Sparks Fly (album)

Sparks Fly
Studio album by Miranda Cosgrove
Released April 27, 2010
Recorded 2008–2010
Genre Pop
Length 25:18
Label Columbia, Epic
Producer The Matrix,[1] Dr. Luke, Espionage, Ammo, Kool Kojak, Greg Wells, Desmond Child, Greg Kurstin, Max Martin, Sheppard Solomon, Tom Meredith, John Shanks, Raine Maida, Rock Mafia, Darkchild, Jon Vella, Shayne Swayney, HKT
Miranda Cosgrove chronology
About You Now
(2009)
Sparks Fly
(2010)
High Maintenance
(2011)
Singles from Sparks Fly
  1. "Kissin U"
    Released: March 22, 2010

Sparks Fly is the debut studio album by American actress and pop singer Miranda Cosgrove. The plans for the album were first announced in July 2008, and the album was released by Columbia Records on April 27, 2010 as a standard edition and a deluxe edition and Epic Records in India and Italy. The album has been preceded by its lead single, "Kissin U" which was co-written by Cosgrove, Claude Kelly and Dr. Luke, who produced it with HitmanKTI, and was released on March 22, 2010. The album sold 36,000 copies in its first week, making its peak No. 8 on the Billboard 200.[2]

The album was met with a generally mixed reception from fans and critics alike. Many fans and critics have stated they find similarities between Cosgrove and fellow singers Avril Lavigne and Miley Cyrus. Aside from its critical performance, Sparks Fly also has performed well commercially, charting in other countries such as Austria and Germany, among others. The album was promoted mainly through live performances, which included a mini-concert on The Today Show. Cosgrove also promoted the album during her "Dancing Crazy Tour", which began January 24, 2011 and ended August 10, 2011.

Background and development

Cosgrove's musical career first began with her recording the theme song of the Nickelodeon television series iCarly called "Leave It All to Me", on which Cosgrove starred as the title character on the show. The song features her former Drake & Josh cast mate Drake Bell, and was written by Michael Corcoran, one of Bell's band members. Following the success of iCarly, Columbia Records released a soundtrack album of the show on June 10, 2008. The soundtrack album included four songs recorded by Cosgrove that were "Leave It All to Me", "Stay My Baby", "About You Now" and "Headphones On". Cosgrove stated, "Before that, I didn't see myself making an album, but when I spent time in the studio doing the theme song and saw how much fun it was, I wanted to go back."[3]

In July 2008, Cosgrove officially announced plans for a debut solo album, stating that the album was "different" from her contributions to the iCarly soundtrack, with her "co-writing and getting really into it,"[4] and saying that "[I'm] playing a character on iCarly, but this shows more of myself. Some people might think I'm just another actress putting out an album, but I wanted to prove that I'm more than that."[3] The album took two years to make, with Columbia Records' marketing manager Chris Poppe stating in May 2010 that "Miranda started working on [the album] at 14, and she's 16 now. The difference between those two ages is huge, and the songs have had to grow along with her."[3]

On February 5, 2009, Cosgrove released her debut solo recording; the five-song EP About You Now exclusively onto the iTunes Store. The EP included the title track "About You Now", a remix of it, a remix of "Stay My Baby", "F.Y.I." and "Party Girl".

In February 2010, Cosgrove announced the album's first single would be titled "Kissin U", which debuted live in an interview with Ryan Seacrest. The album's title Sparks Fly comes from the first two words of "Kissin U". The track list, including the four deluxe edition bonus tracks, was announced on Tommy2.net on March 12, 2010,[5] and the artwork was later revealed on March 19, 2010.[6] The song "Daydream" was co-written and originally recorded by Avril Lavigne, co-written by Chantal Kreviazuk and produced by Raine Maida, and was planned for Lavigne's second studio album Under My Skin. The song "Disgusting" was co-written and originally recorded by Ke$ha, co-written by Pebe Sebert and Sheppard Solomon and Tom Meredith, who produced it with HitmanKTI, and was planned for Ke$ha's debut studio album Animal. Both songs were unreleased and eventually recorded by Cosgrove. The song "Shakespeare" is a cover, co-written and originally recorded by Susan Cagle, co-written by Jason Brett Levine and was released as a single on Cagle's debut self-recorded album The Subway Recordings. The song was produced by John Shanks and HitmanKTI for this album. The song "Adored" was co-written by Cosgrove and The Matrix, who produced it and was a free digital download two years before the album's official release, first as a rough mix and later as a fully mastered version. The song "Charlie" was co-written by Nicole Morier and Greg Kurstin who produced it and was released as a bonus track exclusively on the iTunes deluxe edition of the album.

