"Love on Top" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé Knowles for her fourth studio album 4 (2011). Inspired from her state of mind while playing Etta James, Knowles wrote the song alongside Terius Nash and Shea Taylor; its production was handled by Taylor and Knowles. A throw-back to 1980s music, the uptempo R&B song exhibits style similar to that of Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and The Jackson 5, among others. While incorporating four key changes, Knowles adopts a high range when repeating the song's chorus towards the end of the song. She sings about a man who she can always call, even after facing grief and hard work, finally earning his love and respect.

"Love on Top"'s musical composition, as well as Knowles' vocals and versatility, surprised critics. In July 2011, the song charted at number three for three consecutive weeks in South Korea. Knowles sang "Love on Top" live at 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, announcing her pregnancy at the end of her performance. This caused the upsurge of the song on several charts worldwide. It appeared at number 75 in the United Kingdom and at number 14 in New Zealand. It also debuted at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and became the second highest debut of Knowles' career as a solo artist. "Love on Top" peaked at number 20 in Australia, where it was certified double platinum.

Mainly inspired by the work of the American band New Edition, the accompanying music video for "Love on Top" shows Knowles along with five male dancers, performing choreographed moves in a penthouse studio in New York City overlooking the Hudson River towards New Jersey. Critics generally commended the simplicity of the video, the wardrobe changes with every key change, and Knowles' youthful exuberance throughout the clip. The song was part of Knowles' set list on the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé revue. Critics noted that the song was even more impressive in person and that going through the last four key changes while performing it live, remains a difficult task.

Background and development[link]

Playing Etta James (pictured) is what motivated Knowles for the development of "Love on Top".

"Love on Top" was written by Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash and Shea Taylor while production was handled by Knowles and Taylor.^[1] From June 16 to June 27, 2011, the songs from 4 were available to listen to in full each day on Knowles' official website, paired with its accompanying photo spread from the album packaging and a quote.^[2] On June 26, 2011, "Love on Top" was the eighth song to be chosen. The quote found Knowles elaborating on the song's inspiration:

"When I played Etta James it was the most I'd learned about myself until the recording of this album. When I went into the studio I used the same passion, honesty, and approach with my vocals I channeled as Etta James. It does not sound like the vocals on my past albums. It's a lot rawer. It comes from a deep place."^[3]

Knowles, who has covered "At Last" which is a song originally recorded by James, portrayed the artist in the 2008 musical biopic, Cadillac Records. She won critical acclaim for her portrayal of James.^[4] Knowles told Billboard magazine: "I realized that Etta James was so unapologetic, bold and strong that playing her was a big risk for me. It gave me the confidence and the push to challenge myself a little more with my music."^[5] "Love on Top" impacted Urban radio in the United States on January 10, 2012 as the fourth single from the album in that country.^[6]

Composition[link]

"Love on Top" is an up-tempo R&B song viewed as a modern take on old school music.^[7][8][9] It also exhibits elements of retro-soul music, the 1980s pop music,^[8] funk music,^[10] and the 1970s classic disco music, as stated by Joanne Dorken of MTV UK and Cameron Adams of the Herald Sun.^[11][12] According to Slant Magazine's Eric Henderson, "Love on Top" is a "bright, breezy tribute to the freshness of mid-[19]80s, pre-new-jack-FM R&B reminiscent of Whitney Houston and pre-wack Anita Baker."^[7] He also noted the song to be the "perfect and totally inverted fraternal twin" of another song on 4, being "Rather Die Young".^[7] "Love on Top"'s retro elements are further illustrated by its use of finger snaps, a "distorted" bass groove, and a melding of horns as well as sweet backing harmonies, especially in the bridge and the chorus of the song.^[10][13][14] It is instrumentally complete with a thumping bassline, synthesizers, tribal drums, an arena-rock music piano, a guitar, a peppy saxophone,^[15] and some backing vocals.^[16][17][18] Rich Juzwiak of The Village Voice compared "Love on Top" to Raydio's "You Can't Change That" (1979) and New Edition's "Mr. Telephone Man" (1984).^[19] Priya Elan of NME noted that "Love on Top" echoes Janet Jackson's "Whoops Now" (1995), Lionel Richie's "Dancing on the Ceiling" (1986) and the theme from My Two Dads.^[15]

	"Love on Top" noicon As Knowles repeats the chorus of "Love on Top", she continuously raises key into a rarely-used high range.[7][20]
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

