3 Words

{{About||the song of the same name from this album|3 Words (song)|other uses|Three Words (disambiguation){{!}}Three Words}} {{Use British English|date=March 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox album | name = 3 Words | type = studio | artist = [[Cheryl (singer)|Cheryl Cole]] | cover = Cheryl Cole - 3 Words (Official Album Cover).png | border = yes | released = {{start date|2009|10|23|df=y}} | recorded = April–August 2009 | studio = {{flatlist| *Henson Recording Studios *[[Record Plant Studios]] *SubZero Studios *[[Metropolis Studios]] *My AutoTonic Studios *Brown Sugar Studios}} | genre = *[[Dance-pop]] *[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] | length = 43:55 | label = *[[Fascination Records|Fascination]] *[[Polydor Records|Polydor]] | producer = *[[will.i.am]] *[[Taio Cruz]] *[[Soulshock & Karlin]] *[[Steve Kipner]] *[[Fraser T Smith]] *[[Syience]] *[[Sam Watters]] *[[Wayne Wilkins]] | prev_title = | prev_year = | next_title = [[Messy Little Raindrops]] | next_year = 2010 | misc = {{Singles | name = 3 Words | type = Studio | single1 = [[Fight for This Love]] | single1date = 16 October 2009 | single2 = [[3 Words (song)|3 Words]] | single2date = 20 December 2009 | single3 = [[Parachute (Cheryl Cole song)|Parachute]] | single3date = 11 March 2010 }} }}

'''''3 Words''''' is the debut [[studio album]] by English singer [[Cheryl (singer)|Cheryl Cole]] released on 23 October 2009 by [[Fascination Records]]. Cole's first solo performance was on American rapper [[will.i.am]]'s "[[Heartbreaker (will.i.am song)|Heartbreaker]]" (2008), on which she sang additional vocals. Following this, it was announced that Cole's band [[Girls Aloud]] would take a break from releasing material, having enjoyed five successful albums and twenty consecutive top-ten singles. In April 2009, Cole started working on solo material in [[Los Angeles]] and [[London]], mainly collaborating with will.i.am, who served as executive producer of the album.

The album was released to commercial and critical success. The album debuted at number one on the [[UK Albums Chart]], selling 125,271 copies in its first week. The album also made appearances on the Irish, Australian and Swiss charts. In the UK the album was certified three times Platinum by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] and has since sold 1,000,000 copies in the country alone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.popjustice.com/thenews/cheryl-coles-3-words-has-passed-the-million-sales-mark-in-the-uk/115724/ |title=Cheryl Cole's '3 Words' has passed the million sales mark in the UK |first=Brad |last=O'Mance |work=Popjustice |date=11 June 2013 |access-date=2 September 2015 |archive-date=29 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029003157/http://www.popjustice.com/thenews/cheryl-coles-3-words-has-passed-the-million-sales-mark-in-the-uk/115724/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Upon its release, ''3 Words'' received positive reviews from music critics, who commended its production, lyrics and themes. The album spawned three singles—"[[Fight for This Love]]", [[3 Words (song)|the title song]] and "[[Parachute (Cheryl Cole song)|Parachute]]"—with the lead single becoming the fastest-selling single of 2009 in the UK and peaking at number one in Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Hungary and the UK. ''3 Words'' is Cole's most successful album to date.

==Background== Cole's first foray into a solo music career occurred in 2007 when she featured on [[will.i.am]]'s "[[Heartbreaker (will.i.am song)|Heartbreaker]]". After having [[streetdance|street dancing]] lessons during the filming of the [[ITV2]] series ''[[Passions of Girls Aloud]]'', Cole was picked to appear in the song's video. She was later asked to sing the female vocals on the UK release of the track.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myparkmag.co.uk/articles/entertainment/music/cheryl-cole-teams-up-with-william.html|title=Cheryl Cole teams up with Will.i.am|date=25 April 2008|work=myparkmag.co.uk|access-date=12 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501162957/http://www.myparkmag.co.uk/articles/entertainment/music/cheryl-cole-teams-up-with-william.html|archive-date=1 May 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cole's version is featured on her album as it was not featured on will.i.am's album ''[[Songs About Girls]]''.

