Jump to content

Let Me Love You (Mario song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Let Me Love You"
Single by Mario
from the album Turning Point
ReleasedOctober 4, 2004 (2004-10-04)[1]
StudioSoundvilla (Miami Beach, Florida)
GenreR&B[2]
Length4:09
LabelJ
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Scott Storch
Mario singles chronology
"C'mon"
(2003) 		"Let Me Love You"
(2004) 		"How Could You"
(2005)
Music video
"Let Me Love You" on YouTube

"Let Me Love You" is a song by American singer Mario, released by J Records on October 4, 2004 as the lead single from his second studio album, Turning Point (2004). The song was written by then-unknown American singer Ne-Yo, Kameron Houff, and Scott Storch, while production was handled by the latter. The song garnered Mario a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2006 and peaked atop five international music charts: the Billboard Hot 100, Canada's Radio & Records, Official German Charts, Dutch Top 40, and Recorded Music NZ.

In 2008, "Let Me Love You" ranked number 45 on Billboard's All-Time Top 100 Hot 100 singles, during the first 50 years of the chart.[3] It was the eighth most successful single of the decade according to the Billboard Hot 100 Songs of the Decade chart released in December 2009.[4] In 2013, it was ranked at number 53 on Billboard's All-Time Top 100 Hot 100 singles during the first 55 years of the chart.[5] The remix of the song, also produced by Storch, contains rapped verses from Jadakiss and T.I.

"Let Me Love You" is considered to be Mario's signature song, as well as a prominent track in 2000s R&B music.[6][7][8]

Background and composition

[edit]
"It was during a time where people were trying to figure out what was the new phase of R&B, and I think it set up a playing field of what R&B could be in the pop world, but still be cool and urban."
— Mario talking about the song's impact.[9]

"Let Me Love You" was written by Kameron Houff, Ne-Yo, and Scott Storch, who also produced the track.[10] Ne-Yo talked about the making of the song: "So my manager gets me down to Miami. [Storch] just happens to be working for Mario that week. We did, I think, three songs. And “Let Me Love You” was the second song that we did. At the time we knew it was something special, but we had no idea that it was going to do what it did".[11] Mario spoke about the song's creation to Billboard: "I was working with Scott Storch for about two weeks in Miami. There were parties every night, and girls everywhere… anything you can imagine in a Scott Storch movie, mixed with my newfound fame, was there. So most of the records on [Turning Point] are uptempo club records. When Ne-Yo came in, we were like, “We actually need to make some R&B songs for the ladies.”"[9] Ne-Yo revealed during a 2024 interview that he didn't think that Mario was the right performer for "Let Me Love You", because he considered the song's content too mature for an 18 year-old singer.[12] Speaking about giving "Let Me Love You" to Mario, Ne-Yo said that "at the time that I wrote it I wasn’t trying to be an artist, I was completely content with just being a song writer but I think back on that song and I look back and think had I been trying to be an artist at the time that’s definitely one I would of held on to".[13]

"Let Me Love You" was co-written by R&B singer Ne-Yo.

Speaking on the commercial success of the track, Mario said “Going from a child star to being a young adult is a very hard transition, and “Let Me Love You” introduced me to the world as a young man”, “I didn’t know it would touch so many people, but it was an emotional song and those records last forever.”[14] Ne-Yo said that writing "Let Me Love You" led him from being exclusively a songwriter into the beginning of his career as a singer.[15][11][16]

"Let Me Love You" is a mid-tempo R&B love song in G minor, centered around the progression C minor / G minor / F major. It is written in common time.[17][18] Stereogum described its instrumental as a "mechanized melodic backbeat with sturdy, clap-heavy drum track and some lost, wandering ’80s-style synth-pillows".[18] The song's lyrical content focuses on the singer's desire to have a romantic relationship with a girl instead of his significant other who cheats on her.[18] On "Let Me Love You", Mario was noted for portraying "a classic nonthreatening nice-guy type" character, with a Michael Jackson-inspired vocal performance.[18]

Critical reception

[edit]

Contactmusic.com critic Tareck Ghoneim called "Let Me Love You" an "excellent track that oozes smooth soul, genuine feel good vibes and sing along sentiment as well. The beats have a lazy hip hop beat with soulful bass and seductive keys. It provides a nice and smooth backline for Mario to show what he’s made of and he delivers his soulful vocals with conviction and genuine serenity."[19] Caroline Sullivan, writing for The Guardian found that the song's "silky exterior encloses a core of smut that's all the more compelling for the Alpine purity of Mario's voice."[20] Billboard ranked the song at number seven in their "Top 50 Love Songs of All Time" list.[21] Cleveland.com commented that the track “does away with any flashy elements, sticking to a classic R&B formula with Mario’s vocals leading the way. This one could have been a hit in any decade”.[22]

