Words (Alesso song)

"Words" is a song by Swedish DJ and producer Alesso, featuring vocals from fellow Swedish singer Zara Larsson. It was released on 22 April 2022 by 10:22PM and Astralwerks. "Words" was written and produced by Alesso, with co-writing from Larsson, Karen Ann Poole and Becky Hill. Further production was provided by Hampus Lindvall, who produced Larsson's vocals. The song received mostly positive reviews from critics and reached number 5 in Sweden and the top 40 in Flanders, Croatia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and the United Kingdom.

"Words"
Single by Alesso featuring Zara Larsson
Released22 April 2022
RecordedDecember 2021 – January 2022
Genre
Length2:22
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Alesso
Alesso singles chronology
"When I'm Gone"
(2022)		 "Words"
(2022)
Zara Larsson singles chronology
"Talk About Love"
(2021)		 "Words"
(2022)		 "Can't Tame Her"
(2023)
Music video
"Words" on YouTube

Background and composition

"Words" is an EDM-pop and house-pop song, written by Alesso, Larsson, Karen Ann Poole and British singer Becky Hill. Alesso also produced the song with production of Larsson's vocals by Hampus Lindvall.[1][2][3] It was recorded in both artists' home country of Sweden between December 2021 and January 2022.[4] During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Alesso and Larsson acknowledged that they had known each other for years but had never gotten around to collaborating previously, despite wanting to. Alesso explained his approach to approaching artists, "I always look for artists who can carry dance records".[4] Prior to the release of "Words", or the confirmation of the collaboration, Alesso teased that his next single would feature a female vocalist via TikTok. The teasers featured coloured/artistic silhouettes, but fans immediately guessed that Larsson was going to be featured on the song.[4][5] The "sultry" lyrics feature Larsson singing about the "words she can't tell a lover".[6] V also noted the vulnerability in the lyrics.[3]

"Words" was released on 22 April 2022,[2] the same day as Piri & Tommy's song of the same name.[7] Alesso's VIP Mix of the song was released on 27 May 2022.[8] Both versions of the song have been played during Alesso's Las Vegas residency at Tao.[4][9]

Reception

Critics reviews

Drew Barkin from EDM Tunes praised Larsson's "glistening vocals" atop the "super catch" track, stating that their "only regret was that the song wasn't longer".[1] Staff writing for Billboard included "Words" in their best dance songs of the week, praising it for helping to continue Alesso's "hot streak".[6] Ellie Beeck of V called "Words" a "a radio-friendly dance song that is sure to be played at clubs everywhere this summer."[3]

Commercial performance

"Words" peaked at number ten on the Billboard US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, becoming his sixth top-ten single on the chart and on the US On the US Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, it peaked at number four, Alesso's ninth top-five single on the chart.[10][11]

Music video

The concept of the music video was a clash of worlds with imagery of Greek mythology. Alesso called the video a collaboration and mix of Alesso's world (rave) and Larsson's fashion and beauty.[4] It was directed by Jason Lester and featured an ensemble cast.[12]

Track listing

Digital download/streaming

  1. "Words" (featuring Zara Larsson) – 2:22

Digital download/streaming – Alesso VIP Mix

  1. "Words" (featuring Zara Larsson; Alesso VIP Mix) – 5:28

Personnel and credits

Song credits

Music video credits

Adapted from YouTube.[12]