==Recording== It was confirmed on 27 April 2009 via [[MTV|MTV UK]] that Cole would be working on solo material. Cole reunited with [[will.i.am]], and also worked with [[Syience]], [[Taio Cruz]], and [[Wayne Wilkins]]. Cruz was asked to write two songs for Cole, the first of which, "[[Break Your Heart (Taio Cruz song)|Break Your Heart]]", was written specially for Cole but Polydor label boss Ferdy Unger-Hamilton felt the song was too similar to "[[Heartbreaker (will.i.am song)|Heartbreaker]]", the track Cole did with will.i.am.<ref name="hitquarters.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Fraser_T_Smith_Interview.html |title=Interview With Fraser T Smith |publisher=[[HitQuarters]] |date=22 March 2010 |access-date=29 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314061713/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Fraser_T_Smith_Interview.html |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Cruz reclaimed the song and released it as the lead single from his second album, ''[[Rokstarr]]''. The song went on to reach number 1 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="digitalspy1">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a178318/cole-missed-out-on-cruz-chart-topper.html |title=Music – News – Cole 'missed out on' Cruz chart-topper |website=Digital Spy |date=21 September 2009 |access-date=22 September 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091026050624/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a178318/cole-missed-out-on-cruz-chart-topper.html| archive-date= 26 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The other song, "Stand Up", did make the album.<ref name="digitalspy1"/> The album begins with its title track, a duet with will.i.am and Cole's favourite song on the album.<ref name="trackbytrack1">{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44892665001 |title=3 Words |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678TNwWkv?url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She said the song was "totally different from anything I've done [with Girls Aloud] or liked before" and took its inspiration from Cole's newly acquired love for dance music on the charts, especially [[David Guetta]] and [[Kelly Rowland]]'s "[[When Love Takes Over]]".<ref name="trackbytrack1"/> "[[Parachute (Cheryl Cole song)|Parachute]]", written by singer-songwriter [[Ingrid Michaelson]] and [[Marshall Altman]] with production from [[Syience]], was described by Cole as "left-of-field" and "unique".<ref name="trackbytrack2">{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905855001 |title=Parachute |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678TNwWkv?url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She cited "you are your own worst enemy, you'll never win the fight" as her favourite lyric from the album.<ref name="trackbytrack2"/> Cole also noted that it was a contender for the album's [[lead single]].<ref name="trackbytrack2"/> "Heaven", another will.i.am production, was the first song to be co-written and recorded by Cole for ''3 Words'' and for that reason holds "a special meaning" to her.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44910282001 |title=Heaven |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230631/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44910282001 |url-status=live }}</ref> It contains a sample of "Is You" by D.I.M., written by Andreas Meid.<ref name="discogs">{{cite web | url=http://www.discogs.com/release/1978696 | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | date=26 October 2009 | publisher=[[discogs]] | access-date=26 October 2009 | archive-date=4 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604013045/http://www.discogs.com/release/1978696 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Cole revealed that the lead single, "[[Fight for This Love]]", came to her in demo form with a male vocalist. Cole said she "knew instantly it was a single", having "connected with the song so well".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905853001 |title=Fight for This Love |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230555/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905853001 |url-status=live }}</ref> "Rain on Me", co-written by prolific American songwriters [[Sam Watters]] and [[Louis Biancaniello]], was one of the last songs to be recorded for ''3 Words''.<ref name="trackbytrack5">{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702111001 |title=Rain on Me |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230635/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702111001 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cole recorded the song in Los Angeles and said the process was "emotional" as the album's recording was coming to an end.<ref name="trackbytrack5"/> "Make Me Cry" was the first song that Cole recorded with will.i.am in Los Angeles.<ref name="trackbytrack6">{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702110001 |title=Make Me Cry |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230642/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702110001 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cole wrote verses around will.i.am's hook, which was inspired by his girlfriend.<ref name="trackbytrack6"/> Cole said that she listened to the demo of "Happy Hour", initially titled "Sweet and Sour", on repeat because she enjoyed the song so much.<ref name="trackbytrack7">{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45688130001 |title=Happy Hour |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230645/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45688130001 |url-status=live }}</ref> She further noted that the song, produced by [[Soulshock & Karlin]], had a "60s sound" and was "one of those tracks that you either really love or you don't get it."<ref name="trackbytrack7"/> It interpolates elements of Renaldo Domino's "Nevermore", written by Richard Pegue.<ref name="discogs"/>

"Stand Up" was written and produced by [[Taio Cruz]] and [[Fraser T Smith]]. Smith claims that during one day he and Cruz wrote the rejected "[[Break Your Heart (Taio Cruz song)|Break Your Heart]]" in the morning and "Stand Up" in the afternoon.<ref name="hitquarters.com"/> Cruz described the song as an "absolute club banger".<ref name="digitalspy1"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a169925/cruz-pens-club-banger-for-cheryl-cole.html | title=Cruz pens 'club banger' for Cheryl Cole | first=David | last=Balls | work=[[Digital Spy]] | date=7 August 2009 | access-date=3 September 2009 | archive-date=12 September 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912060529/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a169925/cruz-pens-club-banger-for-cheryl-cole.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> The song features an uncredited rap by Cruz, which was originally not present.<ref name="trackbytrack8">{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702109001 |title=Stand Up |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=10 April 2010 |archive-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603145440/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702109001 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cole said it was "one of those instant tracks that make you feel good".<ref name="trackbytrack8"/> "Stand Up" references the "bop bop" sung melody from [[Duran Duran]]'s "[[Planet Earth (Duran Duran song)|Planet Earth]]". "[[Don't Talk About This Love]]" was written by songwriter/producer [[Chris Braide]] and [[Nikola Rachelle|Nikola Bedingfield]], the younger sister of singers [[Daniel Bedingfield|Daniel]] and [[Natasha Bedingfield]]. It was originally recorded by Nikola Bedingfield as the title track for [[Don't Talk About This Love|her debut EP]]. Cole's A&R at Polydor had remembered the track and suggested she record it with Braide at his studio. Cole was attracted to the song for its lyrics and vibe, saying it "felt right".<ref name="trackbytrack9">{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702107001 |title=Don't Talk About This Love |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=10 April 2010 |archive-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603145450/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45702107001 |url-status=live }}</ref> In an interview with [[HitQuarters]] Braide said, "[It's a] very emotional song. She said to me, 'I really relate to this.' And I don't know if it had something to do with her personal situation at the time, but ..."<ref name="hitquarters">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Chris_Braide02_Interview.html |title=Interview with Chris Braide |publisher=HitQuarters |date=30 August 2010 |access-date=31 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006064008/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_Chris_Braide02_Interview.html |archive-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> "Boy Like You", featuring and produced by will.i.am, samples [[Fleetwood Mac]]'s 1987 single "[[Little Lies]]", which initially attracted Cole to the song.<ref name="discogs"/><ref name="trackbytrack10">{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45699896001 |title=Boy Like You |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=10 April 2010 |archive-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603145503/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45856060001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=45699896001 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cheryl wanted to take the Fleetwood Mac sample and create something current and modern with it.<ref name="trackbytrack10"/> The album also features the clean single version of will.i.am's "[[Heartbreaker (will.i.am song)|Heartbreaker]]", for which Cole provides the female vocals.

