Turn Off the Light

"Turn Off the Light" was written by Furtado along with Gerald Eaton and Brian West.^[3] Furtado has cited a song by the Canadian band Big Sugar as inspiration for the song, describing it as a "real song" that reflects her own moments of vulnerability: although she may seem independent, she experiences loneliness like anyone else, and the catchy, hook-driven chorus helps communicate that authenticity.^[4] She has also noted that the song's guitar chords are similar to those in English rock band Oasis' 1995 song "Wonderwall," reflecting her early influences and experimentation with the instrument.^[5] In discussing parent album Whoa, Nelly!, Furtado explained that "Turn Off the Light" exemplifies the record’s sound, which blends hip-hop, pop, and international influences.^[6]

In New Zealand, "Turn Off the Light" became Furtado's first number-one single and stayed on the RIANZ Singles Chart for 27 weeks.^[7] "Turn Off the Light" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) for sales greater than 5,000 copies.^[8] The song became the second-most successful song of New Zealand in 2001, behind Craig David's "Walking Away".^[9] "Turn Off the Light" peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 on 10 November 2001.^[10] A remix featuring rappers Ms. Jade and Timbaland was also released, and a dance remix topped the Billboard Dance Club Play chart.^[11] In Australia, although the song peaked at number seven,^[12] it remained in the top 50 for 21 weeks and was certified platinum for sales exceeding 70,000 copies.^[13] The song debuted and peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart,^[14] becoming Furtado's second top-five single there, and reached number two on the UK R&B Singles Chart.^[15]

There are two music videos for "Turn Off the Light": the underground version and the regular version.

The regular version of the music video was directed by Sophie Muller and filmed on May 25, 2001, at Central Plaza in Chinatown in Los Angeles, California.^[16] Furtado worked closely with Muller on the concept, emphasizing that the two "totally collaborated and brainstormed so much and organized the whole thing, every last detail." She explained that she wanted the visual to mirror the song’s stylistic diversity, stating, "I wanted the video to reflect the eclecticism of the music, and it really does."^[6] In an effort to engage directly with her audience, Furtado invited fans to appear as extras in the video. Through her official website, she encouraged interested participants to submit a photograph via email for consideration, noting that involvement would be voluntary and offered "no compensation [...] other than personal gratification."^[16] Furtado's wardrobe in the video was largely influenced by Gwen Stefani.^[17]

The music video showcases a multicultural dreamscape that reflects Furtado's Portuguese heritage and features scenes filmed in Chinatown.^[6] It opens in a swamp, where Furtado sings while swimmers dance around her. At a temple, she performs surrounded by dancers who join in during the chorus. During the bridge, she appears in an old house, singing and playing guitar with the flag of the Azores displayed behind her and on her instrument. These shots are intercut with a DJ performing and dancers wearing skirts reminiscent of Sufi whirling. The video concludes with Furtado returning to the temple, sharing a quiet moment as she eats noodles.

The underground video features Furtado playing the guitar in a wooden shed, wearing a white top and jeans. She is also seen buying flowers. Behind the scenes footage of the photoshoot for the Whoa, Nelly! cover is interwoven throughout the video.

Credits are adapted from the Whoa, Nelly! album booklet.^[3]

Studios

• Recorded and engineered at The Gymnasium (Toronto, Canada) and Can-Am Recorders (Tarzana, Los Angeles)
• Mixed at Can-Am Recorders (Tarzana, Los Angeles)
• Mastered at Classic Sound (New York City)

Personnel

• List of number-one dance singles of 2001 (U.S.)
• List of Romanian Top 100 number ones of the 2000s