"Sacrifice"
Single by Bebe Rexha
from the album Better Mistakes
ReleasedMarch 5, 2021
Genre
Length2:40
LabelWarner
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Burns
Bebe Rexha singles chronology
"Baby, I'm Jealous"
(2020)		 "Sacrifice"
(2021)		 "Sabotage"
(2021)
Music video
"Sacrifice" on YouTube
Logo
Logo of "Sacrifice"

"Sacrifice" is a song by American singer and songwriter Bebe Rexha from her second studio album, Better Mistakes (2021). The song was written by Rexha, Burns, Pablo Bowman and Peter Rycroft, and produced by Burns. It was released as the second single from the album for digital download and streaming by Warner in various countries on March 5, 2021. Combining dance, eurodance, nü-disco and pop music, the song explores the desire to live a love and the pursuit of a man's attention. It garnered a warm reception from music critics for its music, lyrics and Rexha's vocal delivery.

"Sacrifice" reached number two on the US Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay ranking and attained positions within the top 30 on the Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 charts. It peaked at number one in Hungary and number five in Poland, earning a gold certification from the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry (ZPAV). The vampire-themed music video, with references to Blade (1998) and The Matrix (1999), premiered on Rexha's YouTube channel on March 5. The video displays the singer as a bloodthirsty vampire leading women through a hospital rampage and a Blade-inspired club ambiance.

Background and composition

Leading up to its release, Rexha declared her intention to publish a song dedicated to the LGBTQ community, affirming, "I'm gonna give the gays everything they want on this one song."[1] This initiative was prompted by her best friend and stylist, Wilford Lenov, who advocated for the creation of a "gay anthem".[2] On March 1, 2023, the singer announced the forthcoming release of "Sacrifice" and published its cover art across her social media channels.[3] The artwork was distinguished by a futuristic design with references to the American film The Matrix (1999).[3][4] Subsequently on March 5, Warner released "Sacrifice" for digital download and streaming as the second single from Rexha's second studio album Better Mistakes (2021).[5][6] The song was written by Rexha, Burns, Pablo Bowman and Peter Rycroft, with the production completed by Burns.[7] Harmonising dance, eurodance, nü-disco and pop music,[8][9] it explores the desire to live a love and the pursuit of a man's attention.[10][11][12] These emotions find expression in lyrics such as "Now you're mine, Tell me what you're willing to sacrifice, oh sacrifice, When it comes to me, I don't want no compromise."[8]

Reception

Upon release, "Sacrifice" garnered a warm reception from music critics. In her critique for The Forty-Five, Kate French-Morris highlighted the song as the standout song on the album, citing its compelling qualities and noting its distinctive "Real McCoy-style" rap outro.[9] Jon Caramanica from The New York Times observed Rexha adopting a "whispering diva" persona and similarly recognising the inspiration of German group Real McCoy's single "Another Night" (1993).[10] Caillou Pettis, contributing to Vinyl Chapters, acknowledged the enjoyment of the song, identifying it as his preferred "straight-up" song on the album.[13] Sam Damshenas of Gay Times acclaimed the song as a "pulsating and club-ready anthem", underscoring Rexha's successful realisation of her commitment to meeting the desires of the LGBTQ+ community, as evident in the positive reception of the song.[6] A writer for Billboard Argentina characterised the song as "electrifying".[14] In a review for Equate, the writer commended Rexha's "shimmering" vocal delivery, highlighting the instrumental arrangement, and noting the song's potential to captivate both club audiences and the main stage of Coachella.[12] A contributor for Laluna complimented Rexha as a notable and bold experimenter on the music industry, demonstrating a willingness to explore new directions.[15]

"Sacrifice" attained number two on the US Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay ranking, also entering the top 30 on the Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 charts.[16][17][18] Topping the charts in Hungary,[19] the song reached number five in Poland,[20] number 22 in the Czech Republic,[21] number 45 in Croatia, number 62 in the Netherlands and number 65 in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).[22][23][24] In the year-end compilations of 2021, "Sacrifice" achieved placements in Hungary, Poland and the US Dance/Mix Show Airplay ranking.[25][26][27] In July 2022, the song received a gold certification from the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry (ZPAV) for shifting more than 25,000 units in Poland.[28]

