Amerie collaborated with producer Rich Harrison to create a standout '00s R&B/funk track, drawing inspiration from The Meters, as she confidently decided to lend her voice to the production.
Amerie's hit single "1 Thing" turned 16 this year, and the journey to its success was far from straightforward. The song, produced and co-written by Rich Harrison, was initially intended for Usher's 2004 album, Confessions, but found its true home with Amerie.
Released in January 2005, "1 Thing" was a global sensation, reaching Top 10s around the world. However, its path to fame was not an easy one. Columbia Records, Amerie's label at the time, felt that the song needed a bigger chorus hook. But stations refused to pull it, thanks to great fan feedback, and the song was eventually released.
The clattering drum opening of "1 Thing" is sampled from The Meters' 1969 song, Oh, Calcutta. This, combined with Harrison's production, created a sound that was truly new and unique. Amerie herself is proud of what she achieved with Harrison, stating that they really did create something special when they came together.
One of the most effective elements of "1 Thing" was the use of the Oh, Calcutta sample, according to Amerie. The song's success was not an 'a-ha' moment for her, as everything was moving too fast.
Interestingly, Jennifer Lopez was originally interested in recording "1 Thing." According to TikTok sources, Lopez wanted to sing the song, but Amerie and Harrison released it themselves to protect their interests, even personally taking it to a radio station for promotion. There are also references to Lopez's involvement and alleged sabotage attempts related to "1 Thing" in concert revelations shared on TikTok.
Despite Lopez's interest, "1 Thing" became Amerie's breakthrough hit, outshining even her well-received album Because I Love It in 2007. Amerie has recently made a return to the spotlight, with a Tiny Desk Concert and reports of a new album on the way.
It's worth noting that Harrison is also known for producing Beyoncé's breakthrough solo hit, Crazy In Love, which samples The Chi-Lites' Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So). Lopez also released Get Right, another Harrison production, built around a classic funk sample from Maceo & The Macks' Soul Power 74.
While Lopez and Usher both released successful records around the same time, "1 Thing" is arguably superior to both. Amerie never topped the impact of "1 Thing," even with her subsequent acclaimed albums after 2005's Touch. The song remains a testament to Amerie's talent and the unique sound she created with Harrison.
Delving deeper into pop-culture and music, the success of "1 Thing" elevated Amerie into the spotlight, overshadowing even her subsequent acclaimed albums like Because I Love It in 2007. Its stellar impact remains unmatched in Amerie's discography, making it a significant entertainment milestone.