==Music and lyrics== Thematically ''3 Words'' revolves around the complexities of relationships and love, with Cole singing about finding, winning, embracing and losing love.<ref name="bbcmusic"/> The album's lyrics follow an autobiographical subtext in which most of the songs deal with her overcoming her tribulations. Andy Gill of ''The Independent'' described the album's lyrics as showing that the "path to romantic fulfillment is pock-marked with treachery, uncertainty and secrecy".<ref name="theindependent"/> Lyrics on some of the songs have a "deeper undertow of paranoia" such as "Parachute", "Make Me Cry" and "Don't Talk About This Love", which Gill described as being "a fear that others are bent on destroying her relationship, so 'the less they know, the less they judge'."<ref name="theindependent"/>

''3 Words'' is a [[dance-pop]] and [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] album that explores a variety of genres including modern pop with elements of '90s throwback music.<ref name="scotsman">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/album-review-cheryl-cole-1-781372|title=Album review: Cheryl Cole – The Scotsman|newspaper=[[The Scotsman]]|date=1 November 2009|access-date=14 January 2016|quote=a mediocre dance-pop album|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211054150/https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/album-review-cheryl-cole-1-781372|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="guardian"/> The album's production is characterised as being "restrained" in its arrangements with heavy beats built over "light piano-style motifs and acoustic guitar elements", according to Mike Diver of the BBC.<ref name="bbcmusic"/>

==Release and promotion== When asked about the album's title Cole revealed she had already contemplated an album title which contained the phrase ''3 Words'' before the title track was recorded.<ref name="twitterqa2">{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44831605001&bctid=45051709001 |title=Twitter Q&A No. 2 |work=[[Brightcove]] |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-date=3 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303134005/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44831605001&bctid=45051709001 |url-status=live }}</ref> The cover shows the singer bare-shouldered, looking over her shoulder in a veiled and be-flowered headpiece, the album's title tattooed on her skin.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barton|first=Laura|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/nov/19/cheryl-cole-new-album-cover|title=Twist and pout: Cheryl Cole's new album cover|date=19 November 2009|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=16 June 2017|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802171715/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/nov/19/cheryl-cole-new-album-cover|url-status=live}}</ref> Knight said, "although she is photographed all the time by the paparazzi, she is not in front of the camera for a shoot in the same way as professional models are – she is less used to the process." He continued, "Cheryl was great to work with, though [...] – it is just a different kind of shoot with a model who is experienced."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myfashionlife.com/archives/2009/07/24/celebrities-arent-the-best-models/|title=Celebrities aren't the best models|publisher=MyFashionLife.com|date=24 July 2009|access-date=24 October 2009|archive-date=30 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930202628/http://www.myfashionlife.com/archives/2009/07/24/celebrities-arent-the-best-models/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Cole performed the lead single on the ''[[The X Factor (UK)|X Factor]]'' live results show for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/10/19/cheryl-we-salute-you-115875-21757673/ |title=Cheryl, we salute you |first=Tom |last=Bryant |work=Daily Mirror |location=UK |date=19 October 2009 |access-date=25 October 2009 |archive-date=22 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022080831/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/10/19/cheryl-we-salute-you-115875-21757673/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The show, which also featured the first UK performance by [[Whitney Houston]] in six years, drew a record audience of 14.8 million, making it the most watched episode in the show's history at that time.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/x-factor/6374916/X-Factor-Cheryl-Cole-and-Whitney-Houston-draw-record-ratings.html | title=X Factor: Cheryl Cole and Whitney Houston draw record ratings | first=Anita | last=Singh | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=UK | date=19 October 2009 | access-date=25 October 2009 | archive-date=22 October 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022052111/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/x-factor/6374916/X-Factor-Cheryl-Cole-and-Whitney-Houston-draw-record-ratings.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Cole also taped a performance for UK teen channel [[T4 (Channel 4)|T4]], which aired 15 November 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/cheryl-cole-t4-special/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1 | title=Series 1 / Episode 1 / T4: Cheryl Cole T4 Special | work=[[4oD]] | publisher=[[Channel 4]] | date=15 November 2009 | access-date=29 May 2010 | archive-date=3 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303162345/http://www.channel4.com/programmes/cheryl-cole-t4-special/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1 | url-status=live }}</ref> Cole appeared at [[Children in Need 2009|Children in Need]] Rocks the [[Royal Albert Hall]] on 12 November 2009 to perform "Fight for This Love" in a white version of her ''X Factor'' performance outfit<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8358263.stm |title=In pictures: Children In Need gig |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |date=13 November 2009 |access-date=29 May 2010 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232544/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8358263.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and later returning to perform [[Snow Patrol]]'s single "[[Set the Fire to the Third Bar]]" with [[Gary Lightbody]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/11/13/cheryl-cole-wears-sexy-military-style-outfit-for-children-in-need-concert-pic-115875-21819379/ | title=Cheryl Cole wears sexy military style outfit for Children In Need concert | first=Rachael | last=Wheeler | work=Daily Mirror | date=13 November 2009 | access-date=12 February 2010 | archive-date=23 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223070647/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/11/13/cheryl-cole-wears-sexy-military-style-outfit-for-children-in-need-concert-pic-115875-21819379/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