Music video and promotion

The music video of "Sacrifice" features Rexha as a bloodthirsty vampire leading women through a hospital rampage.[6]

The music video for "Sacrifice" premiered on Rexha's official YouTube channel on March 5, 2021, with behind-the-scenes footage from the video published on March 16.[29][30] Directed by Christian Breslauer,[29] the two-minute and 49-second video incorporates a vampire-themed narrative with references to the American films Blade (1998) and The Matrix (1999).[31][32][33] Rexha embodies a persona of bloodthirsty vampire presuming leadership over a group of women as they navigate through a hospital rampage and indulging within a Blade-inspired club setting, marked by cascading blood from the roof.[6] The video narrative commences with a sequence depicting an injured and restrained man coupled with Rexha's authoritative presence as she approaches and delivers a performance in close proximity to the captive individual.[29][31] Then, it transitions to Rexha guiding the group through a hospital corridor, orchestrating a sequence involving the incapacitation of hospital staff, the assumption of control over the facility and the securing of access to a laboratory for the consumption of blood.[29] The video culminates in a nightclub setting filled with partying people characterised by a display of floating blood from above.[29][34] Leticia Romero from Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) highlighted the video's aesthetic and its evocation of a domina-styled artist accompanied by a group of vampiric women, collectively portraying a narrative of a blood-stained mission involving the act of "sacrificing a man".[35]

The release of "Sacrifice" was accompanied by remixes from American duo Niiko x Swae, British duo Gorgon City and producer Nathan Dawe, with these versions being published between April and May 2021.[36][37][38] On April 22, Rexha premiered the song for the first time during a virtual performance on the seventh season of American talk show The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.[32] During the performance, the singer, adorned in a black latex suit and gloves, was joined by her band and two dancers.[32] Emily Zemler from Rolling Stone noted that the presentation conveyed a style reminiscent of "vintage Madonna".[32]

Track listing

  • Digital download and streaming[5]
  1. "Sacrifice" – 2:40
  1. "Satellite" (Gorgon City Remix) – 3:44
  2. "Satellite" (Nathan Dawe Remix) – 2:28
  3. "Satellite" (Niiko x Swae Remix) – 2:32

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Sacrifice"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Poland (ZPAV)[28] Gold 25,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Sacrifice"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various March 5, 2021
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 Warner
United Kingdom
United States March 22, 2021 Hot adult contemporary

