"WE (Warm Embrace)", also known by the simplified title "Warm Embrace", is a song by American singer and songwriter Chris Brown, released by RCA Records as the second single from his tenth studio album, Breezy, on April 1, 2022.[2][3] Brown co-wrote the song with Ellery McKinney and Wilbart McCoy III and contains an interpolation of Guy's 1991 single "Let's Chill". The song garnered positive reviews from critics. "Warm Embrace" debuted and peaked at numbers 22 and 79 on both the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot 100 charts respectively. An accompanying music video for the single was directed by Arrad and features American singer Normani.

"WE (Warm Embrace)"
Single by Chris Brown
from the album Breezy
ReleasedApril 1, 2022
Recorded2020–2022
Genre
Length3:55
Label
Songwriter(s)
Lyricist(s)
Producer(s)Don City
Chris Brown singles chronology
"Iffy"
(2022)
"WE (Warm Embrace)"
(2022)
"Monalisa (Remix)"
(2022)
Music video
"Warm Embrace" on YouTube

Composition

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"Warm Embrace" is an R&B slow jam that contains an interpolation of Guy's 1991 single "Let's Chill".[1][4][5] According to Vibe the "romantic" content of the song "eases away from his recent trajectory of hyper-sexual music" being part of the crooner's "soft side".[6]

Critical reception

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The song received critical acclaim. Mya Abraham of Vibe praised the track as "endearing", and stated that its sound is reminiscent of ’80s R&B.[6] Keithan Samuels of Rated R&B found the song to be "sweet-sounding".[5] HotNewHipHop called the song a "sensual slow jam", and complimented its "clever interpolation".[4]

Commercial performance

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On the week of July 9, 2022, "WE (Warm Embrace)" debuted and peaked at numbers 22 and 79 on both the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot 100 charts respectively.[7][8]

Music video

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The song's accompanying music video was released on June 21, 2022, and featured a cameo by American singer Normani. Additionally, it was directed by Arrad.[9][10]

Charts

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Chart performance for "WE (Warm Embrace)"
Chart (2022) Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[11] 4
South Africa (TOSAC)[12] 59
US Billboard Hot 100[13] 79
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)[14] 27
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[15] 22
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)[16] 13

Certifications

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Certifications from "WE (Warm Embrace)"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[17] Gold 500,000

Sales streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ a b Callas, Brad (April 1, 2022). "Chris Brown Shares New Single "WE (Warm Embrace)"". Complex. Archived from the original on April 25, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  2. ^ Fofana, Oumou (May 17, 2022). "Chris Brown reveals cover art and release date for new album 'BREEZY'". Revolt. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  3. ^ "Chris Brown Drops New Single 'WE (Warm Embrace)'". Rap-Up. March 31, 2022. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Marie, Erika (April 1, 2022). "Chris Brown Samples An R&B Classic On His "WE (Warm Embrace)" Single". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Samuels, Keithan (March 16, 2022). "Chris Brown Releases New Single 'WE (Warm Embrace)'". Rated R&B. Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Abraham, Mya (April 1, 2022). "Alex Isley, Kehlani, Chris Brown, and More Prove R&B is Winning This New Music Friday". Vibe. Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  7. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: July 9, 2022". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  8. ^ "The Hot 100: July 9, 2022". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  9. ^ "New Video: Chris Brown - 'WE (Warm Embrace)' [Starring Normani] - That Grape Juice". Thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  10. ^ "Chris Brown and Normani Turn Up the Heat in 'WE (Warm Embrace)' Video". Rap-Up. June 21, 2022. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  11. ^ "The Official New Zealand Music Chart". Nztop40.co.nz.
  12. ^ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100 Week 26-2022". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  13. ^ "Chris Brown Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  14. ^ "Chris Brown Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  15. ^ "Chris Brown Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  16. ^ "Chris Brown Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  17. ^ "American single certifications – Chris Brown – WE (Warm Embrace)". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 12, 2024.