What is Love?

Album: Rio 2 (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Janelle Monáe penned this sun-drenched tropical soul tune for the Rio 2 movie. It plays during the film's New Year's Eve festivities, sung partly by characters Nico, Blu, and Jewel as they are all partying.

    Director and producer Carlos Saldanha first met Monáe at a Rock in Rio concert soon after the first film was released in 2011. "When we spoke with Janelle we wanted a fun, festive song with a message of love and of hope," he told Billboard magazine. "It had to convey the energy of Rio, something everyone could dance to, and when we heard it we could see it playing anywhere."
  • Monáe didn't just guest on the soundtrack - she also voiced a character, veterinary physician Dr Monáe. It was the singer's second voice acting role following an appearance on Fox comedy series American Dad in 2013.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."