In her review of parent album Turning Point, BBC Music's Denise Boyd wrote: "The stand out track "Let Me Love You" has already tugged at the heart strings of the R&B audience, becoming a club, party and car stereo anthem on both sides of the Atlantic. Its smooth and soulful narrative sets the tone for much of this album."[23] Jon Pareles from The New York Times commented that "Let Me Love You" "looks back to another 1980s blockbuster, lifting its keyboard sound from Tina Turner's 'What's Love Got to Do with It'."[24] Today defined the track a "blockbuster hit" and "a passionate plea to take on an elevated role in his crush's life".[25]

Accolades and nominations

[edit]

In 2004, "Let Me Love You" was nominated for a Vibe Award for Best R&B Song and two Teen Choice Awards, Choice Love Song and Choice R&B/Rap Track, but it failed to receive any awards. In 2005, it received nominations for Billboard Music Awards, including "Hot 100 Single of the Year", "Hot 100 Airplay Single of the Year", "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year", "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Single of the Year, winning in both the R&B categories. It was also nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award for Best R&B Single, a Viewer's Choice award at the BET Awards, Best Single at the MOBO Awards, and Best R&B/Soul Song at the Soul Train Music Awards. In 2006, Mario was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance with "Let Me Love You". He also received an MTV Australia Awards nomination for Best R&B music video for "Let Me Love You".[26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"Let Me Love You" debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 the week of October 23, 2004, at number 97. The song went on to hold the number-one position on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks from January to February 2005, and, as of 2024, is Mario's biggest single. It also reached number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Internationally, it reached the number-one position on the singles charts in Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and in the continental chart European Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, the song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart (held off the top spot by "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo"), making it Mario's biggest hit to date in the UK. The single also holds the honor of being one of the highest-selling ringtones with 1.6 million downloads.[34]

Music video

[edit]
The music video for "Let Me Love You" features graffiti works.

The "Let Me Love You" music video was filmed at studios in Brooklyn, New York in September 2004. It was directed by Little X. The video starts with the singer talking with his friends about his new haircut. The video then transitions into a room with a red and white graffiti of two samurais, where Mario is by himself doing boxing training. He then sees through the room's window the girl he's attracted to being upset with his boyfriend. The video continues with different scenes of Mario dancing, alone or with backup dancers, on various sets. The clip ends with scenes of the singer dancing passionately with his love interest.

Track listings

[edit]
US 7-inch single[35]
A. "Let Me Love You" (radio version) – 4:16
B. "How Could You" (radio version) – 3:59

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are lifted from the UK CD1 liner notes.[10]

Studio

Personnel

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications and sales for "Let Me Love You"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[94] Platinum 70,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[95] 2× Platinum 180,000‡
France (SNEP)[96] Silver 100,000*
Germany (BVMI)[97] 3× Gold 450,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[98] Gold 35,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[99] Platinum 10,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[100] 3× Platinum 1,800,000‡
United States (RIAA)[101] Gold 500,000*
Ringtone
United States (RIAA)[102] Platinum 1,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates for "Let Me Love You"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref(s).
United States October 4, 2004 Urban radio J [1]
October 18, 2004 Rhythmic contemporary radio [103]
November 1, 2004 Contemporary hit radio [104]
Australia February 14, 2005 CD [105]
Denmark March 21, 2005 [106]
United Kingdom [107][108]

Anniversary edition

[edit]
"Let Me Love You (Anniversary Edition)"
Single by Mario
ReleasedFebruary 14, 2020 (2020-02-14)
GenreR&B
Length4:11
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Scott Storch

In 2020, Mario announced that he had re-recorded his vocals for the remastered version, celebrating the 15-year anniversary of the song. The anniversary edition was released on February 14, 2020.[109]

Covers

[edit]
  • Dutch producer Dastic sampled the song and released his own tropical house version featuring vocals from singer CADE. The version charted on the Belgian Dance and Ultratip Bubbling Under charts.[110]

