Turn Off the Light

For other uses, see Turn Off the Light (disambiguation).

"Turn Off the Light"
International retail artwork, also used for enhanced CD release and one of US promotional materials
Single by Nelly Furtado
from the album Whoa, Nelly!
B-side"I'm Like a Bird" (acoustic)
Released2 July 2001 (2001-07-02)
Studio
Genre
Length
  • 4:36 (album version)
  • 3:36 (radio edit)
LabelDreamWorks
SongwriterNelly Furtado
Producers
Nelly Furtado singles chronology
"I'm Like a Bird"
(2000) 		"Turn Off the Light"
(2001) 		"Shit on the Radio (Remember the Days)"
(2001)
Music video
"Turn Off the Light" on YouTube

"Turn Off the Light" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado from her debut studio album, Whoa, Nelly! (2000). Written by Furtado, and produced by Gerald Eaton, Brian West, and Furtado, the song was released as the album's second single on 2 July 2001, reaching number one in New Zealand, Portugal, and Romania, as well peaking within the top 10 in several other countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Background

"Turn Off the Light" was written by Furtado along with Gerald Eaton and Brian West.[3] Furtado has cited a song by the Canadian band Big Sugar as inspiration for the song, describing it as a "real song" that reflects her own moments of vulnerability: although she may seem independent, she experiences loneliness like anyone else, and the catchy, hook-driven chorus helps communicate that authenticity.[4] She has also noted that the song's guitar chords are similar to those in English rock band Oasis' 1995 song "Wonderwall," reflecting her early influences and experimentation with the instrument.[5] In discussing parent album Whoa, Nelly!, Furtado explained that "Turn Off the Light" exemplifies the record’s sound, which blends hip-hop, pop, and international influences.[6]

Chart performance

In New Zealand, "Turn Off the Light" became Furtado's first number-one single and stayed on the RIANZ Singles Chart for 27 weeks.[7] "Turn Off the Light" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) for sales greater than 5,000 copies.[8] The song became the second-most successful song of New Zealand in 2001, behind Craig David's "Walking Away".[9] "Turn Off the Light" peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 on 10 November 2001.[10] A remix featuring rappers Ms. Jade and Timbaland was also released, and a dance remix topped the Billboard Dance Club Play chart.[11] In Australia, although the song peaked at number seven,[12] it remained in the top 50 for 21 weeks and was certified platinum for sales exceeding 70,000 copies.[13] The song debuted and peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart,[14] becoming Furtado's second top-five single there, and reached number two on the UK R&B Singles Chart.[15]

Music video

There are two music videos for "Turn Off the Light": the underground version and the regular version.

The regular version of the music video was directed by Sophie Muller and filmed on May 25, 2001, at Central Plaza in Chinatown in Los Angeles, California.[16] Furtado worked closely with Muller on the concept, emphasizing that the two "totally collaborated and brainstormed so much and organized the whole thing, every last detail." She explained that she wanted the visual to mirror the song’s stylistic diversity, stating, "I wanted the video to reflect the eclecticism of the music, and it really does."[6] In an effort to engage directly with her audience, Furtado invited fans to appear as extras in the video. Through her official website, she encouraged interested participants to submit a photograph via email for consideration, noting that involvement would be voluntary and offered "no compensation [...] other than personal gratification."[16] Furtado's wardrobe in the video was largely influenced by Gwen Stefani.[17]

The music video showcases a multicultural dreamscape that reflects Furtado's Portuguese heritage and features scenes filmed in Chinatown.[6] It opens in a swamp, where Furtado sings while swimmers dance around her. At a temple, she performs surrounded by dancers who join in during the chorus. During the bridge, she appears in an old house, singing and playing guitar with the flag of the Azores displayed behind her and on her instrument. These shots are intercut with a DJ performing and dancers wearing skirts reminiscent of Sufi whirling. The video concludes with Furtado returning to the temple, sharing a quiet moment as she eats noodles.

The underground video features Furtado playing the guitar in a wooden shed, wearing a white top and jeans. She is also seen buying flowers. Behind the scenes footage of the photoshoot for the Whoa, Nelly! cover is interwoven throughout the video.