According to the digital sheet music published at musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, "Love on Top" is written in the key of C major with a metronome of 94 beats per minute.^[21] Knowles' vocal range in the song spans from the low note of A♭₃ to the high note of C₆.^[21] "Love on Top" is set as "both a sweet love song and an expression of girl power" as stated by Georgette Cline of AOL Music.^[14] Genevieve Koski of The A.V. Club and David Amidon of PopMatters noted that "Love on Top" features "mature lyrics" alongside Knowles "sounding vocally giddy and aggressive while portraying the message."^[22][18] Lyrically, the song finds Knowles as the female protagonist expressing the happiness she feels for to have her love interest in her life.^[14] "The languid, synth-soul smoocher allows for enjoyably euphoric tone" before Knowles chimes in with "Bring the beat in!", introducing "a mid-album interlude of mid-[19]80s pop", as stated by Andy Gill of The Independent as well as Hamish MacBain of NME.^[8][17]

Rich Juzwiak noted that Knowles "ecstatically and hyperactively" changes keys six times during the entire song.^[19] As stated by Scott Shetler of PopCrush, Knowles constantly sings praises of her love interest in the first verse where she also seemingly sends him subtle digs as he did not give her his full attention in the past,^[13] this being illustrated in lyrics such as, "[...] after fighting through my fears [...] finally you've put me first."^[7] The chorus, complimented with sweet backing harmonies, then arrives, with Knowles chanting, "Baby it’s you, you’re the one I love / You’re the one I need / You’re the only one I see / Come on baby it’s you / You’re the one that gives your all / You’re the one I can always call / When I need you make everything stop / Finally you put my love on top."^[23] The chorus carries the final two minutes of the song through four key changes.^[13] This was highlighted by Henderson who wrote that "the spirit carries both her and the song into a Stevie Wonder-reminiscent climax of continually rising key changes."^[7] In this way, the word "baby" is said about 24 times throughout the song.^[7] As soon as the synthesizers drop out, the song fades out almost instantaneously.^[13]

Critical reception[link]

"Love on Top" was acclaimed by music critics who appreciated the 1980s-vibe Knowles attempted and they compared the song to multiple artists of that time, including Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. Rich Juzwiak of The Village Voice complimented the song as "easy listening/easier dancing boogie vibe".^[19] Genevieve Koski of The A.V. Club viewed "Love on Top" as an exception on the album, calling it "a first-listen earworm with its breezy, retro-soul style."^[18] Matthew Horton of BBC joked about the climax of the song, stating that the album 4 "was named after the four key changes in the final, teetering chorus of 'Love on Top' to ram the point home."^[24] Greg Kot of The Chicago Tribune commended the song for putting a "bounce" in Knowles' step.^[25] Similarly, Matthew Perpetua of Rolling Stone named "Love on Top" a blast as Knowles creates a modern take on old-school Whitney Houston.^[9] Hamish MacBain of NME favored the song's up-tempo style, stating that it was much needed after the "ballad-heavy" first half of the album.^[8] Priya Elan of the same publication commented that it has "100 watt smile lyrics".^[15] Stating that "Love on Top" is reminiscent of 1980s R&B, Erika Ramirez of Billboard magazine complimented the song as a "Halcyon love song, perfect to be whisked away to".^[26] Spence D. of IGN commented Knowles' "cheery disposition" and the "brash horns" will remind listeners of "damn good" mid-1980s R&B can be.^[10] While including the song as a "must hear" from the album, Andy Gill of The Independent named "Love on Top" as "a small footnote to Stevie Wonder's innovatory genius."^[17]

"'Love on Top' lilts like a lost Reagan-era smash, its light-as-air bop recalling Whitney Houston [left], Michael Jackson [center], and Stevie Wonder [right] at their sunniest." — Ryan Dombal of Pitchfork Media.^[27]

Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine also gave "Love on Top" a positive review, favoring "the infectious upbeat spirit" of the song, and comparing it to the styling of Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker and Whitney Houston. He also complimented the fact that the various key changes throughout the song "force Beyoncé out of her scold range and into some winningly girlish soprano whoops."^[7] Similarly, Joey Guerra of The Houston Chronicle commented that "Love on Top" is a "bouncy jam" which finds Knowles in "feel-good diva mode". He added that it might have turned up on early albums from Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey. Guerra concluded that Knowles "rarely has sounded so charming, even as she soars through several key changes."^[28] Ricky Schweitzer of One Thirty BPM stated that "Love on Top" is instantaneously reminiscent of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, and Stevie Wonder, and favored Knowles' numerous key changes, writing:^[29]

