Wait a Minute (The Pussycat Dolls song)

"Wait a Minute"
Single by the Pussycat Dolls featuring Timbaland
from the album PCD
ReleasedOctober 16, 2006 (2006-10-16)
StudioHit Factory Criteria (Miami)
Length3:42
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Timbaland
The Pussycat Dolls singles chronology
"I Don't Need a Man"
(2006) 		"Wait a Minute"
(2006) 		"When I Grow Up"
(2008)
Timbaland singles chronology
"Promiscuous"
(2006) 		"Wait a Minute"
(2006) 		"Ice Box"
(2006)
Music video
"Wait a Minute" on YouTube

"Wait a Minute" is a song recorded by American girl group the Pussycat Dolls for their debut studio album PCD (2005). It features a guest appearance from Timbaland, who served as the song's sole producer and co-wrote it with Keri Hilson and Craig Longmiles. Lyrically, the song showcases the artists flirting and committing to a playful give and take, highlighting the differences between the two sexes. In the United States, A&M Records and Interscope Records released the song to contemporary hit radio on October 16, 2006, as the fifth single of the album in the US and the sixth and final in international territories. An accompanying music video was directed by Marc Webb features the Pussycat Dolls performing choreography on a subway car and city streets. It was nominated for a MuchMusic Video Award and a MOBO Award.

"Wait a Minute" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who complimented Timbaland's contributions and highlighted it as one of the album's standout tracks. Commercially, the song achieved top-ten placements in Finland, the Netherlands, and Romania, where it reached number one. It peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved moderate success on radio charts across North America. It reached the top-thirty in Australia, Belgium (Flanders), Denmark, New Zealand, Slovakia, and Sweden.

Background and composition

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The Pussycat Dolls originated as a burlesque dance ensemble founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1993. Over the years, the troupe gained popularity which resulted in Antin strucking a deal with Jimmy Iovine—then president of Interscope Geffen A&M Records—to develop the Pussycat Dolls into a brand and create a pop girl group, with Iovine assigning the project to producer Ron Fair.[1] Iovine considered the Pussycat Dolls as one of the "label's high-priority projects" and began enlisting various producers and songwriters to "ensure [a] maximum radio friendl[y]" sound for the debut album, PCD (2005),[2][3] including Timbaland.[4] Through her connections with Timbaland, singer-songwriter Keri Hilson was also enlisted to write songs for the Pussycat Dolls.[5] Their collaboration resulted in "Physical" and "Wait a Minute", both of which were slated to be included on PCD; however, only the latter was included on the album.[6] "Physical" was later intended to be included on Her Name Is Nicole, the shelved solo album by the group's lead singer Nicole Scherzinger.[7]

"Wait a Minute" was written and produced by Timbaland, with additional writing by Hilson and Craig Longmiles.[8][9] Longmiles' contribution was not noted on the physical copies of PCD,[8] but was credited on digital editions of the album.[9] The song is composed in 4
4 time in the key of B minor, with a moderate hip-hop groove of 144 beats per minute and a looping chord progression of Bm–D–Bm–D–Bm, while using "sassy handclaps".[10][11] The artists' vocal range spans from A3 to F5,[10] with the harmonies being described as "close-clustered and tightly executed".[12] In their duet, the Pussycat Dolls and Timbaland have a humorous give and take, highlighting the differences between the two sexes.[12] Timbaland, who was noted for his awkward flirting,[13] fails to impress Scherzinger.[12] Hilson handled the vocal production as well, while Fair provided incidental production. The artists' vocals were recorded at The Hit Factory Criteria in Miami by Marcella Araica and Demacio "Demo" Castellon. The song was mixed by Dave Pensado and Fair.[8]

Release and promotion

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In the United States, A&M Records and Interscope Records released the song to contemporary hit radio on October 16, 2006, as the fifth single of PCD.[14][15] In territories outside the US, where "I Don't Need a Man " was promoted, the song was released as the sixth single.[16] Directed by Marc Webb, its accompanying music video was filmed in sometime in October 2006.[17] Throughout the video, the Pussycat Dolls perform choreography on a subway car and city streets.[12] The music video received nominations for Best International Group Video at the 2007 MuchMusic Video Awards and Best Video at the 2007 MOBO Awards.[18][19] On December 7, 2005, the Pussycat Dolls performed four songs, including "Wait a Minute" at the annual KIIS-FM Jingle Ball at the Shrine Auditorium.[20] Timbaland joined the group at the MTV Goes Gold: New Year's Eve 2007 special to perform "Wait a Minute".[21] The group also performed the song during their PCD World Tour (2006–2007), Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics Tour (2007),[22] and their Doll Domination Tour (2009).[23]