Samples

[edit]
  • In 2021, American artists Ghostface Killah and Shaun Wiah samples the song in the track Let Me Touch Ya.[111]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1575. October 1, 2004. p. 20. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  2. ^ Boyd, Denise (2005). "Mario, Turning Point – Review". BBC Music. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  3. ^ The Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs (50–41)
  4. ^ "Charts". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 10, 2008.
  5. ^ "Hot 100 55th Anniversary: The All-Time Top 100 Songs". Billboard.
  6. ^ Marie, Erika (May 2, 2023). "Scott Storch Is Unmatched: Best Hits With Beyoncé, Dr. Dre & More". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  7. ^ "20 producers that changed the R&B game". Yardbarker. October 10, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  8. ^ "The 20 Greatest Early 2000s R&B Songs, Ranked". Yahoo Entertainment. July 12, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  9. ^ a b https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mario-scott-storch-let-me-love-you-15th-anniversary-re-release-interview-8550946/
  10. ^ a b c Let Me Love You (UK CD1 liner notes). Mario. J Records. 2005. 8 28766 82562.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. ^ a b Gracie, Bianca (February 24, 2021). "Ne-Yo Remembers 'In My Own Words' at 15: 'Let's Just Have Fun & the Hits Will Come'". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  12. ^ Fekadu, Mesfin (February 11, 2024). "On 20th Anniversary of "Let Me Love You," Ne-Yo Recalls Mario Being "Sam Cooke Reincarnated"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  13. ^ Jasmine Dotiwala (October 28, 2010). "R.-Kelly's one night stand". Voice Online. Archived from the original on November 30, 2010.
  14. ^ Bronson, Fred (February 7, 2024). "Top 50 Love Songs of All Time". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  15. ^ Howard, Jacinta. "Jay-Z Scolded Ne-Yo for Giving 'Let Me Love You' to Mario". rockthebells.com. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  16. ^ "JAY-Z Stays Pissed At Ne-Yo For Giving Hit Song Away To Mario". HipHopDX. June 2, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  17. ^ "Download Sheet Music Software – Musicnotes.com". Musicnotes.
  18. ^ a b c d "The Number Ones: Mario's "Let Me Love You"". Stereogum. December 19, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  19. ^ Ghoneim, Tareck (2005). "Mario – Let Me Love You – Single Review". contactmusic.com. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  20. ^ Sullivan, Caroline (April 1, 2005). "Mario, Turning Point". The Guardian. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  21. ^ Bronson, Fred (February 7, 2024). "Top 50 Love Songs of All Time". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  22. ^ Smith, Troy L. (September 13, 2021). "Every No. 1 song of the 2000s ranked from worst to best". Cleveland.com. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  23. ^ Boyd, Denise (2005). "Mario, Turning Point – Review". BBC Music. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  24. ^ Pareles, Jon (December 20, 2004). "CRITIC'S CHOICE New CD's". The New York Times. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  25. ^ "80 love songs that'll make you feel all the feels". TODAY.com. July 17, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  26. ^ "Mario 2005 BET Awards,Teen Choice Awards & Billboard Music Awards". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 18, 2009.
  27. ^ "Billboard Music Award Nominations 2005". Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2009.
  28. ^ "Usher, 50 Cent Lead Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Winners". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 22, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2009.
  29. ^ "Mario grammy nominations". Rock on the Net. Retrieved January 18, 2009.
  30. ^ "Mobo awards 2005: The winners". BBC. September 22, 2005. Retrieved January 18, 2009.
  31. ^ "The Darkness and the Veronicas Set To Perform at the 2006 MTV Australia Video Music Awards". Archived from the original on February 22, 2008. Retrieved January 18, 2009.
  32. ^ "Usher gets five Soul Train nominations". USA Today. February 2, 2005. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  33. ^ "VIBE Announces 2005 VIBE Award Nominees". Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved January 18, 2009.
  34. ^ "Mario – Top selling ringtones". Archived from the original on March 16, 2008.
  35. ^ Let Me Love You (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Mario. J Records. 2005. 82876-69540-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  36. ^ Let Me Love You (US 12-inch vinyl disc). Mario. J Records. 2004. 82876 61888 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  37. ^ Let Me Love You (US 12-inch remix vinyl disc). Mario. J Records. 2004. 82876 67118 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  38. ^ Let Me Love You (European CD single liner notes). Mario. J Records, 3rd Street Music Group. 2005. 82876 67976 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  39. ^ Let Me Love You (UK CD2 liner notes). Mario. J Records. 2005. 82876 68245 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  40. ^ Let Me Love You (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Mario. J Records. 2005. 82876 68256 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  41. ^ Let Me Love You (Australian CD single liner notes). Mario. J Records. 2005. 82876 67975 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  42. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  43. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  44. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  45. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  46. ^ "R&R Canada CHR/Pop Top 30" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1589. January 14, 2005. p. 28. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  47. ^ "Oficiální Česká Hitparáda – Pro týden" (in Czech). IFPI ČR. Archived from the original on June 1, 2005. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  48. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You". Tracklisten.
  49. ^ "Eurocharts". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 17. April 30, 2005. p. 65. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
  50. ^ "Mario: Let Me Love You" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  51. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You" (in French). Les classement single.