Composition

Cosgrove has stated that in the album she was trying to find her own style, so the album experiments with several different kinds of music.[7] In an interview, Cosgrove stated that she tried to put a little bit of her own flare into each and every song on the album.[8] Cosgrove described the album's lead single "Kissin U", as "kind of a really happy, sweet song".[9] The songs on the album generally deal with love and relationships. Cosgrove has stated that this was unintentional, but she realized this after she had already picked all of the songs on the album.[8]

In their review of the album, Portrait Magazine stated the album would target teenagers, saying, "The verdict on Miranda's musical effort is, like her album, a little confusing. I don't think she's quite at the point of being on main stream radio; she's got a little bit of work to do before that. But her bubblegum tracks are good enough to be played on children's radio stations, like Radio Disney, for example. Her current sound, the mixture of club beats and the sugary sweet pop, will probably hit well with the younger end of her audience. I just don't know if anyone over the age of thirteen is going to want to listen to her album all that often. Tracks like “Disgusting” will probably land well with older teens, but when they can listen to its writer on the radio already, I don't see the need for them to buy this album."[10] During their review of the album, J!-ENT commented on the composition of a few songs from the album, saying, "BAM features a catchy, pop tune by Antonina Armato (who has worked with Miley Cyrus, David Archuleta and Selena Gomez & the Scene), Tim James and Rodney Jerkins (who has worked with Britney Spears, Brandy, Janet Jackson, Destiny's Child). Also, included in Sparks Fly is “Daydream” written by Avril Lavigne. Other tracks include the catchy, pop track “Disgusting”; “Shakespeare” – a rock-driven track; the lovely ballad “Hey You” and the sugary, upbeat pop track “Oh Oh” and the well-done/solid pop track “There Will Be Tears”."[11]

Teenink also praised the lyrical content and friendly nature of the music, stating, "Any girl would love this album because it is upbeat and describes the way most girls feel when they are in love. Sparks Fly is a wonderful CD because it is upbeat, and has music that is very easy to relate to. Love may hurt and break your heart, but this album is sure to put a smile on your face." They later went on to say, "The album Sparks Fly has a good musical beat and positive lyrics. The song BAM is fast-paced and is an easy song to relate to. [...] This song is saying that once you find the one person that you love everything else doesn’t matter, because the only thing that’s important is being with the one that you love."[12]

Reception

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[13]
Billboard60/100
Common Sense Media

The album has been met with a generally mixed reception from critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, who reviewed the album for Allmusic.com gave the album a negative review, stating that "Miranda winds up buried underneath the weight of production on Sparks Fly — it often comes across like a cross of Miley Cyrus and Kesha’s full-frontal assault." Erlewine also stated that "Sparks Fly is bedecked in modern electronic rhythms and icy hooks, yet the glassy surface sheen flies in the face of the natural charm Cosgrove displays on iCarly and its accompanying soundtrack."[14] However, Jeff Giles of Popdose gave the album a more positive review, stating "...Sparks Fly is a perfectly bite-sized chunk of perfectly bite-sized pop - In other words, songs about boys and girls, written by men and women, and performed by some of the sharpest studio vets in the business."[15] Greg Victor of Parcbench also gave the album, as well as Cosgrove herself, a positive review, stating "It is brilliantly produced and won’t let you down if you are looking for some fun, new, uncomplicated music." He also commented on Cosgrove as an artist, saying "She is a fresh voice that stands out in an over-crowded field of pop princesses." The review ended with Victor awarding the album three out of four stars.[16] Sparklingstar.net also gave the album a positive review, and stated that "Sparks Fly has that classic pop album sound and songs, if you are a fan of Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears you will be fan of Miranda, one thing I must say is that her voice sounds great throughout the entire CD, and she took it to find songs that fit her voice."[17]

Commonsensemedia.org gave the album a mixed review, saying "Formulaic at best, painfully predictable at its worst, Sparks Fly could only be appealing to the youngest of ears, not jaded by hundreds of similarly sounding releases. Miranda Cosgrove does bring a unique sincerity to this bubblegum love-in, and despite the forgettable accompanying pop instrumentals, her message comes through loud and clear. With a dash of spunky attitude she saves the CD from completely drowning in a sea of sweetness."[18] Starletinc.com was also mixed in their review, saying that "This is a first attempt by Miranda as recording artist and she did quite alright. It still lacks a little bit of identity but that isn’t anything shocking for a sixteen year old, especially when they’re main trade is actress rather than recording artist [...] While it all isn’t anything special it’s still enjoyable enough to listen to." The review ended with them awarding Sparks Fly three out of five stars.[19]