Reception

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Critical

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"Wait a Minute" received generally positive reviews from music critics. In his consumer guide for MSN Music, Robert Christgau selected "Wait a Minute" as one of the highlights of its parent album PCD.[24] Writing for the Tampa Bay Times, Sean Daly acknowledged "Wait a Minute" as PCD's best song, feeling it was "perfect for the dance floor".[11] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic indicated the song as one of the standout tracks of the album.[25] Similarly, Nick Butler from Sputnikmusic deemed the song "another highlight track".[26] Lisa Haines of the BBC wrote the song is "perfect for singing along to with a handy hairbrush".[27] Popjustice found "Wait a Minute" to be better than the previous single releases of the album.[16] Curt Fields of The Washington Post complimented Timbaland as a producer for "his quirky percussive touch and stuttering beats" and described the song as a "prime example" of a "[song] that had [listeners] turning up the volume".[28] Casey Dolan of the Los Angeles Times complimented the frivolous nature of the song and distinguished the vocal performance as "the outstanding feature of the track".[12] On the contrary, Andrew Mueller of The Guardian opined "Wait a Minute" was a "tiresome, painfully contrived irritant" that "becomes more oppressively depressing than any war or famine presently in progress". He went on to compare its lyrics to a "daytime talk show dialogue".[29]

Commercial

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"Wait a Minute" achieved top-ten placements in Finland (3),[30] the Netherlands (7),[31] and Romania (1).[32] In the lattermost country, the song became the Pussycat Dolls' second number-one on the Romanian Top 100 after "Don't Cha" peaked the summit in 2005.[33] On the US Billboard Hot 100, the song debuted at number 77 on the issue dated November 25, 2006.[34] The song went on to peak at number 28 on January 13, 2007, and spent a total of 17 weeks on the chart.[35] Additionally, "Wait a Minute" appeared on mainstream radio charts in North America, peaking at numbers 19 and 23 on Canada CHR/Top 40 and the US Mainstream Top 40, respectively.[36][37] The song entered top-thirty in Australia (16),[38] Germany (27),[39] Sweden (27),[40] Slovakia (30).[41] Furthermore, in Austria (49),[42] Belgium (Flanders) [18],[43] New Zealand (24),[44] and Switzerland (41),[45] the song become the group's lowest-charting song on its respective charts, while it failed to enter the top 100 of the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 108.[46]

Track listings and formats

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Credits and personnel

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Credits adapted from the liner notes of PCD and Tidal.[8][9]

Recording

Personnel

Charts

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Certification

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Certification and sales for "Wait a Minute"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[60] Gold 45,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

