Chart Success
"Unpretty" became a huge hit for TLC, securing the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1999. It also reached the top of the charts in New Zealand and the top five in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Powerful Message
The song conveys a strong social message about self-esteem and body image, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique beauty and reject societal pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.
Notable Writer
Former Xscape member Tameka "Tiny" Harris is among the song's co-writers. She later went on to garner fame as a reality TV star in the show "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle".
Awards and Nominations
TLC earned a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals" for "Unpretty" in 2000. The song also received a nomination for the Viewer's Choice Award at the MTV Video Music Awards in the same year.
Influence on Later Work
The song inspired the creation of the TV reality show "Totally T-Boz," which addressed T-Boz's struggle with self-acceptance and self-love.
Track Origin
The song's melody was inspired by a poem written by TLC member T-Boz. This poem was published in a collection titled "Thoughts" before being transformed into "Unpretty".
Music Video
The music video for "Unpretty" was directed by Paul Hunter and contains various storylines addressing issues such as body insecurity, bullying, and domestic abuse. It also features a futuristic setting whereby TLC members appear to be in a spaceship.
Album's Hit Track
"Unpretty" is the most successful single off their third studio album, "FanMail". The album was a commercial success, certified 6x platinum by the RIAA.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics of "Unpretty" talks about the societal pressures women face to look a certain way. It tells the story of two women, one who is considering breast augmentation and another who has an eating disorder.
Fan Reaction
"Unpretty" resonated strongly with fans and continues to be celebrated for its empowering and self-affirming message, moving many to tears during live performances.
Crossover Success
"Unpretty" showcased the group's versatility as artists, with the song's mix of Pop and R&B helping it gain crossover success on multiple radio formats.
Music Genre
"Unpretty" is a song by American R&B girl group TLC. It is characterized by its contemporary R&B pop blend, and soul-pop style.
Album & Release
The song was released as the second single from their third studio album, "FanMail" (1999). It was written by T-Boz, Dallas Austin, and Debra Killings.
Lyrics Inspiration
The lyrics of "Unpretty" were inspired by a poem written by TLC member T-Boz. The song deals with body image and self-esteem issues, urging listeners to seek inner beauty rather than physical shallowness.
Commercial Success
The song was wildly successful commercially. It went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 charts for three weeks. Internationally, it reached number one in Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland, while also gaining platinum status in Australia.
Music Video
The accompanying music video for "Unpretty", directed by Paul Hunter, was as impactful as the song itself. It addressed various societal issues, such as plastic surgery, anorexia, and male dominance, in a visually striking manner, earning it an MTV Video Music Award for Best Video With a Message.
Grammy Award
"Unpretty" got nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, showcasing the critical acclaim the song received.
Cultural Impact
The song is still remembered for its strong message and catchy rhythm. It continues to be a staple in various “best of” music lists and garners praise for its focus on empowering women and promoting self-love.
Cover Versions
“Unpretty” has been covered by numerous artists in different genres worldwide, indicating the significant global impact of the song. Notable covers include those by Glee's Dianna Agron and Lea Michele in the show's second season.
Live Performances
TLC performed "Unpretty" in notable venues such as MTV Music Awards and on the Rosie O'Donnell show, both performances were highly appreciated.
Visual Spectacle
The music video for “Unpretty” had an enormous budget of approximately $1.6 million, which was used to create a visually spectacle illustrating the song’s powerful message.