In December [[ITV1]] aired a one-off television special titled ''[[Cheryl Cole's Night In]]'', presented by [[Holly Willoughby]]. Then on 16 February, Cole appeared at the [[2010 BRIT Awards]] for a performance which began with Cole being "catapulted" on stage with her dancers.<ref name="marie">{{cite web | url=http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/443133/cheryl-cole-comes-out-fighting-with-an-angry-brits-performance.html | title=Cheryl Cole comes out fighting with an angry Brits performance | work=[[Marie Claire]] | date=17 February 2010 | access-date=20 February 2010 | archive-date=19 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219200738/http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/443133/cheryl-cole-comes-out-fighting-with-an-angry-brits-performance.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Cole performed "3 Words" for the first time with will.i.am during her one-off special for [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]], ''Cheryl Cole's Night In''. In January 2010, Cole flew to Germany to perform "3 Words" at the German award ceremony DLD Starnight, which took place at the [[Haus der Kunst]] in [[Munich]].{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} She also performed the song as part of a four-song set at [[BBC Radio 1]]'s ''[[Radio 1's Big Weekend#2010|Big Weekend]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/827370-cheryl-cole-chooses-camouflage-for-big-weekend-performance |title=Cheryl Cole chooses camouflage for Big Weekend performance |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|The Metro]] |date=23 May 2010 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-date=26 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526123425/http://www.metro.co.uk/music/827370-cheryl-cole-chooses-camouflage-for-big-weekend-performance |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as performing at the [[De Grisogono]] jewellery dinner party at the Eden Rock Hotel in [[Cap d'Antibes]] during the [[Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shinystyle.tv/2010/05/cheryl_cole_performs_at_the_de.html |title=Cheryl Cole performs at the De Grisogono jewellery dinner in a Roberto Cavalli dress |work=Shiny Style TV |publisher=Shiny Digital |last=Petrou |first=Andrea |date=19 May 2010 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715214518/http://www.shinystyle.tv/2010/05/cheryl_cole_performs_at_the_de.html |archive-date=15 July 2010 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Cole debuted "Parachute" during the television special ''Cheryl Cole's Night In'', which was broadcast on 12 December 2009 on ITV1. Cole was due to perform the track on ''[[Friday Night with Jonathan Ross]]'' on Friday 12 March 2010 and on the BBC Radio 1's [[Live Lounge]], however, she pulled out after contracting [[bronchitis]]. "Parachute" was performed live on [[Sport Relief]] on 19 March 2010. On 23 March 2010, Cole rescheduled her performance of the Live Lounge, where she performed "Parachute", as well as a cover of [[Owl City]]'s "[[Fireflies (Owl City song)|Fireflies]]".

