Daily News. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
- ^ Michaels, Sean (11 February 2011). "Justin Bieber faces the biggest threat to his career: puberty". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
- ^ "Pray (2-Track)". bol.de. Archived from the original on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
- ^ "Norwegian single certifications – Justin Bieber – Pray" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
- ^ "American single certifications – Justin Bieber – Pray". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 3, 2021.