Erin Clandaniel of Billboard said in her review of the album, "Full of saccharin-sweet pop riffs and head-bobbing beats that one would expect from a Nickelodeon TV actress, "iCarly" star Miranda Cosgrove's debut album, "Sparks Fly," delivers the total tween package. Production from the Matrix and Espionage, among others, enhances Cosgrove's pretty standard delivery, but some of her lyrics are strangely vague. Over an electropop melody on the song "Disgusting" (co-penned by Ke$ha), Cosgrove sings, "It's disgusting how you change me from a bandit to a baby." And the piano-based ballad "Hey You" briefly alludes to the Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus, while "Shakespeare" name-drops Jeff Buckley (who died in 1997 when Cosgrove was only 4 years old). Elsewhere, paired with upbeat guitars and drum machines on the girl-power anthem "There Will Be Tears," the singer happily belts out about being "the one that got away." Parents will likely tire of it quickly, but "Sparks Fly" will surely be stuck on repeat in minivans across the country.[20]

Commercial performance

Sparks Fly sold 36,057 copies in its first week, earning it the 8th position on the Billboard 200 on the issue dated May 5, 2010.[21] The album spent one week inside the top 10, before falling out the next week. Sparks Fly spent five weeks inside the Top 50, before quickly sliding down. The album has sold over 250,000 copies to date in the U.S.. The album has also become successful in foreign countries as well. In Mexico, the album debuted at number 84. The following week, the album fell twelve spots to 96. The album has currently sold a total of 3,000 copies there.[22] The album was also successful on the music charts in Austria, where it managed to peak inside the Top 50 of the albums chart, entering at number 46.[23] The album also spent one week on the German album charts, debuting and peaking at number 96.[24] On the Swiss album's chart, the album peaked inside of the Top 40, debuting at number 35 on the chart.[25] To date, Sparks Fly has sold an estimated 500,000 copies worldwide.

Promotion

To promote the album, Cosgrove performed the single "Kissin U" live at the Kids Choice Awards pre-show.[26] Nickelodeon also aired a television special titled 7 Secrets: Miranda Cosgrove, which aired on April 24, 2010. The half-hour show revealed things about Cosgrove, such as how she got her start in the business, to some of her most embarrassing moments.[27] The days following the album's release, Cosgrove did several album signings and appearances, including a stop at a Toys-R-Us in New York City.[28] Cosgrove embarked on a radio promotional tour, and has made appearances at radio concerts in the summer of 2010. On September 6, 2010, she performed "Kissin U", "BAM" which was written and produced by Rock Mafia and Darkchild, and "About You Now" which is a cover, co-written by Cathy Dennis and Dr. Luke who produced it and was originally recorded by the Sugababes and released as a single on their fifth studio album Change, on The Today Show.[29] On a special episode of iCarly, season 4: episode 5 titled "iDo", Cosgrove performed the song "Shakespeare" at a wedding (in character as Carly Shay). The song is performed when the bride has second thoughts about the wedding due to her love for Carly's older brother, Spencer (played by Jerry Trainor). The song is sung by Carly to remind the couple about how in love they are.[30][31][32]

Cosgrove headlined her own tour, titled "Dancing Crazy Tour" which is named after Cosgrove's single "Dancing Crazy" co-written by Avril Lavigne with Max Martin and Shellback, who produced it and was released on Cosgrove's second EP High Maintenance which was released on March 15, 2011. The tour began January 24, 2011 and ended August 10, 2011 due to Cosgrove having a broken ankle from a tour bus collision. Cosgrove resumed touring the following year. The tour featured dates in House of Blues locations such as ones located in Houston, TX and Anaheim, CA. She also performed at several theatres on the tour including locations in cities such as Atlanta, GA, Tampa, FL and Orlando FL.[33][34][35] Cosgrove opened up the tour on its first show by saying,

"I used to always think I was just going to be an actress, but now I'm leaning towards music and singing too. In the beginning, I didn't really think about my sound too much. I was just trying to figure out the kind of music that was really me and my thing. But my songs are about the experiences I've been through, and when I'm singing them, I try to put myself into it, so hopefully my music just reflects me."[36]

Accompanying Cosgrove on the tour was Greyson Chance, who rose to fame when a video of him singing "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga emerged on popular video sharing website YouTube. Chance performed several of his own original songs, as well as covers from famous artists.[37] The tour was financially successful. The second show on the tour, which took place in Minneapolis, sold about 54% of its tickets. The shows total gross revenue was $37,256.[38] The fourth show of the tour, which took place in Rosemont, Illinois, was much more successful, selling 90% of the available tickets. The total gross revenue for the show was $118,435.[38]