==Commercial performance== The first single from the album, "[[Fight for This Love]]", was written by Andre Merritt, Steve Kipner and Wayne Wilkins, and produced by Steve Kipner and Wayne Wilkins. According to Cole, it was released as the lead single because she "connected with the song so well".<ref name="trackbytrack">{{cite web|url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905853001|title=Fight For This Love|work=[[Brightcove]]|date=15 October 2009|access-date=8 December 2009|archive-date=31 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331230555/http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44905853001|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a performance on ''The X Factor'' live results show, "Fight for This Love" became the fourth best-selling single of 2009 in the UK.<ref name="2009 UK Year-End Charts">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/music/news/a193480/gagas-poker-face-is-top-single-of-2009.html#~oCUDjZj2ZI7sHE|title=2009 UK Year-End Charts|access-date=28 October 2014|archive-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502033325/http://www.digitalspy.com.au/music/news/a193480/gagas-poker-face-is-top-single-of-2009.html#~oCUDjZj2ZI7sHE|url-status=live}}</ref> It charted at number one on both the [[Irish Singles Chart|Irish]] and [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a183376/cheryl-cole-tops-irish-singles-chart.html|title=Cheryl Cole tops Irish singles chart|work=[[Digital Spy]]|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|date=23 October 2009|access-date=28 October 2014|archive-date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018014915/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a183376/cheryl-cole-tops-irish-singles-chart.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, "Fight for This Love" went to number one in Denmark, Norway and Hungary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/song/51174|title=Cheryl Cole – Fight For This Love|work=US Charts|access-date=11 June 2010|archive-date=13 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113085610/http://acharts.us/song/51174|url-status=live}}</ref> The single was later certified platinum in the UK. Cole's second single "[[3 Words (song)|3 Words]]", which features will.i.am, was certified silver and went to number four in the UK and seven in Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a192827/joe-mcelderry-climbs-up-to-number-one.html|title=Joe McElderry climbs up to number one|first=Catriona|last=Wightman|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=27 December 2009|access-date=28 October 2014|archive-date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018081113/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a192827/joe-mcelderry-climbs-up-to-number-one.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, the single was released in Australia, peaking at number five and being certified platinum.<ref name="AUS2010 Singles">{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.auaccreds2010.htm|title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2010 Singles|work=[[ARIA Charts]]|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|access-date=5 August 2010|archive-date=12 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112143717/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.auaccreds2010.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The third single, "[[Parachute (Cheryl Cole song)|Parachute]]", charted in the top five in both the UK and Ireland. The single was certified gold in the UK.<ref name="bpi">{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/Search.aspx |title=Certified Awards Search |publisher=BPI – The British Recorded Music Industry |access-date=9 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511120001/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/Search.aspx |archive-date=11 May 2011}}</ref> A number of songs appeared in the lower regions of the chart following the album's release.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/091107cluk.txt | title=Chart Log UK: New Entries Update | work=Chart Log UK | publisher=Zobbel.de | date=7 November 2009 | access-date=11 April 2010 | archive-date=1 June 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601133740/http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/091107cluk.txt | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Critical reception== {{Music ratings | MC = 62/100<ref name="Metacritic"/> | rev1 = [[AllMusic]] | rev1score = {{rating|2.5|5}}<ref name="AMG">{{cite web|first=Matthew|last=Chisling|title=Review: ''3 Words''|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1672385|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=28 January 2010|archive-date=9 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709035806/https://www.allmusic.com/album/3-words-mw0001780455|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev2 = ''[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]]'' | rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="attitude"/> | rev3 = ''[[The Daily Telegraph|Daily Telegraph]]'' | rev3score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="dailytelegraphy"/> | rev4 = ''[[Digital Spy]]'' | rev4score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="digitalspy"/> | rev5 = ''[[The Guardian]]'' | rev5score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="guardian"/> | rev6 = ''[[The Independent]]'' | rev6score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="theindependent"/> | rev7 = [[musicOMH]] | rev7score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/cheryl-cole_1009.htm |title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words {{pipe}} album reviews |work=musicOMH |access-date=30 October 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091027032243/http://www.musicomh.com/albums/cheryl-cole_1009.htm| archive-date= 27 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> | rev8 = [[Nu.nl]] | rev8score = {{rating|8|10}}<ref name="NUnl">{{cite web | first=Pierre | last=Oitmann | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | url=http://www.nu.nl/cd-recensies/2188494/cheryl-cole---3-words-.html | work=[[Nu.nl]] | language=nl | date=19 February 2010 | access-date=3 August 2010 | archive-date=22 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222043501/http://www.nu.nl/cd-recensies/2188494/cheryl-cole---3-words-.html | url-status=live }}</ref> | rev9 = ''[[The Times]]'' | rev9score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="thetimes"/>  }} ''3 Words'' received generally favourable reviews from contemporary pop music critics, earning a rating of 62 out of 100 on [[Metacritic]] based on 6 reviews.<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/cheryl/3words | title=3 Words | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=3 August 2010 | archive-date=31 October 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031104333/http://www.metacritic.com/music/3-words | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' gave the album three stars out of five but felt it was "ultimately too tentative and slight to be more than a footnote in Cheryl's unstoppable celebrity story".<ref name="guardian">{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/oct/22/cheryl-cole-3-words-review | title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words | first=Tom |last=Ewing |work=The Guardian |location=UK | date=22 October 2009 | access-date=23 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091024055141/http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/oct/22/cheryl-cole-3-words-review| archive-date= 24 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Tom Ewing argues, "Parts of this album never pass beyond conservative pleasantries. But the shift in sound was still necessary."<ref name="guardian"/> The review further described ''3 Words'' as "a low-key, shadowy kind of pop record, whose best songs rarely take immediate hold".<ref name="guardian"/> Gay magazine ''[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]]'' agreed, stating that although guarded "introduces us to Cheryl as an individual – the girl behind the gloss. Very hip, very now, and ultimately very Cheryl."<ref name="attitude">{{cite web | url=http://www.imagebam.com/image/12852453183615 | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | first=Talia |last=Kraines | work=[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]] | publisher=Trojan Publishing Ltd | access-date=24 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091024055840/http://www.imagebam.com/image/12852453183615| archive-date= 24 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Irish fortnightly ''[[Hot Press]]'' said "the People's Princess pleases with Her catchy generic pop".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/albums/6025020.html | title=3 Words (Universal) | work=[[Hot Press]] | date=12 November 2009 | access-date=3 August 2010 | archive-date=15 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115090359/http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/albums/6025020.html | url-status=live }}</ref> [[BBC Music]] gave the album a mixed review, but noted it "does exceed pessimistic predictions".<ref name="bbcmusic">{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/h6pn/ | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | first=Mike |last=Diver | work=[[BBC Music]] |publisher=BBC | date=22 October 2009 | access-date=23 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091025232807/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/h6pn| archive-date= 25 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The album was criticised in comparison to Cole's work with Girls Aloud. ''[[Digital Spy]]'' said the album was "not a bad record, but nor is it a modern pop classic to rival the best Girls Aloud albums [...] it's a collection of cool, contemporary pop-R&B tunes that takes a few plays to reveal its charms."<ref name="digitalspy">{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/albumreviews/a183519/cheryl-cole-3-words.html | title=Cheryl Cole: '3 Words' | first=Nick |last=Levine | work=[[Digital Spy]] | date=25 October 2009 | access-date=26 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091102100059/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/albumreviews/a183519/cheryl-cole-3-words.html| archive-date= 2 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' described the album as a "selection of sexy but underwhelming R'n'B pop", noting that there was "not a hint of the bubbly personality that has won over ''X Factor'' viewers" or "the electro-guitar fusion that put Girls Aloud on top".<ref name="dailytelegraphy">{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/6399309/Cheryl-Cole-3-Words-CD-review.html | title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words, CD review | first=Neil |last=McCormick |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK | date=23 October 2009 | access-date=23 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091027075738/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/6399309/Cheryl-Cole-3-Words-CD-review.html| archive-date= 27 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> ''[[Financial Times]]'' also called it a "dismayingly boring solo album, [...] swapping Girls Aloud's sparkly pop for thin R&B-flavoured songs with dreary beats and characterless singing."<ref name="financial times">{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/c1c1f270-be1b-11de-9195-00144feab49a |title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words |first=Ludovic |last=Hunter-Tilney |work=Financial Times |publisher=[[Pearson PLC]] |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=24 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027024357/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/c1c1f270-be1b-11de-9195-00144feab49a.html |archive-date=27 October 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Pete Paphides of ''[[The Times]]'' agreed that Cheryl's personality is "absent from mid-paced fillers" and exclaimed that "even when ''3 Words'' gives you something to admire, the emotional temperature rarely nudges above frosty."<ref name="thetimes">{{cite web | url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article6882653.ece | title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words | first=Pete | last=Paphides | work=The Times | location=UK | publisher=[[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]] | date=24 October 2009 | access-date=24 October 2009 | archive-date=24 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232222/https://www.the-tls.co.uk/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[The Independent]]'' further stated the album was "utterly bereft of imagination and risk, with tried and tested R&B producers [...] doing what they do as dispassionately as possible."<ref name="theindependent">{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-cheryl-cole-3-words-fascination-1807210.html | title=Album: Cheryl Cole, 3 Words (Fascination) | first=Andy |last=Gill |work=The Independent |location=UK | date=23 October 2009 | access-date=23 October 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091025173012/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-cheryl-cole-3-words-fascination-1807210.html| archive-date= 25 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Pierre Oitmann of Dutch news site [[Nu.nl]] pointed out "the album is mostly being characterised by strong A&R management; i.e. thoroughly sought together songs and consistent production values", before concluding "Cheryl's role is reduced almost entirely to 'hot chick' on the cover."<ref name="nunl">{{cite web | url=http://www.nu.nl/cd-recensies/2188494/cheryl-cole---3-words-.html | title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words | first=Pierre |last=Oitmann | work=[[Nu.nl]] | publisher=Nu.nl | date=19 February 2010 | access-date=19 February 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100222043501/http://www.nu.nl/cd-recensies/2188494/cheryl-cole---3-words-.html| archive-date= 22 February 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = ''3 Words'' track listing | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length = 43:49

