Title: Deadly Love
Genre: R&B
Length: 3:58
Writer(s): Chris Lopez, Johnny Carter
Producer(s): Boots, Chris Lopez, Johnny Carter
Deadly Love is the debut single from American singer Johnny Carter. It was released on April 30, 2015 as the lead single from Johnny's debut EP Deadly Party. The song was written by Chris Lopez and Johnny Carter; both of them collaborated with Boots during the production process. Deadly Love is an R&B song, its sound is operatic, with piano chords, and various rhythmic effects. Lyrically the song talks about feeling trapped in a dangerous, passionate and deadly love. Upon its release, Deadly Love received mostly positive reviews by music critics who praised the song for being mature, his vocals and its production and its addictive Pre-Hook and Hook.
BackgroundDeadly Love was written by Johnny Carter and his best friend Chris Lopez, who is also a new photographer and did the photoshoot for the singles' cover art; both of them collaborated with Boots, who is known for his work with Beyoncé, for the production. In April 2015, Johnny Carter started writing a song with his best friend Chris Lopez, the song was supposed to be more sexy and fun, but the subject changed in the process. In April 25, 2015, before the song was recorded Johnny updated his Twitter account teasing his fans and saying that the single would be released really soon. Deadly Love was recorded at Jungle City Studios, located in New York City under the guidance of Boots. It was later mixed by Tony Maserati and it was eventually mastered by George Smith. In April 27, 2015, Johnny posted an outtake from his photoshoot for the cover art by Chris Lopez on his personal accounts (Twitter, Instagram) announcing the release date of his debut single (April 30, 2015). In April 28, 2015, a preview of the song was posted on Johnny's website.
CompositionDeadly Love was written by Chris Lopez and Johnny Carter, the two of them with Boots produced the song. It is a midtempo R&B song, having smooth and silky vocals and a decisive R&B aesthetic.
Lyrically, "Deadly Love" talks about being trapped in a dangerous, passionate and deadly love, with the singer declaring: "Na na na, your love is killing me, na na na, your love is deadly". In an interview, Johnny stated that, "Deadly Love is about feeling trapped in a relationship or a situation, where you give your everything but the result isn't exactly what you expected. Many times you can't think clear and you don't feel free".
Critical ReceptionThe song received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised Johnny for being mature and the song's production. Maria Limber of Billboard was positive, declaring that the singer wanted to create a more mature image for himself and that he was in the right path. Dylan Clay of Music Book was negative towards some of the song's lyrics but he complimented Johnny's vocals. Josh Dallas of Musical Journey stated that the song was sexy with a magical tone. Michael Perry of MTV News wrote that the lyrics were too explicit for Johnny's age and it was impossible to connect with the song because of this, but praised the production and his vocal performance.
Chart Performance"Deadly Love" debuted at #4 on The Hot Digital Songs Chart, selling 225,000 digital downloads. The following week, the song fell 1 position to number #5 after 235,000 download copies were sold. The third week, "Deadly Love" fell to number #15, the next week with sales of 235,000 it rose to number #7. On the Top 20 Weekly Airplay Charts, "Deadly Love" rose from number #12 to number #10; the same week, the song was the 2nd most requested Urban track. "Deadly Love" was certified Gold in May 24, 2015 and Platinum in June 7, 2015. As of June 28, 2015, it has sold 1,360,000 paid digital downloads.
LyricsDark Lights
Candles on fire
I'm ready
Are you?
It's making me sick
I can't even breath
Your love is dangerous
It's unfair to play like this
Na Na Na
Your love is killing me
Na Na Na
Your love is deadly
You suck my love, my life out of me like a medicine
You're like a drug for me, deadly, deadly, deadly love
Your love is deadly
I can't understand it
How a girl like you
Can make me fly away
Dark Lights
Candles on fire
I'm ready
Are you?
All I wanted was to feel your lips
You rub slowly on my body
Trying to seduce me
Your love ain't good for me but I still love it
Na Na Na
Your love is killing me
Na Na Na
Your love is deadly
You suck my love, my life out of me like a medicine
You're like a drug for me, deadly, deadly, deadly love
Your love is deadly
I can't understand it
How a girl like you
Can make me fly away
I'm your prisoner, your slave
How can you destroy me, little by little
I'm not sure of what to do
I don't want it but I do
I know I can't control it
Na Na Na
Your love is killing me
Na Na Na
Your love is deadly
You suck my love, my life out of me like a medicine
You're like a drug for me, deadly, deadly, deadly love
Your love is deadly
I can't understand it
How a girl like you
Can make me fly away
It's making me sick
I can't even breath
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