Pretty Girl Rock

Album: No Boys Allowed (2010)
Charted: 53 24
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This uptempo track is the second single by American R&B singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, from her sophomore album, No Boys Allowed.
  • This self-appreciating song was produced by Chuck Harmony and Ne-Yo and finds Hilson repping for all the gorgeous gals.
  • Hilson discussed with MTV News why every female should feel like a "pretty girl": "I think that this record could have a special place or could live in the hearts of those who are different and those who people call 'imperfect' or you know, just have a lot of insecurities," she explained. "Everyone's dealing with them. Everyone has insecurities and imperfections, and it's all about embracing those things and understanding that through your differences, you are beautiful."
  • The music video directed by Joseph Kahn ("Love The Way You Lie"), features Hilson paying tribute to a succession of star from early 20th-century singers Dorothy Dandridge and Josephine Baker, '50s screen queen Doris Day to "'90's girl group TLC. "In this video, I do nine changes, and it's almost like I have to slip in and out of multiple personalities because I'm doing, what, 10 different eras, from the '20s straight up until 2010, which is me," she explained to MTV News. Hilson added that the video is her "way of paying homage to groundbreaking women, strong women who were fearless and so bold and so confident that they made women feel that way. And I hope to do the same."

Comments: 3

  • Chinonye from Lagos, NigeriaActually, both song were nominated in different years and in different categories.
  • Chi Girl from NigeriaA fun song. She performed it on David Letterman to thunderous applause. It seems Neyo gave her the song as a compensation for giving Beyonce Irreplaceable. Both songs were nominated for grammies in the same category but Irreplaceable won.
  • Wade from Katy, TxThis has honestly got to be the biggest fail of a song for 2010
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Hardy

HardySongwriter Interviews

The country hitmaker talks about his debut album, A Rock, and how a nursery rhyme inspired his hit single "One Beer."

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" Album

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" AlbumSong Writing

In the summer of 1990, you could get arrested for selling a 2 Live Crew album or performing their songs in Southern Florida. And that's exactly what happened.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.