RedOne’s latest release is a single of his own, though it features Enrique Iglesias, R City, Serayah & Shaggy. Known for being a top producer – a behind the scenes kind of guy - it is very logical that RedOne would not want his own video to revolve around him. But nor do the artists, who’ve featured on his track, get the chance to draw attention to themselves. Instead, a collection of huge celebrities (like Jennifer Lopez and Akon) and very local celebrities (like Dutch rapper Ali B – the guy with the hand from The Voice) get to make their appearance.
When asked how Ali B managed to get himself in the video, his management explained that Ali and RedOne know each other personally and Ali was asked to participate.
The song “Don’t You Need Somebody” sounds like an Enrique Iglesias track even if Enrique wasn’t the one singing on it. It’s upbeat and catchy. It somehow fits in really well with the European soccer games going on right now. It’s just one of those songs you can play on your night out, when you’ve had a few drinks and the people you met on the night feel like they could be friends for life.
For RedOne, this is the first single, taken from his upcoming debut album. Yes, debut album. Of course, his music has been on many albums before, but by the likes of Lady Gaga, U2, Michael Jackson, Shakira. This will be the first album released under his own name.
What many people may not know, is that RedOne actually started out being a vocalists. Much like fellow Swedish top pop producer, Max Martin, RedOne sang in many rock bands before finding his way as a music producer. This has laid the foundation of a variation of sounds he can draw from. Combined with all the traveling that he does, it’s no surprise that some of his songs sound Latin, like when he’s working with Enrique or Marc Anthony, but he can switch with ease to a rock band like U2.
This diversity is what he hopes to show on his own album as well. It’s the main reason why no one knows when his album will be released. Even RedOne doesn’t know exactly what will make it onto his album.