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Release dates and formats for "Wait a Minute"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States October 16, 2006 Contemporary hit radio
[14]
Italy January 26, 2007 Digital download Universal Music
[61]
Netherlands
[62]
Spain
[63]
Australia February 26, 2007 CD
[64]
Germany March 16, 2007
[47]
Maxi CD
[65]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Martens, Todd (March 23, 2008). "Robin Antin's Pussycat Dolls: Running hurdles in high heels". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  2. ^ Moss, Corey (April 20, 2005). "Ashlee And Hilary's Hitmaker Decides To Sing A Few Herself". MTV News. Archived from the original on February 21, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  3. ^ Lee, Chris (August 1, 2006). "Attack of the Dolls". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  4. ^ Tecson, Brandee J. (May 18, 2005). "Pussycat Dolls Stress Importance Of Looking And Feeling Hot". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  5. ^ Mitchell, Gail (August 10, 2009). "R&B singer Keri Hilson took detour to stardom". Reuters. Archived from the original on March 28, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  6. ^ Montgomery, James (July 22, 2005). "Pussycat Dolls: The New Spice Girls?". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 18, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  7. ^ "Nicole Scherzinger Album Preview". Rap-Up. July 2, 2007. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d PCD (Media notes). The Pussycat Dolls. A&M Records.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ^ a b c "PCD credits". Tidal. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  10. ^ a b "The Pussycat Dolls "Wait a Minute" Sheet Music in B Minor". Musicnotes.com. 26 February 2007. Archived from the original on December 26, 2008. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  11. ^ a b Daly, Sean (October 24, 2005). "Pussycat Dolls fairly purr". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  12. ^ a b c d e Dolan, Casey (November 11, 2016). "Downloads". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  13. ^ Sanneh, Kalef (April 1, 2007). "Can the Star Maker Make Himself a Star?". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  14. ^ a b "Available for Airplay". FMQB. Archived from the original on April 4, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  15. ^ Trust, Gary (May 5, 2015). "Ask Billboard: The Definitive List of Hit Fifth Singles". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 24, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  16. ^ a b "Pussycat Dolls' bottomless barrel". Popjustice. Archived from the original on April 25, 2021. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  17. ^ Gottlieb, Steven (October 13, 2006). "Shot: The Pussycat Dolls - Marc Webb, director". VideoStatic. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  18. ^ Powell W., Andrew (June 9, 2007). "Tara Reid, Joss Stone coming to 2007 MMVAs". TheGATE.ca. Archived from the original on June 6, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  19. ^ "Mobo Awards 2007: Winners in full". BBC News. September 19, 2007. Archived from the original on February 19, 2008. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  20. ^ Tecson, Brandee J. (December 7, 2005). "Shakira, Sean Paul, Pussycat Dolls Warm Up December Night At Jingle Ball". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 13, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  21. ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Gwen, Nas, Ciara, Foxy Brown, Courtney Love, Nicole Richie, Mariah & More". MTV. December 12, 2006. Archived from the original on November 13, 2016. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  22. ^ Guerra, Joey (February 20, 2007). "Christina Aguilera claims her pop throne". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  23. ^ A. Garcia, Cathy Rose (June 7, 2009). "Pop Group Pussycat Dolls Sizzle in Seoul". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on June 8, 2009. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  24. ^ Christgau, Robert. "The Pussycat Dolls". Robert Christgau. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
  25. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Review of PCD". AllMusic. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  26. ^ Butler, Nick (January 17, 2007). "Pussycat Dolls – PCD (album review)". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on April 28, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  27. ^ Haines, Lisa. "Music - Review of Pussycat Dolls - PCD". BBC. Archived from the original on December 21, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  28. ^ "Music". The Washington Post. January 17, 2007. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  29. ^ Mueller, Andrew (2 December 2006). "New releases: Dec 2". The Guardian. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
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  32. ^ a b "Romanian Top 100 – Top 10" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on 14 March 2007. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
  33. ^ "Romanian Top 100 - Issue nr: 41/2005". Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on March 9, 2009. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  34. ^ "Timberlake, T.I. Still No. 1 On Hot 100". Billboard. November 16, 2006. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  35. ^ a b "The Pussycat Dolls Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  36. ^ a b "The Pussycat Dolls Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  37. ^ a b "The Pussycat Dolls Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
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  41. ^ a b "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 200704 into search. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  42. ^ a b "The Pussycat Dolls feat. Timbaland – Wait a Minute" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
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  45. ^ a b "The Pussycat Dolls feat. Timbaland – Wait a Minute". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  46. ^ a b "The Official UK Singles Chart for the week ending January 14, 2007". ChartsPlus (282). Milton Keynes: IQ Ware Ltd: 3.
  47. ^ a b c "Wait a Minute: Musik: The Pussycat Dolls" (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  48. ^ "The Pussycat Dolls - The Pussycat Dolls: Wait A Minute Feat. Timbaland 12" NM USA A&M INTR-11955-1". Amazon. Archived from the original on April 25, 2021. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  49. ^ "Issue 903" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
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  51. ^ "Hitlisten.NU – The Pussycat Dolls feat. Timbaland – Wait a Minute" (in Danish). Tracklisten. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  52. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Dance Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  53. ^ "The Pussycat Dolls feat. Timbaland – Wait a Minute" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  54. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: Feb 8, 2007". TopHit. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  55. ^ "ARIA Charts – End of Year Charts – Top 50 Urban Singles 2007". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on April 15, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  56. ^ "Éves összesített listák" (in Hungarian). Dance Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  57. ^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2007" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  58. ^ "Romanian Top 100 – Top of the Year 2007". Archived from the original on January 21, 2008. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
  59. ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart: 2007". TopHit. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  60. ^ "Danish single certifications – The Pussycat Dolls feat. Timbaland – Wait a Minute". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved 28 September 2021. Scroll through the page-list below until year 2021 to obtain certification.
  61. ^ "Musica - Wait A Minute - Single di The Pussycat Dolls" (in Italian). iTunes Store (IT). Archived from the original on July 13, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  62. ^ "Muziek - 'Wait A Minute - Single' van The Pussycat Dolls" (in Dutch). iTunes Store (NL). Archived from the original on July 13, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  63. ^ "Música - Wait A Minute - Single de The Pussycat Dolls" (in Spanish). iTunes Store (SP). Archived from the original on July 13, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  64. ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 26th February 2007" (PDF). ARIA. February 26, 2007. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  65. ^ "Wait a Minute: Musik: The Pussycat Dolls" (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
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