Singles

Track listing

Standard edition[5]
No. TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) Length
1. "Kissin U"  Miranda Cosgrove, Lukasz Gottwald, Claude KellyDr. Luke, Ammo 3:18
2. "BAM"  Antonina Armato, Tim James, Rodney JerkinsRock Mafia, Darkchild 2:51
3. "Disgusting"  Kesha Sebert, Sheppard Solomon, Tom Meredith, Pebe SebertSheppard Solomon, Tom Meredith 3:39
4. "Shakespeare"  Susan Cagle, Jason Brett LevineJohn Shanks 3:42
5. "Hey You"  Paula Winger, Kip WingerGreg Wells 3:57
6. "There Will Be Tears"  Joshua Coleman, Allan Grigg, Bonnie McKeeAmmo, Kool Kojak 3:14
7. "Oh Oh"  Peer Astrom, Savan Kotecha, Max MartinMax Martin, Tom Meredith 2:54
8. "Daydream"  Avril Lavigne, Chantal KreviazukRaine Maida 3:11
Total length:
25:18
Deluxe edition[5]
No. TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) Length
9. "Brand New You"  Espen Lind, Amund Bjorklund, James BourneEspionage 3:33
10. "What Are You Waiting For?"  Espen Lind, Amund Bjorklund, James BourneEspionage 3:35
11. "Adored"  Miranda Cosgrove, Lauren Christy, Graham Edwards, Scott SpockThe Matrix 3:32
12. "Beautiful Mess"  Desmond Child, Lauren Christy, Jon Vella, Shayne SwayneyDesmond Child, Lauren Christy, Jon Vella, Shayne Swayney 3:03
13. "Charlie"  Greg Kurstin, Nicole MorierGreg Kurstin 3:13
Total length:
44:14

Credits and personnel

  • David Campbell- string arrangements
  • John Hanes- mixing
  • Clyde Haygood- hair stylist
  • Tim James- composer
  • Steven Jensen- management
  • Rodney Jerkins- composer, producer
  • Devrim Karaglu- programming
  • Jennifer Karr- background vocals
  • Suzie Katayama- contractor
  • Claude Kelly- composer, background vocals
  • The Kids- stylist
  • Martin Kirkup- management
  • Kool Kojak- engineer, musician, producer, programming
  • Savan Kotecha- composer
  • Chantal Kreviazuk- composer, synthesizer
  • Avril Lavigne- composer
  • Bill Lefler- drums
  • Natalie Leggett- violin
  • Jason Brett Levine- composer
  • Tom Lord-Alge- mixing
  • Nigel Ludemo- engineer
  • Ian McGregor- engineer
  • Raine Maida- bass, engineer, acoustic guitar, producer, programming
  • Max Martin- composer
  • Bonnie McKee- composer, background vocals

  • Tom Meredith- composer, engineer, musician, producer, programming
  • Armen Pakchian- assistant
  • Alyssa Park- violin
  • Sara Parkins- violin
  • Steve Richards- cello
  • Tim Roberts- assistant
  • Rock Mafia- producer
  • Jeff Rothschild- drums, engineer, mixing
  • Kesha Sebert- composer
  • Pebe Sebert- composer
  • John Shanks- bass, guitar, keyboards, producer
  • Sidh Solanki- vocal producer
  • Sheppard Solomon- composer, producer
  • Teresa Stanislav- violin
  • Rudolph Stein- cello
  • Shari Sutcliffe- production coordination
  • Miranda Penn Turin- photography
  • Josefiha Vergara- violin
  • Greg Wells- bass, drums, guitar, mixing, piano, producer
  • Miranda Cosgrove- main vocals, composer
  • Rob Wells- programming
  • C.F. Kip Winger- composer
  • Paula Winger- composer, background vocals
  • Lucy Woodward- background vocals
  • Emily Wright- vocal producer

Charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
Austria (Ö3 Austrian Top 40)[23] 46
German Albums Chart [24] 96
Mexican Albums Chart[22] 84
Swiss Albums Chart[25] 35
UK Albums Chart[41] 125
U.S. Billboard 200[25] 8

