Powerful (song)
2015 single by Major Lazer featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley
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"Powerful" is a song recorded by American electronic music project Major Lazer. It is the second official single off their third studio album, Peace Is the Mission (2015), featuring guest vocals from English singer Ellie Goulding and Jamaican singer Tarrus Riley. The song was initially planned to be the lead single from the album but was scrapped in favor of "Lean On".
- Diplo
- Maxime Picard
- Clement Picard
- Ilsey Juber
- Fran Hall
- Tarrus Riley
| "Powerful" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Major Lazer featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley | ||||
| from the album Peace Is the Mission | ||||
| Released | September 1, 2015 | |||
| Length | 3:26 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
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| Major Lazer singles chronology | ||||
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| Ellie Goulding singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Powerful" on YouTube | ||||
Composition
The song is described as an "EDM power ballad" and its soul, pop and R&B nature led the critics to label it as one of the most accessible and radio friendly songs in the album.[1][2][3] It was written by Thomas Pentz, Maxime Picard, Clement Picard, Ilsey Juber, Fran Hall and reggae musician Tarrus Riley; the latter is also featured on the track along singer Ellie Goulding. The song is a musical departure from Major Lazer's dancehall-inspired signature sound, having this song dubbed as a ballad by many reporters.[4][5]
Music video
The music video was released on July 23, 2015. It features both Goulding and Riley performing their parts using telekinetic powers and ruining a small diner. The clip's theme is labeled as "supernatural" and was directed by James Slater.[5][6]
Use in media
In 2017, the song was used in an advertisement for Emporio Armani's Stronger With You and Because It's You perfumes.[7] On November 4, 2019, episode of the reality television singing competition show The Voice, team Gwen (Stefani) member Jacob "Jake" HaldenVang performed a rock arrangement of the song in a Knockout round, opposing fellow Team Gwen member Royce Lovett. Coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Blake Shelton all preferred HaldenVang's performance, and Stefani agreed, naming him the winner of the Knockout and advancing him to the Live Playoffs.[8]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) | 3:26 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) | 3:26 |
| 2. | "Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (With You. x GITCHII remix) | 4:03 |
| 3. | "Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (Gregor Salto remix) | 4:34 |
| 4. | "Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (Michael Calfan remix) | 2:55 |
| 5. | "Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (BOXINBOX & Lionsize remix) | 3:48 |
| 6. | "Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (G-Buck remix) | 4:06 |
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[42] | 2× Platinum | 140,000‡ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[43] | Gold | 30,000^ |
| Italy (FIMI)[44] | Platinum | 50,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[45] | Platinum | 15,000* |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[46] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[47] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
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* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | September 1, 2015 | Contemporary hit radio | [48] |