| title1 = [[3 Words (song)|3 Words]] | note1 = featuring [[will.i.am]] | writer1 = {{flat list| *[[will.i.am|William Adams]] *Cheryl Cole *George Pajon }} | extra1 = will.i.am | length1 = 4:33

| title2 = [[Parachute (Cheryl Cole song)|Parachute]] | writer2 = {{flat list| *[[Ingrid Michaelson]] *[[Marshall Altman]] }} | extra2 = [[Syience]] | length2 = 3:40

| title3 = Heaven | note3 = featuring will.i.am | writer3 = {{flat list| *Adams *Cole *[[Stacy Barthe]] }} | extra3 = will.i.am | length3 = 4:37

| title4 = [[Fight for This Love]] | writer4 = {{flat list| *[[Steve Kipner]] *[[Wayne Wilkins]] *Andre Merrit }} | extra4 = {{flat list| *Wilkins *Kipner }} | length4 = 3:43

| title5 = Rain on Me | writer5 = {{flat list| *Kipner *[[Sam Watters]] *Wilkins *[[Livvi Franc|Olivia Waithe]] *[[Louis Biancaniello]] }} | extra5 = {{flat list| *Wilkins *Watters }} | length5 = 3:50

| title6 = Make Me Cry | writer6 = {{flat list| *Adams *Cole *Caleb Speir }} | extra6 = will.i.am | length6 = 4:35

| title7 = Happy Hour | writer7 = {{flat list| *[[Soulshock and Karlin|C. Schack]] *[[Soulshock and Karlin|K. Karlin]] *[[Priscilla Renea]] }} | extra7 = [[Soulshock and Karlin]] | length7 = 4:06

| title8 = Stand Up | writer8 = {{flat list| *[[Fraser T Smith|Fraser T. Smith]] *[[Taio Cruz]] }} | extra8 = {{flat list| *Smith *Cruz }} | length8 = 3:24

| title9 = Don't Talk About This Love | writer9 = {{flat list| *[[Chris Braide]] *[[Nikola Rachelle]] }} | extra9 = Syience | length9 = 3:45

| title10 = Boy Like You | note10 = featuring will.i.am | writer10 = {{flat list| *Adams *Cole }} | extra10 = will.i.am | length10 = 4:27

| title11 = [[Heartbreaker (will.i.am song)|Heartbreaker]] | note11 = will.i.am featuring Cheryl Cole | writer11 = Adams | extra11 = will.i.am | length11 = 3:15 }}

{{Track listing | headline = [[iTunes Store]] bonus video<ref>{{cite web | url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/3-words/1445753823 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206225959/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/3-words/1445753823 | archive-date=6 December 2022 | title=3 Words by Cheryl on Apple Music }}</ref> | title12 = Fight for This Love | note12 = music video }}

{{Track listing | headline = International iTunes Store edition<ref>{{cite web | url=https://music.apple.com/br/album/3-words/1443121574 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514124537/https://music.apple.com/br/album/3-words/1443121574 | archive-date=14 May 2022 | title=3 Words de Cheryl no Apple Music }}</ref> | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length = 61:27 | title12 = 3 Words | note12 = album track-by-track | length12 = 10:10 | title13 = Fight for This Love | note13 = [[Moto Blanco]] Club Mix | writer13 = {{flat list| *Kipner *Wilkins *Merrit }} | extra13 = {{flat list| *Wilkins *Kipner *Sunship }} | length13 = 7:28 }}

{{Track listing | headline = North American digital bonus track<ref>{{cite web |url=https://music.amazon.com/albums/B010Q193QO |title=Cheryl Cole Album "3 Words" Tack List |date=Oct 23, 2009 |access-date=August 20, 2024}}</ref> | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length = 48:50 | title12 = Fight for This Love | note12 = [[Sunship]] Old Skool UK Garage Remix | writer12 = {{flat list| *Kipner *Wilkins *Merrit }} | extra12 = {{flat list| *Wilkins *Kipner *Sunship }} | length12 = 5:01 }}

'''Sample credits''' * "Heaven" contains samples from "Is You" by D.I.M., written by Andreas Meid. * "Happy Hour" contains samples from "Nevermore" by Renaldo Domino, written by Richard Pegue. * "Boy like You" contains samples from "Little Lies" by [[Fleetwood Mac]], written by Christine McVie and Eddy Quintela.

===''3 Words – The B-Sides EP''=== A digital [[Extended play|EP]] featuring the three [[A-side and B-side|B-sides]] to the three singles from the ''3 Words'' album, titled ''3 Words – The B-Sides EP'', was released online on 18 April 2010 from [[Fascination Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/Exclusives/Cheryl-Cole-3-Words-The-B-Sides/invt/0602527401164d |title=3 Words- The B-Sides EP |publisher=Store.universal-music.co.uk |access-date=17 August 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110716023546/http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/Exclusives/Cheryl-Cole-3-Words-The-B-Sides/invt/0602527401164d| archive-date= 16 July 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref>

{{Track listing | extra_column = Producer(s) | title1 = Didn't I | writer1 = {{Flat list| *Andrea Remanda *Cole *[[Klaus Derendorf]]}} | extra1 = [[Klaus Derendorf|Klaus D]] | length1 = 3:47

| title2 = Boys | writer2 = {{Flat list| *[[Emeli Sandé]] *James Murray *Mustafa Omer *[[Naughty Boy|Shahid Khan]]}} | extra2 = Smith | length2 = 3:41

| title3 = Just Let Me Go | writer3 = {{Flat list| *[[Claude Kelly]] *Reggie Perry}} | extra3 = Syience | length3 = 3:04 }}