  • Gus Bendinelli – cinematographer, colorist
  • Montana Bertoletti – lead man
  • Mitchell Brinker – BBG
  • Laura Burhenn – producer[lower-alpha 1]
  • Luis Cano – stylist (for Alesso)
  • Nikki Carmela – cast member
  • Karim Dakkon – key grip
  • Andy DeLuca – projection graphic designer
  • Eddie Diaz – BTS (for Alesso)
  • Erikx DiSantis – line producer, cast member
  • Chase DuBose – gaffer
  • Jake Dugger – 2nd AC, loader
  • Miguel Escalona – swing
  • David Goold – BBE
  • Ava Jones – production designer
  • Loies Kim – video commissioner
  • A Klass – cast member
  • Jason Lester – director, editor
  • Brianna Liebling – production manager
  • Maranda – hair stylist (for Zara Larsson)
  • James Marin – steadicam
  • Eric Moore – set dresser
  • Tyeri Morrison – cast member
  • Joe Mortimer – creative director
  • Grace Pae – make-up artist (for Zara Larsson)
  • Markelle Pike – cast member
  • Nikki Pittam – hair stylist (for Alesso)
  • Katie Qian – stylist (for Zara Larsson)
  • Jorge Ramos – cast member
  • Marlaine Reiner – groomer (for Alesso)
  • Brian Robins – cast member
  • Jordan Sakai – 1st AC
  • Matthew Sanchez – associate director
  • Grant Spanier – BTS
  • Drew Wall – set dresser
  • Wilder Yari – cast member

Charts

Certifications
Certifications for "Words"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Belgium (BEA)[39] Gold 20,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[40] Gold 45,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[41] Platinum 50,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[42] Silver 200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history
Release dates and formats for "Words"
Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
Various 22 April 2022
Original
[2]
27 May 2022 Alesso VIP Mix [8]

References

Notes
  1. The production company for "Words" was 'Our Secret Handshake'.[12]

Citations
  1. Barkin, Drew (26 April 2022). "Alesso Drops Catchy Pop-EDM Track With Zara Larsson 'Words'". Edmtunes.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  2. "Words / Alesso". 22 April 2022. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2022 – via Tidal.
  3. Beeck, Ellie (22 April 2022). "V's new music round up". V. New York: Visionnaire. Archived from the original on 17 May 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  4. Words, Alesso; Larsson, Zara (29 May 2022). "Alesso and Zara Larsson Dish on Their Collab (Exclusive)" (YouTube). Interviewed by Danny Directo. Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  5. Salafia, Zach (22 April 2022). "Alesso unites with Zara Larsson to form Swedish powerhouse on 'Words'". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  6. Billboard Staff (22 April 2022). "First Spin: The Week's Best New Dance Music From Hot Chip, Alesso, Kerri Chandler & More". Billboard. Archived from the original on 18 May 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  7. "piri Singles and EPs discography". Spotify. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  8. "Alesso %2B Zara Larsson – Words" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  9. Vuoncino, Chris (30 May 2022). "Alesso releases VIP mix of 'Words': Listen". We Rave You. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  10. "Alesso – Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  11. "Alesso – Dance / Mix Show chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  12. "Alesso – Words (feat. Zara Larsson)". Sony Music Publishing, LatinAutorPerf, UMPG Publishing, Warner Chappell on behalf of 10.22PM / Astralwerks. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022 – via YouTube.
  13. "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 29 August 2022". The ARIA Report. No. 1695. Australian Recording Industry Association. 29 August 2022. p. 24.
  14. Alesso feat. Zara Larsson — Words. TopHit. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  15. "ARC 100". HRT. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  16. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 202241 into search. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  17. "Radiosoittolista" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  18. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  19. "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  20. "2022 34-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 26 August 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  21. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 36, 2022" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  22. "Alesso %2B Zara Larsson – Words" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  23. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  24. "Alesso %2B Zara Larsson – Words". VG-lista. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  25. "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  26. "OLiS – oficjalna lista sprzedaży – single w streamie" (Select week 30.12.2022–05.01.2023.) (in Polish). OLiS. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  27. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 202242 into search. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  28. "ČNS IFPI". IFPI ČR. Note: Select SK SINGLES DIGITAL TOP 100 and insert 202237 into search. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  29. "Alesso %2B Zara Larsson – Words". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  30. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  31. "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  32. "Alesso Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  33. "Jaaroverzichten 2022" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  34. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2022" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  35. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2022" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  36. "Airplay 2022 – najpopularniejsze radiowe single" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  37. "Årslista Singlar, 2022" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  38. "Hot Dance/Electronic Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  39. "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2022". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  40. "Danish single certifications – Alesso feat. Zara Larsson – Words". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  41. "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2022 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  42. "British single certifications – Alesso feat. Zara Larsson – Words". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
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