'Love On Top' employs a similar pacing [to 'Party'], though tonally, this track reminds one more immediately of Michael and Janet Jackson, as well as Stevie Wonder. This effervescent throwback escapes corniness by reveling in its pure joy and as such, it becomes one of the highlights of the album. The numerous key changes that flood the end of the song could seem masturbatory, but Beyoncé is not proving that she can sing as high as Mariah [Carey] or Whitney [Houston] because we already trust her to. It is energy and not ego that drives the constantly rising progression.^[29]

Becky Bain of the website Idolator viewed "Love on Top" as "joyful tune that doubles as a throwback to a simpler time" and added that Knowles' energy is "infectious".^[23] Conrad Tao of Sputnikmusic showed high favoritism towards "Love on Top", writing: "[...] as she forces herself into a rarely-used high range, she sets for a perfect catharsis for the burgeoning sexual passions of the album's first two thirds", and describing the outcome as "absolutely magnificent".^[20] Melinda Newman of HitFix commented "the soulful, exuberant, mid-tempo finger snapper, 'Love On Top' is deliciously sunny and sweet."^[16] James Reed of The Boston Globe wrote that "Love on Top' sounds like the pretty young thing of Michael Jackson's 'P.Y.T.' grew up to make a sequel to that 1983 hit."^[30] Similarly, Joanne Dorken of MTV UK who described "Love on Top" as "scream[ing] 'classic disco', catchy, [being] more uptempo and differing from the rest of the album", concluded that the song shows Knowles' versatility and that it is "very Jackson 5".^[11] Ben Cardew of Music Week stated that "Love on Top" is summery and "laidback, rather than massively immediate". However, he added that it proves to be a grower as it "ratchets up the key changes on the final third", further writing that Knowles' voice sounds "particularly impressive".^[31] A mixed review came from Adam Markovitz of Entertainment Weekly, who compared Knowles' work on "Love on Top" to that of past idols such as Luther Vandross and Diana Ross, but felt the tone overshadowed Knowles' style, stating "she gets lost in her idols' polyester-swathed shadows."^[32]

Recognition and accolades[link]

James Montgomery of MTV News placed "Love on Top" at number nine on his list of the 25 Best Songs Of 2011. He called the song "a throwback jam" to Knowles' older R&B material, stating that "[it's] big, bold, brassy and blissed-out, [and] it represents everything B[eyoncé] was going for on her 4 album".^[33] Montgomery also noted that the song was an "absolute lifesaver" and "as is the case with all of her best tunes, Beyoncé belts here".^[33] Slant Magazine's staff members listed "Love on Top" as the 24th best song of the year, with Eric Henderson commenting that "somewhere between [4's] copious ballads and its few, hyperventilating dance tracks, Beyoncé strikes a perfect balance with this breezy midtempo tribute to the 1980s."^[34] On The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop critic year-end list in 2011, "Love on Top" was ranked at number 51.^[35] The song is currently nominated for Viewer's Choice at the 2012 BET Awards.^[36]

Chart performance[link]

For the week July 2, 2011, "Love on Top" debuted on the South Korea Gaon International Singles Chart at number three, selling 89,942 digital downloads.^[37] The song remained at number three in its second week and third week, selling 52,462 downloads and 42,261 downloads respectively.^[38][39] It charted inside the top ten positions of the chart for five consecutive weeks.^[39]

After Knowles' performance of "Love on Top" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, the song was propelled into the top five positions of the US iTunes Store;^[40] its sales picked up by 221 percent.^[41] Despite not being a single at that time, it became the highest charting song from 4 on the US iTunes Store.^[40] For the week ending September 10, 2011, "Love on Top" consequently debuted at number 135 on the US Hot Digital Songs chart,^[42] and charted at number 22 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, which is equivalent to number 122 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.^[43] The following week, the song soared number 10 on the Hot Digital Songs chart, selling 113,000 downloads; digital sales went up by 803%.^[44] This prompted the entry of "Love on Top" at number 20 on the Hot 100 chart.^[45] The Hot 100 debut of "Love on Top" became Knowles' second highest among her 29 solo career entries; only "Ring the Alarm" began at a higher position, at number 12 in 2006.^[45] It fell to number 70 on the Hot 100 chart issue dated September 24, 2011.^[46]

