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Hands Tied
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Wikipedia article
"'Hands Tied'" is a song by American singer Toni Braxton, taken from her sixth studio album 'Pulse' (2010). It was written by Heather Bright, Warren "Oak" Felder, and Harvey Mason Jr., while production was helmed by Oak and Mason. A mid-paced contemporary R&B ballad, the instrumentation of "Hands Tied" consists essentially of synthesizers, electric guitar, and a cascading piano line. Lyrically, it features Braxton as the protagonist talking about how she could love a man with her hands tied, singing in double entendres with repeated phrases in the chorus of "Hands Tied."
The song was released as the second single from 'Pulse' along with the uptempo track "Make My Heart" and issued by Atlantic Records to urban radio stations on February 23, 2010 in the United States. The track entered the top 30 of the US 'Billboard' Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, peaking at number 29, while also reaching number six on the US Adult R&B Songs. Braxton reunited with director Bille Woodruff to film the music video for "Hands Tied" which depicts the singer as a pole dancer on stage. Actors Michael Jai White, Cory Hardrict and others make a cameo appearance in the video.
Background
"Hands Tied" was written by Heather Bright, Warren "Oak" Felder, and Harvey Mason Jr. Production was helmed by Felder and Mason, with Bright providing backing vocals. Recording of the song took place at the Mason Sound Studios in North Hollywood, with Andrew Hey and Dabling Harward overseeing. David Boyd and Michael Daley served as their assistants. Mason also mixed "Hands Tied." Musically, the song is a seductive contemporary R&B ballad that opens with a cascading piano line. It has Braxton singing repeated phrases in the chorus, backed by multitracked vocal harmonies and an electric guitar.
Promotion
Braxton appeared on 'The Mo'Nique Show' on May 3, 2010, a day before the release of parental album 'Pulse'. She performed "Hands Tied" as well as her 1993 hit single "Breathe Again."[http://www.tonibraxton.com/news/watch-toni-perform-on-the-monique-show-tonight/ Watch Toni perform on the Mo'Nique Show] 'ToniBraxton.com'. Accessed on May 3, 2010 Braxton also appeared on NBC's 'The Today Show', also performing "Hands Tied" as well as "Unbreak My Heart" (1996) on the day that the album was released.[http://www.tonibraxton.com/news/toni-braxton-on-nbcs-the-today-show-video/ Toni Braxton on NBC'S The Today Show] 'ToniBraxton.com'. Accessed on May 4, 2010
Chart performance
"Hands Tied" first appeared at number 80 on the US 'Billboard' Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. In its 14th week, the song peaked at number 29.[ Toni Braxton - Chart History] "Hands Tied" spent 20 weeks on the chart, with 'Billboard' ranking it 100th on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs year-end chart. The song also peaked at number six on the US Adult R&B Songs chart. It was ranked 17th on the chart's year-end listing.
Music video
A music video for "Hands Tied" was shot back-to-back with the video for fellow 'Pulse' single "Make My Heart." Directed by Bille Woodruff, it marked his eighth collaboration with Braxton. The video depicts Braxton as a "woman [who] is teasing a bar full of men who are mesmerized by her moves, but are not allowed to touch her," performing a pole dancing tease while singing. Actors Michael Jai White, Cory Hardrict, Eric Balfour, Victor Webster, Robert Scott Wilson, Ryan Paevey and Jensen Atwood make cameo appearances in the video.[http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20360914,00.html Toni Braxton's Hands Tied music video] 'People.com' Accessed in April, 2010 The final clip was premiered on April 14, 2010.
Track listing
Personnel
Credits adapted from liner notes of 'Pulse'.Braxton, Toni (2010). 'Pulse' (liner notes). Toni Braxton. Atlantic Records
*David Boyd recording assistance
*Heather Bright writing, backing vocals
*Michael Daley mixing, recording assistance
*Oak Felder producer
*Dabling Harward additional recording
*Andrew Hey recording
*Harvey Mason Jr. producer, mixing
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Release history
References
Category:2010 singles
Category:Toni Braxton songs
Category:2000s ballads
Category:Pop ballads
Category:Contemporary R&B ballads
Category:Songs written by Heather Bright
Category:2009 songs
Category:Songs written by Harvey Mason Jr.
Category:Atlantic Records singles
Category:Songs written by Oak Felder
Category:Song recordings produced by Oak Felder
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