| "Promise" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Ciara | ||||
| from the album Ciara: The Evolution | ||||
| Released | October 16, 2006 (U.S.) | |||
| Recorded | Soapbox Studios, Atlanta, Georgia | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:29 | |||
| Label | LaFace | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Ciara Harris, Jasper Cameron, Ren B Jamal Jones, Elvis Williams | |||
| Producer(s) | Polow da Don, Nealante, Black Elvis | |||
| Ciara singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Promise" on YouTube | ||||
"Promise" is a song performed by American recording artist Ciara from her second studio album, Ciara: The Evolution (2006). It was written by Ciara, Jasper Cameron, Polow da Don and Elvis Williams and produced by Polow da Don and Nealante. The song was released as the album's official lead single on October 16, 2006, through LaFace Records. The song was selected as the first single as Ciara wanted to put out a single with a slower pace, noting that her previous releases had been up-tempo. According to Ciara, the song represents the album's theme of evolving and symbolizes her growth as a songwriter and artist.
"Promise" is a mid-tempo R&B ballad with lyrics that describe what the protagonist wants out of love. The song received generally positive reviews from critics, who made comparisons with songs by musician Prince. Critics also observed that it was different and refreshing from Ciara's previous singles. "Promise" topped the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in the United States and peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Ciara's best-performing single sans a featured artist on both charts. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipping over one million copies.
Diane Martel directed the song's accompanying music video, which features scenes of Ciara singing into a gravity-defying microphone. Ciara stated that it is just about performance as she wanted to make a distinct R&B video. The video received a BET Award nomination for Viewer's Choice in 2007.