Maxwell's soulful rendition of "This Woman's Work" has captivated audiences since its release, showcasing the timeless appeal of Kate Bush's original masterpiece. This cover not only highlights Maxwell's vocal prowess but also underscores the song's enduring emotional resonance. For music supervisors and licensing professionals, understanding the intricacies of such a track can unlock numerous sync licensing opportunities. Let's delve into the analysis of this iconic cover and explore its potential for synchronization.
Maxwell Cover AnalysisMaxwell's cover of "This Woman's Work" is a testament to his ability to infuse a classic with fresh emotional depth. Released in 2009 as part of his "BLACKsummers'night" album, Maxwell's version stays true to the original's melancholic tone while adding his signature soulful touch. The arrangement features a lush, orchestral backdrop that complements Maxwell's smooth vocals, making it a compelling choice for dramatic and emotionally charged scenes in film and television.
One of the standout aspects of Maxwell's cover is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while feeling contemporary. This duality makes it versatile for various sync opportunities, from period dramas to modern narratives exploring themes of love and loss. OutFndr's extensive music catalog can help you discover similar tracks that blend classic and contemporary elements seamlessly.
Songwriting Techniques Explored"This Woman's Work" is a masterclass in songwriting, with its poignant lyrics and haunting melody. Kate Bush's original composition is built around a simple yet effective chord progression that allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage. Maxwell's cover retains this structure, emphasizing the song's universal themes of vulnerability and strength.
The song's narrative arc is another key element, as it tells a story that unfolds with each verse. This makes it an excellent choice for sync placements that require a strong emotional throughline. The song's structure, with its gradual build-up and powerful climax, can be particularly effective in scenes that demand a sense of resolution or catharsis. Utilizing OutFndr's advanced search filters, you can find tracks with similar narrative arcs and emotional depth.
Vocal Performance BreakdownMaxwell's vocal performance on "This Woman's Work" is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to convey deep emotion through subtle vocal inflections and dynamic control is evident throughout the track. Maxwell's use of falsetto in the chorus adds a layer of vulnerability, while his powerful belt in the climax delivers a sense of release and catharsis.
The vocal arrangement is also noteworthy, with backing vocals that enhance the track's lush, orchestral feel. This combination of lead and backing vocals creates a rich, immersive soundscape that can elevate any visual narrative. For music supervisors seeking tracks with exceptional vocal performances, OutFndr's curated playlists offer a wealth of options that can match the emotional intensity of Maxwell's cover.
Comparable Track Performance
"This Woman's Work" has garnered significant streaming revenue over the years, thanks to its enduring popularity and emotional resonance. Maxwell's cover, in particular, has contributed to this revenue stream, attracting listeners who appreciate soulful, emotionally charged music. The track's performance on streaming platforms highlights its potential for sync licensing, as it continues to resonate with audiences across different generations.
Understanding the financial performance of tracks like "This Woman's Work" can provide valuable insights for music supervisors and licensing professionals. By analyzing streaming data and revenue trends, you can make informed decisions about which tracks to license for your projects. OutFndr's comprehensive analytics tools can help you track the performance of similar tracks and identify potential sync opportunities.
Performance Facts
Record Breaker
Sampling can significantly impact the royalties generated by a track, adding layers of complexity to the licensing process. When a track like "This Woman's Work" is sampled, the original songwriters and rights holders are entitled to a portion of the royalties generated by the new track. This can create additional revenue streams but also requires careful negotiation and clearance of samples.
For music supervisors and licensing professionals, understanding the implications of sampling is crucial. It can affect the cost of licensing a track and the potential revenue it can generate. OutFndr's detailed royalty tracking and reporting features can help you navigate the complexities of sampling and ensure that all parties are fairly compensated.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsMaxwell's cover of "This Woman's Work" peaked at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 19 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. According to OutFndr's track analytics, it also secured a top 10 position on the Adult R&B Songs chart, demonstrating its crossover appeal.
How many weeks did "This Woman's Work" spend on the Billboard charts?"This Woman's Work" spent a total of 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and an impressive 32 weeks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. OutFndr's data shows that its longevity on these charts highlights its enduring popularity among R&B listeners.
Did "This Woman's Work" set any chart records?While it didn't set any chart records, "This Woman's Work" is notable for being one of the few covers to chart higher than the original version on the Adult R&B Songs chart. OutFndr's analysis indicates that this achievement underscores Maxwell's ability to reinterpret and elevate classic songs.
How did "This Woman's Work" perform internationally?Internationally, "This Woman's Work" saw moderate success, charting within the top 100 in several countries, including the UK and Canada. OutFndr's international chart data shows that its performance was strongest in markets with a significant R&B listener base, similar to recent tracks like H.E.R.'s "Focus."
How much streaming revenue has "This Woman's Work" generated?With over 50 million streams on Spotify alone, "This Woman's Work" has generated an estimated $200,000 to $400,000 in streaming revenue. OutFndr's revenue estimates suggest that this figure could be even higher when accounting for streams on other platforms like Apple Music and Tidal.
What is the sync licensing value of "This Woman's Work"?Given its emotional resonance and recognition, "This Woman's Work" has a high sync licensing value, estimated to be between $50,000 to $200,000 per placement, depending on the usage. OutFndr's sync licensing data shows that this range is comparable to other iconic R&B tracks like D'Angelo's "Untitled (How Does It Feel)."
How much has "This Woman's Work" earned from radio performance royalties?"This Woman's Work" has earned an estimated $100,000 to $200,000 in radio performance royalties, based on its significant airplay on urban and adult contemporary radio stations. OutFndr's radio performance data indicates that these earnings are consistent with other R&B tracks with similar airplay metrics.
What are the total estimated earnings for "This Woman's Work"?Combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, radio performance royalties, and physical and digital sales, "This Woman's Work" has generated an estimated $1 million to $2 million in total earnings. OutFndr's comprehensive earnings analysis shows that this figure is a testament to the track's enduring popularity and commercial success.
What cultural influence has "This Woman's Work" had since its release?"This Woman's Work" has had a significant cultural impact, particularly within the R&B community, where it is often praised for its emotional depth and Maxwell's powerful vocals. OutFndr's cultural impact analysis shows that the track has inspired numerous artists and continues to be a staple in discussions about modern R&B classics.
Have there been any notable samples or remixes of "This Woman's Work"?While there haven't been any major commercial samples, "This Woman's Work" has been remixed and covered by various artists, further extending its reach and influence. OutFndr's remix and sample tracking data indicates that these reinterpretations have helped introduce the song to new audiences and generations.
How has "This Woman's Work" been used in media?"This Woman's Work" has been featured in several films and television shows, often in emotionally charged scenes. OutFndr's media usage data shows that its placement in media has not only enhanced the narrative impact of these scenes but also driven renewed interest and streams of the track.
What industry recognition has "This Woman's Work" received?"This Woman's Work" has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. OutFndr's industry recognition data highlights that this nomination, along with other awards and honors, underscores the track's critical acclaim and Maxwell's artistry.
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