Free

Free is the last single from Mya's sophomore album "Fear of Flying."

It was one of two new tracks added to the re-release version of the album and was originally featured to the soundtrack to the 2000 film "Bait."

The single was released on March 13, 2001. It was written by Mya, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (who also produced the song), Alexander Richbourg and Tony Tolbert.

The song received generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, musically comparing it to Janet Jackson’s 1986 album "Control."

The song underperformed on Billboard's US Hot 100; peaking and spending two non-consecutive weeks at number forty-two.

It was the second single by Mya failed to reach the coveted Top 40.

It performed even worse on Billboard's component chart Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart peaking at a moderately low number fifty-two.

Internationally, the single reached the Top Five within Australia and the Top 20 within the UK.

The song’s accompanying music video was filmed by director Dave Meyers. Mya incorporates various dance routines throughout the video.

Song Composition
"Free" is a dance pop song composed in the key of D major.

The song's tempo is set at a moderate dance beat at 112 beats per minute in common time. Mya's vocal range span from a F3 to D5.

The lyrics of "Free" are composed in the traditional verse-chorus form.

Mya opens the song with brief spoken lyrics. She begins the first verse, followed by the chorus leading her into the second verse.

The song continues to the bridge, chorus, then fades out with her chant.

Music Video
The music video for Free was directed by Dave Meyers.

Mya explained to "LAUNCH" how involved she was in the making of "Free" speaking on following: the roller-skating, pop-locking, whacking & the boogaloo were actually of all her concepts.

She got together with an underground dancer/choreographer and they put it together on their own.

Mya revealed it was a struggle and a "fight working with someone underground because he's not established," but continued by saying "that was the best thing about making "Free" because I knew him and what he had to offer and it was great."

Chart Performance
In the United States for the issue dated week of February 3, 2001, "Free" was Billboard’s Hot 100 “Hot Shot Debut” of the week debuting at number seventy-six.

In its third week, it ascended from 74-61 issue dated week of February 17, 2001.

The song reached its peak at number forty-one in its fourth week ascending from 61-41 issue dated week of February 24, 2001.

The song spent a total of 17 consecutive weeks on the chart. It was the second single released by Mya to miss the coveted pop Top 40.

On Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, the song failed to achieve success; peaking at a moderately low fifty two issue dated week of December 28, 2000.

"Free" was successful in international territories. In Australia, It debuted at number eleven during the week of June 3, 2001.

It reached its peak at number four in its sixth week during the week of July 8, 2001.

The song spent a total of 15 consecutive weeks on the chart and was certified platinum by Australian Recording Industry Association for shipments of 70,000 units sold.

It found success in the UK, debuting and peaking at number eleven during the week of June 9, 2001. It spent a total of six consecutive weeks on the chart.

Critical Reception
NME gave the song a mixed review:

"R&B's enduring (annoying?) cutesy pie has done the double. Released a single that ties in with her butter wouldn't melt image -how else to you explain the lyrics, "I'm me/single, sexy and free"?

Yes, make no mistake, this is Mýa trapped in Lolita land (check out the video below) not sure if she's the insolent girlfriend ('Case of the Ex') or, as this track would paint her, a pre-teen with no idea of her temptation, but aware that she has 'something about her'.

''Musically, this is right up Janet Jackson's old alley - more so before Janet found 'Control' and became obsessed with sex. So, if you're a chick who's so cute you turn yourself on, but still a virgin, this is your anthem. But of course, you'll be singing it to yourself, cos you love yourself so darn much, won't ya?!''

Personnel

 * Produced by: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
 * Co-produced by: 'Big Jim' Wright
 * Engineered & Mixed by: Steve Hodge
 * Assistant Engineers: Brad Yost and Xavier Smith