==Personnel== * [[Cheryl (singer)|Cheryl Cole]] – lead vocals, co-writer * William "[[will.i.am]]" Adams – executive producer, featured vocals, background vocals, producer, arrange, mixing, Instrumentation, co-writer * [[Taio Cruz]] – producer, featured vocals, instrumentation, co-writer * [[Priscilla Renea]] – co-writer, background vocals * [[Louis Biancaniello]] – instrumentation * [[Soulshock & Karlin|Carsten Schack, Kenneth Karlin (Soulshock & Karlin)]] – producers, arrangement, instrumentation, mixing * [[Steve Kipner]] – producer, arrangement * [[Nick Knight (photographer)|Nick Knight]] – photographer * Reggie "[[Syience]]" Perry – producer, arrangement * [[Fraser T Smith]] – producer, instrumentation * [[Sam Watters|Samual "Sam" Watters]] – producer * [[Wayne Wilkins]] – producer, arrangement, mixing * Tom Coyne – mastering *[[Mikaelin 'Blue' Bluespruce]] – recording engineer

==Charts== The album debuted at number one in the UK with sales of 125,271.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a184685/cheryl-cole-scores-uk-chart-double.html|title=Cheryl Cole scores UK chart double|first=Nick |last=Levine|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=1 November 2009 |access-date=16 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091104012137/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a184685/cheryl-cole-scores-uk-chart-double.html| archive-date= 4 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> It then retained the number 1 position for another week.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/archive/official-albums-chart/ |title=Album chart for 14/11/2009 |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=16 November 2009 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403020724/https://www.officialcharts.com/archive/official-albums-chart/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 November 2009 the [[British Phonographic Industry|British Phonographic Industry (BPI)]] certified the album platinum.<ref name="platinum">{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/Search.aspx |title=Certified Awards Search |publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry]] |access-date=23 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511120001/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/Search.aspx |archive-date=11 May 2011}}</ref> It has since gone 3× Platinum,<ref name="platinum"/> with sales of over 1,000,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.tellymix.co.uk/2010/sales/5700-boyzone-keep-album-number-one-spot-with-brother.html#more-5700|title=Boyzone keep UK album number one with 'Brother'|date=28 March 2010|access-date=29 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408234734/http://music.tellymix.co.uk/2010/sales/5700-boyzone-keep-album-number-one-spot-with-brother.html#more-5700|archive-date=8 April 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;" |+ Weekly chart performance for ''3 Words'' !scope="col" style="width:21em;"|Chart (2009–2010) !scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- {{album chart|Australia|31|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=aus}} |- {{album chart|Austria|26|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=aut}} |- {{album chart|Flanders|99|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=Flanders}} |- {{album chart|Wallonia|96|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=Wallonia}} |- {{album chart|Netherlands|49|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=nl}} |- ! scope="row"| [[European Top 100 Albums]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hits of the World: European Albums|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|volume=121|issue=45|page=51|date=14 November 2009}}</ref> | 7 |- {{album chart|France|53|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=fra}} |- {{album chart|Germany|45|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=ger|id=120987}} |- !scope="row"| Greece Albums ([[IFPI Greece]])<ref>{{cite web |first=Steffen |last=Hung |url=http://greekcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Cheryl+Cole&titel=3+Words&cat=a |title=Greek International Albums Chart. Retrieved 2010-03-11 |publisher=Greekcharts.com |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724033647/http://greekcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Cheryl+Cole&titel=3+Words&cat=a |archive-date=24 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |15 |- ! scope="row"| Irish Albums ([[Irish Recorded Music Association|IRMA]])<ref name=ire>{{cite web |title=Top 75 Artist Album, Week Ending 29 October 2009 |url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240002&arch=t&lyr=2009&year=2009&week=44 |publisher=[[GfK Chart-Track]] |access-date=29 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001072202/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240002&arch=t&lyr=2009&year=2009&week=44 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 October 2018}}</ref> | 2 |- {{album chart|Italy|56|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=ita}} |- {{album chart|Norway|18|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=nor}} |- {{album chart|Scotland|2|date=20091101|rowheader=true|access-date=15 October 2020|refname=scot}} |- !scope="row"| South Korean Albums ([[Gaon Chart|Gaon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?termGbn=week&hitYear=2010&targetTime=08&nationGbn=E|title=Gaon Chart|publisher=[[Gaon Music Chart|Gaon]]|access-date=14 January 2016|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125080740/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?termGbn=week&hitYear=2010&targetTime=08&nationGbn=E|url-status=live}}</ref> |5 |- {{album chart|Spain|64|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=spa}} |- {{album chart|Sweden|42|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=swe}} |- {{album chart|Switzerland|52|artist=Cheryl Cole|album=3 Words|rowheader=true|access-date=14 January 2016|refname=swi}} |- {{album chart|UK2|1|date=20091101|rowheader=true|access-date=15 October 2020|refname=ukalbum}} |} {{col-2}}

===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+ Year-end chart performance for ''3 Words'' ! Chart (2009) ! Position |- !scope="row"|[[Irish Albums Chart]] |style="text-align:center;"|23 |- !scope="row"|[[UK Albums Chart]]<ref name=ukchartsplus>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2010.pdf|title=End Of Year Charts: 2010|publisher=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=10 August 2011|archive-date=28 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628170049/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2010.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> |style="text-align:center;"|11 |- ! Chart (2010) ! Position |- !scope="row"|European Top 100 Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/node/1476695|title=2010 Year-End European Albums|access-date=25 January 2025|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=3 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003062606/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2010/european-100-albums|url-status=dead}}</ref> |style="text-align:center;"|52 |- !scope="row"|UK Albums Chart<ref name=ukchartsplus/> |style="text-align:center;"|37 |}

==Certifications== {{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for ''3 Words''}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Ireland|type=album|title=3 Words|artist=Cheryl Cole|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2009|certyear=2010|access-date=28 December 2015}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|title=3 Words|artist=Cheryl Cole|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2009|certyear=2010|id=8521-2305-2|access-date=25 April 2021}} {{Certification Table Summary}} {{Certification Table Entry|type=album|title=3 Words|artist=Cheryl Cole|relyear=2010|region=Europe|award=Platinum|certyear=2010|access-date=28 December 2015}} {{Certification Table Bottom}}

