{{Short description|2001 single by Nelly Furtado}} {{Other uses}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox song | name = Turn Off the Light | cover = Turnofflightnellyfurtado.jpg | alt = | caption = International retail artwork, also used for enhanced CD release and one of US promotional materials | type = single | artist = Nelly Furtado | album = Whoa, Nelly! | B-side = "I'm Like a Bird" (acoustic) | released = {{start date|df=yes|2001|07|02}} | recorded = | studio = * The Gymnasium (Toronto, Canada) * Can-Am Recorders (Tarzana, Los Angeles) | genre = * Pop<ref name="Slant Magazine">{{cite web |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/nelly-furtado-whoa-nelly/72 |title=Nelly Furtado: ''Whoa, Nelly!'' |first=Sal |last=Cinquemani |work=Slant Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021107012210/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=74 |archive-date=November 7, 2002 |url-status=live|access-date= March 29, 2025|quote=...the trip-pop of the hit single “Turn Off the Light"...}}</ref> * trip hop<ref name="Slant Magazine"/> * blues rock<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/whoa-nelly-20001012|first=James |last=Hunter |date=October 12, 2000 |title=Nelly Furtado: ''Whoa, Nelly!'' |work=RS 851 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228080349/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/nellyfurtado/albums/album/120853/review/5941932 |archive-date=December 28, 2007 |url-status=live|access-date= March 29, 2025|quote=Turn Off the Light" is a reggae-directed rock-blues tune done with towering confidence...}}</ref> <!-- Do not add unsourced genres --> | length = * 4:36 (album version) * 3:36 (radio edit) | label = DreamWorks | writer = Nelly Furtado | producer = * Gerald Eaton * Brian West * Nelly Furtado | prev_title = I'm Like a Bird | prev_year = 2000 | next_title = Shit on the Radio (Remember the Days) | next_year = 2001 | misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|kOL7aeIDruA|"Turn Off the Light"}}}} }} "'''Turn Off the Light'''" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado from her debut studio album, ''Whoa, Nelly!'' (2000). Written by Furtado, and produced by Gerald Eaton, Brian West, and Furtado, the song was released as the album's second single on 2 July 2001, reaching number one in New Zealand, Portugal, and Romania, as well peaking within the top 10 in several other countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
==Background== "Turn Off the Light" was written by Furtado along with Gerald Eaton and Brian West.<ref name="liner notes"/> Furtado has cited a song by the Canadian band Big Sugar as inspiration for the song, describing it as a "real song" that reflects her own moments of vulnerability: although she may seem independent, she experiences loneliness like anyone else, and the catchy, hook-driven chorus helps communicate that authenticity.<ref name="call-her-daddy">{{cite web|url=https://podcasts.happyscribe.com/call-her-daddy/nelly-furtado-embracing-the-single-life|title=Transcript of Nelly Furtado: Embracing the Single Life|work=Call Her Daddy|access-date=February 18, 2026}}</ref> She has also noted that the song's guitar chords are similar to those in English rock band Oasis' 1995 song "Wonderwall," reflecting her early influences and experimentation with the instrument.<ref name="Simpson">{{cite web|first=Dave |last=Simpson|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/sep/19/nelly-furtado-flames-shot-out-of-the-speaker-when-i-started-making-maneater|title=Nelly Furtado: ‘Flames shot out of the speaker when I started making Maneater’|work=The Guardian|date=September 19, 2024|access-date=February 19, 2026}}</ref> In discussing parent album ''Whoa, Nelly!'', Furtado explained that "Turn Off the Light" exemplifies the record’s sound, which blends hip-hop, pop, and international influences.<ref name="Hiatt"/>
==Chart performance== In New Zealand, "Turn Off the Light" became Furtado's first number-one single and stayed on the RIANZ Singles Chart for 27 weeks.<ref name="nz"/> "Turn Off the Light" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) for sales greater than 5,000 copies.<ref name="nzcert"/> The song became the second-most successful song of New Zealand in 2001, behind Craig David's "Walking Away".<ref name="nzye"/> "Turn Off the Light" peaked at number five on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 on 10 November 2001.<ref name="us"/> A remix featuring rappers Ms. Jade and Timbaland was also released, and a dance remix topped the ''Billboard'' Dance Club Play chart.<ref name="usdance"/> In Australia, although the song peaked at number seven,<ref name="aus"/> it remained in the top 50 for 21 weeks and was certified platinum for sales exceeding 70,000 copies.<ref name="auscert"/> The song debuted and peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart,<ref name="uk"/> becoming Furtado's second top-five single there, and reached number two on the UK R&B Singles Chart.<ref name="ukr&b"/>
==Music video== There are two music videos for "Turn Off the Light": the underground version and the regular version.