Track listings

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the Whoa, Nelly! album booklet.[3]

Studios

  • Recorded and engineered at The Gymnasium (Toronto, Canada) and Can-Am Recorders (Tarzana, Los Angeles)
  • Mixed at Can-Am Recorders (Tarzana, Los Angeles)
  • Mastered at Classic Sound (New York City)

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[13] Platinum 70,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[8] Gold 5,000*
Norway (IFPI Norway)[63] Gold  
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[64] Gold 20,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[65] Silver 200,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Australia 2 July 2001 CD DreamWorks [66]
United States 17 July 2001 Contemporary hit radio [67]
United Kingdom 20 August 2001
[68]
Germany 27 August 2001 CD Universal [69]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Cinquemani, Sal. "Nelly Furtado: Whoa, Nelly!". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on 7 November 2002. Retrieved 29 March 2025. ...the trip-pop of the hit single "Turn Off the Light"...
  2. ^ Hunter, James (12 October 2000). "Nelly Furtado: Whoa, Nelly!". RS 851. Archived from the original on 28 December 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2025. Turn Off the Light" is a reggae-directed rock-blues tune done with towering confidence...
  3. ^ a b Whoa, Nelly! (Canadian CD album booklet). DreamWorks Records. 2000. 0044-50285-2.
  4. ^ "Transcript of Nelly Furtado: Embracing the Single Life". Call Her Daddy. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
  5. ^ Simpson, Dave (19 September 2024). "Nelly Furtado: 'Flames shot out of the speaker when I started making Maneater'". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  6. ^ a b c Hiatt, Brian (23 June 2001). "Nelly Furtado Hatches Follow-Up Single". MTV News. Archived from the original on 1 July 2001. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  7. ^ a b "Nelly Furtado – Turn Off the Light". Top 40 Singles.
  8. ^ a b "New Zealand single certifications – Nelly Furtado – Turn Off the Light". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  9. ^ a b "End of Year Charts 2001". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Nelly Furtado Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  11. ^ a b "Nelly Furtado Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
  12. ^ a b "Nelly Furtado – Turn Off the Light". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  13. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2001 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  14. ^ a b "Nelly Furtado Songs and Albums | Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  15. ^ a b "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart on 1/9/2001 – Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  16. ^ a b Wiederhorn, Jon (24 May 2001). "Nelly Furtado Invites Fans To Be In New Video". MTV News. Archived from the original on 9 August 2001. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  17. ^ Magnocavallo, Fabio (27 March 2024). "Nelly Furtado". euphoriazine.com. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  18. ^ Turn Off the Light (UK CD single liner notes). DreamWorks Records. 2001. DRMDM50891.
  19. ^ Turn Off the Light (UK 12-inch single vinyl disc). DreamWorks Records. 2001. DRM1250891.
  20. ^ Turn Off the Light (UK cassette single sleeve). DreamWorks Records. 2001. DRMCS50891.
  21. ^ Turn Off the Light (European CD single liner notes). DreamWorks Records. 2001. 450 903-2.
  22. ^ Turn Off the Light (Australasian CD single liner notes). DreamWorks Records. 2001. 450 904-2.
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  26. ^ "Canadian Top 20 in 2001" (PDF). Cross Canada Countdown. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 April 2005. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  27. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 18, no. 42. 13 October 2001. p. 11. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  28. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Turn Off the Light" (in French). Le classement de singles.
  29. ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name.
  30. ^ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 19, no. 47. 17 November 2001. p. 29. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  31. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Turn Off the Light". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
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  33. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 34, 2001" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
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  35. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Turn Off the Light". VG-lista.
  36. ^ "Nielsen Music Control". Archived from the original on 24 October 2007.
  37. ^ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 18, no. 48. 24 November 2001. p. 7. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  38. ^ a b "Top of the Year 2001" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on 9 December 2002.
  39. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 1/9/2001 – Top 100". Official Charts Company.
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  41. ^ "Nelly Furtado – Turn Off the Light". Swiss Singles Chart.
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  43. ^ "Nelly Furtado Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  44. ^ "Nelly Furtado Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  45. ^ "Nelly Furtado Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard.
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  47. ^ "BDS CHART : Top 100 of 2001". Jam!. Archived from the original on 1 July 2002. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  48. ^ "Year in Focus – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2001" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 18, no. 52. 22 December 2001. p. 14. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
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  50. ^ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2001". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
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  52. ^ "Årslista Singlar, 2001" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  53. ^ "Swiss Year-End Charts 2001" (in German). Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  54. ^ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2001" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
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  57. ^ "Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2001". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 9, no. 51. 21 December 2001. p. 60.
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  62. ^ "Most-Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2002". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 10, no. 51. 20 December 2002. p. 22.
  63. ^ "IFPI Norsk platebransje Trofeer 1993–2011" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  64. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Turn Off the Light')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  65. ^ "British single certifications – Nelly Furtado – Turn Off the Light". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 30 October 2020. Select singles in the Formats field. Type Turn Off the Light Nelly Furtado in the "Search:" field.
  66. ^ "The ARIA Report: ARIA New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 2nd July 2001" (PDF). ARIA. 2 July 2001. p. 25. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 February 2002. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  67. ^ "CHR/Pop: Going for Adds". Radio & Records. No. 1410. 13 July 2001. p. 41.
  68. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting August 20, 2001: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 18 August 2001. p. 33. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  69. ^ "Turn Off The Light [+Bonusvideo]: Amazon.de: CDs & Vinyl". Amazon Germany.
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