Gourt Home::Gourt :: Reflection (Christina Aguilera song)
| "Reflection" | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single by Christina Aguilera | ||
| From the album Mulan Soundtrack and Christina Aguilera | ||
| Single Released | October 27 1998 | |
| Single Format | Airplay Only | |
| Genre | Pop | |
| Song Length | ||
| Record Label | Hollywood Records | |
| Writers | Matthew Wilder David Zippel | |
| Producer | Matthew Wilder David Zippel | |
| Certification | N/A | |
| Chart Positions | # 19 US Adult Contemporary | |
| Christina Aguilera single chronology | ||
| "All I Wanna Do" (1998) | "Reflection" (1998) | "Genie in a Bottle" (1999) |
"Reflection" is the first and only single from the Mulan Soundtrack. Released in 1998, the single is Christina Aguilera's first single released ever as a solo artist (causing many to believe that it is her debut single, although most attribute that title to "Genie in a Bottle"). As the Billboard Hot 100 still required singles to have commercial releases in order to chart, and with no commercial release for "Reflection", the single was not allowed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was later included on her debut album Christina Aguilera. Although she did not become a superstar with this single, "Reflection" is best known for introuducing Aguilera to international audiences as a rising star, and helping her to receive her record deal.
Song information
"Reflection" was written and produced by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel for the 1998 Disney animated feature Mulan. As the movie was a high profile release, it was felt that a powerful voice was needed to sing the song's theme song, "Reflection", precisely. After scores of auditions among new talents and even old stars, Mr. Wilder and Zippel were still not happy as they felt none of the singers had been able to hit the high "E" note an octave above middle "C".
Aguilera recorded her audition for the song using an old tape recorder in her bathroom, and with her high, powerful chest voice, sang the High "E" note an octave above middle "C" on a cover of Whitney Houston's "Run to You". Blown away by her powerful vocals, Aguilera was given the job.
As mentioned briefly above, the song did not become a major hit, but still it gave Aguilera her first exposure to international audiences. Her strong vocal performance wowed millions helping to earn the song a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture. Her performance also helped earn her a record deal with RCA.
In this coming of age anthem of self discovery, Aguilera speaks on behalf of all people (especially young girls as dictated by the movie's theme) who are unsure of themselves, and don't know who they are yet. She explains that although we may think we know who we are, everyday we grow and our "reflections" of who we are constantly changing, as life goes on. Compelled by these thoughts, Aguilera then sees herself, but does not know who it is, prompting her to question, "Who is that girl I see? Staring straight back at me...When will my reflection show...Who I am inside?..."
A music video was also released.
Charts
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | "Reflection" | Billboard Hot 100 Airplay | Failed to Chart |
| 1998 | "Reflection" | Top 40 Mainstream | Failed to Chart |
| 1998 | "Reflection" | Adult Top 40 | Failed to Chart |
| 1998 | "Reflection" | Adult Contemporary | #19 |
| 1998 | "Reflection" | Philippine Top 20 | #2 |
"Reflection (Christina Aguilera song)"