The regular version of the music video was directed by Sophie Muller and filmed on May 25, 2001, at Central Plaza in Chinatown in Los Angeles, California.<ref name="Wiederhorn">{{cite web|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444012/20010523/furtado_nelly.jhtml|title=Nelly Furtado Invites Fans To Be In New Video|work=MTV News|date=May 24, 2001|access-date=February 19, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010809212426/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444012/20010523/furtado_nelly.jhtml|archive-date=August 9, 2001}}</ref> Furtado worked closely with Muller on the concept, emphasizing that the two "totally collaborated and brainstormed so much and organized the whole thing, every last detail." She explained that she wanted the visual to mirror the song’s stylistic diversity, stating, "I wanted the video to reflect the eclecticism of the music, and it really does."<ref name="Hiatt">{{cite web|first=Brian |last=Hiatt|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444744/20010622/furtado_nelly.jhtml|title=Nelly Furtado Hatches Follow-Up Single|work=MTV News|date=June 23, 2001|access-date=February 19, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010701093023/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444744/20010622/furtado_nelly.jhtml|archive-date=July 1, 2001}}</ref> In an effort to engage directly with her audience, Furtado invited fans to appear as extras in the video. Through her official website, she encouraged interested participants to submit a photograph via email for consideration, noting that involvement would be voluntary and offered "no compensation [...] other than personal gratification."<ref name="Wiederhorn"/> Furtado's wardrobe in the video was largely influenced by Gwen Stefani.<ref name="Magnocavallo">{{cite web|first=Fabio |last=Magnocavallo|url=https://www.euphoriazine.com/blog/2024/03/covers-nelly-furtado/|title=Nelly Furtado|website=euphoriazine.com|date=March 27, 2024|access-date=February 19, 2026}}</ref>
The music video showcases a multicultural dreamscape that reflects Furtado's Portuguese heritage and features scenes filmed in Chinatown.<ref name="Hiatt"/> It opens in a swamp, where Furtado sings while swimmers dance around her. At a temple, she performs surrounded by dancers who join in during the chorus. During the bridge, she appears in an old house, singing and playing guitar with the flag of the Azores displayed behind her and on her instrument. These shots are intercut with a DJ performing and dancers wearing skirts reminiscent of Sufi whirling. The video concludes with Furtado returning to the temple, sharing a quiet moment as she eats noodles.
The underground video features Furtado playing the guitar in a wooden shed, wearing a white top and jeans. She is also seen buying flowers. Behind the scenes footage of the photoshoot for the ''Whoa, Nelly!'' cover is interwoven throughout the video.
==Track listings== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''UK CD maxi-single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Turn Off the Light|year=2001|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=DreamWorks Records|id=DRMDM50891}}</ref> # "Turn Off the Light" # "Turn Off the Light" (remix featuring Ms. Jade and Timbaland) # "I'm Like a Bird" (acoustic version) # "Turn Off the Light" (video)
'''UK 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Turn Off the Light|year=2001|type=UK 12-inch single vinyl disc|publisher=DreamWorks Records|id=DRM1250891}}</ref> :A1. "Turn Off the Light" (remix featuring Ms. Jade and Timbaland) :A2. "Turn Off the Light" (So Solid Crew remix) :B1. "Turn Off the Light" (album version) :B2. "Turn Off the Light" (Sunshine Reggae mix) {{col-2}} '''UK cassette single and European CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Turn Off the Light|year=2001|type=UK cassette single sleeve|publisher=DreamWorks Records|id=DRMCS50891}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Turn Off the Light|year=2001|type=European CD single liner notes|publisher=DreamWorks Records|id=450 903-2}}</ref> # "Turn Off the Light" (radio edit) – 3:36 # "I'm Like a Bird" (acoustic version) – 3:50
'''Australasian and European CD maxi-single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Turn Off the Light|year=2001|type=Australasian CD single liner notes|publisher=DreamWorks Records|id=450 904-2}}</ref> # "Turn Off the Light" (radio edit) # "Turn Off the Light" (Sunshine Reggae mix) # "I'm Like a Bird" (acoustic) # "Turn Off the Light" (underground video) {{col-end}}
==Credits and personnel== Credits are adapted from the ''Whoa, Nelly!'' album booklet.<ref name="liner notes">{{cite AV media notes|title=Whoa, Nelly!|title-link=Whoa, Nelly!|year=2000|type=Canadian CD album booklet|publisher=DreamWorks Records|id=0044-50285-2}}</ref>
'''Studios''' * Recorded and engineered at The Gymnasium (Toronto, Canada) and Can-Am Recorders (Tarzana, Los Angeles) * Mixed at Can-Am Recorders (Tarzana, Los Angeles) * Mastered at Classic Sound (New York City)
'''Personnel''' {{div col}} * Nelly Furtado – writing, lead vocals, background vocals, programming, production * Gerald Eaton – additional background vocals, programming, production * James McCollum – swamp guitar * Brian West – pitched-up guitar, scratching, production, programming, recording, engineering * Brad Haehnel – mixing, recording, engineering * John Knupp – second engineering * Scott Hull – mastering {{div col end}}
==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}
