Behind the Melody: The Making of 'ICU' by Coco Jones

Coco Jones released her hit single, “ICU” back in late 2022. The song is part of her first studio EP in ten years titled “What I Didn’t Tell You.” In one of the most impressive showcases of her vocal range, the upcoming singer described how she is dealing with her ex – thinking that she doesn’t need them and then falling apart without them – over a piano-laden track.

The singer described the song as telling a story where two people in a relationship find themselves drifting apart, as the circumstances of their lives continue to change.

DJ Camper is the producer behind this successful project. The track is characterized by a sound bed of piano, slow drums and guitar. According to Jones, she felt like she had to put down something vulnerable and personal as soon as she heard the track.

The self-written project – assisted by DJ Camper – documents the “Caliber” singer’s personal experiences with an ex-lover. When asked about the story behind the song, the singer told Business Insider, “It was a very vulnerable story but I felt like it was important to share because it makes me who I am.”

Even though Coco Jones was sure about the quality of her new song, the “Bel-Air” star was not sure about how it would be received by the world. The singer was initially hesitant as the song brought her out of her comfort zone in a way. While speaking to Teen Vogue, she stated that she thought the song aged her in a way. During the interview, she implied that she was more comfortable making pretty girl music. She added, “I was like, ‘Y’all, please, I want to do choreo. I cannot dance to this” – when speaking about the new heartbreak song.

In the interview, she also spoke about her fear of rejection and failure. She admitted, “I was like, ‘maybe this will be another time where I give it everything and they don’t care.” Recalling several instances in the past where she had made special music that didn’t seem to be appreciated as much as she expected.

However, “ICU” was like nothing she had done before – not to mean that her previous work was not as good – but this project was special. The song went on to become her biggest hit ever – peaking at 16th on the Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The “Bel-Air” star’s heartfelt hit also earned her a position in the Billboard Hot 100 – a first in her long career in music.

“ICU” helped the singer secure six Soul Train and five Grammy nominations. All demonstrating just how successful and big the song had become. A worthy reward for the many years of waiting that Jones had to bear before she received the recognition she always knew she deserved since she was a young kid.

Most importantly, the project has been a huge hit among R&B fans and skeptics as well. In a Verified interview by Genius, the singer talked of how impressed and moved she was when she heard her fans singing the lyrics to “ICU” during her first headlining show. The fast-rising star also noted how the song has gone viral on TikTok as well.