  52. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  53. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  54. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Let Me Love You". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
  55. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You". Top Digital Download.
  56. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Mario" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  57. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  58. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You". Top 40 Singles.
  59. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You". VG-lista.
  60. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  61. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You" Canciones Top 50.
  62. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You". Singles Top 100.
  63. ^ "Mario – Let Me Love You". Swiss Singles Chart.
  64. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  65. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  66. ^ "Mario Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  67. ^ "Mario Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.
  68. ^ "Mario Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  69. ^ "Mario Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  70. ^ "Mario Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  71. ^ "Mario Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  72. ^ "Mario Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  73. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2005". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  74. ^ "Jahreshitparade Singles 2005". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  75. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2005" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  76. ^ "Rapports Annuels 2005" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  77. ^ "Year End European Hot 100 Singles Chart 2005 01 – 2005 52" (PDF). Billboard. VNU Media. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 18, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  78. ^ "Tops de L'année | Top Singles 2005" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  79. ^ "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 2005" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  80. ^ "Rádiós Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2005" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  81. ^ "Classifiche annuali 2005 FIMI Nielsen, dominano gli artisti italiani" (in Italian). FIMI. Archived from the original on May 6, 2006. Retrieved January 15, 2021. Click on Scarica l'allegato.
  82. ^ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2005". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  83. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2005" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  84. ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2005". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  85. ^ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2005". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  86. ^ "2005 Urban Top 40" (PDF). Music Week. January 14, 2006. p. 22. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  87. ^ "2005 The Year in Music & Touring: Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 52. December 24, 2005. p. YE-39.
  88. ^ "2005 The Year in Charts: Top Dance Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 13, no. 50. December 16, 2005. p. 60.
  89. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: 2005". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  90. ^ "2005 The Year in Charts: Top Mainstream Top 40 Songs". Billboard Radio Monitor. Vol. 13, no. 50. December 16, 2005. p. 26.
  91. ^ "2005 The Year in Music & Touring: Hot Rhythmic Songs". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 52. December 24, 2005. p. YE-74.
  92. ^ "The Decade in Music – Hot 100 Songs" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 50. December 19, 2009. p. 158. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  93. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 60th Anniversary Interactive Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 3, 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  94. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2005 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  95. ^ "Danish single certifications – Mario – Let Me Love You". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  96. ^ "French single certifications – Mario – Let Me Love You" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on September 24, 2012.
  97. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Mario; 'Let Me Love You')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  98. ^ "Italian single certifications – Mario – Let Me Love You" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  99. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Mario – Let Me Love You". Recorded Music NZ.
  100. ^ "British single certifications – Mario – Let Me Love You". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  101. ^ "American single certifications – Mario – Let Me Love You". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  102. ^ "American ringtone certifications – Mario – Let Me Love You". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  103. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1577. October 15, 2004. p. 17. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  104. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1579. October 29, 2004. p. 19. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  105. ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 14th February 2005" (PDF). ARIA. February 14, 2005. p. 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 19, 2005. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  106. ^ "4. april til 24. april 2005" (PDF) (in Danish). Sony Music Denmark. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 27, 2005. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  107. ^ "Let Me Love You [CD 1]". Amazon. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  108. ^ "Let Me Love You [Cd2] [CD 2]". Amazon. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  109. ^ "Let Me Love You (Anniversary Edition) - Single by Mario on Apple Music". February 14, 2020.
  110. ^ "Dastic feat. CADE – Let Me Love You". ultratop.be. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  111. ^ "Ghostface Killah Feat. Shaun Wiah - Let Me Touch Ya (Official Music Video)". YouTube. December 31, 2021.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Let_Me_Love_You_(Mario_song)&oldid=1257320858"