2019 single by Avril Lavigne featuring Nicki Minaj
"Dumb Blonde" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne featuring rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on February 12, 2019, and serves as the third single from her sixth studio album, Head Above Water (2019). The song was originally recorded by Lavigne as a solo artist, but was later recorded with an additional verse written and performed by Minaj. The solo version of the song is featured on physical editions of the album.
"Dumb Blonde" was written by Lavigne, Minaj and its producers Mitch Allan, and Bonnie McKee. It is a pop punk, power pop, hip hop, punk rock and urban song that is about self-love and female empowerment. Several music critics labeled it a "feminist anthem".[1][2][3]
Background and release
On December 7, 2018, Lavigne revealed the final tracklist for her sixth studio album, Head Above Water, that included a solo song titled "Dumb Blonde" as track number five.[4] On February 7, 2019, the album's track listing on Amazon was updated, confirming that the song features American rapper Nicki Minaj. In fact, the song was 26 seconds longer than when it originally appeared on music platforms (3:08 to 3:34), which suggests that Minaj's verse was added in the last minute.[5] That day, Lavigne teased the track by unveiling a nine-second-long snippet along with a statement detailing themes that inspired the concept. On February 11, Chinese streaming service Xiami confirmed that the joint track is set to be released the following day as the album's third single.[6] The official cover art, that features Lavigne sucking a lollipop, plays up a "dumb blonde" stereotype.[7]
Composition and lyrics
"Dumb Blonde" is a "fiery"[8][9] and "plucky"[10] mix of pop,[11] pop punk,[12] power pop,[13] hip hop,[12] punk rock[14] and urban[14] music, which was written by Lavigne with Minaj, Mitch Allan, and Bonnie McKee; while its production done by Allan alongside McKee, Chris Baseford, and Scott Robinson. The track is three minutes and thirty-four seconds long.[15] Lavigne described it as "the most uptempo song on the album."[16] The song's instrumentation features heavy guitar riffs,[17] an "infectious" drumline[18] and "driving" beats.[10] Similarities were noted between the song and American rock artists Joan Jett and Sleigh Bells, as well as Lavigne's own 2007 album The Best Damn Thing (specifically, its lead single, "Girlfriend"),[10][19] while the vocals were compared to American punk rock band M.I.A.[20][18] Lyrically, it's a "self-empowerment anthem"[18] and "a sassy clap-back to a man who underestimated her",[21] which deals with "the idea that people might think [Lavigne]'s not as smart as she is based on the way she looks".[13] Minaj's verse features references to her 2014 album The Pinkprint and single "No Frauds".[13]
About the song's concept and idea, Lavigne told Entertainment Weekly: "It's something I actually went through where I had an experience with someone calling me a dumb blonde. I was like, 'Ooh that's a good concept and title.' It started as a misogynist intimidated by my independence. I just thought that was really unfair."[22] In an Instagram post, she continues: "I brought it to Bonnie McKee and Mitch Allan, who helped me bring it to life. [...] I was belittled and made to feel bad for who I was: A leader, someone with a vision and opinions, someone who has strength, desire, passion and goals. [...] Fuck stereotypes. [...] Yes, women should build each other up, but so should men and women."[6]
Critical reception
"Dumb Blonde" was praised by critics. Brittany Spanos from Rolling Stone complimented the song's "empowerment" theme and described it as "the power pop kiss-off" track.[23] Nick Levine from NME, while reviewing Head Above Water, called the song "a sassy clap-back to a man who underestimated her."[24] Allison Bowsher from Much considered that the song is "the rock pop sensibilities of the early ’90s, with an infectious drum line backing and call and answer chorus that is begging to be blasted from every radio station." She also praised Lavigne's decision to collaborate with Minaj and said that "Minaj is the perfect collaborator for the new single, bringing her own style of bravado and badassness (we’re making it a word) that could make “Dumb Blonde” a huge hit for both artists."[25]
Ian Gavan, in his review for Nylon, wrote that "Dumb Blonde" was "a new feminist pep rally anthem". He praised commercial and public appeal of the song, as well as Minaj's rap section: "Just because she's cute and sweet, doesn't mean she incompetent".[1] Lucas Villa of AXS also complimented Minaj's performance and characterized her verse as "explosive".[26] Alex Darus of Alternative Press praised the overall composition and saw that "Minaj's feature feels like a perfect fit".[27]
Madelin Roth of MTV proclaimed Lavigne and Minaj "the hottest power pop duo today".[28] Katherine Gillespie of Paper praised "Dumb Blonde" and added that "it somehow manages to combine every genre Lavigne has ever dabbled in over the course of a prolific pop-punk career."[29] In a review for Complex, Tara Mahadevan claimed that the song and the lyrics were "uplifting" and "empowering".[30] Exclaim!'s Josiah Hughes published a rave review and called the song "punk pop banger".[31] Rap Up applauded track's encouraging lyrical message.[32]
Ming Lee Newcomb of Consequence of Sound described "Dumb Blonde" as "cheeky, drum-heavy track". She noted that "song solidifies the sk8er girl's effort to make a cultural comeback".[33] Israel Daramota of Spin praised "anthemic" nature of the composition.[34] He felt that "['Dumb Blonde']'s percussion-based track owes a lot more to Gwen Stefani's 'Hollaback Girl' mold, but it also captures the sneering attitude found on Lavigne's best known tracks." Glenn Rowley from Billboard called the song a "fiery collaboration".[35] While reviewing "Dumb Blonde", Melody Lau from CBC Music complemented the idea of challenging 'dumb blonde' stereotypes.[36] Mike Nied from Idolator made the observation that "Dumb Blonde" was one of the "sort of fiery banger that deserves plenty of radio play."[37]
Alex Zidel of HotNewHipHop gave a positive review and expected "Dumb Blonde" to be "iconic as both the artists behind it". He considered the song was "a definitely a feel-good joint" between Lavigne and Minaj.[38]
Conversely, Forbes magazine named the song the 4th worst song of 2019, calling it "a failed attempt at a girl power anthem".[39] Similarly, Callie Ahlgrim of Insider ranked "Dumb Blonde" among the worst songs of 2019, calling it "deeply uninspired" and criticizing Lavigne's decision to collaborate with Nicki Minaj.[40]
Credits and personnel
Credits and personnel adapted from Head Above Water album liner notes.[15]
Management
Personnel
- Avril Lavigne – main vocals, songwriting
- Nicki Minaj – featured vocals, songwriting
- Mitch Allan – songwriting, production, vocal production
- Bonnie McKee – songwriting, additional production
- Chris Baseford – vocal production
- Scott Robinson – vocal production
- Chantry Johnson – vocal engineering
- Caleb Hulin – vocal engineering
- Tony Maserati – mixing engineering
- Chris Gehringer – mastering engineering
- Will Quinnell – mastering assistance
