I Wanna Go by Britney Spears: meaning, release, credits and chart history

I Wanna Go is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her 2011 album Femme Fatale. It is a dance-pop and Hi-NRG track featuring a heavy bassline and drum fills reminiscent of New Order's 'Blue Monday'. The song was written by Max Martin and Savan Kotecha, with production by Max Martin and Dr. Luke. It was first shared on Spears' Twitter account on February 22, 2011, and officially released as a single on June 14, 2011, by Jive Records. A fan poll on Britney.com in May 2011 selected it as the third single from the album. The music video was directed by Chris Marrs Piliero and filmed in Los Angeles. The video's concept was inspired by a lyric that stood out to Piliero, though he avoided focusing on sexual content. The opening scene was modeled after the film Half Baked (1998). The song's theme centers on losing inhibitions, with Spears singing about her desire for intimacy and playful self-apology. Critics praised the song for its energy and effective melodies, with some comparing it to her 2007 album Blackout. The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The official release date listed in Wikidata is June 21, 2011, though the initial release was on June 14. The song's length is 3:30. The credits list Max Martin as the writer and producer, with Savan Kotecha as a co-writer, and Dr. Luke as the producer. Jive Records is the label.

I Wanna Go at a glance

• Artist: Britney Spears
• Album: Femme Fatale
• Release date: June 14, 2011 (single), June 21, 2011 (official date)
• Genre: dance-pop, Hi-NRG

What the song is about

The song explores the theme of losing inhibitions, with Spears expressing a desire for intimacy and playfully apologizing for her need for physical connection.

How it was made

The song was written in 2009 by Max Martin and Savan Kotecha, with production by Max Martin and Dr. Luke. The pre-chorus includes a whistled hook, which drew comparisons to the music of Bob Sinclar and Frankie Knuckles. Spears' vocals are processed, and she includes squeals and chuckles throughout.

Release and music video

The song was first posted on Britney Spears' Twitter on February 22, 2011. A fan poll on Britney.com in May 2011 selected it as the third single. The music video was directed by Chris Marrs Piliero and filmed in Los Angeles. The concept was inspired by a lyric, with the opening scene paying tribute to the film Half Baked (1998).