For the week September 17, 2011, "Love on Top" debuted at number 85 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.^[47] It moved to number nine Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart issue dated February 11, 2012, and became the third song from 4 to chart inside the top ten of that chart.^[48] For the week ending March 3, 2012, the song earned the Greatest Gainer/Airplay title as it lifted from number four to number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart chart with 30 million audience impressions, which went up by 22%, according to Nielsen BDS.^[49] "Love on Top" topped the chart for the week ending March 10, 2012;^[50] it was Knowles' sixth song during her solo career to reach number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.^[51] Before being sent for adds on any format on US radios, "Love on Top" debuted at number 36 on the BDS Urban AC National airplay chart issue dated October 29, 2011, having amassed 106 spins, including 55 in 7 days.^[52] According to Nielsen BDS, 18 Urban AC radio stations added the song to their playlists for that week ending.^[52] For the week ending March 3, 2012, it became Knowles' first number-one on the US Adult R&B Airplay chart.^[49]

Similarly owing to the live performance, "Love on Top" debuted at number 65 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart issue dated September 17, 2011.^[53] The song also entered at number 75 on the UK Singles Chart and at number 23 on the UK R&B Chart on September 4, 2011,^[54][55] It debuted at number 14 on the New Zealand Singles Chart the following day,^[56] and spent seven non-consecutive weeks on the chart.^[56] In Ireland, "Love on Top" made its debut at number 47 on September 8, 2011.^[57] The song also entered at number 40 on the Australian Singles Chart on September 12, 2011.^[58] The following week, it debuted at number nine of the Australian Urban Singles Chart,^[59] and was the most added song to radios in Australia.^[60] "Love on Top" peaked at number 20 on the singles chart on November 6, 2011, and number four on the urban chart on October 17, 2011.^[61][62] Having spent 16 consecutive weeks on the Australian singles Chart,^[61] the song was certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting sales of 140,000 copies.^[63]

After having been announced as a single in the UK, "Love on Top" re-entered the UK Singles Chart at number 154 on November 13, 2011, and moved to number 87 the following week.^[64] It also moved from number 63 to number 38 on the UK R&B Chart.^[65] On December 4, 2011, "Love on Top" climbed from number 54 to number 28 on the UK Singles Chart^[66] and from 16 to number seven on the UK R&B Chart, where the song has peaked so far.^[67] The following week, it moved to number 22 on the UK Singles Chart,^[68] where it remained until January 1, 2012.^[69] On January 8, 2012, "Love on Top" reached number 20,^[70] selling 15,660 digital copies and bringing its total sales to 120,648 copies.^[71] The single peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart the following week.^[72]

Music video[link]

Background[link]

A preview of the music video for "Love on Top" was shown on the Australian television program, Sunday Night, on October 9, 2011. The visuals showed Knowles in a black leotard, stockings, high-top sneakers, and medal-adorned military cap. Together with her five male dancers, they perform choreographed moves in a penthouse studio overlooking New York City.^[73][74] The preview was inspired to the music video for "If It Isn't Love" by American band New Edition.^[75] The full video was initially supposed to be premiered on October 17, 2011 on Australia's Today Show.^[76] However, the release date was pushed up and it was released on October 16, 2011 instead.^[76] That same day, Knowles posted the following statement regarding the video on her official website:

I am excited to give my Australian fans the World Premiere of 'Love On Top'! Thank you for the amazing response to the song at radio. I have worked very hard on this video, this song is special to me and I had an idea for the video based on some of my favorite male groups. I remember seeing videos from New Edition, The Jackson 5 and the Temptations, bands I love for their beautiful harmonies, and precise choreography and I always wanted to make a video and be part of a boy group myself. It was so much fun. I put my heart and soul into 'Love On Top' and I hope you love it.^[77]

