Every New Zealand #1 single…
8
With You
Topped the NZ chart: from 18 February 2008 for 4 weeks
Chris Brown was one of the most successful singles artists on the New Zealand chart during the first decade of the 2000s. He scored five number one singles during the decade. This tally was bested only by Akon, and equalled by the Black Eyed Peas and Eminem.
Brown was particularly successful during the first half of 2008. He topped the New Zealand singles chart between 18 February 2008 and 30 June 2008, except for a single week when Usher’s ‘Love In This Club’ sneaked into the top spot.
Brown has famously sabotaged his career since those heady days. Most infamously, there was a domestic assault case with then-partner Rihanna in February 2009, where Rihanna had visible facial injuries. There have also been restraining orders and public altercations with other stars like Drake and Frank Ocean.
But Brown’s early success was justified. ‘With You’ is a strong single. It’s low-key, driven by an acoustic guitar and giving Brown’s youthful voice room to shine. The song’s main hook, “hearts all over the world tonight” is likeable and memorable. There are nice harmonies in places as well.
It’s hard for a straightforward pop song from 2008 not to sound like a bunch of other songs, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. He’s also charismatic – his signature dance move, a spin, is entertaining.
Brown clearly didn’t cope with fame well. But he momentarily looked poised to take over the pop world in 2008.
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I think you’re right about these kind of songs were all so samey by that time but this one at least sounded really good. Actually they weren’t really songs but more like what I call non-songs. I remember what a big deal he was at the time and then all the trouble he was in with all that shit in the news all the time .
I thought this one was really good – I wasn’t expecting much.
I used to love this song! I especially loved Justin Bieber’s version of it, from his early YouTube days. Back when he and Chris were both young and innocent.
I didn’t know Justin Bieber covered it. Is there an official cover, or just the YouTube of a tiny Bieber singing along on the couch.
They’re both a lot less innocent now…
Oh it’s just a youtube cover of a baby Bieber singing it in his room. So good, though! The runs, my goodness!
Yeah, it sucks what same can do to a person.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQOFRZ1wNLw