Peak
75
Weeks
19
Score
778
Chart Year
1997
A music video was produced to promote "Free", directed by American filmmakers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.[18] The video features Naté performing the song in an empty hospital, among hospital equipments. The idea came from Bailey and Barbato, and Naté would later call it "their madcap idea".[19] She's dressed in a white dress, wears jewelry and has a feather boa in her hand. Some scenes also shows the singer wearing a strait-jacket. She explained in an 1998 interview, "That's a symbolic situation, a dream sequence, the strait-jacket represents certain limits people put on themselves. In the end, I wake up from that dream."[20] There are two different edits of the video, with some different scenes. "Free" was later made available on YouTube in 2008, and had generated more than 12 million views as of September 2023
"Free" is a song by American recording artist Ultra Naté, released on March 31, 1997, through record label Strictly Rhythm. It was co-written by Naté, Lem Springsteen and John Ciafone, while production was held by both Springsteen and Ciafone. "Free" was served as the lead single from her third studio album, Situation: Critical (1997). Musically, the song is a house-influenced song that incorporates strong 1990s soul, dance-pop, garage and disco. "Free" received positive reviews from contemporary music critics, who commended her vocal ability and production, and has received several accolades since its release; it has been noted as one of the best dance anthems during the 1990s decade. It became Naté's most successful single to date, charting in many countries around the world. "Free" reached number-one in Italy, and peaked inside the top ten in Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It also charted on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 75, but reached number-one on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart.
Where did we go wrong? Where did we lose our faith? My brother is in need But can he depend on me Do you think if one of you tried Maybe you could find A better friend than any other If you gave more than you took Life could be so good Come on and try Now's the time 'Cause you're free To do what you want to do You've got to live your life Do what you want to do Do what you want Do what you want to do Are we all strangers Does anyone really care Deep down were all the same Trying to hide our pain You think you can never trust another 'Cause they're all out to get ya We have to live in this world together If we open up our hearts Love can finally start Come on and try Now's the time 'Cause you're free To do what you want to do You've got to live your life Do what you want to do When you're down and you're Feeling bad Everybody has left you sad Feels like no one will pull you through It's your life, what'cha gonna do Make that change, let's start today Get outta bed get on your way Don't be scared your dreams right there You want it reach for it 'Cause you're free To do what you want to do You've got to live your life Do what you want to do Do what you want Do what you want to do
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 23, 1997 | 92 | 34 |
| 2 | Aug 30, 1997 | 99 | 27 |
| 3 | Sep 6, 1997 | 95 | 31 |
| 4 | Sep 13, 1997 | 99 | 27 |
| 5 | Sep 20, 1997 | 96 | 30 |
| 6 | Sep 27, 1997 | 87 | 39 |
| 7 | Oct 4, 1997 | 76 | 50 |
| 8 | Oct 11, 1997 | 85 | 41 |
| 9 | Oct 18, 1997 | 80 | 46 |
| 10 | Oct 25, 1997 | 75 | 51 |
| 11 | Nov 1, 1997 | 76 | 50 |
| 12 | Nov 8, 1997 | 79 | 47 |
| 13 | Nov 15, 1997 | 81 | 45 |
| 14 | Nov 22, 1997 | 79 | 47 |
| 15 | Nov 29, 1997 | 82 | 44 |
| 16 | Dec 6, 1997 | 79 | 47 |
| 17 | Dec 13, 1997 | 99 | 27 |
| 18 | Dec 20, 1997 | 88 | 38 |
| 19 | Dec 27, 1997 | 95 | 31 |