After the release of the sneak peek, Michael Bivins of the New Edition told Theybf.com, "When I saw Beyonce on the MTV awards in the sequined jacket this year and with the dancers in R&B group positions, I knew then she was showing love to NE! The video teaser was part two... the classic video 'If It Isn't Love' reference."^[78] After the release of the full video, Johnny Gill told S2S magazine that he considers "Love on Top"'s video to be a tribute and that Knowles as well as her backup dancers did a great job of capturing New Edition's essence. In his opinion, that is why "she is one of the greatest living performers." He went on to say, "[The video] was so cool. There's no more Michael Jackson but I think she's a beast to begin with. It's such an honor to have someone who knew, and knows, her history and to be aware of where it all started."^[79]

Synopsis[link]

Although the song is initially 4 minutes and 27 seconds long, the full video is only 3 minutes and 17 seconds long; this is because of the fact that the second verse of the song is omitted from the video.^[80] Erika Ramirez of Billboard magazine and Melissa Maerz of Entertainment Weekly highlighted the fact that Knowles wears several different clothes including the dress that was worn during her performance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.^[81][82] The clip starts with a casually dressed Knowles moving in coordination with the her male back-up dancers who are also wearing casual clothes and high-top Nike Dunks. Wearing a black body suit with black hose, Knowles puts on a display of footwork before breaking into the song. About halfway through, the visuals suddenly switch to night as Knowles lights up the space in various formal looks, including a gold pantsuit, white suit, and finally a tuxedo complete with coattails, top hat, and cane. The choreography from here resembles that of the 1960s male groups. The wardrobe changes in fact correspond with every key change, except the final one. The video ends with Knowles yelling "cut!" and the shot returns to them at rehearsal.

Reception[link]

Consequence of Sound's Alex Young praised the simplicity of the concept adding that it costs "more money than your entire life fortune."^[83] That was echoed by Andrew Martin of Prefix Magazine who called the video "super-simplistic, albeit effective."^[84] Sarah Fitzmaurice of Daily Mail also gave a positive review for the video praising its simple and energetic concept accompanied by the "fierce outfits".^[85] A writer of OK! compared the video with Will Smith's work in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air adding that Knowles "has gone back to video basics."^[86] A writer of The Huffington Post called the video a "fresh take on a New Edition classic" and concluded that it was a "lot more simple than it sounds."^[87] Lisa Potter of Marie Claire also praised the energy and Knowles' figure in the video, writing, "The pregnant superstar puts on another energetic performance during the video, showing off her fabulous figure in a skimpy black leotard complete with a military fetish cap and Isabel Marant sneakers, before changing into a series of tailored suits."^[88] Jenna Hally Rubenstein of MTV Buzzworthy wrote that the video was similar to Michael Jackson's Dangerous era adding, "While some might say the basic concept of Beyoncé's 'Love On Top' video is too straightforward, we actually think it's amazing – just let Beyoncé sing, dance, look fuhLAWless and wear a cute hat! What else do you people need?!"^[89] A writer of The Sun wrote that Knowles used "an old school formular" for "Love on Top"'s video with the help of her dancing moves.^[90]

Comparing the video with works by Stevie Wonder, Matthew Perpetua of Rolling Stone wrote, "compared to the over-the-top sensory overload of 'Countdown,' the 'Love On Top' clip is very simple and straightforward, with the singer performing with backup singers and dancers in a spare room. Still, she changes wardrobe with every key change as the song reaches its euphoric climax."^[91] Similarly, Leah Collins of Dose magazine wrote, "New jack swing dance moves and costume changes are pretty much the focus of this one. [...] Still, Beyonce reveals a talent we never knew she had: the ability to switch costumes every time she switches keys. (This, it turns out, is a good thing. That pantsless African dictator look in the first scene? Maybe we're the only ones, but we're not really feeling Idi Amin-chic this season.)"^[92] Georgette Cline of The Boombox found similarities between the video for "Love on Top" and the earlier videos that Knowles made with Destiny's Child^[93] while Sarah Anne Hughes of The Washington Post called the video fancy and an "obvious homage to New Edition's 'If It Isn’t Love.'"^[94] A more mixed review was given by Amanda Dobbins of New York magazine who wrote that "The video will do nothing to silence Beyoncé plagiarism or baby bump conspiracy theorists; the first half borrows from an old New Edition video, and the entire thing was clearly filmed before her bump began to show."^[95] However, she added, "Still, Vulture salutes any artistic undertaking that requires a costume change with every key change."^[95] The video is currently nominated for Video of the Year at the 2012 BET Awards.^[36]

Live performances[link]

