"Freedom" (stylized as FREEDOM!) is a song by Pharrell Williams which was released for streaming on Apple Music and played by Zane Lowe on his show on Beats 1 on its launch date of June 30, 2015.[2] Part of the song was made available as a teaser on Williams' Twitter page and was also used in a promotional video for Apple Music.[3] Its music video was nominated for Best Music Video at the 58th Grammy Awards.
"Freedom" | ||||
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Single by Pharrell Williams | ||||
from the album Despicable Me 3 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | ||||
Released | June 30, 2015[1] | |||
Recorded | 2015 | |||
Genre | Indie pop | |||
Length | 2:43 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
Songwriter(s) | Pharrell Williams & Naughty by Nature | |||
Producer(s) | Pharrell Williams | |||
Pharrell Williams singles chronology | ||||
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Writing for MusicSnake, Marissa Fitzgerald gave the song a very positive review, give it 4/5 stars and stating "'Freedom' is an awesome track with a feel-good vibe and a positive message. The lyrics are uplifting and promote living a happy life without restrictions or limitations."[4] Rolling Stone describes the track, "powerful," as well as, "snappy," and, "infectious,"[5] while The Guardian describes it as, "socially conscious."[6] According to USA Today, "Williams may have found a song that captures the tenor of its time."[7]
Williams performed the song on his international 2015 tour,[8] including during his set at Glastonbury Festival 2015 on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday June 27.[9] Williams also performed this single at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards.[10] Williams performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday September 11. Williams also performed the song with a full orchestra during a guest appearance at Hans Zimmer's live set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Sunday April 16, 2017.
Weekly charts edit
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Year-end charts edit
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Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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Belgium (BEA)[47] | Gold | 15,000* |
Italy (FIMI)[48] | 2× Platinum | 100,000‡ |
Poland (ZPAV)[49] | 2× Platinum | 40,000‡ |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
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