==Release history== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+ Release history and formats for ''3 Words'' !Region !Release date !Format !Label !Catalogue |- !scope="row"|Ireland<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shopireland.ie/music/detail/B002NX0M1Y/3-words-/ |title=3 Words at Shop Ireland |publisher=Shopireland.ie |date=26 October 2009 |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715052939/http://www.shopireland.ie/music/detail/B002NX0M1Y/3-words- |url-status=live }}</ref> |23 October 2009 |rowspan="2"|CD, [[Music download|digital download]] |[[Polydor Records|Polydor]] |2721459 |- !scope="row"|United Kingdom |26 October 2009 |[[Fascination Records|Fascination]] |2721459<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002NX0M1Y |title=3 Words: Cheryl Cole: Amazon.co.uk: Music |website=Amazon UK |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709035807/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002NX0M1Y |url-status=live }}</ref> |- !scope="row"|Italy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.universalmusic.it/specials/minisiti/cherylcole/index.php |title=Italian Releases |publisher=Universalmusic.it |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722065031/http://www.universalmusic.it/specials/minisiti/cherylcole/index.php |archive-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |rowspan="3"|12 February 2010 |rowspan="10"|CD, digital download |rowspan="12"|[[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]] |060252732483 |- !scope="row"|Netherlands |rowspan="3"|0602527324838 |- !scope="row"|Switzerland<ref>{{cite web |url=http://universalmusic.ch/music/artist/cole-cheryl/releases/ |title=Universal Music – Cole Cheryl – Releases |work=universalmusic.ch |year=2015 |quote=Cheryl Cole released in Switzerland on 12 February 2010 |access-date=2 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305035048/http://universalmusic.ch/music/artist/cole-cheryl/releases/ |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |- !scope="row"|Portugal<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.universalmusic.pt/launchs.php |title=Universal Music Portugal: New Releases: Cheryl Cole |publisher=Universalmusic.pt |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820021938/http://www.universalmusic.pt/launchs.php |archive-date=20 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |rowspan="2"|15 February 2010 |- !scope="row"|Russia<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.universalmusic.ru/ru/artists/840/releases/1748/ |title=Chery Cole released in Russia on 15th February |language=ru |publisher=Universalmusic.ru |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809162805/http://www.universalmusic.ru/ru/artists/840/releases/1748/ |archive-date=9 August 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> | |- !scope="row"|Mexico<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mixup.com.mx/mixup/Product.aspx?sku=602527324838 |title=MixUp Store: Cheryl Cole "3 Words" pre-order in Mexico |publisher=Mixup.com.mx |date=25 November 2009 |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930180643/http://www.mixup.com.mx/mixup/Product.aspx?sku=602527324838 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |rowspan="2"|16 March 2010 |rowspan="2"|602527324838 |- !scope="row"|Brazil<ref>{{cite web |author=notícias |url=http://popline.mtv.uol.com.br/depois-de-emplacar-lady-gaga-no-brasil-em-2009-universal-music-revela-sua-aposta-feminina-para-2010/ |title=Cheryl Cole é a nova aposta da Universal Music para o ano de 2010 |publisher=Popline.mtv.uol.com.br |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723211503/http://popline.mtv.uol.com.br/depois-de-emplacar-lady-gaga-no-brasil-em-2009-universal-music-revela-sua-aposta-feminina-para-2010 |archive-date=23 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.saraiva.com.br/3-words-2877568.html?ID=BD6A7A157DA030B0F16170578& |title=3 Words in Stores on Brazil |publisher=saraiva.com.br |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-date=13 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413172803/http://www.saraiva.com.br/3-words-2877568.html?ID=BD6A7A157DA030B0F16170578& |url-status=dead }}</ref> |- !scope="row"|Germany<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/de/preorder/3-words/id354573706 |title=iTunes: Cheryl Cole, 3 Words 19. März |publisher=iTunes Store |date=19 March 2010 |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-date=4 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404100452/https://itunes.apple.com/de/preorder/3-words/id354573706 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0034YSBT6 |title=Cheryl Cole 3 Words in stores 19th March |website=Amazon Germany |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-date=6 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106061915/http://www.amazon.de/dp/B0034YSBT6 |url-status=live }}</ref> |19 March 2010 |rowspan="2"|0602527214597 |- !scope="row"|France<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cherylcole.fr/ |title=Cheryl Cole's Official French Website: The Album "3 Words" out on 22nd March |publisher=Cherylcole.fr |access-date=17 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720212225/http://www.cherylcole.fr/ |archive-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |22 March 2010 |- !scope="row"|Australia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicshop.com.au/cheryl-cole-3-words-cd.html|title=Cheryl Cole 3 Words CD|work=The Music Shop|access-date=13 March 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906001054/http://www.musicshop.com.au/cheryl-cole-3-words-cd.html|archive-date=6 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> |9 April 2010 |0602527324838 |- !scope="row"|Denmark<ref>{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/dk/album/3-words/353806962 |title=3 Words by Cheryl Cole – Download 3 Words on iTunes |publisher=iTunes Store |date=12 February 2010 |access-date=4 September 2010 |archive-date=7 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107024134/https://itunes.apple.com/dk/album/3-words/id353806962 |url-status=live }}</ref> |17 May 2010 |Digital download |0602527214597 |- !scope="row"|United States<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2015-07-10 |title=Cheryl & Girls Aloud Albums Finally Released in the U.S. |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/cheryl-cole-girls-aloud-album-release-america-6627214/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> |10 July 2015 |Digital download | |}

==See also== *[[List of 2009 albums]] *[[List of UK Albums Chart number ones of the 2000s]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Official website|http://www.cherylcole.com}} *{{IMDb name|1284632}}

[[Category:2009 debut albums]] [[Category:Albums produced by Sam Watters]] [[Category:Albums produced by Soulshock and Karlin]] [[Category:Albums produced by will.i.am]] [[Category:Cheryl (singer) albums]] [[Category:Fascination Records albums]]