Knowles performed "Love on Top" live for first time on August 14, 2011, during her 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé held at Roseland Ballroom in New York City.^[96] Wearing a gold dress, she performed the song in front of 3,500 people and she was backed by her all-female band and her backing singers, called the Mamas.^[96] For the performance, "Love on Top" was given an "uptempo overhaul" and eventually got everyone "moving to the catchy [synthesizers]", as stated by Mike Wass of Idolator.^[96] Wass also wrote that "Love On Top" was one of the highlights of the revue.^[96] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times gave Knowles critical acclaim, favoring performances of "underdog tracks" such as "Party" and "Love on Top".^[97] Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone also complimented Knowles' performance of the song, commending how she turned "the groovy 'Love on Top' into a vintage soul showcase, dropping on bended knee to unleash melismas at the top of her vocal range."^[98] Jozen Cummings of The Wall Street Journal commented that "the focus was on her voice [on] 'Love on Top' [...] she changes key four times — impressive on the album but even more so in person."^[99] Yolanda Sangweni of Essence magazine stated that the fact that Knowles goes through four key changes is "quite a feat for any singer."^[100]

Knowles performing during the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé.

At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Knowles performed "Love on Top" after having announced her pregnancy on the black carpet about an hour previous to going on stage.^[101] Before beginning her live performance, she said to the audience: "Tonight I want you to stand up on your feet, I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me", giving a hint about the news that she had alluded to on the black carpet.^[101] She took the stage in "a purple spangly tuxedo jacket, black pants and white tuxedo shirt, still rocking her fierce six-inch heels of old, pregnant or not", as stated by Gil Kaufman of MTV News.^[101] As she performed, her blond hair blowing in the wind, and backed by six dancers wearing similar shimmering tuxes, Knowles gave new meaning to the lyrics: "Now everybody asks me why I'm smiling out from ear to ear."^[101] She kept her dancing to a minimum for most of the song as she held onto the microphone stand while singing "Love on Top".^[101] Eventually making her way to the extended lip in front of the stage and throwing down, she encouraged the audience to put their hands together.^[101] Knowles ended the performance by dropping the mic, opening her jacket, rubbing her belly, and announcing her pregnancy to the world.^[101]

Describing Knowles as "a veteran on the VMA stage", Kaufman wrote that "the audience was clearly feeling the love also" and praised how Knowles "[got] a bit wild as she brought the tune home with some of her signature."^[101] Staff members of the AOL's The BoomBox commented that the lyrics of the song "felt especially meaningful" to announce her pregnancy to the world.^[101] Staff members of Rolling Stone called the performance "spectacular"^[102] while Todd Martens of The Los Angeles Times called it "rousing".^[103] Awarding the performance a B+ rating, Claire Suddath of Time magazine commented that "this offering from the reigning queen of pop music is relatively toned down and yet she still looked and sounded better than nearly everyone else at the awards."^[104] Similarly, Darren Franich of Entertainment Weekly wrote that "If you had to pick one defining moment, it would have to be Beyoncé’s baby bump. The diva's rendition of 'Love on Top' might not have been her best VMA performance ever, but there’s no denying the sheer electricity in the room when she ended her set by proudly revealing her pregnant tummy."^[105] A critic of Essence magazine concluded that "[Knowles'] performance of "Love on Top" at the 2011 VMAs [...] will surely be one of the year's most memorable pop culture moments."^[106] The writers of MTV News placed the performance at number 4 on their list of "Best Live MTV Performances Of 2011".^[107] It was stated that Knowles was in "typical Sasha Fierce fashion" while the performance was described as "ebullient".^[107]

Cover versions[link]

On March 18, 2012, the girls on the Australian talent show Young Talent Time team, opened the show with a performance of "Love on Top", while the boys performed as backing vocalists.^[108] Diana Rouvas also performed the song on The Voice (Australia) on May 21, 2012.^[109] Michelle Graffin of The Age called it the "song of the night", writing that Rouvas was "so good she can wrestle 'Love on Top' from Beyoncé's iron grip and transform it into a smokey nightclub number worthy of the young Liza Minelli".^[109] Her version of the song peaked at number 22 on the ARIA Singles Chart.^[110]

Credits and personnel[link]

Credits to the song were adapted from 4's liner notes.^[1]

Charts and certifications[link]

Release history[link]

See also[link]

• List of number-one R&B singles of 2012 (U.S.)
• List of number-one dance singles of 2012 (U.S.)

References[link]