“Maneater” by Nelly Furtado

As the title implies this is a track with a very-feminist sentiment, so to speak. First of all it is a dance song. And the titular character is presented as one of those types of ladies who demands attention on the dance floor. Or stated more bluntly, she is so attractive that men can’t resist her.

At times (i.e. the first verse) Nelly takes on the role of the Maneater herself. And the reason this character is referred to in such a fashion is because for those guys who actually do get into relationships with her, she inevitably ends up milking them. That is she makes them “work hard” and “spend hard” in order to please her. And then when she is through with them, said dudes end up ‘wishing they never met her at all’.

So basically, this song serves as an ode to this lady. Indeed it can be said that she is someone Furtado idealizes, as the singer exclaims that amidst her worldwide travels she “never (met) a girl like this”.

Facts about “Maneater”

This is the third single from Nelly Furtado’s multi-Platinum album “Loose”. The song itself was a notable hit, topping the UK Singles Chart as well as Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. And this marked the only time Nelly topped the UK Singles Chart (as the sole headline artist) during her heyday.

Moreover it was certified Platinum in three countries – including the UK – and charted in 25 nations overall.

The production of this track was helmed by legendary musician Timberland alongside his sidekick, Danja. And both of those artists also worked with Nelly in penning the lyrics, as did Jim Beanz.

Anthony Mandler directed the music video to Maneater.

For those who may find the name of this song familiar, pop duo Hall & Oates did drop their own hit track entitled “Maneater” back in 1982.  In fact, Nelly Furtado’s song was directly influenced by Hall & Oates’ Maneater, but it is not a cover of that song.  Indeed its sound is based on popular 1980s’ music in general.

Nelly dropped a remix of “Maneater”, alongside Lil Wayne, which is featured on a Timbaland project entitled “Remix & Soundtrack Collection” (2007).

Meanwhile the original rendition came out on the 6th of May 2006 via Geffen Records and the Mosley Music Group.

During the recording of this song, an unprecedented event occurred. Nelly Furtado and her collaborators were jamming so hard that a speaker actually caught fire. And the incident shook them so thoroughly that they delayed resumption of the recording of “Maneater” for two weeks.