| "3 Words" | ||||
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| Single by Cheryl Cole featuring will.i.am | ||||
| from the album 3 Words | ||||
| B-side | "Boys" | |||
| Released | 20 December 2009 | |||
| Recorded | 2009 | |||
| Studio | Record Plant (Los Angeles) | |||
| Genre | Dance-pop | |||
| Length | 4:04 | |||
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| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | will.i.am | |||
| Cheryl Cole singles chronology | ||||
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| will.i.am singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Cheryl Cole - 3 Words ft. will.i.am" on YouTube | ||||
"3 Words" is a song recorded by English singer Cheryl Cole for her 2009 debut studio album of the same name. It was released in the UK and Ireland on 20 December 2009 by Fascination Records (Polydor Records) and later in 2010 by Universal Music, serving as the lead single for 3 Words in other countries. The uptempo dance-pop song was written by Cole and George Pajon. It was also written and produced by will.i.am who has guest vocals on the song. "3 Words" was cited by Cole as her favourite song from the album for being different from what people expected.
"3 Words" was praised by contemporary critics, who said it was "a sophisticated love song" and the "standout track" from the album. Its unconventional production abandons the use of "verse-chorus-verse" structure, instead opting for a throbbing buildup to a climax. The accompanying video, directed by Saam, features the singer in various fashion ensembles often contrasting colour with will.i.am, and paying homage to Madonna. It also makes use of split screen cinematography and camera effects for the transition of scenes.
The song was promoted on Cheryl Cole's Night In. The single was less commercially successful compared to its predecessor "Fight for This Love" but despite not peaking at number one, it went on to become Cole's second consecutive UK top-five and Irish-top ten hit. It was also a top five hit in Australia and has since been certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association and silver by the British Phonographic Industry.