"Ring the Alarm" | ||||
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Single by Beyoncé | ||||
from the album B'Day | ||||
Released | September 10, 2006 | |||
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Recorded | 2006; Sony Music Studios (New York City, New York) |
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Length | 3:23 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
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Beyoncé singles chronology | ||||
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"Ring the Alarm" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé Knowles for her second studio album, B'Day (2006). It was composed by Knowles, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean and Sean Garrett. Columbia Records released "Ring the Alarm" as the second single from B'Day in the United States on October 17, 2006, while "Irreplaceable" (2006) was serviced as the album's second international and third US single. The song's development was motivated by Knowles' role in the Broadway musical adaptation Dreamgirls (2006). The cover art of "Ring the Alarm" proved controversial because Knowles used alligators during the photography session. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), declared that Knowles' posing with a baby alligator was arguably abusive to an animal.
"Ring the Alarm" is an R&B song with punk rock influences. Its introduction features a blaring siren, which sets an aggressive tone. The song's lyrics revolve a woman who feels threatened, and is unwilling to allow another woman to profit from the protagonist's efforts to improve her lover's life. The lyrics were rumored to be about Barbadian recording artist Rihanna's relationship with Jay-Z; Knowles refuted the allegation in an interview with Seventeen magazine. The song was received with mixed reception for contemporary music critics, who noted that it was different from Knowles' previous work. While some commended her willingness to take risks, others were polarized about her aggressive vocals. "Ring the Alarm" was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 49th Grammy Awards.