References

  1. Vena, Jocelyn (January 28, 2009). "Miranda Cosgrove Talks New EP, About You Now - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  2. "Miranda Cosgrove Makes 'Sparks Fly' With Top 10 Debut". Billboard.com. September 14, 2009. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  3. 1 2 3 Miranda Cosgrove Makes Sparks Fly With Top 10 Debut Billboard.com
  4. Beavers, Danielle (July 24, 2008). "Miranda Cosgrove Plans Solo Album After Conquering TV And Web With 'iCarly' - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  5. 1 2 3 "Blog Archive » Debby Ryan talks about Hakuna Matata and her new song...". Tommy2.net. March 12, 2010. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  6. "Blog Archive » Honor Society winner, Here Comes Trouble Tour rehearsal at WEG, Ashley Tisdale to CW’s Hellcats, Miranda Cosgrove Sparks Fly artwork, Ashlyne Huff online store, Jasmine debuts Boy Crazy, new episodes of Suite Life and Wizards". Tommy2.net. March 19, 2010. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  7. 5/4/10. "Miranda Cosgrove Opens Up About Debut Album | News Video". MTV. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  8. 1 2 "EXCLUSIVE: Miranda Cosgrove Dishes on her Debut Album SPARKS FLY!". BOP and Tiger Beat. April 27, 2010. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  9. Vena, Jocelyn (April 27, 2010). "Miranda Cosgrove Hopes Sparks Fly On Debut Album - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  10. "Miranda Cosgrove: Sparks Fly Reviews - Portrait Reviews". Portraitmagazine.net. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  11. "Miranda Cosgrove – Sparks Fly (a J!-ENT World Groove Digital Album Review) | J!-ENT entertainment news pop culture TV music DVD Blu-ray reviews fashion celebrity USA Asia UK". Nt2099.com. April 29, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  12. "Sparks Fly by Miranda Cosgrove | Teen Music Review of pop, rock, soundtrackteens and music". Teenink.com. April 17, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  13. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Review: Sparks Fly". Allmusic. Retrieved May 1, 2010.
  14. Thomas, Stephen (April 27, 2010). "((( Sparks Fly > Overview )))". allmusic. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  15. "CD Review: Miranda Cosgrove, "Sparks Fly"". Popdose. April 27, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  16. "Miranda Cosgrove – "Sparks Fly" (Music Review)". Parcbench. April 30, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  17. "CD Reviews Music » Miranda Cosgrove: Sparks Fly Album Review". Sparkling Stars. May 2, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  18. This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp (May 4, 2010). "Sparks Fly - Music Review". Commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  19. "Review: Sparks Fly «". Starletinc.com. April 29, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  20. "Miranda Cosgrove, "Sparks Fly"". Billboard.com. September 14, 2009. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  21. B.o. B Bounds In At No. 1 On The Billboard 200 Billboard.com
  22. 1 2 mexicancharts.com
  23. 1 2 "Sparks Fly-Austrian charts". Charts.orf.at. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  24. 1 2 musicline.de / PhonoNet GmbH. "Chartverfolgung - Cosgrove, Miranda - Sparks Fly". Musicline.de. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  25. 1 2 3 Sparks Fly (ep) Chart Position acharts.us
  26. "Miranda Cosgrove Performance Orange Carpet KCA". Nick.com. 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  27. Archived August 18, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
  28. url=http://neonlimelight.com/2010/04/28/miranda-cosgrove-makes-sparks-fly-at-new-york-album-signing/ (April 28, 2010). "Miranda Cosgrove Makes ‘Sparks Fly’ At New York Album Signing - Neon Limelight - Exclusive Music News, Artist Interviews, Reviews, Photos!". Neon Limelight.
  29. "Miranda Cosgrove Makes 'Sparks Fly' With Top 10 Debut". Jason Lipshutz. Billboard.com. May 7, 2010. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  30. "Miranda Cosgrove sings ‘Shakespeare’ on iCarly Special". Teen Daily. October 9, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  31. Franich, Darren (October 7, 2010). "Exclusive First Look: Miranda Cosgrove sings on 'iCarly' | PopWatch | EW.com". Popwatch.ew.com. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  32. "Miranda Cosgrove Brings "Shakespeare" To Icarly – DisneyClub Discussions –". Last.fm. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
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  34. Mag, Teen (January 11, 2011). "Miranda Cosgrove Dancing Crazy - Miranda Cosgrove Tour Dates". Seventeen. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
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  36. "Miranda Cosgrove to Hit the Road on Dancing Crazy Tour". J-14. Bauer Media Group. December 3, 2010. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  37. "Greyson Chance: 'Dancing Crazy' Tour with Miranda Cosgrove! - Crazy Dancing". Spreadia. December 8, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  38. 1 2 "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. February 12, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  39. "Kissin U - Single by Miranda Cosgrove - Download Kissin U - Single on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. March 22, 2010. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  40. "Sparks Fly (Japan Edition) on Amazon Japan". Amazon. May 9, 2011. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
  41. "The Official UK Singles Chart for the week ending October 27, 2010". ChartsPlus (Milton Keynes: IQ Ware Ltd) (322): 7.

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