References

  1. ↑ Levine, Nick (5 May 2021). "Bebe Rexha: 'Have I fallen in love with a girl before? Yes.'". Gay Times. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  2. ↑ Shanfeld, Ethan (5 May 2021). "Bebe Rexha Expands on Her 'Fluid' Sexuality, Teases Tryst With Unnamed Celebrity". Variety. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  3. 1 2 Yamasaki, Mayumi (1 March 2021). "Bebe Rexha revela título e capa do novo single, que chega nesta sexta-feira (5)". Papelpop (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  4. ↑ Magalhães, Filipe (2 March 2021). "Bebe Rexha anuncia o lançamento do novo single 'Sacrifice'". Palco Pop (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 Citations regarding the release of "Sacrifice" by Bebe Rexha in various selected countries:
  6. 1 2 3 4 Damshenas, Sam (9 March 2021). "Bebe Rexha 'gives the gays everything they want' with euphoric new anthem Sacrifice". Gay Times. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  7. ↑ "Sacrifice – Single by Bebe Rexha". Spotify. 5 March 2021. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023. Note: Click on the three dots on the right of the track to display the credits.
  8. 1 2 Yamasaki, Mayumi (5 March 2021). "Bebe Rexha se transforma em vampira no clipe da dançante 'Sacrifice'". Papelpop (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  9. 1 2 French-Morris, Kate (7 May 2021). "Bebe Rexha – 'Better Mistakes' review: pop's cross-pollinator continues her scrappy charm". The Forty-Five. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  10. 1 2 Pareles, Jon; Caramanica, Jon; Russonello, Giovanni (12 November 2021). "St. Vincent's Synth-Funk 'Pain,' and 9 More New Songs". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  11. ↑ Chirilă, Raluca (8 March 2021). "Bebe Rexha – Sacrifice" (in Romanian). InfoMusic. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  12. 1 2 "Bebe Rexha". Equate. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  13. ↑ Pettis, Caillou (5 May 2021). "Bebe Rexha: Better Mistakes – Review". Vinyl Chapters. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  14. ↑ "Bebe Rexha presenta su nuevo single 'Sacrifice'". Billboard Argentina (in Spanish). 5 March 2021. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  15. ↑ "Bebe Rexha – Sacrifice" (in Lithuanian). Laluna. 14 March 2021. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  16. 1 2 "Bebe Rexha Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  17. 1 2 "Bebe Rexha Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  18. 1 2 "Bebe Rexha Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  19. 1 2 "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  20. 1 2 "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  21. 1 2 "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 202118 into search. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  22. 1 2 "Arc 100 – datum: 12. travnja 2021" (in Croatian). Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT). 12 March 2021. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  23. 1 2 "Bebe Rexha – Sacrifice" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  24. 1 2 "Top Radio Hits Global Chart: Apr 30 – May 6, 2021". TopHit. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  25. 1 2 "Archívum: Éves összesített listák: Rádiós Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2021" (in Hungarian). Association of Hungarian Record Companies (MAHASZ). Archived from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  26. 1 2 "'Friday' Riton i Nightcrawlers z udziałem Mufasa & Hypemana – radiowym numerem jeden w 2021 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry (ZPAV). Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  27. 1 2 "2021 Year-End Charts – Dance/Mix Show Airplay Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2 December 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  28. 1 2 "Wyróżnienia – Złote płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2022 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 "Bebe Rexha – Sacrifice | Official Music Video". Bebe Rexha. 5 March 2021. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023 – via YouTube.
  30. ↑ "Bebe Rexha – Sacrifice | Behind-the-Scenes". Bebe Rexha. 16 March 2021. Archived from the original on 22 October 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2023 – via YouTube.
  31. 1 2 Legaspi, Althea (5 March 2021). "Bebe Rexha Is a Vampire Who Won't 'Sacrifice' in New Video". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  32. 1 2 3 4 Zemler, Emily (23 April 2021). "Watch Bebe Rexha Perform 'Sacrifice' on Colbert". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  33. ↑ Ackroyd, Stephen (5 March 2021). "Top popster Bebe Rexha has dropped a brand new single, 'Sacrifice'". Dork. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  34. ↑ Tuccillo, Andrea (5 March 2021). "Bebe Rexha unveils bloody new video for 'Sacrifice'". WRMF. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  35. ↑ Romero, Leticia (5 March 2021). "'Sacrifice' de Bebe Rexha, ¿el himno perfecto para este 2021?" (in Spanish). Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE). Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  36. 1 2 "Sacrifice (Niiko x SWAE Remix) – Single by Bebe Rexha". Apple Music. 6 April 2021. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  37. 1 2 "Sacrifice (Gorgon City Remix) – Single by Bebe Rexha". Apple Music. 9 April 2021. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  38. 1 2 "Sacrifice (Nathan Dawe Remix) – Single by Bebe Rexha". Apple Music. 28 May 2021. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  39. ↑ "Bebe Rexha – Sacrifice" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Dance Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 14, 2021" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  43. ↑ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 15 March 2021. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  44. ↑ "Sacrifice – Single by Bebe Rexha". TopHit. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023. Note: Navigate to the 'Charts' section and select 'Russia' to access the song's performance data in the territory.
  45. ↑ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Top Radio Hits Global Chart – May 2021". TopHit. 1 May 2021. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  47. ↑ "Archívum: Éves összesített listák: Dance Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2021" (in Hungarian). Association of Hungarian Record Companies (MAHASZ). Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  48. ↑ "Archívum: Éves összesített listák: Dance Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2022" (in Hungarian). Association of Hungarian Record Companies (MAHASZ). Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  49. ↑ "Archívum: Éves összesített listák: Rádiós Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2022" (in Hungarian). Association of Hungarian Record Companies (MAHASZ). Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  50. ↑ White, Jack (4 March 2021). "New releases". Official Charts Company (OCC). Archived from the original on 7 March 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  51. ↑ "Hot/Modern/AC > Future Releases". All Access Music. Archived from the original on 15 March 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
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