"I Got U" is a song by English record producer Duke Dumont featuring fellow record producer Jax Jones, with uncredited vocals from singer Kelli-Leigh. It was released as the second single from his forthcoming debut studio album on 16 March 2014. The song reached number-one in Ireland, the United Kingdom and on the US BillboardDance Club Songs chart. It features on his EPEP1, which was released in North America.
Background and release
The song interpolates the 1998 song "My Love Is Your Love" by American singer Whitney Houston.[1] Dumont stated that "I Got U" was inspired by the song, saying: "It's one of my favourite Whitney songs, especially the latter Whitney period."[2]
In April 2014, Dumont explained his process of making the song:
I tend to make summery songs in the winter and winter songs in the summer, I'm like that typical British person that in the winter that moans that it's too cold and in the summer I moan that it's too hot, so the studio is my escapism. There was no master plan like 'hey I'm a gonna make a summer song and then build a buzz around it in January' – there wasn't much thought process to it![2]
It was released in the United Kingdom on 16 March 2014[3] on Blasé Boys Club and Virgin EMI Records.[4] A remix EP was released on the same day containing remixes of the song by MK, Tensnake, Jonas Rathsman, Bondax and High Contrast.[5]
Promotion
The song was first aired on Annie Mac's Radio 1 show on 6 December 2013.[6] She replayed the record halfway through because she could not get enough of it.[7]
Critical reception
Critical reception for the single was overwhelmingly positive. Robert Copsey praised the track for containing "all the summertime essentials: steel drums, Balearic synths and a myriad of earworm hooks"[8] and noted that its choice of sample was "brave" but "sensitive enough that the essence of the original isn't lost".[8] He also commended the vocal delivery of Kelli Leigh, describing it as "at times ... hauntingly similar to Whitney's".[8] Lacy Kelly said that the song created a "calming vibe with a low steady beat, weaving piano between steel drums and Kelli Leigh's beautiful voice".[7] In addition, Beatsmedia.com's William Michael called it "perfect for those laid back Balearic moments. Containing a cool laid back vibe, sweet piano chords and calypso rhythms "I Got U" has summer vibes written all over it and it when that unmistakable Whitney vocal comes in that you know this is one special record indeed".[9] Jamieson Cox of Pitchfork called the song, "a blast of sunlight and warm, humid air, flecks of steel drum, vocal samples, and a joyous, radiant vocal take."[10]
A music video was created for the single and was directed by Rémy Cayuela.[13] Starring the model and actor Rique and New Zealand model Kylee Tan from a first-person perpective, the video was released on 19 February 2014, and was filmed in Thailand in locations Bangkok, Phi Phi Islands and Phuket. The video starts with a man buying a device. The man starts dreaming, wakes up at a villa in Kamala, Phuket with a group. Then they go to Phi Phi Islands, which includes beach with monkeys near 7°44'36"N 98°45'45"E. After several beach and boat clips, they go to Bangkok. They are travelling with car, starting at 13°44'23.6"N 100°33'22.4"E, then they walk at Soi Cowboy street. Then clips continue with skydiving in Kathu, Phuket and beach displays in the island. Later they ride a motorcycle at 7°47'50.8"N 98°18'09.7"E and 7°48'06.5"N 98°18'18"E exact coordinates in Phuket. The device shut down at a shooting range and video ends.[14] Critical reception for it was positive; Capital Xtra noted that the video contained "all the experiences you'd expect someone to have whilst travelling to that part of the globe, including beach parties, boat rides and bonfires".[14]GQ magazine commended it for containing, in their words, "all the tropical trimmings: turquoise waters, infinity pools, freshly sliced watermelon, a beachside rave, bungee jumps, inquisitive monkeys and an abundance of models in neon two-pieces" and noted that its only drawback is that it caused cravings for coconut drinks, an extended holiday and a game of beach volleyball.[15]
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 28. týden 2014 in the date selector.
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 29. týden 2014 in the date selector. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201418 into search.
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201426 into search. Retrieved 4 July 2014.