About the song
“Believe” is a song by American singer Cher, released as the lead single from her 22nd studio album, Believe (1998). Written by Brian Higgins, Stuart McLennen, Paul Barry, and Steven Torch, the song is a landmark track in Cher’s career and is widely regarded as one of her signature songs. “Believe” was a groundbreaking hit that helped define pop music in the late 1990s, thanks to its fusion of dance, electronic, and pop elements, as well as its innovative use of Auto-Tune, which became one of the defining features of the track.
Musical Style and Themes:
“Believe” features an upbeat dance-pop sound with elements of house music, euro-dance, and techno, which was a departure from Cher’s earlier work. The song’s production is marked by its energetic tempo, catchy hooks, and lush, synthesized instrumentation. One of the most defining aspects of “Believe” is its use of Auto-Tune, a vocal effect that was applied to Cher’s voice to create a robotic, futuristic sound in certain parts of the song. This technique became hugely influential in popular music, and it helped to shape the sound of 2000s pop music.
The song’s lyrics deal with themes of empowerment, resilience, and personal growth. The narrator speaks of overcoming a painful breakup and finding strength and independence in the process. In the chorus, Cher sings, “Do you believe in life after love?”—a question that has since become iconic. The lyrics reflect the emotions of moving on from a relationship, rediscovering self-worth, and learning to trust in the possibility of happiness again, despite the hurt of the past. It is a song of hope, healing, and perseverance, which resonated with listeners around the world.
Commercial Success:
“Believe” was a massive commercial success and is considered one of the most important songs of Cher’s career. It was released in October 1998 and quickly became a global hit. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States for four weeks, making it Cher’s first and only song to reach No. 1 on this chart. It also became a chart-topping hit in numerous other countries, including the United Kingdom, where it held the No. 1 spot for seven consecutive weeks, and it reached No. 1 in many European nations, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
The song’s success marked a major comeback for Cher, who had already enjoyed a long career in both music and acting but had not had a major pop hit in many years. “Believe” not only revitalized her career but also introduced her to a new generation of fans, particularly among younger listeners who had not experienced her previous hits.
Cher’s chart performance with “Believe” was groundbreaking in that it helped solidify her status as an enduring pop icon and a trendsetter in the music industry. The song’s combination of catchy melodies, contemporary production, and universal themes of love and resilience helped it transcend its era and appeal to a wide audience.
Use of Auto-Tune:
The most innovative and discussed aspect of “Believe” was its use of Auto-Tune—a pitch-correction tool that was originally designed to subtly correct out-of-tune vocals. On “Believe,” the tool was used in a more experimental way, creating a distinct, robotic effect on Cher’s voice, particularly during the chorus. This technique gave the song a futuristic and digital sound that had not been widely used in mainstream pop music at the time.
While some initially criticized the heavy use of Auto-Tune, the song’s success made it clear that the effect had its place in contemporary pop music. Over time, Auto-Tune became a hallmark of many pop and electronic tracks, and artists like Kanye West, T-Pain, and others embraced it in the years that followed. Cher’s pioneering use of Auto-Tune in “Believe” has since been regarded as a defining moment in pop music history, setting a new standard for vocal processing in the industry.
Music Video:
The music video for “Believe” was directed by Nigel Dick and features Cher in a variety of visually striking and futuristic settings. The video includes an iconic opening scene in which Cher is shown in a heavily stylized, digitally manipulated environment, where her face is transformed and altered with computer-generated effects, further emphasizing the song’s themes of change and personal transformation. Throughout the video, Cher’s appearance is deliberately stylized to emphasize her status as a pop icon, and the overall aesthetic is both glamorous and avant-garde, reflecting the high-tech, digital feel of the song.
The video’s visual style also aligns with the song’s empowering message. As Cher sings about moving on from heartbreak and finding strength, the video emphasizes themes of personal reinvention and self-expression. It became a memorable part of the song’s success and further solidified Cher’s image as a pop diva who continually reinvents herself.
Critical Reception:
“Believe” received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its catchy melody, bold production, and Cher’s powerful performance. Critics especially noted how the song marked a dramatic shift in Cher’s musical direction, embracing modern dance music and experimenting with new sounds. The use of Auto-Tune was particularly celebrated for its innovation and risk-taking, making the song sound fresh and futuristic for its time.
Many saw “Believe” as a triumph of both Cher’s talent and her ability to stay relevant in the changing music landscape. Some described it as a “reinvention” of Cher as a contemporary pop star, and the song was hailed as a milestone in her career. The song also received numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2000, and was included in many “best of” lists from the late 1990s and 2000s.
Legacy:
“Believe” has remained one of Cher’s most enduring songs and has been celebrated as one of the greatest dance-pop anthems of all time. It continues to be a staple of her live performances and has become an anthem of empowerment for many fans. The song’s themes of resilience and self-discovery are universally relatable, which has helped it maintain its popularity over the years.
Cher’s performance of “Believe” at various award shows, concerts, and live events has only enhanced the song’s legacy, making it a touchstone of her long and varied career. The song also helped Cher maintain her relevance in the evolving pop music scene, and it remains a central part of her legacy as a trailblazer in both music and pop culture.
In addition to its success in the mainstream pop world, “Believe” has also been covered and remixed by various artists, further cementing its place in the history of popular music. The song’s influence on electronic and pop music is undeniable, and it has inspired many other artists to experiment with Auto-Tune and other vocal processing techniques.
Conclusion:
“Believe” is a revolutionary and iconic song that marked a high point in Cher’s already impressive career. Its innovative use of Auto-Tune, empowering lyrics, and unforgettable melody helped define the sound of late-90s pop music and solidified Cher as a pop legend for generations to come. The song remains an anthem of hope, reinvention, and strength, and continues to resonate with fans around the world, proving that Cher’s influence on music and culture is far-reaching and timeless.