Way Back (TLC song) explained

"Way Back" is a song by American girl group TLC, featuring Snoop Dogg, from their fifth studio album, TLC (2017). An ode to the group's fanbase since their beginnings in 1991, it was released as the lead single on April 14, 2017, by newly formed label 852 Musiq and UK-based independent record company Cooking Vinyl. The song was written by group member Tionne Watkins and James Abrahart alongside Snoop Dogg and was produced by D'Mile, who also wrote the middle-8 section on the extended version.

Background and promotion

On April 12, 2017, TLC announced on Twitter, "Tune into @BBNcrew tomorrow @ 12PM EST to get the first listen of our new single, Way Back. Can't wait to share it with you! #TLCgoeswayback".^[1] "Way Back" premiered on April 13 via the Internet radio service iHeartRadio.^{[2] [3] [4]}

Critical reception

Billboard described the song as having a "G-funk, R&B groove".^[5] Time stated in an article, "The pair gifted us an extra-special throwback bop for the weekend in the form of the brand-new track "Way Back," a smooth, groovy tune that marks their first release in a whopping 15 years."^[6]

Music video

TLC went on Big Boys Neighborhood to promote the single and announced a contest that would allow a few lucky fans to be extras in the video. The lucky fans were selected on April 19, 2017 via Facebook and given specific instructions for the following morning.

The music video was shot in North Hollywood, California on April 20, 2017 from 7:00AM to 10:00PM. The fans that were selected are all featured as back up dancers in the dance scene around the blue convertible car during the chorus. The video uses the extended version of the song.

The video was released on June 6, 2017 and was met with positive reviews and gained 2 million views on YouTube in 48 hours.^[7]

Chart performance

In the United States, "Way Back" debuted at number twenty-eight on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart on May 6, 2017.^[8] The song entered the top ten in its eleventh week.^[9]

Charts

Year-end charts

Release history

Country	Date	Format	Label
United Kingdom	April 14, 2017	Digital download — explicit	Cooking Vinyl
Japan	April 28, 2017		852 Musiq
Various	June 30, 2017	Digital download — extended version	Cooking Vinyl

Notes and References

1. Web site: TLC on Twitter. Twitter. 12 April 2017.
2. TLC Premieres 'Way Back,' First Single Off Upcoming LP: Listen . . April 13, 2017 . April 13, 2017 . Smith, Da'Shan.
3. Web site: TLC Is Making a Comeback: Here's Hoping Their Crazy, Sexy, and Cool Outfits Will, Too . . April 13, 2017 . April 13, 2017 . Bobb, Brooke.
4. Web site: TLC Release "Way Back," the First Single From Their Upcoming Kickstarter-Funded Album . . April 13, 2017 . April 13, 2017 . Sargent, Jordan.
5. Smith. Da'Shan. TLC Premieres 'Way Back,' First Single Off Upcoming LP: Listen. Billboard. 13 April 2017.
6. Bruner. Raisa. TLC Is 'Way Back' with a New Song with Snoop Dogg and People Are Loving It. Time magazine. 14 April 2017.
7. https://web.archive.org/web/20170608194937/http://radio.com/2017/06/06/tlc-way-back-video/
8. Billboard Adult R&B Songs Chart May 6, 2017. Billboard. 6 May 2017.
9. Billboard Adult R&B Songs Chart July 15, 2017. Billboard. 5 July 2017.
10. 2017 Year End Chart: ADULT R&B SONGS. Billboard. January 30, 2019.