===Weekly charts=== {|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" !scope="col"|Chart (2001–2002) !scope="col"|Peak<br/>position |- {{single chart|Australia|7|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true|refname="aus"}} |- {{single chart|Austria|22|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Flanders|13|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Wallonia Tip|8|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true}} |- !scope="row"|Canada CHR (Nielsen BDS)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crosscanadacountdown.com/pdfs/2001.pdf|title=Canadian Top 20 in 2001|website=Cross Canada Countdown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050407223203/http://www.crosscanadacountdown.com/pdfs/2001.pdf|archive-date=7 April 2005|access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> |6 |- !scope="row"|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-10-13.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Music & Media|volume=18|issue=42|page=11|date=13 October 2001|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref> |10 |- {{single chart|France|46|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Germany|31|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|songid=4814|rowheader=true}} |- !scope="row"|Hungary (Mahasz)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-11-17.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=Music & Media|volume=19|issue=47|page=29|date=17 November 2001|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref> |3 |- {{single chart|Ireland2|5|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true|access-date=15 June 2017}} |- {{single chart|Italy|50|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Dutch40|7|year=2001|week=34|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Dutch100|10|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|New Zealand|1|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true|refname="nz"}} |- {{single chart|Norway|5|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true}} |- !scope="row"|Poland (Nielsen Music Control)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nielsenmusiccontrol.com/index_pol|title=Nielsen Music Control|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024120630/http://www.pifpaf.com.pl/airplay/lista_03_2002.html|archive-date=24 October 2007}}</ref> |6 |- !scope="row"|Portugal (AFP)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-11-24.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=Music & Media|volume=18|issue=48|page=7|date=24 November 2001|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref> |1 |- !scope="row"|Romania (Romanian Top 100)<ref name="rt100">{{cite web|url=http://www.rt100.ro/2001.html|title=Top of the Year 2001|publisher=Romanian Top 100|language=ro|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021209050311/http://www.rt100.ro/2001.html|archive-date=9 December 2002}}</ref> |1 |- {{single chart|Scotland|3|date=20010901|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Sweden|9|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Switzerland|2|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|UKsinglesbyname|4|artist=Nelly Furtado|song=Turn Off the Light|artistid=10254|rowheader=true|refname="uk"}} |- {{single chart|UKrandb|2|date=20010901|rowheader=true|refname="ukr&b"}} |- {{single chart|Billboardhot100|5|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true|refname="us"}} |- {{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|11|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|1|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true|refname="usdance"|note=Remixes}} |- {{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|52|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true|note=Featuring Ms. Jade and Timbaland}} |- {{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|3|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|4|artist=Nelly Furtado|rowheader=true|note=Featuring Ms. Jade and Timbaland}} |} {{col-2}}
===Year-end charts=== {|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" !scope="col"|Chart (2001) !scope="col"|Position |- !scope="row"|Australia (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2001/singles-chart|title=ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2001|publisher=ARIA|access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref> |38 |- !scope="row"|Canada Radio (Nielsen BDS)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/100_2001.html|title=BDS CHART : Top 100 of 2001|publisher=Jam!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020701174353/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/100_2001.html|archive-date=1 July 2002|access-date=26 March 2022}}</ref> |26 |- !scope="row"|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2001/MM-2001-12-22.pdf|title=Year in Focus – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2001|magazine=Music & Media|volume=18|issue=52|page=14|date=22 December 2001|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref> |61 |- !scope="row"|Ireland (IRMA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allcharts.org/music/years/ireland-singles-2001.htm|title=Ireland – Top Singles for 2001|publisher=Allcharts|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505011812/http://allcharts.org/music/years/ireland-singles-2001.htm|archive-date=5 May 2012|access-date=16 December 2018}}</ref> |48 |- !scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/2001|title=Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2001|publisher=Dutch Top 40|access-date=8 February 2020}}</ref> |31 |- !scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2001&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten – Single 2001|language=nl|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref> |76 |- !scope="row"|New Zealand (RIANZ)<ref name="nzye">{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-singles/2001-12-31|title=End of Year Charts 2001|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref> |2 |- !scope="row"|Romania (Romanian Top 100)<ref name="rt100"/> |19 |- !scope="row"|Sweden (Hitlistan)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/43?dspy=2001&dspp=1|title=Årslista Singlar, 2001|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|language=sv|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> |69 |- !scope="row"|Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/2001|title=Swiss Year-End Charts 2001|language=de|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref> |15 |- !scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2001.pdf|title=The Official UK Singles Chart 2001|work=UKChartsPlus|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref> |81 |- !scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://billboardtop100of.com/2001-2/|title=Billboard Top 100 – 2001|magazine=Billboardtop100of.com|access-date=17 December 2023}}</ref> |70 |- !scope="row"|US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Year in Music 2001: Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=113|issue=52|page=YE-82|date=29 December 2001}}</ref> |38 |- !scope="row"|US Mainstream Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2001|magazine=Airplay Monitor|volume=9|issue=51|page=60|date=21 December 2001}}</ref> |36 |- !scope="row"|US Rhythmic Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Most-Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2001|magazine=Airplay Monitor|volume=9|issue=51|page=48|date=21 December 2001}}</ref> |74 |} {|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" !scope="col"|Chart (2002) !scope="col"|Position |- !scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://billboardtop100of.com/2002-2/|title=Billboard Top 100 – 2002|magazine=Billboardtop100of.com|access-date=17 December 2023}}</ref> |92 |- !scope="row"|US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Most-Played Adult Top 40 Songs of 2002|magazine=Airplay Monitor|volume=10|issue=51|page=16|date=20 December 2002}}</ref> |59 |- !scope="row"|US Mainstream Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2002|magazine=Airplay Monitor|volume=10|issue=51|page=12|date=20 December 2002}}</ref> |55 |- !scope="row"|US Rhythmic Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Most-Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2002|magazine=Airplay Monitor|volume=10|issue=51|page=22|date=20 December 2002}}</ref> |33 |} {{col-end}}
==Certifications== {{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2001|certyear=2001|access-date=25 May 2018|refname="auscert"}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Nelly Furtado|title=Turn Off The Light|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2001|certyear=2026|source=radioscope|access-date=March 21, 2026|refname="nzcert"}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Norway|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2001|certyear=2001|nosales=true|access-date=6 February 2019}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|type=single|artist=Nelly Furtado|title=Turn Off the Light|award=Gold|relyear=2001|certyear=2001|access-date=6 February 2019}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Nelly Furtado|title=Turn Off the Light|award=Silver|relyear=2001|certyear=2020|id=16801-765-1|access-date=30 October 2020}} {{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}
==Release history== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Label(s) ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- ! scope="row"| Australia | 2 July 2001 | CD | rowspan="3"| DreamWorks | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue592.PDF|title=The ARIA Report: ARIA New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 2nd July 2001|publisher=ARIA|page=25|date=2 July 2001|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20020220130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20020221-0000/www.aria.com.au/issue592.PDF|archive-date=20 February 2002|access-date=21 April 2021}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| United States | 17 July 2001 | Contemporary hit radio | <ref>{{cite magazine|title=CHR/Pop: Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1410|page=41|date=13 July 2001}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| United Kingdom | 20 August 2001 | {{hlist|12-inch vinyl|CD|cassette}} | <ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2001/Music-Week-2001-08-18.pdf|title=New Releases – For Week Starting August 20, 2001: Singles|magazine=Music Week|page=33|date=18 August 2001|access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| Germany | 27 August 2001 | CD | Universal | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Nelly-Furtado/dp/B00005M1C9|title=Turn Off The Light [+Bonusvideo]: Amazon.de: CDs & Vinyl|website=Amazon Germany }}</ref> |}
==See also== * List of number-one dance singles of 2001 (U.S.) * List of Romanian Top 100 number ones of the 2000s
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Nelly Furtado singles}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2000 songs Category:2001 singles Category:DreamWorks Records singles Category:Music videos directed by Sophie Muller Category:Nelly Furtado songs Category:Number-one singles in New Zealand Category:Number-one singles in Portugal Category:Number-one singles in Romania Category:Songs written by Nelly Furtado