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I Bruise Easily
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Wikipedia article
"'I Bruise Easily'" is a song by British recording artist Natasha Bedingfield. The pop ballad was written by Andrew Frampton, Wayne Wilkins, and Paul Herman along with Bedingield for her debut album, 'Unwritten' (2004). Production on the track was handled by Frampton and Wilkins. In the song, Bedingfield describes how relationships affect people, even when they have come to an end.
The track was released as the album's fourth single in 2005 to positive reviews from music critics. While "I Bruise Easily" failed to match the success of its predecessor "Unwritten", it reached the top twenty in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In 2008, the song was used by electronic artist Chicane for the song "Bruised Water". It was a mashup between Bedingfield's song and Chicane's 1999 hit "Saltwater". The song was featured on Chicane's 'The Best of Chicane - 1996 - 2008' and was credited as Chicane & Natasha Bedingfield.
Background and writing
Bedingfield began recording her debut album in mid-2003, following the signing of a recording contract with BMG UK and Ireland earlier that year.[http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/bedingfield_natasha/bio.jhtml Artist Biography]. VH1. Retrieved 3 May 2007. While collaborating with Andrew Frampton, Wayne Wilkins and Paul Hermam in London, England, they composed "I Bruise Easily", which was inspired by a relationship Bedingfield had recently ended.Jay S. Jacobs. [http://www.popentertainment.com/bedingfield.htm "Where Her Book Begins"]. popentertainment.com. Retrieved 26 May 2007. While recording she had found it easier to compose songs that were melancholic rather than songs that were upbeat. According to Bedingfield, the song is actually a love song because "it's talking about vulnerability and the fact that the more you love someone, the more you have to open your heart" which means that "you could get hurt".
Critical reception
The song was generally well received by contemporary pop music critics. Johnny Loftus of AllMusic called the song "epically romantic" and a "standout" from 'Unwritten'.Johnny Loftus. [ "Unwritten" Album Review]. Allmusic. Retrieved 29 April 2007. PopMatters stated that the song was a "worthy slow-burner highlighted by Natasha's soul-baring lyrics",[http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/b/bedingfieldnatasha-unwritten.shtml "Unwritten" Album Review]. PopMatters. 15 September 2005. Retrieved 30 April 2007. and RT Entertainment commented that the "soulful ballad" was "both impressive and broadranging."[https://archive.today/20080216103241/http://www.rte.ie/pda/entertainment/2004/0921/1022552.html "Unwritten" Album Review]. Radio Telefs ireann. 21 September 2004. Retrieved 30 April 2007. Andy Gill of 'The Independent' gave it a very strong review, stating that the song contained some of the album's strongest lyrics that "deals sharply with the difficulties of finding Mr Right".Andy Gill. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20040903/ai_n12807299 "Unwritten" Album Review]. 'The Independent'. 3 September 2004. Retrieved 30 April 2007.
Chart performance
"I Bruise Easily" was released as the fourth major single-release from 'Unwritten'. Because it was released as the fourth single, success was very limited since many consumers had already purchased the album, which at the time had been certified triple platinum in the United Kingdom.[http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32046 British Certified Awards]. The BPI. Retrieved 29 April 2007. It debuted on the UK Singles Chart on 11 April 2005 at number twelve.[http://www.musicsquare.net/charts/uk_singles_top_75/2005/15 UK Singles Chart (11 April 2005)] . Music Square. Retrieved 29 April 2007. It peaked at number twelve and remained on the chart for a total of seven weeks.[http://www.musicsquare.net/charts/song/2044 World Chart Positions] . Music Square. Retrieved 29 April 2007. "I Bruise Easily" failed to make an impact in Europe. It peaked outside the top forty in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The international CD single featured two B-sides. The track "Ain't Nobody", performed with Bedingfield's brother Daniel and recorded live at the BRIT Awards, is a cover version of the Chaka Khan and Rufus 1983 single. The song "You Look Good on Me" is an original Bedingfield composition.
Music video
features Bedingfield dressed as a geisha.
The music video was directed by Matthew Rolston and premiered on 28 February 2005.[http://www.mvdbase.com/video.php?id=35913 Music Video Information]. mvdbase.com. Retrieved 29 April 2007. The video begins with Bedingfield entering an elevator dressed as a geisha. She then exits the elevator and wanders down a long hall looking for her hotel room. Sitting in front of a mirror, Bedingfield slowly removes her wig and makeup, revealing the pain she had been hiding. Scenes of Bedingfield singing on her bed and in a dark room are intercut throughout the video.
Bedingfield dressed as a geisha in the music video to represent how the feelings of pain and sadness are often not shown to others when a relationship ends. Out in public Bedingfield's character covers her feelings up with makeup, but alone she removes it, exposing how she truly feels inside. The complete version of "I Bruise Easily" featured in the music video has been released commercially through CD singles and digital downloads.
Formats and track listings
;International maxi CD single
# "I Bruise Easily" (Radio Edit)
# "Ain't Nobody" (with Daniel Bedingfield)
# "You Look Good on Me"
# "I Bruise Easily" (album version)
# "I Bruise Easily" (music video)
;NA/SA/Europe CD single
# "I Bruise Easily" (Radio Edit)
# "Ain't Nobody" (with Daniel Bedingfield)
# "You Look Good on Me"
# "I Bruise Easily" (music video)
Charts
Release history
References
Category:2000s ballads
Category:2004 songs
Category:2005 singles
Category:Music videos directed by Matthew Rolston
Category:Natasha Bedingfield songs
Category:Phonogenic Records singles
Category:Pop ballads
Category:Songs written by Andrew Frampton (songwriter)
Category:Songs written by Natasha Bedingfield
Category:Songs written by Wayne Wilkins
Category:Soul ballads
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