Work

"Work" is a song performed by R&B/pop singer Ciara, from her third studio album, Fantasy Ride. It was released as the second international single, making it the fourth overall and final single from the album. The song was co-written by Ciara, Marcella Aracia and Missy Elliott, who is also featured on the single. It was also produced by Nate "Danja" Hills. The single was released to international radio stations (excluding the US) on June 23, 2009, which was also the same day as the video's worldwide debut on 4 Music and Channel 4 in the UK. On July 27, 2009 it was released as a digital and CD single in the UK. The song is also featured in a Verizon Wireless commercial for the LG Chocolate phone, in which Ciara appears with backup-dancers while performing the song. "Tell Me What Your Name Is" was originally planned to be the third worldwide single from the album, but its release was canceled for unknown reasons. "Work" has only been confirmed for international markets, while the third release from the album "Like a Surgeon" is currently being released and serviced for U.S. only. Ciara performed the song when she was the opening act for Britney Spears's The Circus Starring: Britney Spears tour and for her and Jay-Z's Jay-Z & Ciara Live tour. "Work" debuted in the UK on the UK Singles Chart, at number 71 and peaked at number 52. On the issue date 13 July 2009, the song debuted on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart at number 98.. It peaked at number 66 on the issue dated August 10, 2009. A remixed version was used and performed by Vogue Evolution on the MTV dance show, America's Best Dance Crew. "Work" received generally positive reviews. Bill Lamb of About.com named it one of Fantasy Ride's best tracks, calling it a mix between Ciara's contemporary classic "1,2 Step" and Missy Elliot's own "Lose Control.". Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe comments that Ciara takes her own advice to "put some snap into it" and nimbly navigates synth bleats and burps and a shake-and-shimmy beat. Mariel Concepcion of Billboard comments that "thankfully, "Work," featuring Missy Elliott, has Ciara showing fly-girl antics over a house-like, clap-laden production". Tracy Garraud of Vibe calls "Work" a "choreography-driven track of snappy electro-pop acrobatics". Andrew Rennie of NOW magazine comments that "Conversely, Ciara and Missy Elliott’s trademark chemistry on kick-drum-heavy Work is the album’s strongest track". Digital Spy commented that "Featuring a mish-mash of dance and hip-hop beats, a shouty "Work! Work!" hook, and even the thought-provoking line "You better shake that thang like a donkey!", this bears all the ingredients of a smash, but lacks the killer blow to leave you gasping for air. Still, having already teamed up with Enrique and Justin this year, there's no doubting that Ciara herself knows how to work it." Some reviews were even more critical. Jordan Sargent of PopMatters called it a let down by Ciara’s lifeless vocal performance. Jonatham Doe of All Music said that "Work [is] an over-stuffed dancefloor mess that does not benefit from Missy Elliott's hoarse hectoring".